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theworkerbee

The 330ci successor

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Hey guys,

As some of you know, I recently part ex'd my 330ci, which I owned for around 10 months, for a 645ci. The 330 was in brilliant condition, however, I have always wanted a v8, and although initially I was looking at e46 m3/e39 m5s, this made more sense in terms of cost and it felt a lot more luxurious.

I'll take some snaps once I've cleaned her, but below is a long run from Manchester:

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Filthy engine bay:

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So will be giving that a clean and then I'll post the pics.

Plans. Not much other than maintenance and opening the exhaust a little so that I can hear a little more roar and potentially some BMW alloy pedals. I am thinking about getting the iDrive updated to allow MP3 CDs to be read which has been quoted at £214 from my local main dealer.

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Looking forward to seeing the pictures of this. I do like a big 6 series!

Does it feel like a big upgrade from the E46? In terms of comfort/power/tech?

Edited by Ashley1995
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Hey, good to see some appreciation even though its not an e46 ;)

Comfort

Much better. Its such a smooth ride even though its on run flats and the motorway journey was almost enjoyable. It would be even better if I didn't have a car seat behind me, but not much I can do about that. Its little things, like the auto open boot, its all in the details.

Power

Its a weird one, obviously its a lot more powerful than the 330, both in terms of HP and torque, however, due to how comfortable it is, you don't get a 'real' sense of power, unless its from standstill. However, if someone another car is besides you and you give it the beans, they usually quickly disappear. I will be looking in to having the exhaust modded for a bit more sound which should help with the feeling of speed.

Tech

My 330 was pretty basic, I now have xenons which are alot better than the e46s, professional sat nav, heated seats, electronic steering positioning, electric fold mirrors, doors auto lock which can be disabled via iDrive and three turn signal which again can be disabled via iDrive. The little pings and dings and the vehicle condition based servicing all make it feel that much more luxurious.

Everyone seems to want to race against it though...

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Spec:

Car/key memory

Check control system

Controller and Control Display 6.5" monitor

Front/Rear PDC

Oil temp gauge

On board computer

Programmable cruise control

Remote fuel cap release

Servotronic PAS

Tyre puncture warning system

CD changer preparation in glove box

Aspherical driver's exterior mirror

Auto dimming rear view mirror

Automatic front wipers

Bi-Xenon headlights

Body colour bumpers, door handles and electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Electric widow lifts with driver comfort closing including anti-trap

Fogging sensor for front windscreen

Front foglights with free-form reflector

Front grille with chrome trim surround

Green tinted heat insulating glass

Headlight wash system

Heated chrome plated windscreen washer jets

High level LED brake light

Polished stainless steel exhaust tailpipes

Rain sensor

Rear side window aerial

Rear tailgate spoiler

White indicator lenses

2 stage height adjustable front centre armrest

3 spoke sports leather multi-function steering wheel

Auto air con/auto air recirculation

Auto dimming courtesy lights

Centre console storage box

Chrome plated door sill finishers with BMW designation

Easy entry/electrically adj steering wheel column memory

Front and rear headrests

Front grab handles

Front/rear reading lights

Gear lever trim finished in Ruthenium pearl gloss

Illuminated glovebox

Isofix rear child seat preparation

Leather gaiter and handbrake grip

Luggage compartment lighting

Luggage compartment load restraining hooks

Reversible protective boot mat

Seat back storage nets

Storage compartment in doors

Velour carpet

3 point rear seatbelts

ABS EBV

ASC

Cornering brake control

Crash sensor - auto door unlocking

Driver airbag

Dynamic brake control

DTC

Front side airbags

Passenger airbag

Side impact protection

Twin horns

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Comfort access system

Locking wheel nuts

Thatcham cat 1 remote control alarm

Valet parking key

Dynamic stability control

Safety battery terminal

Sports suspension

Edited by theworkerbee
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Thanks :)

MPG is probably closer to 20 in town, on the motorway its brilliant (relatively), looking at around 400-450 miles to the tank, so is pretty much the same as the 330. Its the town driving thats the killer. However, when you put your foot down you can quickly see the petrol needle falling lol.

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Thanks guys.
So a quick review:
Looks:
Ive always liked quirky rear ends, ie. Alfa GT, and this is just as special. The twin pipes set the rear off very nicely, it's de-badged which further enhances the curves and in certain lighting it looks absolutely stunning. Ideally, it would have the new fully LED rear lights, but at £300 each, these can wait.
The front is very nice, and I've always wanted halo rings and xenons, so very pleased with these. Again, I prefer the LED turn signals but theres no easy way to retrofit these. I love the huge bonnet and the chrome kidney grilles are growing on me.
Interior:
Seats are very comfy, with electronically adjustable lumbar support, heated sport seats. The steering feels nice, although I would like it re-trimmed to be slightly thicker. The pedals don't suggest a 50k car (new), so I will definitely be looking into upgrading these with allow pedal covers. Wind noise is kept to a minimum, so its extremely comfy on long runs as well as short runs. The standard sound system is ok, with subs under the seats which is pretty good for a standard audio system.
iDrive:
The CCC iDrive is very cumbersome to use, with each task taking way more time than it needs to. However, you do get used to it so can't complain too much.
Practicality:
I have two kids, its a little bit of a chore getting them in and out, but I knew this would be the case anyway. The seats fold forward and then lift which makes the task a little easier, and I have now got used to driving with an almost upright seat to give slightly more leg room. The boot is big enough, however, due to the fixed parcel shelf, you cant really get anything too large in, even though there is adequate floor space.
Engine:
Fantastic. Such a hoot to drive. I enjoy driving both slowly and more spiritedly, which I haven't been able to say about any other car that I have owned. The gearbox takes around 0.5 seconds to respond, if you're not in Sport mode, but has a kickdown switch that quickly drops to the relevant gear and off you go. The engine noise is very nice, the exhaust is okay with the window down, however, that issue will be sorted in a couple of weeks ;)
MPG:
You get 220-250 miles to a tank doing town miles, however, this jumps up to 400-450 miles on a long run, which I'm more than happy with as its similar to my 330ci.
All in all, highly recommend the 6 series. However, I would recommend the following:
Get the Logic7 sound system
Try avoiding the grey dash/console (unless you like grey)
Aim for a facelift model
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Ivenrver really liked these; the front just looks like the car's 'sad' if you know what I mean?

I must say yours looks very clean and is a nice colour. Can you retrofit CIC nav, it's well worth it if you can?

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Yeah I know what you mean, I have always liked them though and definitely think it looks better from certain angles.

You can, comes in at around £1k so not really something that I'd be too interested in to be honest. Think I'm going to go for a Dension 500bt instead. Not only does the hardware cost, you need to get it coded as well as new consoles etc

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