Looking to pick up a 2006 330i...any links to prefered build dates, etc?

Vertical · 02-25-2009, 01:32 AM

Looking to swap out my 1996 328i sport for a 2006 330i sport.

Are there any sites that list the running changes and maybe preferred build dates? I stuck out on the search on this forum...anyone have any quick links?

Thanks

tekieru · 02-25-2009, 01:37 AM

why not a 335i? : D

BK · 02-25-2009, 09:25 AM

Pre-September 2005 build date did not have mp3 software, but I think most people with early builds got that updated. Pre-September 2005 builds also apparently do not have some of the custom settings available to the driver that September 2005 and later builds have (turn on/off driving lights or auto lights sensitivity(?) maybe some others). There may be some issues with iPod adapters in the early builds, too, but I don't know. A search for "pre-September build" should pull relevant threads.

Beginning with June 2006 build dates, the OEM suspension manufacturer changed from Boge/Sachs to Bilstein, but there were no changes to the suspension specs.

Vertical · 02-25-2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tekieru

why not a 335i? : D

with their 0.9% APR on CPO 06s...

and, 255 hp is a nice number, with nice mileage. good balance.

I'm sure I'd fall in love with a 335i if I drove one, so in this case, maybe ignorance is bliss.

Bimmer007 · 02-25-2009, 02:29 PM

some of the earlier sport steering wheels didn't have thumb rests

canucklion · 02-25-2009, 03:11 PM

listen to BK

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Pre-September 2005 build date did not have mp3 software, but I think most people with early builds got that updated. Pre-September 2005 builds also apparently do not have some of the custom settings available to the driver that September 2005 and later builds have (turn on/off driving lights or auto lights sensitivity(?) maybe some others). There may be some issues with iPod adapters in the early builds, too, but I don't know. A search for "pre-September build" should pull relevant threads.

Beginning with June 2006 build dates, the OEM suspension manufacturer changed from Boge/Sachs to Bilstein, but there were no changes to the suspension specs.

acontisr330i · 02-25-2009, 04:48 PM

I just got one 3 weeks ago been pulled over 3 times so far.I love it but if you can get a stick the acceleration in the steptronic at take off is really bad. That's the only thing i don't like and also the corona angel eyes need to be brighter. But that's just changing the bulbs. Good Luck

Jurisprudent · 02-25-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Pre-September 2005 build date did not have mp3 software, but I think most people with early builds got that updated. Pre-September 2005 builds also apparently do not have some of the custom settings available to the driver that September 2005 and later builds have (turn on/off driving lights or auto lights sensitivity(?) maybe some others). There may be some issues with iPod adapters in the early builds, too, but I don't know. A search for "pre-September build" should pull relevant threads.

Beginning with June 2006 build dates, the OEM suspension manufacturer changed from Boge/Sachs to Bilstein, but there were no changes to the suspension specs.

BK - I think the MP3 issue is on I-Drive cars only? I have an 8/05 build that does fine with MP3s, but is not I-Drive. I didn't own it first, but I've reviewed all records and don't see anything about the radio being reprogrammed... who knows though. I do lack some of the personalization features and the ability to turn my DRLs off without asking the dealer to do it, but this has never bothered me as much as it did some others on this forum. Annoying... perhaps, but not a significant enough reason to not buy a car if it is a good deal, IMO.

Cant speak to the Ipod adapter - i have always used a simple Aux connection.

Staszek · 02-25-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Beginning with June 2006 build dates, the OEM suspension manufacturer changed from Boge/Sachs to Bilstein, but there were no changes to the suspension specs.

You always learn something new, I didn't know about the shock changes. I wonder if there is any ride difference between the two.

Higgs1 · 02-25-2009, 08:00 PM

the MP3 issue was only with iDrives i can confirm as that was the problem I had, but its a simple software update to fix, no biggie

I'm loving my 330i and I think its more than enough for the amount of $$$ i saved

CTsang1234 · 02-25-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acontisr330i

I just got one 3 weeks ago been pulled over 3 times so far.I love it but if you can get a stick the acceleration in the steptronic at take off is really bad. That's the only thing i don't like and also the corona angel eyes need to be brighter. But that's just changing the bulbs. Good Luck

Get a sprintbooster, it should correct the delay on take off.

Oulixes · 02-25-2009, 11:45 PM

A few comments on the questions posted by Vertical:

It is known that some of the early engines for the 330(x)i had problems with the oil delivery to the VANOS, but for obvious reasons there are no hard data about build dates. My car's build is 04/06 and so far it has been OK. With a bit of work, a search should yield details of the valve lifters noise problem, and should yield solutions used to solve the oil delivery, which I believe ranged from noninvasive ones to the replacement of the head.

Because I do not have navigation, I cannot comment on the electronics that is linked to it. My car, and likely all the 330 models, has a 3.5 mm audio AUX jack, which can feed iPod earphone signal to the radio; this works well but it is unsophisticated by today's standards.

Evil E90 · 02-26-2009, 02:57 AM

I'm enjoying my 06 330i. Mine is pre sept build and my MP3 playback is not working. I was told it has the update but it's still not working. If you get one I recommend a later build date. It seems BMW worked out lots of bugs in the later builds. I want to get an intake and BMW performance exhaust.

Vertical · 03-16-2009, 10:59 PM

Still looking...

OK, to summarize, there may be a iDrive based mp3 problem that can be fixed with software and the suspension manufacturer changed with no known ramifications.

Sweet...makes life easeir since it's rediculously hard to find 6mt and fold down rear seats.

blue2fire · 03-16-2009, 11:11 PM

The 330i is a good choice if you are not excessively mod crazy. It offers a nice balance. There are times i wish i paid the marginal difference toward a 335i and gotten a JB3 though, this site does that to you.

///AV_330i · 03-16-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

The 330i is a good choice if you are not excessively mod crazy. It offers a nice balance. There are times i wish i paid the marginal difference toward a 335i and gotten a JB3 though, this site does that to you.

I agree.

smellthebeans · 03-17-2009, 09:48 AM

I have 74K miles on mine. No issues in the 12/05 build date. If I could change one thing I would have gotten a manual. Sport Package is a must! I also recommend a tire and wheel package (coverage) I avoided that and have now (3 years later) paid through the nose!

Good Luck!

02-25-2009, 01:32 AM	#1
Vertical digs the drive 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2006 330i 6-speed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Looking to pick up a 2006 330i...any links to prefered build dates, etc? Looking to swap out my 1996 328i sport for a 2006 330i sport. Are there any sites that list the running changes and maybe preferred build dates? I stuck out on the search on this forum...anyone have any quick links? Thanks
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02-25-2009, 01:37 AM	#2
tekieru Private First Class 5 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2008 Infiniti G35x Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	why not a 335i? : D __________________ Audi or BMW?
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02-25-2009, 09:25 AM	#3
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	Pre-September 2005 build date did not have mp3 software, but I think most people with early builds got that updated. Pre-September 2005 builds also apparently do not have some of the custom settings available to the driver that September 2005 and later builds have (turn on/off driving lights or auto lights sensitivity(?) maybe some others). There may be some issues with iPod adapters in the early builds, too, but I don't know. A search for "pre-September build" should pull relevant threads. Beginning with June 2006 build dates, the OEM suspension manufacturer changed from Boge/Sachs to Bilstein, but there were no changes to the suspension specs. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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02-25-2009, 02:29 PM	#5
Bimmer007 Lieutenant 41 Rep 537 Posts Drives: Cars Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	some of the earlier sport steering wheels didn't have thumb rests
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02-25-2009, 04:48 PM	#7
acontisr330i Private 1 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2006 330i blk/blk Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (0)	I just got one 3 weeks ago been pulled over 3 times so far.I love it but if you can get a stick the acceleration in the steptronic at take off is really bad. That's the only thing i don't like and also the corona angel eyes need to be brighter. But that's just changing the bulbs. Good Luck
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02-25-2009, 08:00 PM	#10
Higgs1 Lieutenant 43 Rep 434 Posts Drives: 2020 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (7) Garage List 2020 Tesla Model 3 [0.00]	the MP3 issue was only with iDrives i can confirm as that was the problem I had, but its a simple software update to fix, no biggie I'm loving my 330i and I think its more than enough for the amount of $$$ i saved
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02-25-2009, 11:45 PM	#12
Oulixes Lieutenant Colonel 22 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 330xi, 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Terra Borealis iTrader: (0)	VANOS tick, etc. A few comments on the questions posted by Vertical: It is known that some of the early engines for the 330(x)i had problems with the oil delivery to the VANOS, but for obvious reasons there are no hard data about build dates. My car's build is 04/06 and so far it has been OK. With a bit of work, a search should yield details of the valve lifters noise problem, and should yield solutions used to solve the oil delivery, which I believe ranged from noninvasive ones to the replacement of the head. Because I do not have navigation, I cannot comment on the electronics that is linked to it. My car, and likely all the 330 models, has a 3.5 mm audio AUX jack, which can feed iPod earphone signal to the radio; this works well but it is unsophisticated by today's standards.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-26-2009, 02:57 AM	#13
Evil E90 Captain 58 Rep 868 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	I'm enjoying my 06 330i. Mine is pre sept build and my MP3 playback is not working. I was told it has the update but it's still not working. If you get one I recommend a later build date. It seems BMW worked out lots of bugs in the later builds. I want to get an intake and BMW performance exhaust.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2009, 10:59 PM	#14
Vertical digs the drive 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2006 330i 6-speed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies Still looking... OK, to summarize, there may be a iDrive based mp3 problem that can be fixed with software and the suspension manufacturer changed with no known ramifications. Sweet...makes life easeir since it's rediculously hard to find 6mt and fold down rear seats.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2009, 09:48 AM	#17
smellthebeans Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,555 Posts Drives: LPCs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (2) Garage List 1990 325i [0.00]	I have 74K miles on mine. No issues in the 12/05 build date. If I could change one thing I would have gotten a manual. Sport Package is a must! I also recommend a tire and wheel package (coverage) I avoided that and have now (3 years later) paid through the nose! Good Luck! __________________
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