Questions regarding 330i 6MT (contemplating one...)

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 12:09 PM

Im considering a 330i 6MT and was wondering if there are any common issues regarding this car? Anything to look out for? Im looking at CPO one right now and was wondering what people around here felt might be a fair price for it; it has 31k miles, premium package and sports package anyone bought one recently?

BK · 08-21-2008, 01:05 PM

This question has been asked a few times, so I'd search. Unfortunately, I can't think of any good search terms offhand. Hold on, let me see if I can find anything...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164473
and maybe this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96857

I know there were questions about typical problems, etc., but I couldn't find any of those threads. FWIW, mine has 25K miles and never had any significant problems. It's an outstanding DD and one I look forward to driving every day.

As for fair pricing, I'd check autotrader, cars.com, and so on to see what they're being sold for, and compare it to your deal. With the 335i released just a year later for the same price (and a much stronger engine), the 330i used prices are a pretty good deal for a buyer IMO.

bmyers · 08-21-2008, 01:09 PM

Other than some issues with the Active Cruise which took some time to diagnose and fix, I've had no problems whatsoever. Probably the best car I've ever had. Last time I checked mine on Kelly Blue Book, retail value was about $32k. It's probably down a couple of grand since then.

dlpuette · 08-21-2008, 01:39 PM

No issues to report here. I have about 32kmi. Love the car!!

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 01:42 PM

^^^ Thanks for the links...

I didnt come up with much from a search but then again I may not be searching or not searching the correct words perhaps. Are there steering wheel lock and ticking exhaust cam the only two "common" issues with this car?

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmyers

Other than some issues with the Active Cruise which took some time to diagnose and fix, I've had no problems whatsoever. Probably the best car I've ever had. Last time I checked mine on Kelly Blue Book, retail value was about $32k. It's probably down a couple of grand since then.

What was the problem with it?

Looking at your sig. it looks like your car has a lot more options than the one I am looking at... Did you buy new or used?

bmyers · 08-21-2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46X2

What was the problem with it?

Looking at your sig. it looks like your car has a lot more options than the one I am looking at... Did you buy new or used?

I was never quite sure. After about a year, it quit while in use. They replaced mounting hardware. It failed again. Then it was alignment, then something else. To be honest, I don't think they had much if any experience with it and were learning how to fix it. I've had no problems since then.

I bought new, and yeah, it's pretty well loaded up.

Try www.kbb.com for a valuation. They were spot on when I calculated the trade-in value of the E46 I replaced.

2006 was the only year the 330i E90 was sold (in the US anyway), replaced with the 335i.

BK · 08-21-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46X2

^^^ Thanks for the links...

I didnt come up with much from a search but then again I may not be searching or not searching the correct words perhaps. Are there steering wheel lock and ticking exhaust cam the only two "common" issues with this car?

Honestly, I don't know how common the ticking issue is. There's a huge thread on it, but I don't know anyone that has happened to. The steering wheel lock is a pretty common problem. I know a few people who dealt with that.

Also, I think early 06 builds had an issue where the rubber seal on the trunk near the rear window was not fastened very well and had to be refastened or pushed back -- I remember a bunch of early threads on that, but no one complains about that anymore. The non-ZSP RFT tires either had a recall or everyone just hated them, I forget which, but that might be considered a "problem." If you're looking at MT, it's probably a ZSP, though.

Otherwise, I can't think of any "common" problems off the top of my head.

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmyers

2006 was the only year the 330i E90 was sold (in the US anyway), replaced with the 335i.

Yeah I always kind of wondered if the E90 330i owners felt like they got screwed or anything because of this. IMO I would have been pretty pissed...

DenverJayhawk · 08-21-2008, 02:25 PM

I purchased a 330i CPO E90 with sport package and 6 speed in June and I cannot say how much I love it. The only issues so far: 1) passenger head rest rattles 2) sometimes there is a faint "whirring" sound, like a CPU cooling fan, coming from under the dash. It cycles on and off 3) rear license plate light bulb burnt out

These are all minor issues, I know. Car is being serviced tomorrow.

DenverJayhawk · 08-21-2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46X2

Yeah I always kind of wondered if the E90 330i owners felt like they got screwed or anything because of this. IMO I would have been pretty pissed...

Well, I'd love to have a 335, but finding one with a manual and sport package is pretty rare. Plus I didn't want to lease, so when the 330i came along and it was CPO with less than 25k miles on it for under $30k, i jumped on it. I'm sure I'd love a 335, but I'm not at all upset with the 330i. I love the way it looks.

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 02:28 PM

^^^ Just out of curiosity, what did you pay for it and how many miles did it have, if you dont mind my asking.

BMW_TT · 08-21-2008, 02:28 PM

I have 20k on my 08 now. Nothing major so far. I just have a faulty brake lamp warning light issue, but other than that, I'm good.

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW_TT

I have 20k on my 08 now. Nothing major so far. I just have a faulty brake lamp warning light issue, but other than that, I'm good.

Thanks! That's good to know if I were looking for a 335i...

I'm being sarcastic BTW. I think my friend's E92 had a similar problem though.

BTW AW is hot, what color is your interior?

codylcast · 08-21-2008, 02:44 PM

I just traded in my 06 TiAg 330i manual for an 08 335i. I loved the car, I just wanted the more powerful engine.

I would use Edmunds.com to value any cars that you are looking at. It seems that they provide the most realistic valuations.

The only issue i had with my car (26K miles) was the stearing wheel lock issue. The dealer cleared some error code and scoped it to look for issues, but they couldn't find anything. I don't know what the specific error code was, but I never had the problem again after they reset it.

DenverJayhawk · 08-21-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46X2

^^^ Just out of curiosity, what did you pay for it and how many miles did it have, if you dont mind my asking.

I got it CPO for $29400 with 24400 miles. I'd have loved a 335, but didn't want to spend much more than $30k. I ended up buying it out right. I know that would have made a hell of a downpayment on a 335i, but now I don't have to worry about car payments or interest. Plus I keep cars for 10 years or so and now I don't have to worry about the added complexity of turbos, though I'm guessing they'd be fine.

I have a friend that says "best to keep German machinery simple if you intend to keep it for a while".

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 03:36 PM

^^ Haha Yeah I've heard similar about German cars - in fact my friend loves owning German cars but trades them in after no more than 3 years because he'll never own one out of warranty... Was your price out the door?

DenverJayhawk · 08-21-2008, 03:50 PM

i see many e46 and even e36 bmws still on the road. My friend still drives his 1991 325 with over 200k miles. I do believe NA engines will last longer, especially if you intend to drive it until the wheels fall off, which is what I'm going to do.

I cannot say how much I enjoy this car. It really is an exceptionally well driving machine. I paid just under $31k after taxes, fees, etc.

Here are a few pics:

Roowah · 08-21-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46X2

Yeah I always kind of wondered if the E90 330i owners felt like they got screwed or anything because of this. IMO I would have been pretty pissed...

I'm not pissed...it makes me feel special. I have a "limited edition"!

As for the ticking, I had that issue within the first year. They had to perform major surgery by replacing the entire camshaft and lifters. But, I've had no issue with it since. Beyond that, it's been very reliable and a great daily driver.

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 05:40 PM

Nice car DenverJayhawk. What color is that interior Saddle Brown?

3pnt4maro · 08-21-2008, 05:43 PM

mine looks identical to yours..even the tint..except my wheels are the original 17's........i got mine with 42k miles fully loaded with extended warranty for 26k...31k out the door and i love it..truly a great car

E46X2 · 08-21-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roowah

I'm not pissed...it makes me feel special. I have a "limited edition"!

As for the ticking, I had that issue within the first year. They had to perform major surgery by replacing the entire camshaft and lifters. But, I've had no issue with it since. Beyond that, it's been very reliable and a great daily driver.

Did the ticking affect a lot of cars? Was there a range of build dates they were able to narrow it down to?

08-21-2008, 12:09 PM	#1
E46X2 Private First Class 3 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels and a gas tank Join Date: May 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Questions regarding 330i 6MT (contemplating one...) Im considering a 330i 6MT and was wondering if there are any common issues regarding this car? Anything to look out for? Im looking at CPO one right now and was wondering what people around here felt might be a fair price for it; it has 31k miles, premium package and sports package anyone bought one recently?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-21-2008, 01:05 PM	#2
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	This question has been asked a few times, so I'd search. Unfortunately, I can't think of any good search terms offhand. Hold on, let me see if I can find anything... http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164473 and maybe this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96857 I know there were questions about typical problems, etc., but I couldn't find any of those threads. FWIW, mine has 25K miles and never had any significant problems. It's an outstanding DD and one I look forward to driving every day. As for fair pricing, I'd check autotrader, cars.com, and so on to see what they're being sold for, and compare it to your deal. With the 335i released just a year later for the same price (and a much stronger engine), the 330i used prices are a pretty good deal for a buyer IMO. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 01:09 PM	#3
bmyers New Member 2 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 06 E90 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Other than some issues with the Active Cruise which took some time to diagnose and fix, I've had no problems whatsoever. Probably the best car I've ever had. Last time I checked mine on Kelly Blue Book, retail value was about $32k. It's probably down a couple of grand since then. __________________ 06 330i Saphire Black, Mtran, ZPP, ZCP, ZSP, Nav, Sirius, Active Steer, Active Cruise, Alarm, CD Changer
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 01:39 PM	#4
dlpuette BMW / Harley Guy 3 Rep 118 Posts Drives: Electric Red 06 330i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	No issues to report here. I have about 32kmi. Love the car!! __________________ Electric Red / Beige 06 330i Manny Tranny Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Muffler Delete, Hardwire Valentine One, Colgan Sport Bra w/logo cutout
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 01:42 PM	#5
E46X2 Private First Class 3 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels and a gas tank Join Date: May 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	^^^ Thanks for the links... I didnt come up with much from a search but then again I may not be searching or not searching the correct words perhaps. Are there steering wheel lock and ticking exhaust cam the only two "common" issues with this car?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 02:25 PM	#10
DenverJayhawk Major 72 Rep 1,217 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	I purchased a 330i CPO E90 with sport package and 6 speed in June and I cannot say how much I love it. The only issues so far: 1) passenger head rest rattles 2) sometimes there is a faint "whirring" sound, like a CPU cooling fan, coming from under the dash. It cycles on and off 3) rear license plate light bulb burnt out These are all minor issues, I know. Car is being serviced tomorrow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 02:28 PM	#12
E46X2 Private First Class 3 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels and a gas tank Join Date: May 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	^^^ Just out of curiosity, what did you pay for it and how many miles did it have, if you dont mind my asking.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 02:28 PM	#13
BMW_TT Colonel 224 Rep 2,548 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	I have 20k on my 08 now. Nothing major so far. I just have a faulty brake lamp warning light issue, but other than that, I'm good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 02:44 PM	#15
codylcast Private 0 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335 xdrive M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: NM iTrader: (0)	I just traded in my 06 TiAg 330i manual for an 08 335i. I loved the car, I just wanted the more powerful engine. I would use Edmunds.com to value any cars that you are looking at. It seems that they provide the most realistic valuations. The only issue i had with my car (26K miles) was the stearing wheel lock issue. The dealer cleared some error code and scoped it to look for issues, but they couldn't find anything. I don't know what the specific error code was, but I never had the problem again after they reset it. __________________ Current: 2011 E92 335 xdrive Space Gray M-SPORT Prm Pckg (black leather, bamboo) Nav Heated seats Comfort Access Steptronic USB PREV: 2008 E90 335I, 2006 E90 330I, 2003 325I, 2000 M-ROADSTER
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 03:36 PM	#17
E46X2 Private First Class 3 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels and a gas tank Join Date: May 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	^^ Haha Yeah I've heard similar about German cars - in fact my friend loves owning German cars but trades them in after no more than 3 years because he'll never own one out of warranty... Was your price out the door?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 03:50 PM	#18
DenverJayhawk Major 72 Rep 1,217 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	i see many e46 and even e36 bmws still on the road. My friend still drives his 1991 325 with over 200k miles. I do believe NA engines will last longer, especially if you intend to drive it until the wheels fall off, which is what I'm going to do. I cannot say how much I enjoy this car. It really is an exceptionally well driving machine. I paid just under $31k after taxes, fees, etc. Here are a few pics:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 05:40 PM	#20
E46X2 Private First Class 3 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels and a gas tank Join Date: May 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Nice car DenverJayhawk. What color is that interior Saddle Brown?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2008, 05:43 PM	#21
3pnt4maro Long Time Lurker 22 Rep 352 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330I Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: LaGrange, Georgia iTrader: (0)	mine looks identical to yours..even the tint..except my wheels are the original 17's........i got mine with 42k miles fully loaded with extended warranty for 26k...31k out the door and i love it..truly a great car __________________ 2006 BMW 330i-E90-14.4@96mph-Daily Driver BSM, Premium Package, Logic 7, BMS Powerbox, 19 VMR Wheels Staggered (19x9 and 19x10), 20%Tint, LED Lights, 2 Rockford Fosgate Punch P2 10's with amp in a custom setup.
	Appreciate 0 Quote