Need help 325i VS 330i

cdheaven · 01-17-2006, 06:20 PM

i decided to go with the 325 for one reason. the difference in the lease numbers were HUGE. it was like more then 150 bucks a month difference or something. There just happened to be a certain "deal" going on at the time i leased where the 325 i picked had a 73% residule after 2 years and the 330 had like a 60%. i dont remember the exact numbers, but it was a big difference. PLUS i REALLY wanted a 5 series. i couldnt justify spending the money on that, and the 330 was only like 50 bucks a month cheaper, and if i talked myself into the 330, i woulda just went with a 5 series. then i woulda been spending 200 bucks a month more then i am now.

HRC · 01-17-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Well then, why not get the 760li? The more statements I read like this, the happier I am that I have 325s instead of 330s.

Led, if you had 330's, comments like this would make you want to sell the 330's so you could get into the 325's? How can statements like this make you GLAD you don't have a 330? I guess if you own a 330 like I do, your just a shit huh? I realize your probally not in the best of moods, but c'mon!

Danny

ksfrogman · 01-17-2006, 11:22 PM

Xenons come standard on the 330i. One of the packages (either the ZSP or ZPP, I don't remember which) is much cheaper on the 330 than it is on the 325. If you're getting the 325 with lots of options, make sure you go to the bmwusa.com website and price out both and see what the true difference is.

The wheels are bigger on the 330i. I also see lots of 325i owners purchasing aftermarket mufflers for near $1K, even wanting to spend money on intakes. If this is for HP gain, factor this in when deciding not to get the 330.

findtom · 01-17-2006, 11:32 PM

Standard equipment on the 325/330 in Canada is different than the US. Mine is a total base model (not a single option) and it has everything I want... fold down rear seats, xenons, heated seats, etc...

I went for the 325 because I'm a cheap fucker and I like to get maximum bang for the buck. Out of the 323, 325 and 330 the 325 is the best value IMO.

Plus the residual value (at least when I got the car) is the highest of the 3 models. The fact the 325 and 330 both have the same 3L inline 6 makes it a no brainer... again, IMO.

one3 · 01-17-2006, 11:42 PM

I too ordered the base BMW 325i in canada - very happy with my choice as it had the options I wanted over the 323 to justify the price increase. I could not justify the 'extras' you get with the 330 though for about the same price difference. there are no 'must have' options on the 330 that i would have regretted not getting and the extra bit of power won't do me much good driving to work in traffic each day.

David328M-Sport · 01-18-2006, 12:03 AM

With a US$15,000.00, yes US$15,000.00 difference between the 325 and the 330, there is no contest.

Granted the 325 base price is manual and the 330 comes in Step only, but even after adding to the 325 the options to make it equivalent to the 330 standard, it is still many thousands of dollars, plus the luxury car tax is up and up on the more expensive cars.

I never tested the 330. No need for me.

canucklion · 01-18-2006, 12:29 AM

in Canada, the price difference between 325 and 330 is CAD 7,600. And for that, you get the increase in power, power seats, adaptive xenons (non-adapative xenons are std on 325), and sunroof. IMHO, not really worth the price premium.

stressdoc · 01-18-2006, 08:25 AM

325s are outselling the 330s by about 4-1 in most markets. IMO the choice is most difficult in the US, where the 330 is equipped and priced at a point that makes it a toss-up for me. I'm guessing the same situation will prevail with the 328/335. It might be in BMW's best interests to do a bit more niche divergence, creating some more performance oriented versions on the one hand, and more luxury oriented ones on the other. If we get the bi-turbo, for example, that makes sense for a performance car, whereas folks that are more interested in luxury would be well served by a 328.

WallyF · 01-18-2006, 08:27 AM

Volinder,

I own a 325xi and am quite happy with it. Since you live in Calgary which is in the snow belt, you might want to look into an xi configuration. I know that the rear wheel drive with snows are a good way to go, but I opted for the extra security of the xi configuration.

As far as wheither it is a 325 or 330, it depends on how aggressive you plan to drive. I am an average driver (not aggressive), so the 325 has all of the power that I need. Also, I live at 838 feet (255meters) above sea level. If you are at higher altitudes or will be driving into the mountains, definitely get the 330.

wallyf

volinder · 01-18-2006, 08:38 AM

Hi Wally,

Thanks for the great info.

I opted to get the 325i, SGM with only sport package and glass sunroof. Couldn't justify the big difference for more hp. The other features don't really matter to me. I already have an SUV with AWD, so I opted to get the RWD version because I'm looking to get more of a drivers car.
My dealer gave me $1500 off MSRP which is pretty good here in Calgary.

Thanks for all the great info,

Volinder

stressdoc · 01-18-2006, 08:44 AM

Congrats. Send us some photos of driving up to Banff.

volinder · 01-20-2006, 09:19 AM

Change of plans,

My dealer phoned me, informed me that the car I ordered was presold to another client already. So went back in, but this time, ordered a:

330 i Sport, premium, Saphire Grey Metallic

I'm a little happier with that now!!! :rocks:

stressdoc · 01-20-2006, 09:30 AM

Awesome! Serendipity has its moments...

noflash · 01-20-2006, 01:16 PM

Add heated seats and it will be perfect!!

findtom · 01-20-2006, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noflash

Add heated seats and it will be perfect!!

Since it's so f-ing cold here, heated seats are standard on all E90's in Canada except for the 323.

MIKEYMIKE · 01-27-2006, 08:19 PM

What are the differences between the US/United States 325 and 330?

The 330 has standard;
Xenon/angel eyes, bigger brakes, more horsepower, better sports package (18 inch wheels), I thought logic 7 sound standard...but a salesperson told me it's an option on the 330's

Other than the brakes and wheels, is there a suspension difference on the Sports package 325 and sports package 330?? Is it all the same as far as shocks, sway bars, etc...??

ben1364 · 01-28-2006, 01:43 PM

[QUOTE=volinder]Thanks for the great input.

I agree that $6 is alot of difference for a little more straight line speed. I'm not planning on keeping the car for more than 3 years, so this isn't the biggest decision I've got to make in my life. I'm slowly beginning to lean towards the 325i, however I will drive both back to back.

__________________________________________________ _Your instincts seem good, given what you have said about what you want in a car and what you intend to do with it. Both are good automobiles.

volinder · 01-28-2006, 01:49 PM

[QUOTE=ben1364]

Quote:

Originally Posted by volinder

Thanks for the great input.

I agree that $6 is alot of difference for a little more straight line speed. I'm not planning on keeping the car for more than 3 years, so this isn't the biggest decision I've got to make in my life. I'm slowly beginning to lean towards the 325i, however I will drive both back to back.

__________________________________________________ _Your instincts seem good, given what you have said about what you want in a car and what you intend to do with it. Both are good automobiles.

I know, somehow I still ended up buying the 330i. I didn't want to have buyers remorse. Still haven't received my car yet, but I'm sure when I do, I won't regret it.

stressdoc · 01-28-2006, 01:59 PM

Given that you wanted the sunroof, which is standard on the 330i, it seems like a reasonable choice to me. Although I have been content with manual seats (they are a bit lighter...), I am looking forward to not getting into the car after my wife who has left the seat too far forward... So those are another nice option you get for 'free'.

ItalyBMW325 · 01-28-2006, 02:19 PM

I was in the same boat. I was torn between the 330 and 325. The only reason i wanted a 330 was for the 162's. I weighed the cost and figured I can get the wheels later. The power difference is minimal. I test drove the 330 first and thougth I would be disappointed in the 325 but I wasnt at all. The salesman even commented that with BMW using the same engine he felt the 325 would be there best seller since it hits more peoples price range. I optioned for sport, premium and nav as my options to keep the car under $35k and I am very satisifed with my car.

ben1364 · 01-28-2006, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volinder

Hi Wally,

Thanks for the great info.

I opted to get the 325i, SGM with only sport package and glass sunroof. Couldn't justify the big difference for more hp. The other features don't really matter to me. I already have an SUV with AWD, so I opted to get the RWD version because I'm looking to get more of a drivers car.
My dealer gave me $1500 off MSRP which is pretty good here in Calgary.

Thanks for all the great info,

Volinder

__________________________________________
Volinder,
Is SMG available on the E 90 in Canada?

Wolf359 · 01-29-2006, 10:27 AM

In Canada, both the 325i and 330i come with heated seats, pass-through and 60/40 rear seats. This is almost the same as the US winter package, except it doesn't include the headlight washers (They only come on Xi models). The 330i does not include Logic7 here so that makes the car a whole less appealing than in the US market.

01-17-2006, 06:20 PM	#23
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat 229 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl iTrader: (1)	i decided to go with the 325 for one reason. the difference in the lease numbers were HUGE. it was like more then 150 bucks a month difference or something. There just happened to be a certain "deal" going on at the time i leased where the 325 i picked had a 73% residule after 2 years and the 330 had like a 60%. i dont remember the exact numbers, but it was a big difference. PLUS i REALLY wanted a 5 series. i couldnt justify spending the money on that, and the 330 was only like 50 bucks a month cheaper, and if i talked myself into the 330, i woulda just went with a 5 series. then i woulda been spending 200 bucks a month more then i am now. __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down
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01-17-2006, 11:22 PM	#25
ksfrogman Major General 570 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	Xenons come standard on the 330i. One of the packages (either the ZSP or ZPP, I don't remember which) is much cheaper on the 330 than it is on the 325. If you're getting the 325 with lots of options, make sure you go to the bmwusa.com website and price out both and see what the true difference is. The wheels are bigger on the 330i. I also see lots of 325i owners purchasing aftermarket mufflers for near $1K, even wanting to spend money on intakes. If this is for HP gain, factor this in when deciding not to get the 330. __________________
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01-17-2006, 11:32 PM	#26
findtom Colonel 129 Rep 2,658 Posts Drives: E60 545i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 545i [0.00]	Standard equipment on the 325/330 in Canada is different than the US. Mine is a total base model (not a single option) and it has everything I want... fold down rear seats, xenons, heated seats, etc... I went for the 325 because I'm a cheap fucker and I like to get maximum bang for the buck. Out of the 323, 325 and 330 the 325 is the best value IMO. Plus the residual value (at least when I got the car) is the highest of the 3 models. The fact the 325 and 330 both have the same 3L inline 6 makes it a no brainer... again, IMO.
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01-17-2006, 11:42 PM	#27
one3 Private 0 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	I too ordered the base BMW 325i in canada - very happy with my choice as it had the options I wanted over the 323 to justify the price increase. I could not justify the 'extras' you get with the 330 though for about the same price difference. there are no 'must have' options on the 330 that i would have regretted not getting and the extra bit of power won't do me much good driving to work in traffic each day. __________________ ----------------------- 2006 BMW 325i -----------------------
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01-18-2006, 12:03 AM	#28
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	With a US$15,000.00, yes US$15,000.00 difference between the 325 and the 330, there is no contest. Granted the 325 base price is manual and the 330 comes in Step only, but even after adding to the 325 the options to make it equivalent to the 330 standard, it is still many thousands of dollars, plus the luxury car tax is up and up on the more expensive cars. I never tested the 330. No need for me. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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01-18-2006, 12:29 AM	#29
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	in Canada, the price difference between 325 and 330 is CAD 7,600. And for that, you get the increase in power, power seats, adaptive xenons (non-adapative xenons are std on 325), and sunroof. IMHO, not really worth the price premium.
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01-18-2006, 08:25 AM	#30
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	325s are outselling the 330s by about 4-1 in most markets. IMO the choice is most difficult in the US, where the 330 is equipped and priced at a point that makes it a toss-up for me. I'm guessing the same situation will prevail with the 328/335. It might be in BMW's best interests to do a bit more niche divergence, creating some more performance oriented versions on the one hand, and more luxury oriented ones on the other. If we get the bi-turbo, for example, that makes sense for a performance car, whereas folks that are more interested in luxury would be well served by a 328.
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01-18-2006, 08:27 AM	#31
WallyF First Lieutenant 97 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	What about the 325xi or 330xi? Volinder, I own a 325xi and am quite happy with it. Since you live in Calgary which is in the snow belt, you might want to look into an xi configuration. I know that the rear wheel drive with snows are a good way to go, but I opted for the extra security of the xi configuration. As far as wheither it is a 325 or 330, it depends on how aggressive you plan to drive. I am an average driver (not aggressive), so the 325 has all of the power that I need. Also, I live at 838 feet (255meters) above sea level. If you are at higher altitudes or will be driving into the mountains, definitely get the 330. wallyf
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01-18-2006, 08:38 AM	#32
volinder Lieutenant 22 Rep 490 Posts Drives: bmw wannabe Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: calgary iTrader: (0)	Hi Wally, Thanks for the great info. I opted to get the 325i, SGM with only sport package and glass sunroof. Couldn't justify the big difference for more hp. The other features don't really matter to me. I already have an SUV with AWD, so I opted to get the RWD version because I'm looking to get more of a drivers car. My dealer gave me $1500 off MSRP which is pretty good here in Calgary. Thanks for all the great info, Volinder
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01-18-2006, 08:44 AM	#33
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Congrats. Send us some photos of driving up to Banff.
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01-20-2006, 09:19 AM	#34
volinder Lieutenant 22 Rep 490 Posts Drives: bmw wannabe Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: calgary iTrader: (0)	Change of plans, My dealer phoned me, informed me that the car I ordered was presold to another client already. So went back in, but this time, ordered a: 330 i Sport, premium, Saphire Grey Metallic I'm a little happier with that now!!! :rocks:
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01-20-2006, 09:30 AM	#35
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Awesome! Serendipity has its moments...
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01-20-2006, 01:16 PM	#36
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Add heated seats and it will be perfect!! __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
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01-27-2006, 08:19 PM	#38
MIKEYMIKE Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,516 Posts Drives: 330i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3)	What are the differences between the US/United States 325 and 330? The 330 has standard; Xenon/angel eyes, bigger brakes, more horsepower, better sports package (18 inch wheels), I thought logic 7 sound standard...but a salesperson told me it's an option on the 330's Other than the brakes and wheels, is there a suspension difference on the Sports package 325 and sports package 330?? Is it all the same as far as shocks, sway bars, etc...??
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01-28-2006, 01:43 PM	#39
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=volinder]Thanks for the great input. I agree that $6 is alot of difference for a little more straight line speed. I'm not planning on keeping the car for more than 3 years, so this isn't the biggest decision I've got to make in my life. I'm slowly beginning to lean towards the 325i, however I will drive both back to back. __________________________________________________ _Your instincts seem good, given what you have said about what you want in a car and what you intend to do with it. Both are good automobiles.
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01-28-2006, 01:59 PM	#41
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Given that you wanted the sunroof, which is standard on the 330i, it seems like a reasonable choice to me. Although I have been content with manual seats (they are a bit lighter...), I am looking forward to not getting into the car after my wife who has left the seat too far forward... So those are another nice option you get for 'free'.
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01-28-2006, 02:19 PM	#42
ItalyBMW325 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 256 Posts Drives: BMW 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Italy iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I was in the same boat. I was torn between the 330 and 325. The only reason i wanted a 330 was for the 162's. I weighed the cost and figured I can get the wheels later. The power difference is minimal. I test drove the 330 first and thougth I would be disappointed in the 325 but I wasnt at all. The salesman even commented that with BMW using the same engine he felt the 325 would be there best seller since it hits more peoples price range. I optioned for sport, premium and nav as my options to keep the car under $35k and I am very satisifed with my car.
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01-29-2006, 10:27 AM	#44
Wolf359 Captain 12 Rep 942 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	In Canada, both the 325i and 330i come with heated seats, pass-through and 60/40 rear seats. This is almost the same as the US winter package, except it doesn't include the headlight washers (They only come on Xi models). The 330i does not include Logic7 here so that makes the car a whole less appealing than in the US market.
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