Today’s Nice Price or No Dice 330i offers a five-speed stick and the seller’s promise that “Not a single “check engine” light is lit.” Let’s decide if this low-mileage sport sedan’s price lights up our interest.
While doing a little research on the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero we looked at last Friday, I discovered a fun fact: rapper Lil Nas X’s given name is Montero Lamar Hill. His mother gave him that name because she was keen to own one of Mitsubishi’s sturdy and capable mid-sized SUVs. Lil Nas was born before our Montero hit the streets, however, so his mom must have liked the earlier edition. Based on the comments, most of you do as well, and at $12,950, our dealer-offered next-generation version appeared to be even less well-liked, earning an 87 percent No Dice loss.
A not-so-old Montero (the SUV, not the rapper) may not have universal appeal, but older BMWs tend to draw a sizable fan base. This 2001 BMW 330i saloon has many of the goods that make the brand such a crowd-pleaser. First off, of course, is the engine. That’s a 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter edition of the much-lauded M54 straight six. Another plus is the transmission, as this E46 puts the ponies to the pavement through a ZF-sourced five-speed stick.
According to the seller, the drivetrain has only pushed the car 74,000 miles over the course of its 23 years of duty. That’s only about 3,200 miles a year, meaning it is overall lightly used. Again, according to the seller, it’s still in “top-notch shape.”
Presented in Steel Gray Metallic over a black leather or vinyl interior, the Bimmer appears in the pictures to be in almost new condition. The 17-inch Style 73 wheels appear free of curb encounters and wear newish tires that seem to have enough tread to get a new owner home. Heck, even the headlamp lenses and badges look to have been kept out of the sun.
The interior, too, is in fine condition, exhibiting no tears or significant crazing in the upholstery and only minor signs of use on other surfaces. On the downside, the car lacks the upgraded sport seats and steering wheel, but if someone really wanted those, each is a bolt-in option.
While appearing to be a time capsule, some parts of this 330i have moved on. The seller notes spending $3K over the past year on age-related maintenance, including replacing the thermostat, cam cover gasket, and mission-critical suspension pieces.
Now, it’s said to drive and handle “beautifully” and without any of those pesky dashboard warning lights that vex many drivers of cars from this era. The ad also notes that the car has an upgraded sound system; however, that must be just amps and speakers since it appears to have the factory head unit in the dash.
A clean title closes out the car’s defense, meaning we now need to decide the fate of its $9,995 asking price.
What do you think? Is this low-mileage, well-kept, and kitted 330i worth handing over $9,995 of hard-earned cash? Or, lovely as it is, will the seller have a tough time getting anyone else to love it as much for that amount?
You decide!
Atlanta, Georgia, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
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