Thinking about buying a 3 Series need your help

[codex57]

You actually sit in and check out the interior of the X3 (compared to say the 3 series) and she might not want it so much anymore (or you might hate it enough to refuse if she doesn't care). It's... different.

 

[sherdog]

I hear ya codex57,

I am going to the dealer this weekend and am going to test drive all three...the 325, 330 and the X3...hope they don't think i'm nuts..lol

We'll see what happens...The suspense is killing me though....work is just lagging on today

 

[gizzy]

My wife was trying desperatly to get me to look at suv's. Since I was looking at BMW, she really wanted me to get an X3 but after seeing it compared to the 325xi, she decided the xi was the car for me. Too bad I could talk her into letting me get the stick shift though.

If you do go with the X3 though, I would recomend that you get the sunroof -- it's huge!!!

 

[sherdog]

Hey Gizzy,

I totally hear ya on that one...the woman is all for the X3....it will be interesting to see what happens, i am defiitely going to go with the suroof, regardless of what i get that' for sure!

 

[bmwcoupedriver]

1 Year, 12,000 Miles and No Problems

Except for a few minor concerns. I have had NO mechanical problems with my 330ci in it's first year. Now if only I could keep fools from dinging my passenger door. I couldn't ask for a better car.

Joseph

 

[bmwcoupedriver]

1 Year, 12,000 Miles and No Problems

Except for a few minor concerns. I have had NO mechanical problems with my 330ci in it's first year. Now if only I could keep fools from dinging my passenger door. I couldn't ask for a better car.

Joseph

 

[Susie520]

go for the 330 ... do it do it

Sherdog ... go with the 330. You don't want to ever purchase a first model year vehicle (X3) and it hasn't even had a chance yet to prove anything about reliablity, which is one of your concerns! If its anything like the X5 ... I would REALLY be worried. In november I purchased a 2004 Acura MDX, I thought i needed the space and flexibility of a an SUV with AWD. The winters aren't usually THAT harsh in VA and I feel that my 330xi will be just fine when it first experiences snow. I test drove both the 325 and the 330 before making a decision, but like you .. I always had the gut feeling I'd go with the 330. There is an extreme noticeable difference in the pick-up. When you really slam down the accelerator in a 330 you're pushed down in your seat and immediately begin to "take off". It is SO responsive. With the 325, acceleration isn't bad but there is a noticeable lag between depressing the accelerator and finally REALLY taking off. The X3 is brand new and has a lot to prove. For a moment, while I was in the showroom I thought about it ... but for no longer than a moment. I am a true driving enthusiast and with the X3 you won't have near the cornering precision as in the 3 series sedan. Good luck and keep me posted!

 

[Xyrium]

If the X3 begins to look more attractive than a 330 anything, there is something wrong. If you're simply looking to save money, check out the Acura TL. Not a BMW, but it's quite a sophisticated and powerful vehicle. Good luck!

 

[sherdog]

Hey Guys,

The x3 is out...and the the 330 is in...now it's just a question of two door or four door..based on what i have heard i am sure that once i drive the 330 it will be a no brainer....but again looks like i am definitely going with the 330...

I cannot wait!!!!

 

[Xyrium]

Hey Guys,

The x3 is out...and the the 330 is in...now it's just a question of two door or four door..based on what i have heard i am sure that once i drive the 330 it will be a no brainer....but again looks like i am definitely going with the 330...

I cannot wait!!!!

Sounds like you're seeking a vehicle with utility in mind. Therefore, I'd suggest the sedan with the fold down seats. If you don't require AWD, the 325i should suit you quite well if you're seeking to save some money at a very minimal performance loss. I drove both a 325xi and 330xi this weekend, and the difference to me was a slight extra oomph from launch from the 330, while during brisk acceleration, the engine seems less *forced* than the 2.5l. However, some people love to hear the engine work, and that little 2.5l is fantastic in the 325. Once you weigh it down a bit more with AWD or extra steel (X3) it becomes a bit less *fun* though. Those inline sixes are sweet to behold though.

I also drove a 330xi with automatic. I had it in what they call (I think) sport mode or something. It felt pretty good, in case you ned to get an auto tranny. Again, the same disclaimer applies here, the 3.0 is where you want to be if you're getting auto (due to weight and gearing).

BTW, anyone in NJ would be well served by Michael Messinger of Park Ave BMW in Maywood NJ if you're in that area and market for a car. He was fantastic.

 

[sherdog]

Hey Xyrium,

I was kind of wondering that myself...how much of a difference could there really be between the two...I mean if someone blind-folded you and put you in the the car would you be able to tell which you are driving?....i guess ultimitely it will come down to me driving them both and then deciding whether i want to go with the bigger engine or not....I mean i will admit i am a bit of a label whore..lol I like the lookf of the two door way better than the 4 door...

But thanks for the tip...I Appreciate it buddy!

 

[Susie520]

Sherdog,
Blindfolded and behind the wheel of both 3 series engines, I am willing to bet you that you WILL be able to tell the difference between them. If it were barely noticeable I would have saves the 7 grand and bought the 325, but I love the power of the 3.0I litre. Test drive both and then give me your opinion, I am curious to see if you come up with same result. *NOTE: be looking for that not-so-subtle gravitation of your abdomen towards the back of the driver's seat upon take off.

 

[sherdog]

Will do Susie,

it is unfair for me to make an opinion before driving both of them..I will cetrainly drive them both and then let you guys know what i feel...I CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

[Andi]

Hi Sherdog,

If you go with the X3 you really have to choose the stick. The X3 is to heavy for the 3.0 engine and Sliptronic. If you consider the sliptronic, I have tried the X3 3.0D with the sliptronic. This is an awesome engine and has enough torque (~400Nm) for the weight of the X3.

Just my 2ct.

 

[codex57]

Blindfolded you can tell the difference. You can hear it too actually. If it's really not that big a stretch to afford the 330, I'd really go for it. Still, the 325 can be satisfying. You just won't be able to win that many stoplight races. I have my fun on freeway on and offramps mainly.

 

[sherdog]

Jeez!!!

You guys are making this really tough..lol

I am like borderline between the two (financially) If i save a little more and go for like an extra month or two without the car i might be able to swing the 330...If i am as impressed with the difference as you all say i will be then it will definitely be a no brainer....

 

[Section_8]

You certainly could tell the difference in a 325 and a 330, you're talking 50hp difference, and 50 lb torque difference to the wheels. (325 is 184hp, 174lb torque, 330 is 225hp 214lbs of torque). It's more than a 'subtle' change in acceleration.

Is it worth the 7k difference? That's up to you, and how you drive, and the size of your pockets. I can't imagine many 323/325 owners (myself included) who'd tell you they'd 'prefer' the smaller engine.. But I'm certainly not disappointed with the 2.5l, believe me.

 

[sherdog]

I hear ya Section_8,

The thing is i'm getting mixed signals on this issue, while some say the difference is extrmeley noticeable others say it's not really worth the extra $$$ and vice / versa. Of course everyone has their own perception of these things and ultimitely people's opinions will differ..You are right in saying that it depends on the individual's driving style.

For the most part I am a pretty conservative driver although I do tend to have a heavy foot at times....I guess I will just have to wait and see....Coming from an A4 1.8T which although has a smaller enginge than the 325 does have the same horsepower I am sure I will notice a big difference in the 330...If it impresses me that much I will certainly go with it...Although I think I would be satisfied with the 325, I am a firm believer in if you're going to do something do it right!

So let's wait and see what happens....
[fake]

 

[dudley821]

I kind of skimmed through this thread, so don't mind me if it's already been discussed. But have you considered getting like a 2003 or 2004 used 330i or 330Ci. I'm sure you could get an almost brand new 330 (less than 5k or 10k miles I'm sure) for the price of a new 325. Atleast you wouldn't have to worry about not being able to afford a 330 then. A lot of people will only buy new though, so that may be the case, just a suggestion. Either way, have fun test driving the cars. Hope you find the perfect car you're looking for .

 

[dpnguyen]

Sherdog, I was in the same boat not too long ago. Ask yourself if you need all the bells and whistles. The way I saw it, I could either get a 325 loaded or the 330 with very few options so as not to go above the mid to upper $30's. Hope that helps in your decision. I ended up getting a good deal on a well equipped 325 and couldn't be happier (my wife loves bells and whistles). As my buddy said, there's no such thing as a low-end Bimmer (perhaps until the 1-series comes out).

The other thing is, you could lease a well equipped 330 if your heart is set but your pockets are limited.