My new, used 2001 330i

B

BoxsterCharlie

New member
Last week I bought this car after a brief search. As I usually do, I prefer buying from a private owner, and this one was no exception. As I pulled into the driveway, the guy was using a leaf blower to dry the car...and it just got better from there. Even though I wasn't necessarily looking at a 330, that only sweetened the deal!



The car is in great condition inside and out. The only issues are some pretty severe curbing on all the rims, and the paint needs attention with a rotary. The paint is in excellent condition, but has a few hairline scratches and sort of an overall haze I havenâ€â„¢t been able to remove with my PC. Also, Iâ€â„¢d like to upgrade the shifter with a short-throw unit to try to improve the rather vague feel.



Now, Iâ€â„¢ve been hearing for years how great BMWâ€â„¢s are, perhaps in particular the 3-series because it is so often mentioned as a benchmark in an extremely tight market segment. For me, this segment isnâ€â„¢t so big as I insist on rear-wheel drive and precise handling.



So far Iâ€â„¢d say the car delivers! After the Boxster (which I had to sell last summer) and the MINI (which is my wifeâ€â„¢s), I donâ€â„¢t think I can really describe the car as âہ“fun to drive,â€Â� but then again I havenâ€â„¢t put enough varied miles on the odometer. What it clearly delivers is a fantastic mechanical solidity, comfort, and responsiveness. I donâ€â„¢t really ask it to be more than a practical, solid driver, and it is quite a bit better than that. Iâ€â„¢m looking forward to getting to know it better!



Here are the specs:



2001 330i, 72K miles

5 â€â€œ speed manual

Sports Package

Harmon-Kardon audio

Fold-down rear seats with ski bag

Electric memory seats

Leather package



IMG_0393_resize.JPG




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Congrats on the new used 3-series! It looks to be in great condition from what I can see. I really like those E46's, perfect balance of sport, comfort and luxury. I'm not a big fan of Bright Red (or is it Electric Red?) but it looks pretty good. I can't wait to see more pictures of it.



Does it have Xenons too?

Originally posted by MongooseGA

Mmm, ZHP!
Click to expand...

Actually, that's a ZSP, ZHP wasn't available in 2001.
 
Except for the color, it looks great! Though it won't perform like the old Boxster, at least it ain't anywhere near as "ugly"!!:grinno:
 
whoa I didn't know you sold the Boxster. Bummer :(



Congrates on the 330 though. Great car. It isn't quite as fun or as engaging as the Boxster but much better than any other sedan type vehicle on the market (save the M3). On long road trips you will really appreciate what it does best, which is offer a great balance of engaging feedback that is fun to drive without the darty nimbleness that comes with a harder core sports car. Also BMW makes some of the best low beam lights (even the standard) for night driving and they are much better than the Porsche IMHO.



Enjoy!
 
Looks great, Congrats!





I'll ditto the vague shifter feel after driving a couple 3-series. It feels like there is no tranny attached.





What color red is that?
 
bet993 said:
whoa I didn't know you sold the Boxster. Bummer :(

Enjoy!
Click to expand...



Yeah, it always makes more sense to post good car news than bad. I had to sell it as part of a bigger plan, which was to move from the miserable Boston area to California. I'm happy with the decision, but the sooner I get another Porsche the better!



Thanks for the comments, folks. Although I'm puzzled about the "color" remarks...but that it only fair considering how I like to slam silver cars! ;)
 
Oh my God, 11 years of college down the drain! What I meant to say was the M3 has kind of a punishing stiffness for everyday driving. My wife compares the experience to riding in a stagecoach. I do like the electric red, though, and am anxiously awaiting pictures when you are finished detailing.
 
LOL @ Carl !!!

BC, Beautiful 330 ya picked up there .... I too would love to see some more pics when you have time.
 
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