Help deciding on an 03 or 04 330Ci?

[jwnpgh]

Hello all

I am considering buying a used 3-series coupe. I currently drive an 03 Merc CLK320.

I would like to get into a more affordable car and the only other car I like is the BMW. I was wondering if you guys had any advice as to what to steer clear from.

I also want to make sure I can do Ipod (I know I can in the years I want). I also would like the navigation. Does anyone know if you can play MP3 CDs in the unit?
I know from 03 and up it is DVD based, but I tried an MP3 CD in a new mazda RX8 with DVD nav and it didn't work.

I test drove one before I bought the Merc and I really liked the car, but originally the Merc was more interesting to me, and a good bit more expensive.

Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

John

 

[bmwrocks]

There are a lot of differences between the '03 and '04 330ci. Most are cosmetic as the 330ci was facelifted in '04. Functional differences include steerable xenons, LED taillights, LED sidemarkers and adaptive brakelights. There are no drivetrain/suspension diffs between the '03 and '04.

You cannot play MP3s in the standard CD player or OEM changer. Also the DVD player is dedicated to the nav system and cannot be used for playing other discs of any kind.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[jwnpgh]

Thanks for the info.

The Ipod integration will be enough.

John

 

[codex57]

I believe iPod integration isn't available with the stock navi. Pick your poison basically. If you want navi, I'd prolly just go aftermarket.

Other than that, the diff btw 03 and 04 is basically what bmwrocks mentioned. i went through the same dilemna myself. Went with 03 cuz I liked the older look better and I figured I could retrofit the taillights later (it's possible, I'm just short on cash right now). The adaptive xenons woulda been cool, but they might break later so I'm ok with never having them.

 

[~SUN-XTC~]

I'd go with either, just get the one with the options you want.. That's what I did - it ended up being an '03.