[McPikie]

I currently have an E46 330i touring in titan silver, but I am averaging 19mpg. Now I didnt buy it to save on fuel, but it seems to do 19 whether I take it easy or give it a foot full. It has a few issues, like the bumper needs painting and the bottom arms need changing, but overall it's a nice car

2015-09-29_01-11-14 by Phil Cookson, on Flickr

My pal (who is a mechanic/part time dealer) has just taken back his old 320d Msport off another friend who has had it for a few years. Its a little leggy on 230k, but drives nice and tight and, tbh, if you saw it had 95k on the clock, you would believe it.

2016-10-05_08-41-10 by Phil Cookson, on Flickr
2016-10-05_08-40-40 by Phil Cookson, on Flickr

Now I really, really like the colour on this car, but there are a few things which put me off. The trim for one, its some weird champagne lemon type colour. Not really my thing, so already eyeing up the alcantara trim in the classifieds. It doesnt have auto lights. Can I get an auto light switch and swap this over? And the alloys. It REALLY needs a set of MV3s!!!

But finally, its the power. Its a big step from a 330i petrol to a 320td. It does feel a little sluggy exiting junctions etc, and seems to hold the gears a little long sometimes, but this just be me needing to adjust to it's style. Question is, will a remap make a massive difference? Does this have a DPF that I can remove? I dont want to ruin the possibility of doubling my mpg, but wouldnt mind a little more poke.

and being a 163bhp engine on an 06 plate, does this avoid the nasty chanin guide issues? I assume on 230k its either been done or doesnt need it.

[P14kle]

The 163bhp M47 engine does indeed avoid the cam chain issues associated with the later N47 version.
The M47 is virtually bomb proof if looked after (hence the mileage on this one)

Shouldn't have a DPF as standard (although it was an option i believe)

Remap should see a little under 200bhp and transforms the car imho.

[McPikie]

Originally Posted by P14kle

The 163bhp M47 engine does indeed avoid the cam chain issues associated with the later N47 version.
The M47 is virtually bomb proof if looked after (hence the mileage on this one)

Shouldn't have a DPF as standard (although it was an option i believe)

Remap should see a little under 200bhp and transforms the car imho.

So basically...... just buy it?

[bishbosh]

If you want to retrofit auto lights then you'd need the switch and the Rain/light sensor (RLSS) + wires to connect to the roof module, plus coding.

[McPikie]

Originally Posted by bishbosh

If you want to retrofit auto lights then you'd need the switch and the Rain/light sensor (RLSS) + wires to connect to the roof module, plus coding.

So not as easy as just a switch then, lol

Is the sensor part of the mirror?

[Rustymage]

Originally Posted by McPikie

So not as easy as just a switch then, lol

Is the sensor part of the mirror?

No, it's a little box underneath. It's wires head into the roof and from there into the unknown.

TBH I wouldn't faff with the auto lights, it's nice, but not a must have on a 2nd hand car.

At 230k I'd want a really good price on the car...what's the asking price?

[McPikie]

Originally Posted by Rustymage

No, it's a little box underneath. It's wires head into the roof and from there into the unknown.

TBH I wouldn't faff with the auto lights, it's nice, but not a must have on a 2nd hand car.

At 230k I'd want a really good price on the car...what's the asking price?

£2300.00. Like I say, the body work and interior are in great condition. Can't see any issues with the engine, always been serviced and looked after. just had new shocks and tyres all round, as well as brakes recently.

[Rustymage]

Originally Posted by McPikie

£2300.00. Like I say, the body work and interior are in great condition. Can't see any issues with the engine, always been serviced and looked after. just had new shocks and tyres all round, as well as brakes recently.

Not sure I'd pay that for a high mileage 320d.

Is it sitting nicely in the market of all the other ones?

[McPikie]

Can't seem to find any cheaper than that to be honest

[McPikie]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01610038367050 thats about the closest I can find as they all seem to be SE for sale, not sport

[chrissyw]

The M47 is indeed reliable, but you still need to look after them.

Common issues are the crankcase breather clogging causing the turbo to blow, so BMW recommend changing them.

EGR valves can be prone to sticking.

The swirl flap issue is a bit of a grey area on these. Some say remove them. Some say it isn't a problem.

My breather had been replaced from the loo roll style but I fitted the vortex one anyway.

I noticed it didn't feel responsive low down an low and behold, the EGR was completely jammed solid and sooted up, so I bypassed it with a delete kit.

Mine is mapped to 209bhp and 440NM torque and they are a completely different car mapped. Just pull for fun in every gear.

I'm on 137k and apart from a glow plug controller and a new water pump, it's been as good as gold.

[McPikie]

Is yours manual though? I think I read somewhere the auto boxes dont take too kindly to remaps.

I swapped out the CCV and disa valve on my 330, so I dont mind doing a little work now and again.

[Digitalize]

My 320D M47 is on 206k, obvious things wear but other than that it seems fine. Interior swap is possible, I think you'd need more than what's in the classifieds though, you'd. need carpet, more trims and all the boot?

I'd definitely not remap it, at this point it's just asking for things to fail.

Seems a good price if it's had the work it needs doing done.

[hazkirby]

I think your 330i is a nicer car, with a better engine.

Downgrading for the sake of economy, you will only regret it.

Agree on colour (same as mine), but you get used to it and you don't drive the colour.

[McPikie]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

My 320D M47 is on 206k, obvious things wear but other than that it seems fine. Interior swap is possible, I think you'd need more than what's in the classifieds though, you'd. need carpet, more trims and all the boot?

I'd definitely not remap it, at this point it's just asking for things to fail.

Seems a good price if it's had the work it needs doing done.

It's got a black carpet and dash, with black seat backs, so just the seats and doorcards in lemon.

Originally Posted by hazkirby

I think your 330i is a nicer car, with a better engine.

Downgrading for the sake of economy, you will only regret it.

Agree on colour (same as mine), but you get used to it and you don't drive the colour.

As much as I like the grunt of the 330, I barely get to use it to potential as I am always in rush hour traffic, and I think the shape is showing its age now in touring format

[JJ0063]

Blimey, strong money for the spec/age/miles!

I'd sell my 2007 E90 M Sport 325D (3.0 diesel) for £4k!

[McPikie]

I need a touring for ferrying the dog about, which there arent many of about in the E91 at this price. Plus I can just chopy my 330 in against it, meaning I dont have to piss about selling it as I despise selling cars.