Question about steptronic trans

[webber]

A few months ago I posted that I was interested in a 325Ci, well now I'm planning on ordering it sometime in the next month or so. I have a couple of questions for anyone who may be able to help. First, does anyone have a steptronic in a 325 series, and if so, how do you like it? Second, does anyone know why the 325 series are the only cars that have such a "large" performance difference between the 5 spd manual and the steptronic auto? Every other series has only a 1/2 sec difference, the 3 series a full second from 0-60. I'm sure I'd love a 5 speed manual but I'm getting older and have a bad knee from an "old" baseball injury. I have always had manual transmissions and most of my cars in the past have been mid 14 second quarter mile time cars. I'm not looking for that kind of performance from the 325Ci, but I don't want a "dog" either, so I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on this combination. Sorry for being so long. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

[JetBlack330Ci]

I recently bought a 330ci and one of the things I noticed about the 3 series was that the 330 has better mpg rating that the 328 & 325. I guess that is because the engines in the 330 is more modern? I also noticed the 3 mpg difference between the 5 speed and the auto. I never considered the auto but it has also a few things going against it.

Sorry dude, not being able to drive a manual sucks. I do not think 325 is a dog, I think 325 is plenty fast. I know that the auto tranny is heavier and also has the tourque converter which eats up hp, may be the tranny in the 325 is heavier than the 328 and 330. It may also be that the car tested had different options (I doubt it but possible, may be there a small print somewhere).

Good luck.

[webber]

Jet Black 330Ci, first, I love your car. I've been debating on Topaz Blue or Jet Black. I really like them both, but I'm leaning towards the Jet Black. Black looks great on almost any car, just a little harder to take care of, but fantastic when kept clean. Second, thanks for responding. I can still drive a manual, just gets tiring in heavy traffic. I will drive both before I order one, as of now I've only driven a 330 Ci convertible with a steptronic. Two of the three vehicles I now own are manual transmissions and I hate to give up the "power" that the steptronic "robs" from the 325Ci. As I mentioned above, I've had cars that were/are mid 14 sec quarter mile vehicles and a manual 325Ci will run somewhere in the low 15's, a steptronic probably low 16's. I'm not really looking for "speed" though, just don't care for an "underpowered" vehicle. I guess I'll have to drive both a manual and auto and decide for myself how they "feel". As far as the difference in mileage, I believe the biggest reason the 330 gets a little better mileage is the "extra" torque that it produces over the 325. Because of the additional torque it (330) doesn't need as much "gear" as the 325. The 330 produces more power at a lower RPM than does the 325, so it doesn't need to be "revved" as much. I believe the 3.0L in the 330 and the 2.5L in the 325 are very similar, with the 3.0L (330) having a longer stroke. That's most likely where it also has the ability to produce more torque (in general longer "stroke" engines will produce more torque but there are many other variables). So, I may ultimately end up purchasing a "stick", just want to hear others opinions on the steptronic. Thanks again for you response, enjoy your car. She looks great, wise choice.

[JetBlack330Ci]

Thanks webber, yeah I like the black/black combination more than ever. I wash my car at least once a week and summer time it hardly rains here in SF bay area so the car should always look great

Sounds like you know you 3er engines I do not know how the torque can affect the higway mpg, but I would say if you can get a 330. If you can drive a stick I would go with it. Driiving an automatic car is boring, and as you said it robs power, not to meantion the mpg.

[pod13]

Just to throw out my opinion on this...

I too have driven only manual transmissions, but was really impressed by the step i test drove. It was the best auto I'd ever driven and I think I could live with it and be happy.

but...

I'd go with the 5sp if your knee can take it and it sounds like that's what you want anyway.

[jprhodes]

I have a 330xi with the steptronic. First, let me say that it is not a manual. However, it's a lot better than a straight automatic. You can choose and hold a gear when cornering, slowing, etc. The response time isn't bad -- again not an automatic. If you sit in a lot of traffic every day, which I do, it's a great option and superior to both a manual and a regular automatic.

[webber]

I just want to thank everyone one for their input. Anyone else's experiences or opinions are welcomed. I am leaning towards a manual, but will drive them both before deciding.

[mikhail]

Just my 2 cents: I received my 2002 325i with steptronic in November. I drive a lot in heavy traffic and this was a reason to choose steptronic. I am glad I made this decision. This is not a manual but this is not an automatic and this is a lot of fun too.