Wes BMW 330cic / BMW 330 Convertible Website
Return to the homepage How I went about buying my 330cic Observations and comments Frequently Asked Questions from visitors Photos of my BMW 330cic Links to other BMW sites Send me a note, ask a question, whatever

Welcome!

I built this site shortly after purchasing my 2001 BMW 330cic on May 5, 2001. The official name of the car is a BMW 330ci convertible, but it's easier to say 330cic.

I try to maintain the type of website that I wanted to find but couldn't when I was researching 2001 BMW convertibles. There was zero unbiased information available from actual owners on the Web.

What is a "One-Hour Website?"
I spent an hour designing and building the original version of this site. What you're seeing now is v2.0.

And now a word from our sponsor...
Feel free to have me design your website. You'll get a top web designer and marketer for about 10% of what an agency would charge, and it helps pay for this site.

 

 

Thank you for all of your emails. Yes, I still own the car, but it's just been tough balancing work and play.

What's New

November 2007 notes available, including a sighting of the Daimler "Smart Car" which they've started selling in select regions of the US finally.

December 2007 notes available. BIG repair bill.

January, February, March 2008 added but I'd only look at these pages if you're interested what others ask me about.

Smart Car sighting near San Francisco

How to change the time on a BMW 330 cic

Zaino pics & Underside of the car pics

Would I Buy This Car Again?
In a word, yes.

  1. I've driven the car 124,000+ miles with no major mechanical or build problems, other than those noted to the right.
  2. The car is still a blast to drive
  3. It still has one of the fastest fully-automatic tops available

Cheap BMW Windscreen Source
A site visitor wrote me asking about any updates to the must have list and suggestions on where to find a cheaper windscreen. As for must haves, there's no changes. As for the windscreen, I'd just call up Pacific BWM dealership in Glendale that I've recommended before.

Have questions?
If there's something not highly technical about a BMW 330cic you want to know but don't see on the site, let me know by clicking here. I am NOT a mechanic; I work in marketing. I appreciate general feedback about the site as well.

Many thanks to the people who have sent notes thanking me for this site. Average page views have risen to 6,000+ per month.

NOTE: If you have a technical question, it is faster and wiser to contact BMWUSA or your local dealer.

BMW windscreen photos
The one accessory that's more of a necessity for drivers or drivers with passengers who either have long hair or who smoke when they drive like me
More BMW windscreen info

Old news, but noteworthy...

Maintenance Log
In response to a reader request, I've listed in true anal-retentive fashion when my car has been serviced, plus some other info.
More

Convertible Top Problems
Microswitches are to blame More

2nd set of tires - Michelin Pilot A/S Sport

3rd set of tires - Bridgestone Potenza RE750

Really old information

Steering Retrofit
NOTE: This only applies to cars built before April 2001.
BMW decided to lighten the steering in the E46 (the designation of the latest BMW 3-series), the result of which was cars that drove like a Buick Century. BMW has instituted a FREE steering retrofit offer. Send them a note via the BMW North America Owner's Circle Website. If you're buying a used BMW 330 convertible, you should take this into consideration.

UPDATE 12/6/02: a visitor writes that BMW USA is still offering the steering retrofit to owners.

UPDATE: 1/10/05: a visitor writes that BMW USA is no longer offering the steering upgrade.

Siemens Fan Recall Update
Yes, they recall the fan again More>

Extended Warranty
Purchased extended warranty from Peter Pan BMW in San Mateo for $399.00 or $300 less than any other dealership. More>

 

2001: General Notes | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
2002: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
2003: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
2004: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
2005: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
2006: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
2007: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
2008: January | February | March
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Copyright 2006 Wesley Kashiwagi. All Rights Reserved. Send comments on this site