E46 330 Sport Convertible Advice Wanted

dont think so.

hifi speaker system will be the basic E46 set-up.

Harmon Kardon will be listed as such if the seller knows there stuff.

If your checking out the car your looking for the harmon kardon logos on the speakers in the front and back of the car.

theres a couple of different schools of thought on this.

1.

 you service the car at least once a year, if trip computer is showing another X amount of miles until next inspection type service then it would be recommeded to carry out an oil service at least once a year just to keep things clean.

2.

modern BMW engines dont need an oil service every year and you safely follow the trip computers instructions with regard to servicing.

personally i sit somewhere in the middle because of the type of driving i do its going to be not far off each year for servicing anyway so i stick with the trip computers read outs. If however your doing a lower mileage its time to use your own judgement as to wether the car needs a service every year or not.

obviously a manufacturer and an out and out petrol-head for that matter will say service it every year. I have however owned BMW's that have went up 18 months inbetween any service by previous owners. So knowning the condition of those cars when i bought them I would say it wouldnt bother me that much if it was every 18 months or so for service

good luck with your purchase mate anything else fire away

Speaking of engines, does the 330 need to run on Super unleaded or will the regular stuff do?

Need to plan my running costs carefully!

Ali

Hi folks,

Got the new car last week and I'm delighted with it.  Spec is as follows:

2003 (f/lift) 330 Sport Convertible

BMW Individual Ruby Red Metallic Paint

BMW Individual Champagne Nappa leather interier with gear lever and steering wheel inserts

Hard Top

Harman Kardon Hi-fi

Bluetooth Prep

Heated Seats

25k miles

2 Owners (ex demonstrator)

The car is absolutely superb and a joy to drive - so much more agile and responsive than my 535, and just as quick.

I'm amazed how solid it feels - with the hardtop on you would never know it was a convertible to drive and no rattles or squeaks.

Only disappointment is the Harmon Kardon hi-fi - this sounds good, but distorts at quite low volumes which is really annoying - my 535 had the Hi-fi Speaker system and could go up to ear-splitting volumes without a trace of distortion, but I have found most types of music get some kind of vibration with any level of bass.

I had a root around in the back of the car, and I think it is the sub mounted on the rear ski hatch that is causing the problem - if I swing the sub open on its hinges then the problem seems to stop.  Maybe I'll need to fix it with some blu-tac or something to stop it vibrating in the plastic frame, which seems to be the cause - any ideas welcome.

Will post some pics very soon!

Cheers,

Ali

"I had a root around in the back of the car, and I think it is the sub mounted on the rear ski hatch that is causing the problem - if I swing the sub open on its hinges then the problem seems to stop.  Maybe I'll need to fix it with some blu-tac or something to stop it vibrating in the plastic frame, which seems to be the cause - any ideas welcome"

Blutac will not sort this problem, you need to get some Dynamat (sound deadening) from a car audio place, available in sheets or spray. This will get rid of the buzzing and vibrating that the sub is causing.

Well well, took the car into local dealers today and they diagnosed a blown sub. new one on order to be fitted Thursday under AUC warranty.

Let's hope it is more robust than the first one!

I'll let you know whether it sorts the problem completely.

Kevin, not sure on the foglight, will check if I remember.

I've also found the boot lock a bit odd - not sure if it is me or whether it is misbehaving - often I go to shut the boot and find the lock won't engage, have to lock and unlock car and then it is ok.

I think it is the autolock facility when I set off driving, when I arrive I open only the drivers door and I think I am confusing the central locking so it gets out of sync - anyone else have this problem?

I also want to adjust the n/s rear view mirror tilt angle as it drops too far when I engage reverse - the manual says you can do it but I can't find where/how - anyone help out?

Cheers!

Ali