wife's decision.....325xi or 330xi?
 

now that we've been in colorado three years we are shedding ourselves of our last suv (we were in northern michigan) and getting our first sedan in 10 years. since having the s2000 i've realized i appreciate the handling more than the power (which isn't all bad). the only real difference between the 325 and 330 is about 40 ponies (22% more) and the sport wheels. the cost is about $4k more. we're leaning toward the 325 but are worried that the engine might not get it for our trips into the mountains. do you think the 184 hp and 175 torque is sufficient or would you pop $4k for 225/214?

i can't wait to get that grand cherokee out of the garage!

Consider Audi? Go with the 330, but if money is more of a problem...go with the 325

i looked at audi but bmw has a 1.9% financing deal now. the wife's always wanted a beemer and now the price is very manageable. my heart says 330, but since i won't be driving it much and my wife is not a speed freak we lean towards the 325. i just want to be sure it has adequate power for freeway passing and mountain climbing.

We test drove the 325i and 330i. Wife was driving the 325 and I told her to floor it for a few seconds. Then I was like, "no, all the way down." She said it was. I looked down, and sure enough, she had it floored. It was really bad, it just felt sooooo slow. And the xi is probably slower than the i.

Another option might be the Dinan chip that most bmw dealers sell. For the 330, it adds about 15-17hp for around $400, but I have no idea whether it can go in a 325.

Ultimately, this is a question that only you can answer.

Yes, there is a big price difference between the 325 and the 330 but BMW makes up for some of that with having standard equipment on the 330 that is optional in the 325.

If it were me, and I had decided the BMW was the way to go then it would be the 330. There is a noticable difference in power between the two (especially in the AWD x models) and very little downside in mileage. Add a passenger or two, some alititude and the 325 will feel anemic.

Just my 2 cents.

acually i worked at a bmw dealer of a little bit so ill spill some....... the 330xi automatic is actually faster than the regular 330i auto because bmw played with the gear ratios to compensate for the added weight...... thus they played with it the right way to a point where it actaully made it faster....:D.... my mother drives a 323i and i drove a 330i before and there is a noticable difference.... so i say go for the 330, u wont be disappointed.

I'd never get the 2.5 if the 3.0 was an option.

The 2.5 is OK but for a $33-40K car I want more than OK.

You pay a more (groan) but you won't be kicking yourself every time you want a little pep. Also resale value will always be more (same condition car). SO do yourself a favor and get the real deal.


IMO:drive:

I have owned both the 2.5 and 3.0 engine in the e46 platform but in coupe versions. The 3.0 is what you will want for the small difference of 4k at 1.9%. also, it will be more satisfying plus better resale value IMHO. I say go with 330. It's just a very strong inline 6 and you will really be happy. Drive them both and i assure you the 3.0 is ur solution.

LIL Raja

ps. speaking from owning both engines for extended amount of time.

STi

There are so many 3 series bimmers around here...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig
[B]STi