325 vs 330

[becky]

Having the hardest time deciding between a 325 and a 330. Is the 330 really worth the extra money? Please let me know your thoughts with a yes or no - I think I've heard the arguments both ways - but I haven't asked the simple question - is ithe 330 worth it?

[DeutscheAutos]

I just bought a 330Ci convertible and I would say that it is worth it if you are optioning up the 325. If you want a 325 with few options, then the 330 is not worth it.

I like the bigger brakes, the titanium trim around the guages and headlights, and the larger engine. The cost difference of the two cars similarly equipped (for us) was only about $2000 between the 325 and 330 convertible. Many options on the 325 are standard on the 330.

If you have the bucks, get the 330!

[jinushaun]

Unless you care about speed, a 325 is just fine. Money seems to be an issue for you, so how many options do you plan? A very well equipped 325i = base 330i. That's a HUGE price diff!

[becky]

Well I'm trying to get the 330 for 40,000 out the door with PP, SP and xenon lights. The 325 would be the same package for maybe 34 or 35. 40,000 is a lot but I'm planning on having the car for 10 years or so. I drive mostly in town, to California and back a couple times a year (from Arizona). I DO like speed I like the feel of the power, but I'm a woman in my 40's! I'm not a 21 year old guy!

I think I would regret NOT getting the 330 but the 325 definitley seems to be the practical choice - what to do, what to do.

The more input the better - please feel free to comment - anyone!!

Thanks

[becky]

By the way it's the 330i or the 325i - no coupe or convertible!

[snorlaxtowncar]

hi becky,

I am an 18 year old high school student- I have a 325xi steptronic- it's 0-0 is something like 8.8 seconds which seems slow on paper, but i assure you that it is fast enough even for me, even racing my friends for fun that have sports cars like mustangs. the 325i should be fast enough for you unless you do a lot of drag racing or something

frank

[jinushaun]

Originally posted by becky
Well I'm trying to get the 330 for 40,000 out the door with PP, SP and xenon lights. The 325 would be the same package for maybe 34 or 35. 40,000 is a lot but I'm planning on having the car for 10 years or so. I drive mostly in town, to California and back a couple times a year (from Arizona). I DO like speed I like the feel of the power, but I'm a woman in my 40's! I'm not a 21 year old guy!

I think I would regret NOT getting the 330 but the 325 definitley seems to be the practical choice - what to do, what to do.

You don't have to be a 21 yr old male, everyone's entitled to speed and power!

I understand what you mean about regretting not purchasing a 330i. My friend had the same dilemma with a Porsche 996 Carrera 2 and E46 BMW M3. He opted for the 996 instead because, as he puts it, "If I get an M3, I'll regret not getting a 996 because it's something different. But if I get a 996, I don't think I'll regret not getting an M3. E46 M3s are gonna be common anyways."

I think if you get the 325i, it may be bittersweet cuz you'll always be thinking, "I could've gotten the 330i, I could've gotten the 330i..." Of course the question is, how much of a stretch is it to get the 330i? I myself absolutely cannot afford a 330i, but a 325i is within my reach--no matter how much I stretch the term, put down, or the rate I get.

[csieminski]

As you can see on the side there, I drive an '86 528e, so I certainly don't have real-world experience with either car. I often use the 'Build Your Own' feature on www.bmwusa.com, and can say that were I to rush out and buy a new 3 today with somewhat limited finances (if $40K is limited), I'd get the 325i (Titanium Silver/Gray). In fact, I'd rather get the 525i than the 330i, but that's just because I'm a 5-Series fanatic.

I feel the 325i should be plenty fast, and the additional options you can get should make up for the power difference. If this was four years ago between a 318i and a 328i I would feel differently, but now that the entry-level 3-Series has a 6, I don't think the 330i is necessary unless you can comfortably afford it.

Just my (hypothetical) $.02.

[Bubs5]

I think if you are planning on spending that much money on a car in the first place, you might as well spend a little more and get what you know you really want - more power. Everytime I see bmw headlights approaching, I stop and wait to see what kind it is. I almost feel dissapointed when it's anything less than a 330. Not to put down the 325 at all cause its a heck of a lot better than what I'm driving, but if I were you and could afford a 3series in the first place, I'd go all the way :sun: