Need Opinion on 330i

goz83

I'm currently looking for a family friendly (ish) car. Looking to spend 2-3k only. I do very little miles. I used to own a 2001 318iSE in 2007-10 until it was stolen. It is one of the cars I am now considering. Specifically I am looking at this => http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330i-sport-nct-03-15/6535641

I need opinions. The first thing s this "2.0 litre on the book". I have seen this before, but I am wondering how it's 2 litre on the book. Is it not really a 3 litre engine? Also, the car was put up a few days ago without NCT and the seller said price would go up if NCT'd. I think the asking price is the same and old add is gone. I really like the look of the car, but as I said, opinions on this particular add would be appreciated. If going for it, what should I be paying for it?

There is a 2005 3 series that seems in good nick for €2150. Has NCT too. It's also taxed til may and has full leather too. => http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-bmw-318se-nct-2-15-tax-5-14-leather/6557151

Am I mad being lured in by the looks of the 330i sport? The extra horses have me leaning toward it. I am coming from driving a Mitsi FTO gpx, which I will be storing or selling.

listermint

I think that was owned by one of the guys here

http://www.bmwhaus.ie/forum/showthread.php?tid=25&page=236

was in good shape by all accounts

goz83

I see the clutch was on the way out.

Tea 1000

goz83 wrote: »

I'm currently looking for a family friendly (ish) car. Looking to spend 2-3k only. I do very little miles. I used to own a 2001 318iSE in 2007-10 until it was stolen. It is one of the cars I am now considering. Specifically I am looking at this => http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-330i-sport-nct-03-15/6535641

I need opinions. The first thing s this "2.0 litre on the book". I have seen this before, but I am wondering how it's 2 litre on the book. Is it not really a 3 litre engine? Also, the car was put up a few days ago without NCT and the seller said price would go up if NCT'd. I think the asking price is the same and old add is gone. I really like the look of the car, but as I said, opinions on this particular add would be appreciated. If going for it, what should I be paying for it?

There is a 2005 3 series that seems in good nick for €2150. Has NCT too. It's also taxed til may and has full leather too. => http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2005-bmw-318se-nct-2-15-tax-5-14-leather/6557151

Am I mad being lured in by the looks of the 330i sport? The extra horses have me leaning toward it. I am coming from driving a Mitsi FTO gpx, which I will be storing or selling.

I don't like the whole "2 litre on book" crap. Usually done by cheapskates. However, seeing as that car was owned by a BMW enthusiast before, it might make things a bit better.
Sometimes they have a 320i and the engine goes and they find an engine from a 330i and shove it in and say nothing to anyone, so remains taxed and insured as a 320i, but in this case it was and still is a 330i but somehow he faked a report probably to say that it had an engine transplant when it didn't.
I'd be trying to find out from the previous owner on that bmw site how long ago he sold it and what miles were on it at that time. The less time this chancer who has it now had it the better in my book.
After that I'd be considering rechanging it back to a 330i on "the book" so you're covered properly by insurance and tax.
In other ways the E46 330i is a reliable car alright. Not majorly thirsty on juice either if you have a light foot, and pleasing to drive if your foot gets a bit heavy!

Idbatterim

I have seen that car a few times, absolutely no way that I personally would be paying 3L tax on 10 year old 3 series, but down as the 2L, if all checked out, i.e. have it checked by a specialist first, Id have no problem in going for it... To hell with whatever moral arguments will be made, motor tax isnt ringfenced, its going to the likes of Berties pension <snip> :rolleyes: A thread on it below...

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=83834

goz83

I checked the previous owners posts and it sold in September last year. I rang the seller there and first question was how long he owned it. He said October, so I kept talking. Has no tax on it....ran out in Feb. He got an engine code from a 2 litre and that's how it was changed on the book. Only has 1 key though and I HATE when there is only 1 key. It does have a sun-roof, which is a bonus for me. Wasn't up for much negotiating over the phone either. Told him I had a couple more calls to make. Don't know if it's for me, but I do like the car. I'm sure it'll be easier to insure than my fto anyway.

Tea 1000

Idbatterim wrote: »

I have seen that car a few times, absolutely no way that I personally would be paying 3L tax on 10 year old 3 series, but down as the 2L, if all checked out, i.e. have it checked by a specialist first, Id have no problem in going for it... To hell with whatever moral arguments will be made, motor tax isnt ringfenced, its going to the likes of Berties pension and Angela Kerins :rolleyes: A thread on it below...

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=83834

I don't care either about paying or not paying road tax, my only problem is that the folk I've met in my life who do the "2 litre on log book" type lark have also been the same folk who I wouldn't buy a car from.
But if this case is different, then go for it. I'd also hate having to worry about getting caught at the side of the road though!
But the moralities of paying road tax? F**k that.

goz83

I don't think I will bother with the 330i. The guy just sounded a bit dodge and I don't like the thought of driving around on ghost engine codes either. His over the phone price was €2600 if anyone is interested, but it's not for me.

Here is the FOR SALE thread from previous owner => http://www.bmwhaus.ie/forum/showthread.php?tid=643