E46 325i vs 330i

[AdiS]

Hi Guys,

I find myself in somewhat of a predicament, and I am hoping to draw on the insights of those with experience.

Ultimately I am after an e46 330i for obvious reasons. But I am also pedantic about the spec and condition of the vehicle. It has to be individual or sport pack, and has to be manual. Mileage and past maintenance are the obvious ones as well.

So I find myself in the situation where I have found what seems to be a rare find - a late 2005 325i Individual with 100 000km, and very well looked after. Now, logically, alhtough its not a 330i, i am inclined to consider options like this as good, well looked after e46 individuals are hard to find to say the least.

So my question is really about whether or not I will be frustrated with not having gotten a 330i. I am well aware of the technical differences in power, torque, engine capacity etc; and it serves to say that it probably has much of the character of the 330i (sound, power delivery etc). But I have really high standards for cars and performance, so my question is will I find it too slow. If i drive a 330i after having bought a 325, will i want to shoot myself? Or is the difference not that huge?

 

[Doomsdaya]

But I have really high standards for cars and performance, so my question is will I find it too slow. If i drive a 330i after having bought a 325, will i want to shoot myself? Or is the difference not that huge?

To give you an idea.... I drove both cars and believe me theres a HUGE difference between the 2, not to say the 325i is sluggish. Its got more then enough power and I wouldn't mind owning one, but I find the 330i reacts and moves much quicker.

 

[Chucky]

drive both and decide for yourself. that's the easiest way to decide. the one that leaves you felling like :inlove: after the drive is the one you should get... 318 , 325, 330 it doesn't matter.

 

[daves]

The purr of the 3.0L engine is amazing. Every morning starting my car gives me shivers

 

[tyu333]

Be patient and wait for a 330i

 

[FaSTandFurious]

drive both and decide for yourself. that's the easiest way to decide. the one that leaves you felling like :inlove: after the drive is the one you should get... 318 , 325, 330 it doesn't matter.

No offence but I take it you haven't driven a 116i yet hey

 

[Chucky]

drive both and decide for yourself. that's the easiest way to decide. the one that leaves you felling like :inlove: after the drive is the one you should get... 318 , 325, 330 it doesn't matter.

No offence but I take it you haven't driven a 116i yet hey

LOL hence I didn't mention it, but my point was basically this; choose the one that speaks to you the most and stick with it.

 

[daves]

330i doesnt speak. It shouts :inlove:

 

[Don86]

Having driven both, the 330i has a noticeable difference in power delivery. Low end torque is better, which makes it more comfortable in traffic.

Both are fun cars to drive, but the 330i has a better exhaust note and the acoustics from the 6 piece orchestra is awesome (for a non M).

You may have "lead foot" problems in the 330i :rollsmile: then in the 325, however I had my share of fun in the 325 and would keep it as an option. Just....My opinion


Take them for a test drive and see which of the M54 family speaks to you.

 

[Cole]

you will regret not waiting for a 330i
you would think they are reasonably similar but they are worlds apart in reality.

 

[Diablo Jnr]

If you get the 325i...you will regret it everytime you see or hear a 330i, so just be patient. Will be worth the wait.:thumbs:

 

[Gizmo]

As everyone else has said, hold out for the 330i. I own both and the 330i is miles better than the 325i, gets better fuel economy than the 325i as well, did I mention it comes standard with bigger brakes too?

 

[BRUCE G]

As everyone else has said, hold out for the 330i. I own both and the 330i is miles better than the 325i, gets better fuel economy than the 325i as well, did I mention it comes standard with bigger brakes too?

:thumbs: 330i

 

[AdiS]

Hi Guys,

Thanks very much for the responses, they seem inline with what i was expecting. I knwo the 330i IS better - better exhaust, more torque, etc etc.

I think the question is more about a realistic purchase and vehicle ownership. So, if a really good 325i comes along (which it sort of has), does that outweigh the benefit of the performance of a 330i in teh way of it being in excellent condition, great spec, good maintenance history etc etc.

It seems to me that for the most part, using teh above logic to buy a really good 325i would be fine, and i would be happy. But I do have that undying urge to optimise and maximise, and it would annoy me that i dont have the sound and power of the 330i... What about the BMW performance intake and exhuast - that would add some character, albeit not much power.


It's really annoying - I guess I should just hope to find a good 330i..

Any further insights would be appreciated..

 

[Raybimmer]

The 325i is a good car when taken for the price , the 330i is a great car :thumbs: .
I have a e36 325i non vanos with 138 kW and a e36 328i with 142 kW , there is a big difference for only 4 kW .

 

[AdiS]

The 325i is a good car when taken for the price , the 330i is a great car :thumbs: .
I have a e36 325i non vanos with 138 kW and a e36 328i with 142 kW , there is a big difference for only 4 kW .

You will probably find the difference you are describing is due to better power delivery from increased torque. Peak power figures are irrelevant most of the time..

 

[LPM320]

I have driven both, and feel that the 325i feels like any rapid 6 cylinder bmw. While the 330i on the other hand feels special from the time you turn the key. From the response to the exhaust note. If im not mistaken, it was the first non motorsport 3 series to achieve a true top speed of 250km/h....

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

i'd go with the 330i.

I used to have a NA 323i... then I supercharged it. currently 200kw on the fly and its leaps and bounds ahead of the 125kw I used to have. Believe me, you want the 330i.

Wait for it.

 

[Karthik]

I found myself in your position once and chose the 325i . I do regret it yes at times , but then again I know my baby with her low mileage and impeccable condition I would never have found again . The 330i is in another league I must say . Drove one and compared to a 325i it gave me the impression that it has a turbo . No it doesn't really but it is that good .

 

[TheMo]

I'd say go with the 330i, you wont be sorry, I drive a 2003 330i individual SMG and still loving it :inlove: