BMW 330Ci Test Drive.......and beyond!

[GrahamC230K]

If your GFs TT is the 180bhp one it isn't front wheel drive, the FWD one only has 150bhp and I don't think it was out in Jan last year.

True for the UK, I think FWD versions were available elsewhere on the Globe from day 1.

I also know 2 people with TTs and they haven't had a single problem (other than both kerbing their wheels)

Nice to hear!

I have to say I can't see how the OP was being all that serious in comparing a C Class to a 330. The BMW is so far ahead in ride and handling that they're in a different league! If it didn't feel like that than there was something seriously wrong with the one you drove and you ought to try another, preferably a coupe.

The OP? Dont get that one!?

I did try a 330Ci manual. Me and a BMW tech (not salesman) on board who said the car was fine.

To be honest I would have until last Sunday agreed 110%. BMW comaparable quality but miles ahead on handling, and just that sporty feel to the drive.

The reality was, sat at a standstill the interior blew my C230K's away in terms of looks and feel. so far 110% sportier. It was a sport model with the better seats and extra M-Tec wheels and Gearnob, so I expected nothing less.

However, the drive didn't inspire. The handling was firmer, wich was nice but not a million miles away from mine under normal conditions, but as I said before it was the engine in my opinion that could not cut it. the BMW has about 25 BHP more from it's 3.0 6 cylinder but the torque from the forced induction 2.3 in my car with max torque from 2500rpm up made driving the 330i feel like it was a bit limp. I could feelthe shove of it as the tech encouraged me to rev into the red, changing just before or on the limiter, but only then was the engine on the boil.

I asssure you I was entirly serious comparing my C-Class to the E46 330i. It's all preferance, but the competition I thought was a no brainer couldn't have resulted more differently. I left teh 330Ci on the forecourt and walked away. Then drove home with a smile at the performance of my car.

Comapre a C280 to the 330i and perhaps the story would be all different.

I'd be very carefull buying a second hand TT - heard far too many nightmare stories of reliability. Way below average in terms of faults/repairs/breakdowns etc. Maybe not so bad for the first owner(s) who owned it new with a manufacturer's warranty, or had them as company cars, but now that they are a few years old I would be concerned with the running costs. OK, they might sound alright on paper (looking at service intervals and the cost of a "service"), but as anybody who has owned second hand cars will tell you this isn't the main concern, it's the £££s for fixing problems between services! I am not having a pop at TT's, just wondering whether you have looked into this properly when you have compared the various vehicles on your shortlist. For example, the BMW that you mentioned may need to have the valve clearances checked/adjusted as part of a service, but may cost less on a year-on-year basis due to fewer faults/repairs.
I would also cost into the equation the deprication factor of the cars you are considering, especially as you seem to buy and sell all of your cars to and from a dealer? How long are you planning on keeping your car for?
And finally, how many miles do you drive a year, and sort of journeys? Surely this will have an influence on your ultimate decision.

Good luck with whatever you decide on,

Will

Thanks for the guidance Will.

I have read up on all the niggles these cars have had and have a list of possible grmlins to check for. Some of these however only seemed to affect later cars as possible cost cutting seemed to creep in. They do seem to be only minor things. Yes MAS failure is on the list, but they are less then the MB ones!

I shall hopefully be buying a 1 owner example with circa 20K miles hence will only have one stamp in the service book. I would hope such a car to be close to as new. I plan to keep for about 2 years, doing about 15K a year.

The dealer will be warrantying it for 12 months. The independant I use I have dealt with on my last 3 cars. I get good deals - I will be paying more than private but less than Audi forecourt. The p/x deal on mine is most pleasing.

My decision on which car has entirly been dependant on servicing costs or the S4 or an Mtech variant BMW would be the final choice.

As I say I will now be doing approx 15K miles a year, open A roads and Motorway, shortest regular trip 16 miles. A comfortable effortless motorway cruiser with above par A road overtaking ability is what I want. I think the TT can do that.

Both M Roadster and TT will want 98 ron juice, but that I will have to live with.

The TT has to be run on very thin 0W30 synthetic oil and also need its Haldex fluid (Quattro) changed every 20K miles.

Apart from that I hope it to be no worse to run than the C230.

I hope a 1 owner circa 20K mile car would have no turbo issues. I must admit I have not read about any Turbo ssues on these cars - forums are full of info but scarse on this subjet.

Are there any noddy checks I can do, bar strip it an look!!!??

Also after a hard run all the way to destination (no natural cooling break) how long would you idle a petrol turbo car?

thanks

Graham

 

[Will]

Regarding the turbo, at 20K miles, and with a 12-month warranty I would think you should be OK - just check the policy wording to make sure that this is covered! I reckon Mark300SL would be the one for you to ask about things to check for on this side of things. Other than smoke or excessive whine, I am not sure what else you can check!
Regarding letting the turbo cool down - as I understand it, if it has been driven hard you should let the engine idle for a couple of minutes to circulate the oil and dissipate the heat. If you were to switch it straight off, I am sure I have heard about the heat buildup ruining the properties of the oil (maybe gelling or similar with older oils). I am sure you can buy so called "turbo-timers" if this worries you, which basically integrate with an alarm system and leave the engine running for about 1-2 minutes after you finish your journey.

Good luck,

Will

 

[GrahamC230K]

Yeah, apparently there is a water pump which runs on some 10-20 mins+ after the engine is stopped that circulates coolant through the turbo, but I'm sure letting it idle while I get out and fetch my coat etc or whatever from the boot won't be a bad idea.

thanks

 

[Anders]

If your GFs TT is the 180bhp one it isn't front wheel drive, the FWD one only has 150bhp and I don't think it was out in Jan last year.

Remember I am in Belgium, so yes, it is FWD and yes, it has 180 bhp (or 132 kw, in new money)

This also means a 5 speed gearbox (which is actually slicker than the 6 speed used in the quattro models), and 130 kg less. So, it does 0-100 km/h in 7,4 s and 230 km/h at the top, which is actually very good. The 225 bhp version should be very quick indeed

 

[GrahamC230K]

Gone Full Circle

This car changing malarky is over.

No, I haven't been swapping V5's.

I was as serious as having a 5 figure sum (no jokes about the decimal point) in the instant access account and left instruction with a trusted independant dealer to source me deal on a TT with mine as P/X.

I have called the car seach off and put the money away safe.

The fact is, the trade value of my car is poor. The private value, slightly better. The value to me is 3 fold the cash equivalent.

Combined with the fact that I never really found a car that blew me away, the TT only really fitted the bill as oppossed to making me love it, the C230K stays, and I am happy with my choice.

Saga over.

 

[Deleted member 2227]

Yaaaaa. Thank heavens for that, I know just how you feel after all I nearly bought a new merc!

 

[pammy]

Good decision Graham - like most things - you'll know when it's right for the change

 

[Steve_Perry]

This car changing malarky is over... ...the C230K stays, and I am happy with my choice.

Saga over.

Does this mean I can't have your Xenons?













Just kidding!!


Seriously though... good decision mate

It is frightening how much W202's have dropped in value though not so much of a problem for me as I always planned on keeping my current car for the long term.

S.

 

[frog1520]

>It is frightening how much W202's have dropped in value though not so >much of a problem for me as I always planned on keeping my current car for >the long term.

I know! I was thinking of getting a new E320 last year until I got a tradin price on my C180 from the stealers!!! Was waiting for Jeremy Beadle to jump out..

On the other hand, it means theres some good bargains around, and they are great motors after all!

 

[DITTRICH]

...depreciation...

My 06/1999 W202 C230K...
Original List Price £30k approx
Bought by me 12/2000 £18k
After 42 months - dealer price say £10k (comparing like for like)
That's about £190 per month or £2,285 per year.
As far as I can tell, there was a drop when the W203 came out.
There was also a drop when car prices were being investigated people used to import from the continent.
And of course trading it in would incur another penalty (guess £2.5k) if you traded it in.
I always figured to keep my car for the long term as you almost always get screwed one way or another when you change.
Just my 2c worth
Regards
Les