2001 330ci

[ISL1982]

Hello,

Ive just bought a 2001 330ci sport convertible with about 53k on the clock, its the first beemer ive had and am loving it... just wanted to know a few things though...

are there any common faults/problems i should expect to encounter with a car of that many miles??

also how can i tell if an inspection 1 or inspection 2 is required when the inspection sign comes up...

and finally how much am i looking at spending on an inspection 1 or inspection 2, most likely it wont be through the main dealer...

cheers guys!!

 

[dinan5i]

first, congrats and welcome!
second, it's a "bimmer" and not a beemer. Beemers are BMW's motocycles.

As for Insp 1 vs 2 - The cost is about the same, roughly $400 (US). The checklist is rather comprehensive. If problem are found, the cost can go up from there, but that depends on the condition of your can and if the previous owner stayed current on the maintenance.

56k miles is relatively low mileage. I've got a 2002 5-Series with 103k. It runs and looks like new (no kidding). I put 45k highway miles on it last year.... easy.

A e39 car similar to mine has 270k miles on it. The transmission on his can failed at 252k and he had it replaced with a new one. Because he (like me) has kept his car in meticulous shape, there's no need to worry about reliablity that much - at least in regards to the 5-Series. I've got a 2000 323i that was high-maintenance for awhile. It had 145k on the clock and it seemed like the a warning light was coming on every other month. But I've replaced more than a few components/systems and now the car has gone nearly 6 months with no issues whatsoever.

Enjoy your ride. Don't be hard on it ALL-THE-TIME and it should serve you well.
I'm sure you'll rack up the miles because the car is truly fun to drive.

Take care.

 

[selavia]

53k miles is not alot of miles for that car. But since you're in London, if that kilometres, that is NOTHING for that car. It's still new if that is in km.

I don't know how much it'll cost in british pounds, but in USD, Inspection I (you can really do it your self if you're even remotely familiar with cars) $100-200. Inspection II, $400-700 (depending on where you go).

See if the car came with the maintanence manual; these cars usually come with one and most mechanics who service the car will fill it out.

I believe inspection II is usually at 60k miles, but go by what the dash indicator says, because that supposedly takes into account driving conditions, etc.

Good Luck and welcome to the board!

Sean

 

[Detrich]

congrats and make sure to stock up on light bulbs (tail light bulbs, parking light bulbs, headlights bulbs etc.)

 

[TSilver330CI]

My 2001 330CI is approaching 100K miles. I've had really 1 thing go wrong which was a power steering pump. Damn thing cost me like $750 to fix!

But yeah I did both inspection 1 and inspection 2. After that just make sure you change the oil and you should be fine. I am actually going to do a tune up at 100K. I hope my baby lasts!

I will need a new clutch which is expensive though!