First of all I know the models are different, however as one respresents the evolution of the other I feel there are interesting comparison points. I own a 2005 330XI with 14K and had the 2006 325XI as a loaner for the day. Yes it was enough time to draw conclusions!
The exterior of the 06 is nice, sporty and more modern in terms of other competitive car lines. However, other than the front I found it boaty, round and without revealing lines. Don't get me wrong it is a hot car from the outside. But the 05 is subtle, a very sharp with lines. Note that the new 750 front goes back to this look as well.
The interior of the 06 is awful, boring, basic and lacked character. The long lasting curve of the dash and the controls in the doors while different are blaw and an awful long stretch if you like to recline as we all do. I'd be the 1st to admit if I'd liked it. It just did not do it for me.
Power, well even though the 06 325 has identical HP (-5)? it was slow compared to my 05 330. It lacked character in the exhaust sound and was not as smooth nor did the torgue feel there as in the 330. I'd be suprised if the 0-60 was the reverse.
The ride in 06 325 was very firm (same miles as mine), tight, responsive more so than my 05 330. However it bottomed out easily and over bumps it was like driving on rocks. I definetly feel I could drive my 330 harder into to turns with less roll / yaw. I don't know how similar they turn in G rating.
Finally the ignition. Forget about it with the 06. The block key with the button. Too funny to have in a 3 series. There is a 7 series in my family and for that money you need someting flashy to justify the price. Thank god I was not getting car jacked because I could not get the car to start a number of times if my life depended on it, and I'm very mechanically inclined. Besides why take two steps to start a car when one will do the trick? I want to drive!
My 05 330XI is a fully loaded model vs. my loaner which was close to a base model. The loaner felt cheaper in many ways. You get what you pay for. So the lesson learned for me was this. It was better not to wait for the 06' (when I bought mine XI 06 with AWD was not due for 6 months). Bottom-line (for me) is that the 05' 330XI rocks. It is the last model with a legacy of classic BMW character with AWD to boot. I bet over time a 05 AWD is more desireable than an 06. Now the 07' 335I is a whole other story........................... Think they make one as a loaner? Not!
The exterior of the 06 is nice, sporty and more modern in terms of other competitive car lines. However, other than the front I found it boaty, round and without revealing lines. Don't get me wrong it is a hot car from the outside. But the 05 is subtle, a very sharp with lines. Note that the new 750 front goes back to this look as well.
The interior of the 06 is awful, boring, basic and lacked character. The long lasting curve of the dash and the controls in the doors while different are blaw and an awful long stretch if you like to recline as we all do. I'd be the 1st to admit if I'd liked it. It just did not do it for me.
Power, well even though the 06 325 has identical HP (-5)? it was slow compared to my 05 330. It lacked character in the exhaust sound and was not as smooth nor did the torgue feel there as in the 330. I'd be suprised if the 0-60 was the reverse.
The ride in 06 325 was very firm (same miles as mine), tight, responsive more so than my 05 330. However it bottomed out easily and over bumps it was like driving on rocks. I definetly feel I could drive my 330 harder into to turns with less roll / yaw. I don't know how similar they turn in G rating.
Finally the ignition. Forget about it with the 06. The block key with the button. Too funny to have in a 3 series. There is a 7 series in my family and for that money you need someting flashy to justify the price. Thank god I was not getting car jacked because I could not get the car to start a number of times if my life depended on it, and I'm very mechanically inclined. Besides why take two steps to start a car when one will do the trick? I want to drive!
My 05 330XI is a fully loaded model vs. my loaner which was close to a base model. The loaner felt cheaper in many ways. You get what you pay for. So the lesson learned for me was this. It was better not to wait for the 06' (when I bought mine XI 06 with AWD was not due for 6 months). Bottom-line (for me) is that the 05' 330XI rocks. It is the last model with a legacy of classic BMW character with AWD to boot. I bet over time a 05 AWD is more desireable than an 06. Now the 07' 335I is a whole other story........................... Think they make one as a loaner? Not!