2003 330i w/ Performance Package

[bimmerman]

Do you think it is worth the money to get a 330i w/ the Performance Package or get a 330ci?

Thanks

[Mshaffer]

Personally I would NOT get the "Performance Package” I’m not a fan of Alcantara (suede) steering wheels and imitation carbon fiber trim. These are two things that you get with the afore mentioned option. I own a 2001 330i with Sport package and it's good enough for me. What BMW is trying to do is fill the need for those who wanted an M3 sedan. This package will ONLY be offered on the sedan so as to not compete with M3 coupe/convertible sales. I will admit that the aerodynamic package is nice but so is the one that comes with the sport package. You are only getting a boost of 10 hp. Check out the photos in BMW Magazine (your local dealer should have a copy if you are not getting one now) For the money get the Sport AND Premium packages together. It's a much better combo for the money.

[ARR41779]

The performance package also comes with different 18's than any other BMW, a 6-speed, and two different trim options (other than wood or titanium). A couple other small differences also like black headliner and red needles on the inst. cluster like the M3. You can also get exterior colors like Imola Red that you can't get on any other 3 series except the M3. I fell in love with the one I sat in, but it's all up to you if you want to spen the money. A M3 is not that much more expensive.

[bilpimp]

Dont knock it till you tried it. I just purchased one and it makes the 330ci feel like a 325 if you dont believe me, drive it! The beautiful tone of the tuned exhaust itself is worth the extra cash. I'll admit the ride is a tad more harsh but the handleing improvement more than makes up for it. Styling cues set it apart from the almost bland style of the current 330i. The gearbox is also a dramatic performance upgrade. Also in Nj the insurance is even cheaper than the 330ci because its a four door.
(The steering wheel is def. sweet)

[CHITWN]

I agree ! I test drove it along Lake Shore Drive and that was that , i fell in love...Theres actually several upgrades that come with that package so to me the cost was worth it not to mention there is not a lot of them out there , i believe only 1000 will be made.
Ive got 5-8 more weeks till she gets here and im going nuts..

[VegasBMW]

I have one on order. I have driven the Mcoupe, Z4 and owed a 325. If you look at the numbers its just as quick as a Z4 with a lot more room. True I would like an M3, but optioned out it comes to 50k. Don't forget the $1000 gas guzzler tax on that also. I am 50/50 on the interior, but I am willing to take the chance if it only means I am not conditioning the leather every 2-3 months. I have even went so far and purchased some Hamann 18s to further personlize from the other sedans with further mods in the future. Hoping to put some Dinan or ACS items.

[TimV]

I picked my 330i/PP last week and I love it!! There are several upgrades throughout the car that, in my opinion, make it totally worth the extra $4K. Check out bmwusa.com for all the details, but I assure you it's more than just an extra 10hp and some "fake interior". If you have any doubts, just drive one. We picked ours up and immediately left on a road trip up Highway 1 out of San Francisco. This car handles the road beautifully. Stability through the corners is unmatched. My wife and were taking corners at twice the advisory speeds with ease!! Can't wait to do it again!!

[jvd1012]

Originally Posted by bimmerman

Do you think it is worth the money to get a 330i w/ the Performance Package or get a 330ci?

Thanks

I PICKED UP MY 330I WITH THE PERFORMANCE PKG IN MAY OF THIS YEAR IMOLA RED, WITH OPTION OF MOON ROOF AND ZENON LIGHTS. LOVE THE CAR THE COLOR REALLY MAKES IT. FROM THE FRONT IT LOOKS LIKE AN M CAR THE AERODYNAMICS ARE NICE ON THE CAR. I WASN'T CRAZY ABOUT THE INTERIOR AT FIRST BUT IT GREW ON ME. I PUT THE ALUMINUM PEDALS ON FROM MY LAST BEEMER AND HAD THE SILVER CUBE TRIM OPION PUT IN SO IT CONTRAST NICE WITH THE INTERIOR. THE CAR GETS LOTS OF LOOKS. I ALSO PUT THE REAR WINDOW SPOILER ON FROM RACING DYNAMICS LOOKS A LOT MORE SPORTIER. I NEVER DROVE A 330 UNTIL THIS CAR SO I CANT COMPARE THE POWER BETWEEN THE UPGRADED ENGINE TWEEKS THEY PUT IN IT AND THE REGULAR 330 BUT THE CAR GOES, THERES NO SHORTAGE OF POWER. IM GOING TO PUT A COLD AIR INTAKE IN SOON SO IM HOPING FOR A LITTLE EXTRA UMPH. ONLY PROBLEM IM HAVING IS MY RT FRONT TWEETER SPEAKER IS CRACKLING AND ITS BEEN CHANGED 2 XS ALREADY SO IM WAITING FOR THE BMW FIELD REP TO COME DOWN AND CHECK IT OUT OTHER THAN THAT IT BEEN A FUN CAR TO DRIVE. GOOD LUCK.

[Mattmcc]

I just got a 330i premium and sports package, and its the only way to go, shes got the sports suspension and exhause comparable to the performance version, plus you still have the bmw classic interior. If you want a quick but classy, the bmw 330i with premium and sports package is the way to go.

Peace

[C_Dogg]

I can agree with that! Just the thought of phony suede makes me sick. And to degrade a nice car with that interior is a disgrace!