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E46 325i vs 330i
- Thread starter AdiS
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Rapido WP
///Member
SP33DYV said:
I agree totally - my son has a 325 Touring manual and it almost keeps up with my 330 auto. Another option if you can't find a good 330 is to look for a 325CI coupe - that body makes it almost worth it. Then slap on a RGM back box after de-cat, and YOU will think its a 330. My biggest regret is that BMWSA never brought in the 330CI - America is full of them. Now that is truly one step down from M3
Fordkoppie
///Member
SP33DYV said:In my opinion, there isn't such a huge difference except fuel consumption and exhaust note. The 330i is a lot thirstier than the 325i with my driving style. The 330i is quicker though, especially when you're not keeping to the speed limit and the torque on the 330i ensures that you need less gear changes. On the other end of the scale, the 325i feels and sounds smoother, revving to the limiter easier. It's a close call though. I've only had my 330i for a short time, but the exhaust note is addictive, even at startup in the morning. That alone is reason enough to get a 330i. The 330i also has a 6 speed manual box which is a huge plus and helps with fuel economy on the highway.
Comparing a manual 325i to an auto 330i is a different ball game altogether. The 325i M and 330i A is so close to call, it's not even funny. I used to have a colleague with a 330i A and I had the 325i M. From a standing start he could not get away from me (Neck in neck up to about 150km/h), but his fuel consumption was almost double that of the 325i. Not only is the 330i more expensive to acquire, you also keep paying more at the pumps. I say if you can get either in excellent condition, you should take it. BMW will stop making N/A 6 cylinder engines soon. So grab a piece of motoring history while it's still available.
I must admit on the open road at legal speeds the 325i is only slightly better on fuel consumption. In mixed driving the tables are turned drastically, and the 325i wins hands down. I must admit, I am a spirited driver though.
That's it, my 2 cents.
The 330i's are in a different league.
I must admit, the 330i is a much better car. I've had mine for a while now. Everything is just so much better, especially the brakes. Make no mistake the 325i has excellent brakes, but the 330i's is just better. A lot better! The 330i has a lot more to offer and the fuel consumption on the highway is actually better than that of the 325i - 6.8l/100km using cruise control. That 6th gear makes a huge difference. The 325i feels dead after I have driven the 330i. Only problem is, I have had a taste of a 335i now.
Funny how almost 4 months changes one's perspective :fencelook: :rollsmile:
Bayn46
Active member
The cars are almost identical in weight, but the 325i lacks quite a bit of torque; something which you will struggle to make up for using the standard mods. Even if you get close, you have spent a lot of money getting your car to the level of a stock 330i.
The 325i is not a bad car, far from it; it's just not comparable to the 330i. If you want the extra power, and are willing to wait, get the 330i.
The 325i is not a bad car, far from it; it's just not comparable to the 330i. If you want the extra power, and are willing to wait, get the 330i.
S
SP33DYV
Guest
Fordkoppie said:SP33DYV said:In my opinion, there isn't such a huge difference except fuel consumption and exhaust note. The 330i is a lot thirstier than the 325i with my driving style. The 330i is quicker though, especially when you're not keeping to the speed limit and the torque on the 330i ensures that you need less gear changes. On the other end of the scale, the 325i feels and sounds smoother, revving to the limiter easier. It's a close call though. I've only had my 330i for a short time, but the exhaust note is addictive, even at startup in the morning. That alone is reason enough to get a 330i. The 330i also has a 6 speed manual box which is a huge plus and helps with fuel economy on the highway.
Comparing a manual 325i to an auto 330i is a different ball game altogether. The 325i M and 330i A is so close to call, it's not even funny. I used to have a colleague with a 330i A and I had the 325i M. From a standing start he could not get away from me (Neck in neck up to about 150km/h), but his fuel consumption was almost double that of the 325i. Not only is the 330i more expensive to acquire, you also keep paying more at the pumps. I say if you can get either in excellent condition, you should take it. BMW will stop making N/A 6 cylinder engines soon. So grab a piece of motoring history while it's still available.
I must admit on the open road at legal speeds the 325i is only slightly better on fuel consumption. In mixed driving the tables are turned drastically, and the 325i wins hands down. I must admit, I am a spirited driver though.
That's it, my 2 cents.
The 330i's are in a different league.
I must admit, the 330i is a much better car. I've had mine for a while now. Everything is just so much better, especially the brakes. Make no mistake the 325i has excellent brakes, but the 330i's is just better. A lot better! The 330i has a lot more to offer and the fuel consumption on the highway is actually better than that of the 325i - 6.8l/100km using cruise control. That 6th gear makes a huge difference. The 325i feels dead after I have driven the 330i. Only problem is, I have had a taste of a 335i now.
Funny how almost 4 months changes one's perspective :fencelook: :rollsmile:
It takes a while to get used to the faster car and pushing it a little harder as you get used to it. In normal driving it's still close. Except for the brakes. And for fuel consumption in urban driving. The 330i is a lot heavier in the traffic, but on the open road, it's a different story. I still love driving the 325i though.:inlove:
AdiS said:Bayn46 said:
I have generally found that the 2.5L M54 is somewhat lazy - its not a bad motor, but it really doesn't like to rev (at least in stock form), its far happier just cruising around. The 330i on the other hand loves screaming to redline
I've had just the opposite experience. My 325i likes living on the limiter. And it feels smoother than the 330i. The 330i on the other hand feels rough as it gets closer to the red. Don't get me wrong, it is still not rough, just not as smooth as the 325i. And it does get there quite easily if floored.
