Differences between 330Ci from various years

[Hapy]

Just found this website and it's wonderful! Other BMW message boards are too hard to navigate and too unorganized. This one's done it right.

Anyway...

I'm planning on my very first BMW purchase after the first of the year, either a 330xi or a 330ci. Leaning toward the ci because of the sportier look (my opinion). So my question is, if I decide to buy one that's a couple of years old, what are the major differences between, say, the 2001, 2002, and 2003 model ci's?

Also, in those years, is DSC on each 330ci?

Thanks.

[Chris330Ci]

Welcome!

Sportiness aside, I'm assuming you know the major difference between the xi and Ci is that it is all wheel drive.

First, DSC is standard on all US e46 models regardless of bodystyle.

It would be difficult to compare the '01 & '02 to the '03 since it's not out yet. The only thing we (the board folks) know is that the sedan facelift has been applied to the coupe. I, personally, hate the facelifted look of the sedan, so this is a cosmetic option to consider.

I can tell you that I waited to buy an '02 over an '01 for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the steering on the '01's was lightened for some reason making feedback and roadfeel less significant than before. MANY enthusiasts complained to BMW NA and fortunately this was changed back to the original, heavier feeling steering with the '02s. If you see alot of steering retrofit threads, this is what they are talking about.

Another thing was that the clear lenses were made part of the Sport package with the '02s rather than being an aftermarket add-on for '01 and previous years.

Since both the '01's & '02's have the DBW (drive-by-wire) throttle, most but not all of us had the 'sticky pedal' problem. DBW replaced the mechanical throttle linkage, but not sure what year that started. Anyway, the sticky pedal problem is a no-cost fix that your dealer would/should take care of for you. Do a search to find out more on that.

There is no change in engine performance or suspension, so the playing field is level in that respect.

So, IMO, I believe the '02's were/are the best year to get the 330Ci (which is why I waited and why I would not trade it in for a 2003) :thumbup:

[AlisaKay]

Originally posted by Chris330Ci
So, IMO, I believe the '02's were/are the best year to get the 330Ci (which is why I waited and why I would not trade it in for a 2003) :thumbup: Aren't the pre-facelift (rumored to be in March) '03 coupes the same as the '02's?

[Chris330Ci]

Originally posted by AlisaKay
Aren't the pre-facelift (rumored to be in March) '03 coupes the same as the '02's?

Well yes, but I was going on the assumption that he was probably referring to the upcoming, facelifted version. :dunno: One other thing I neglected to mention, the HK upgrade for the '01's became standard in '02.

[AlisaKay]

I agree with you about getting an '02 or early '03 model, rather than the facelifted '03 -- that's why I'm getting a September build '03 (waiting on it to arrive in the US after doing a ED). I certainly didn't want to take a chance on that facelift. The coupe now is one of the best looking cars around.

[Chris330Ci]

Originally posted by AlisaKay
I agree with you about getting an '02 or early '03 model, rather than the facelifted '03 -- that's why I'm getting a September build '03 (waiting on it to arrive in the US after doing a ED). I certainly didn't want to take a chance on that facelift. The coupe now is one of the best looking cars around.

I'm confused. If you're getting a 9/03 build date car, you will have the facelift or did you mean '02? What colors/options did you get? Pics..? :D

[AlisaKay]

Originally posted by AlisaKay
I agree with you about getting an '02 or early '03 model, rather than the facelifted '03 -- that's why I'm getting a September build '03 (waiting on it to arrive in the US after doing a ED). I certainly didn't want to take a chance on that facelift. The coupe now is one of the best looking cars around. I guess the way I worded that is a little confusing... I should have said "My model year 2003 330Ci was built in September of 2002 , well before the rumored facelift is to be applied" ;)