BMW 3-Series Coupe (1999 - 2006) 330 Ci Sport 2d Auto (03) (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

To those who know about cars, they probably think; "he wants an M3, but can't quite afford the insurance/running costs..." To those who don't, they probably think; "Another bloody BMW driver...".

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

This is the problem with BMW's. To me, I bought it because I love the way it looks, and I wanted a fast, practical and classy car. My friends and family are spilt, half think it's as great as I do, half think it's a t***ers car... Which is sort of is...

Would you buy this car again and why?

For sure. I love it. Sometimes when I'm at the fuel station I wish I had my diesel Saab again, but mostly it's awesome. Always makes puts a smile on my face when you give it a boot-full. I would recommend it to anyone. BUT I would say check if it's had the cooling system done and DON'T listen to the forums on mpg.. This car does 17-20mpg around town and 26-31mpg on the motorway. The dreamers on the forums always want to maximise their mpg... It's not cheap to run. It's a BMW coupé! Just drive it like it wants to be driven!

What are you likely to buy next?

If I can afford it, E46 M3. If not, probably a diesel Audi.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a fairly good deal. Bought from a private seller found on the classifieds.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

As I turned 22 I wanted something faster, sportier but also more upmarket. Always liked BMW's, really want an E46 M3 but too expensive!

What was the dealer like?

Friendly guy, not pushy, but I think he knew about a couple of underlying problems when he sold me the car. I got a really good price, perhaps should have sent alarm bells ringing, but overall happy.

What's it like to drive?

Simply; it's awesome! Despite being the auto box model it pulls really well, sounds great and is really fun on the back roads. It has the sport mode option with sharpens up the throttle response. Good driving position, really good vision when you're in it, love the steering wheel. It feels expensive and classy even though it's 12 years old. Auto box is super smooth. Only niggle is that on the motorway wind noise is quite noticeable and as the auto box only has 5 gears engine can whine a bit when you get past 80mph (not that I ever do that...) Overall it's a great driving car though, planted and fast!

What's it like to park?

Easy, parking sensors help loads and it's shorter than you think.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It has had a few problems. First just two weeks after I bought it, blew the expansion tank while I was driving and leaked coolant all over the road.. Very common on these e46's, but thought the head had gone! Took to an independent, cost me £280 to get new tank and thermostat. Then two weeks after this, it began overheating in traffic. Took it back to the same garage and after inspection they found it was the fan clutch was knackered. This was replaced for a further £180. The car had 72000 miles on it when I bought it, according to the forums this is when you need to start replacing the cooling system on these cars. Considering the purchase price was so good, it wasn't too painful to have these things replaced. Since then I've done 8000 miles with not a single other problem!

What's most practical about your car?

Decent boot space, surprising rear leg room, electric/heated seats are awesome. It's a 2003 model so no bluetooth or sat-nav. Probably something that I will look at in the future.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Rear parking sensors are useful and the offside mirror folds down when reversing so you don't kerb your alloys!