Soon to purchase 330ci

[TexasF355F1]

Well, within about 2-3 months I plan on purchasing a 330ci. Ideally, I want the Performance Package, more for the looks than the extra 10hp. I don't want the tiny spoiler on the trunk lid though.

Anything I should look out for, how much I should be expecting to spend? From a few bmw owners i've talked to the more I put down the more they'll be willing to work with me on the price.

Which dealer in Houston is the best or is there one within a reasonable distance that's better than one here. I've heard mostly great things about Northwest BMW, and not quite as many nice things about Momentum?

Any suggestions and help is much appreiciated.

[DinanM3_S2]

Depending on what other options you want, you'll be paying at least $42,000. They are really good cars, but I have a small problem with them... a fully loaded performance package 330Ci (metallic paint, leather, nav, xenons, premium package, cold weather, pdc) will cost more then the base price of the massively better M3 (~49,000).

My advice for the 330Ci is to wait on buying one. The new 3-series coupe based on the new 3-series sedan is coming out within the next year or so. When the release date gets closer, dealerships might be willing to cut better deals on the E46. At the same time, you might also want to wait until you test drive the new coupe itself. If the price change from the E46 330i to the E90 330i is any indication, the new coupes shouldn't be too much more expensive then the present ones. The E90/E92 330Ci should have a 255hp engine (possibly 265hp) that will run circles around the performance package E46.

[eti engineer]

Buy an Infiniti G35. It is a better car and will run circles around the 330 on the course and on the straightaways. My G35 made mincemeat out of my son-in-law's 330...

[DinanM3_S2]

I love how convinced G35 owners are of their superiority... The only two thing that the G35 can beat a BMW at are acceleration times and price. The BMW is better at absolutely everything else. Power isn't everything.

[jcz1987]

I drive a 330i and I enjoy it all the time. Its not the fastest car I have driven but overall its the most fun to drive. I know a bunch of kids who want to drag race me with their Mustangs Gt's or Infinti G35's. They may be faster but when it comes on the track. BMW is truly the Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW's can corner better, handle better and most of all, most fun to drive. But anyways, Go for the 330ci but they are changing the body for next year so I would wait if I were you.

[chuckj2]

Originally Posted by jcz1987

I drive a 330i and I enjoy it all the time. Its not the fastest car I have driven but overall its the most fun to drive. I know a bunch of kids who want to drag race me with their Mustangs Gt's or Infinti G35's. They may be faster but when it comes on the track. BMW is truly the Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW's can corner better, handle better and most of all, most fun to drive. But anyways, Go for the 330ci but they are changing the body for next year so I would wait if I were you.

I have approx. 25K CDN to buy a 99 to 2002 300 series...any suggestions?