Quality quality quality
Nothing, after a bad experience with my last car (Impreza) I took out 12 warranty which I haven't had to use!!
Solid car no knocks or squeaks, comfortable on all journeys, good lookin, and plenty of power.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th January, 2008
Solid, reassuring car
Rear shock absorbers.
Seal on rear drive shaft differential.
Tie rod.
Control arm bushings.
Drive shaft bushings.
Resistor on interior heater fan.
The car is very solid, well made, quiet and good to drive. The interior and exterior are in showroom condition, considering the car is 7 years old. The materials used seem to last very well, particularly the seats and carpets. There are no rattles or squeaks, and everything feels like it will last for a long time to come.
Bushings seem to be a major weak spot with these cars for some reason! They are not expensive to buy, but BMW labour rates are ridiculous (€115 per hour plus 21% VAT). The seal on the differential was itself €20 but cost €280 to fit, and this could only be done by BMW due to the tools required. Resistor on interior fan is a common problem, but again pricey to repair.
The car is good to drive and very refined. The engine is extremely smooth so can be revved, but it's a bit flat until you get it to about 3,500rpm. Performance is fine rather than great!
MPG-wise, I am getting late 30's on a long run, and averaging about 32mpg, which is not bad considering I have a heavyish right foot!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th June, 2007
Economical and fast
Air Mass Sensor, EGR Valve controller, Rear Diff Bushes.
Fantastic handling, great comfort and drive within town and motorway, something for that person who wants a great all rounder, as expected from a BMW. The steering is sharp and responsive, though is a bit playful when braking hard over a bumpy road. Economy is probably the best I've ever seen. £10 BP Ultimate will give me 100+ miles. Since this is the 136bhp model the only thing I could complain about is the power, unlike other turbo diesels this turbo is slow and doesn't kick in straight away like normal turbo cars. Saying this though the turbo is integrated within the engine to simulate a petrol car. I have outrun 330ci's, 325ci's, honda Civic Jordan, the list goes on!! 0-60 isn't great, but once you've got the car moving the torque is immense. Watch out for little problems like Air Mass sensor (£200) from BMW. EGR Valve sticking and bushes. Make sure you do regular oil service as the Turbo on these cars are quite sensitive and a new turbo will cost you more than a thousand pounds. They can take quite a pounding. The manual version is better suited in my opinion as the auto transmission lacks the pure fun of driving the car. Brakes aren't the best and the car does chew through brake pads. Overall though, a fantastic car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th May, 2007
Fast, but over-rated
Noise from brake pads on front, whistle from drivers door mirror.
A very good car, but there are a few things that annoyed me about it. The car was very fast, but did not give much of an impression if speed, so was slightly uninvolving to drive. the steering was also too low geared and numb. The pedals and steering wheel do not line up perfectly and gave me back ache. I also found the steering wheel too large.
The rest of the car was excellent though, but I do think they are a bit over priced (£32,000 in this spec) and slightly over rated as a drivers car. My previous Alfa 156 V6 was far better in this respect, and the build quality was not very far off. The Alfa was also significatly cheaper.
I now own a 540i on an R plate, and that is in a different league to the 330, though that's another story..
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th September, 2006