The BMW 330i is considered to be one of the best options for those wanting to get into performance and sports cars on a budget. These models offer powerful and reliable engines from the factory but still bring plenty of room for tuning and an extensive aftermarket support.
On top of this, even the oldest 330i model still looks good despite its age and offers enough comfort features for daily use. The 330i 3-Series in all generations are simply perfect all-around cars that bring comfort and luxury for everyday commuting, but plenty of kick for weekend drives through the canyons.
In this article, we will go over all BMW 330i models from the oldest E46 generation up to the previous F30 generation, which is starting to go down in price, as it was replaced by an improved G20 model in 2018 and is thus also becoming a viable option on a budget.
BMW 330i E46 (1998 – 2005)
It is hard to believe that the E46 generation of the BMW 3-Series entered production 24 years ago. The E46 has aged very well, and even today, it is still a sought-after model by BMW enthusiasts. This car offers eighty percent of the fun you can have with the M3 while keeping the buying and running costs significantly lower. For this reason, the E46 is often considered the ultimate budget BMW.
Reliable and Simple to Upgrade
The E46 was the first model to offer the 330i specification, which features a 3.0L I6 engine that generates 228 hp and 221 lb.-ft of torque bearing the internal designation of M54. The 330i is a classic rear-wheel drive equipped with a 6-speed manual, which makes it an ideal weekend car.
BMW has decided to keep the power quite restrained in order to ensure perfect reliability, so there is a decent amount of headroom for tuning. The most common mods for this model include aftermarket headers, remaps and of course, forced induction. On the reliability side of modding, the cooling system upgrade is by far the most important item.
However, power isn’t everything. Some of the most popular mods include coilovers, stiffer lowering springs, aftermarket shocks, poly bushings, and more! Nonetheless, even a stock 330i E46 is a balanced and well-engineered vehicle that delivers both comfort and sporty handling. In case you are in need of a practical vehicle, the 330i was also available as a wagon, which makes it even more versatile for daily use.
Forget the SMG!
There are also negative aspects to the E46 330i with the SMG gearbox being near the top of the list. Even though it’s not as bad as the M3 SMG setup, It is prone to failures, and repairs are very costly. At the same time, this single-clutch automated manual transmission takes away from the driving feel as it is not particularly smooth. Despite being a sequential box, the shift times are slower compared to the standard manual (the 0-60 mph time is half a second slower with the SMG).
Lastly, the SMG is delicate, and shifting under throttle significantly reduces its lifespan, which prohibits comfortable use. Because of this, look for models with a manual 6-speed transmission. We’ve mentioned that a cooling system rebuild is one of the most common mods for this car, and for a good reason. The 330i’s water pump and cooling system are pretty finicky and delicate, mostly due to the excessive use of plastics that tend to go brittle over time.
BMW 330i E90 (2005 – 2011)
The 330i E90 (known as 328i in the US) was the last 3-Series in which you could have a petrol six-cylinder engine in a regular model. The E90s successor received four-cylinder engines with turbos and the 340i was not picked by many buyers, as it was too close to the full-fat M3. A car with a rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and a powerful I6 engine in a vehicle that easily goes under the radar is a dream of many petrol heads, and it is exactly what the BMW 330i E90 is. In addition, no new BMW 3-Series offers this combination anymore, so buy these while you can get them.
A Great All-Rounder
The N52 engine gives the BMW 330i a unique feel. It is flexible enough in the low end to allow for comfortable and soothing long drives, but nimble enough to stay in that peak power band when you decide to push it through the corners. Many critics believe that this 330i was the best all-rounder in its segment, and certainly the most versatile 3-Series.
In terms of engines, the 330i (or the US 328i) is equipped with a 3.0-liter I6 that puts out 254 bhp. We’re of course talking about the N52 engine, or the N53 that was reserved for higher-output models were introduced later in the production cycle. The E90 generation has quite a lot of space for tuning and modding, just like the older E46.
With a simple remap, the power can be increased to 268 bhp and 235 lb.-ft of torque, which were the base numbers of the BMW Z4 with an identical drivetrain. It should also be noted that the E90 was significantly improved in terms of corrosion prevention, especially in comparison with the E46, which was notoriously known for rust issues.
Shop Carefully
While the N52 engine is considered to be one of the best choices in terms of reliability, this 3-Series is not flawless. You can still run into a number of issues when buying a used E90.
Thus, you should be thorough with checking the engine, as well as all other components for any possible issues. The BMW 330i’s engine was prone to oil leaks. As a result of long oil service intervals, you can run into issues with the VANOS system. As far as other serious issues go, the ABS module and FRM unit (sometimes called a foot well module, which controls the adaptive front lights, interior lights, and other equipment) can sometimes fail and are quite costly to replace. On the other hand, it is a premium luxury vehicle, and the overall situation will not be much better with BMW’s competitors.
BMW 330i F30 (2012 – 2018)
While the F30 generation can still be quite expensive on the used market, the 330i models from the first years of production are now available for less than $19,000. That is a great discount for a vehicle that still looks pretty fresh and offers all the comfort features available in today’s vehicles.
With this generation, BMW has used the 330i badge to denote a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, designated as B48. For the US market, the 330i model was only made available from 2016, when it replaced the previously offered 328i. The 328i is an even better model to get on a budget, as it features a similar 2.0L petrol (the N20) and achieves similar power. As this model was offered since the beginning of the F30’s production, it can be found well below 10 thousand dollars.
Mod Friendly and Comfortable
Many owners improve the power of their 330i using a simple remap, which can get the engine to around 300 hp, from the base ballpark of 250 hp. We can thank forced induction and BMW’s tendency to leave plenty of headroom.
The F30 330i can be easily modded even further to achieve even more power. However, not many owners find it necessary to take that extra step. The F30 offers a great balance of performance and comfort stock, which is enough for most.
This model also features chunky brakes that give it more than enough stopping power, and the automatic transmission shifts very quickly. In addition, even the base suspension is set for the perfect compromise between everyday commuting and spirited driving.
No Major Flaws?
As with every car out there, the BMW 330i F30 has its flaws. The most common ones re oil leaks around the valve cover as well as electrical issues. Also, since this is a fairly new model, the service costs aren’t always affordable. However, you can save a bunch with a DIY mindset.
The water pumps tend to fail around 90,000 miles, which is also the right time to replace the crankshaft pulley that tends to wear out. On the other hand, this generation of the 3-Series does not have any serious issues, and even the oil leaks are more often found on high mileage cars or ones that have been aggressively driven. The F30 is probably the most reliable generation on this list.
Affordable, Yet Extremely Capable
Even the oldest BMW 330i models are still very capable cars after spending more than 2 decades on the roads. That being said, if you’re looking to keep your BMW 330i reliable, you’re in the right place. Here at Bimmers.com, we stock genuine, OEM and quality aftermarket parts for all BMWs, including the models listed above. Check out our offer and find great deals on maintenance items, oil change kits, as well as replacement parts.
