Differences Between 325ci and 330ci

[William330]

As these models fade from dealer lots and memory, I figured it would be good to document the differences between them. These differences probably varied from year to year, but this is what the differences were in April 2003 for the ci (coupe) models in the USA.


Engine:
- 225 HP (184HP for 325ci)


Interior:
- Power seats with keyed memory standard
- Silver trim around dash gauges
- Upgraded Harmon Kardon audio system standard
- 4 function on-board computer


Exterior:
- Silver front air intake grille below bumber
- Clear light lenses front and rear (orange on 325ci)
- Silver front headlamp surrounds (black on 325ci)
- Chrome exhaust tip
- 17 inch wheels with V-rated tires (16 inch and H-rated tires on 325ci)
- Brake rotors (front and rear) are 1 inch larger
- Chrome grille slats (black on 325ci)
- Chrome trim around side windows (black on 325ci)
- Brushed aluminum door sills (black plastic on 325ci)


Anything missed? Anything else that differed for other model years?

[Post updated with latest info]

 

[rjp325i]

Larger brakes on 330 (front and rear rotors are 1 inch larger)
Chrome grill slats on 330 vs black on 325
Chrome trim around side windows on 330 vs black on 325
Body color air intake, roof seam trim, trunk lift grip on 330 (this might only affect sedan, I'm not sure)
Door sill trim aluminum/rubber vs all rubber on 325 (visible when doors are open)
Power front seats with memory on 330
Harmon Kardon audio system std on 330
4 function on board computer std on 330
Also, a couple of options are only available on a 330 or are slightly different in what they include for the 330 vs 325.

The above differences are listed in the BMW dealer book Fast Facts for the 2004 model year. I have an '04 330i and my son an '03 330ci. I hope this info helps.

 

[William330]

Thanks for the additional info, I had forgotten the Harmon Kardon
system came with the 330!

Also, what is a "body color air intake" is that the grille under the
front bumper? I thought the 325 had the body-colored intake, and
the 330 had a silver grille?

 

[~SUN-XTC~]

Mine has stock 18" rims and z-rated tires.. so might add that on the 'wheels' section.

 

[rjp325i]

I believe the body colored air intake is the car interior air intake at the base of the windshield. Like I said previuosly this could be a sedan only difference, I'm not sure. The 18 inch wheels were only std with the ZHP pkg on the 330, otherwise they were a stand alone option for my son's '03 330ci. It was not part of the premium or sport pkg. that he got. It was listed separately on the window sticker and priced accordingly. There are also some differences in std equipment depending on whether its a sedan or coupe. If you have a E46 brochure for the coupes it would give pictures as well as a listing. I just have the sedan brochure. Also the 6 speed manual is std in the 330i while a 5 speed manual came with the 325i in 2004. I do not know if that pertains to the coupe as well.

 

[iffy]

wats the difference in fuel figures for these two models? According to the fuel figures website the 330 gives the the same amount of mpg as the 325. Is the right? what engine size is best to go for, taking mpg, practicality etc into consideration.

 

[codex57]

wats the difference in fuel figures for these two models? According to the fuel figures website the 330 gives the the same amount of mpg as the 325. Is the right? what engine size is best to go for, taking mpg, practicality etc into consideration.

Yeah. If it's not the same, it's like 1 mpg difference. Pisses me off. I just assumed the 325 would be a lot better in gas mileage when I bought it. Shoulda looked more carefully. Possibly would have convinced me to splurge on the 330.