325I - Why not

[jcrosi]

There seems to be a lot of negative thoughts about the 325 as compared to the 330. ANy owners of 325's out there that love their car. My 04 325I is on order but after reading many of these points Im starting to regret it.

Someone care to reinforce my purchase

 

[Millreef]

K...I'll jump in. For 90% of the driving I do, 184 hp is vastly more than enough....besides, it feels like a lot more than 184! I drove the 330 as well and, no question that it has a bit more jump....but not enough, for me anyway, to justify the difference in price. And....besides, the fact that I haven't stopped grinning in the 3 weeks since I got it....is all the justification I need!

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

exactly, i have a 325i and even though the 330i is better than the 325i, you need to take in account the price of the car, the 325i is enough, if you have any questions just go the bmw dealer and drive both cars...

 

[Skipper]

I moved from an Acura TLs into a 325. At most points 184 HP feels like as much or more than teh 260 hp in the Acura. It may be a little less for passing 70 - 90 KPH (40 - 50 MPH) but I think for most driving I do the 325 is great

 

[cdotger]

Jcrosi,

Do not worry as soon as the car is in your hands you will doubt no more

 

[pony_trekker]

Look at it this way . . .

buying the 325 instead of the 330 probably saves you four points on your license.

 

[sherdog]

Jcrosi,

I know exactly how you feel, I am currently in the process of deciding whether to go with the 325 or 330...I currently drive an A4 which has the same horsepower as the 325...Although I have not driven either car yet I have done extensive research on both and from what i gather the only real difference in the 330 is from a dead stop..once you get going they both pretty much feel like the same car...Unless I am truly blown away from the 330 (when i do drive it) I may go with the 325...I just don't know yet...

But I am sure once you get your car you will absolutely love it and be glad you went with it...

Congrats!

 

[William330]

There seems to be a lot of negative thoughts about the 325 as compared to the 330. ANy owners of 325's out there that love their car. My 04 325I is on order but after reading many of these points Im starting to regret it.

Someone care to reinforce my purchase

Did you test drive both to compare?

The 330 has more power, and a few refinements in the options category.

I drove both, loved the 325, adored the 330.

Went with the 330, it's only a few grand ($4K?) more all things considered.

 

[codex57]

I have a 325. Yeah there's a noticeable difference, but the 325 has adequate horsepower compared to cars around you. Unless you plan on racing from a stoplight or even on the freeways a lot, the 325 is fine. It's still a BMW and has the same handling as the 330 so all the inherent goodness is there. Plus, my license is likely still clean because I'm not as tempted to race everything that challenges me and I concentrate on the handling which still amazes me.

 

[jonnyz16]

All are great points !! Sometimes I think I need the extra power but I don't ..I get a thrill everytime I wind thru the gears . You won't be disappointed about either choice..

 

[Maxer]

I was amazed when I test drove them both. The 325i had plenty of power, the 330i had more. With a MT the 325i tears it up quite nicely. They're essentially the same car, but with a 50hp (or 60hp w/PP), $6400 difference in price when comparibly equipped (CW, HK, Prem and Spt, or PP). Just a matter of personal preference if its worth it. I have no regrets about my 325i. Now if only I had another $20K for a M3...

 

[Blue]

I just picked up a 325i a few days ago and I'm loving it. There's plenty of power there - you won't be disappointed.

 

[mrblonde]

i bought the 330 over the 325 on account of wanting the premium sound and the sport package was a little cheaper because it comes with some features standard. off the line its faster but the real difference is accelerating between 60-80 and 80-100. damn thats hot. although pony_trekker said it best:

buying the 325 instead of the 330 probably saves you four points on your license.

 

[Richmond325CI]

I bought a '04 325CI and have definitely not been disappointed. If I had an extra 5 grand burning a hole in my pocket, I would have done the 330. Or 20 grand for the M3.

But I would do it all over again......will do it again in about 2 more years!!!

 

[ddone]

I believe that I read in a recent Roundel issue that about 2/3 of North American
3 series purchases for 2003 were 2.5L versions. I remember this because
I thought that this was surprising. I also think I remember reading that this was
true for the Z4 as well.

I have driven both the 3.0L and the 2.5L version. Clearly, the 3.0L version
has greater acceleration as you would expect. Obviously, only you can decide
if the 330i is worth the additional investment.

I drive a 325i auto and I used to drive a 200HP Acura with a 6-speed.
Oddly enough, I really do enjoy the torque in the low and mid-range in my automatic BMW,
and its handling, over the 6-speed and handling of the Acura. For me, the 325i works even
in auto format.... at least for now.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[AWD330XI]

I love my 330xi, but if snow and traffic were not an issue, I would prefer a 330ci in a 6 speed.

 

[HornyHornet]

I too was torn between the two. But once drove the manual 325i, it amazed how much fun the smaller engine was...is. Yes, the 330 is quicker out the line, but like said before, cruising at speed is like the same. Free reving nature of BMW engines make them feel more powerful than advertised. I say that the 325i has enough pep for everyday needs. Unless you plan autoX you will be pleased and satified with your purchase. HH

 

[rjp325i]

Comparably equipped there is less of a difference. The level of standard equipment is higher in the 330 (if you want that equipment). Besides the engine difference you get a 5 speed in a 325 while a 6 speed comes with the 330. The brakes are larger on the 330 by 1 inch as well. The 325 amounts to 2/3 of the 3 series sales and the M3 7%. The balance is the 330. Both are nice. It is just a matter of can you swing the extra bucks. If spending that much on a 325 satisfies you, OK. Then will you get to some point, say a year from now, where you wished you went for the 330. That is the question I dealt with and then I went for the 330i with ZHP option. I am now more than satisfied.

 

[pony_trekker]

I kind of agree

Comparably equipped there is less of a difference. The level of standard equipment is higher in the 330 (if you want that equipment). Besides the engine difference you get a 5 speed in a 325 while a 6 speed comes with the 330. The brakes are larger on the 330 by 1 inch as well. The 325 amounts to 2/3 of the 3 series sales and the M3 7%. The balance is the 330. Both are nice. It is just a matter of can you swing the extra bucks. If spending that much on a 325 satisfies you, OK. Then will you get to some point, say a year from now, where you wished you went for the 330. That is the question I dealt with and then I went for the 330i with ZHP option. I am now more than satisfied.

Don't get me wrong, I love my 325i, and I am lucky my wife let old leadfoot here get ANY car with a 6 cyl, but in retrospect, I think I would have opted for a 330i with 'ette and sport package ONLY, instead of a loaded 325i.

 

[jcrosi]

Great insights

Thanks for the insight. I am sure I will be extremely happy with the 325. I was very happy when I ordered, but after reading many of these posts you start doubting. Engine, interior, exterior, colors, sound systems...you name it...............Dont get wrong, the info from this board has been invaluable.............thanks have learned a lot

Build date 14th week ------ getting closer