With the E36 thoroughly defeated by the brown curse, I needed a new daily driver. As always, my search started as broad as possible, but within a couple hours it had narrowed down to either an E46 or an E39 with a straight six diesel engine. Due to availability, this quickly turned into a 330d, and I found one at a used car dealership reasonably close to where I work, so I went over there for a testdrive. I was instantly in love, and after a short talk about money, I told them I would return later with my dad.
So, the next day, I drove my dad up there, we delved deeper into the car's state and its history, and talked money some more. The seller dropped to a very reasonable sum, and papers were signed. Because I wasn't counting on replacing the E36 just yet, funds had to be acquired. Some clusterfucks and ill communications later, money arrived in time for me to pick it up on saturday, knowing thomas would be at my place then to show off his new friend.
Giddy as a little schoolgirl, I rode in thomas's plaything to the dealership, where funds were exchanged, and I drove off in my new car. It's a 2003 330dA Touring with the Lifestyle Edition package, black exterior, black semi-leather interior with black trim pieces and a black headlining. The paint has seen better days, there's swirls, stonechips, and scratches all over the place. The car feels like it's been in the hand of caring owners for all of its life. Everything is still there, even the original light kit and most of the tools in the tool kit. Service booklet is stamped until a little after 200000km, and the gearbox has had the required services too.
So, how does it drive? Well, like you'd expect from a 204hp turbodiesel with a autobox. It's quick, it pulls like nothing else, with a buttery smooth gearbox ironing out all the jerkyness and other uncomfortable things. As MWF told me about his, it's relentless. It starts accelerating at a constant pace, and just won't stop pulling until way past legal speeds. I'm very glad it comes with a cruise control, because I can already see myself not noticing that I'm not doing 130, but 180. The sports seats are extremely comfortable, and despite the lack of colour, the interior is a very nice place to be, with ample space for passengers.
As soon as corners appear, it comes into its own, even though this is one lard-ass motherfucker at 1600kgs, you don't notice the weight until you start slowing down. The mahoosive brakes do an excellent job of slowing the car down though. Handling and steering response are nicer than in the E36, with a much heavier and better weighted steering, making it even more precise.
Enough talk, picture time:
It's a gimmick, but I like it!
What's that, sitting beside it?
Oh look, it's a new friend it made!
Much more space here than in the E36.
And of course, a proof pic:
So, the next day, I drove my dad up there, we delved deeper into the car's state and its history, and talked money some more. The seller dropped to a very reasonable sum, and papers were signed. Because I wasn't counting on replacing the E36 just yet, funds had to be acquired. Some clusterfucks and ill communications later, money arrived in time for me to pick it up on saturday, knowing thomas would be at my place then to show off his new friend.
Giddy as a little schoolgirl, I rode in thomas's plaything to the dealership, where funds were exchanged, and I drove off in my new car. It's a 2003 330dA Touring with the Lifestyle Edition package, black exterior, black semi-leather interior with black trim pieces and a black headlining. The paint has seen better days, there's swirls, stonechips, and scratches all over the place. The car feels like it's been in the hand of caring owners for all of its life. Everything is still there, even the original light kit and most of the tools in the tool kit. Service booklet is stamped until a little after 200000km, and the gearbox has had the required services too.
So, how does it drive? Well, like you'd expect from a 204hp turbodiesel with a autobox. It's quick, it pulls like nothing else, with a buttery smooth gearbox ironing out all the jerkyness and other uncomfortable things. As MWF told me about his, it's relentless. It starts accelerating at a constant pace, and just won't stop pulling until way past legal speeds. I'm very glad it comes with a cruise control, because I can already see myself not noticing that I'm not doing 130, but 180. The sports seats are extremely comfortable, and despite the lack of colour, the interior is a very nice place to be, with ample space for passengers.
As soon as corners appear, it comes into its own, even though this is one lard-ass motherfucker at 1600kgs, you don't notice the weight until you start slowing down. The mahoosive brakes do an excellent job of slowing the car down though. Handling and steering response are nicer than in the E36, with a much heavier and better weighted steering, making it even more precise.
Enough talk, picture time:
It's a gimmick, but I like it!
What's that, sitting beside it?
Oh look, it's a new friend it made!
Much more space here than in the E36.
And of course, a proof pic:
Last edited:
Well done, Adu! It looks clean.
