Hi folks

Having had this Saab (93 2.8 turbo) for the weekend I have decided that while it is a fantastic car and I am very tempted by it, the fuel bills would kill me. I have been getting about 18 round town and 32 on the motorway.

Just wondered if anyone has any experience of the 330d SE (saloon)? I am quite tempted by one myself.

I'm going to have a look at an 04 later today, 39k, about a years warranty remaining on it. It's a (six speed?) manual in silver with black leather.

Is there anything I should look out for on these, other than checking that it has functioning indicators?

I believe you can remap it to whopping ammounts of torque

Once the warranty is up, maybe

That was the only bad thing about the Fabia. Not being able to remap due to it being brand new.

I've been doing some reading up on these 330D's...I had heard reports of turbo issues but apparently turbo failure problems were fixed in late 2003.

You won't be dissapointed by it, if it's anything like a 95 530d. Even that had a wide power band, comforting interior and a soft ride.

Well, I shall be leaving to go and look at it in just over an hour, I'll post back with my thoughts later

Does anyone here have access to HPI at all? Cheeky request for a favour

I thought you had to pay for it each time, it wasn't a system where you have all information. I'm not sure though.

I thought you had to pay for it each time, it wasn't a system where you have all information. I'm not sure though.

It is, but dealers and the like can subscribe to it thus not paying each time.

The 335D has just come out at the dealerships and recieves widespread praise (goes like a plane according to Car Magazine), although it'll be a while before the second hand market opens up.

BMW Flying Machine

Yep! But in regards to general public, for instance if you went onto the AA site or RAC, It's £3 a time isn't it?

I've never done it, but when i bought my old Fiesta, the ford dealer bought the car from the garage, and sold it privately, to me! He asked me if i wanted the HPI for the car, and he'd print a few of at work.

I wonder how much the system is...

Liked the 330d very much...

There are a few stone chips in the paint on the front, and a 'pinhead' type dent above the rear bumper in the bodywork.

No doubt those little issues could be sorted out relatively cheaply.

Other than that, it was mint. The interior is immaculate.

As well as the PDC and leather options, it also has a 'service package' included which means free maintenance for the next 3 years/20,000 miles.

Sounded nice for a diesel too, of course it doesn't have the BMW howl of the 6 cyl petrol motors, but then it will do 45 MPG unlike the 330i.

Well... Should I go for it?

No! I would test drive a few more, and preferably find one without stone chips.

But, if your keen on that car, then by all means go for it. But look at a few.

Well... Should I go for it?

YEEEEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!

HTH

Chris

No! I would test drive a few more, and preferably find one without stone chips.

But, if your keen on that car, then by all means go for it. But look at a few.

For 15k though it's going to be the difference between a few stone chips or an 03 car out of warranty (from what I can see looking at Autotrader)

I see your point though.

Get it. Lovely cars.

Sound like a good motor.

If you wait too long, it will have gone.

It's only the ropey motors that hang around in Autotrader.

The free servicing is a real plus point, as BMW main dealers really know how to charge people.

go for it John , you know you want it

Well it's definately a good 'un

I'd not have noticed the chips had they not been touched up with a touch-up brush...

Still the guy seems to have looked after it, decent quality tyres, effort made to touch up the chips (although it really needs a bit of a visit from chipsaway rather than an untrained hand). It was nice and clean but not over done (as in tarted up for sale).

Will get it HPI'd in the morning and go from there. Might sneak a quick drive in another 330d tomorrow just to compare.