[mvanromondt]

Did anywhone drive both the 325i and 330i in manual transmission? I would like to know if it is a big difference. I have to chose between a 330i without nav or 325i with. I like performance but the nav is usefull and a nice gadget. Please let me know.

[BigDoberman]

drive a 330, hit 65 mph at 6500 rpm in 2nd gear, and then try the same thing with the 325. You will really feel the power difference in the 330 when you hit about 4000rpm.

I couldn't drive with 215hp-- I actually think the 255 is a little underpowered and am looking forward to the blown 3.5 liter.

either way you go, you will like it. I have a 330 e90 6mt without i-drive, and it desn't bother me. I just couldn't stomach forking out 2k for it.

[Daneel]

There is no 3.5 liter. There is a 3.0 liter turbocharged. No 3.5 liter. THere must be several thousand, if not tens of thousands of posts on this subject by now.

[mc68386]

Originally Posted by mvanromondt

Did anywhone drive both the 325i and 330i in manual transmission? I would like to know if it is a big difference. I have to chose between a 330i without nav or 325i with. I like performance but the nav is usefull and a nice gadget. Please let me know.

I test drove both before I bought. My impression was that the 325 had the minimum amount of power that a modern sedan should have, and the 330 had the minimum amount of power that a modern SPORT sedan should have.
For me, to get a car as sweet as the E90 without a suitable engine would be a crime, so I, faced with a similar dilemma to yours, bypassed the NAV and went for the 330. I am extremely happy that I did.


If I had had the choice, I would have paid more for more power(335??? ), but no way would I be satisfied with less power at any price.

[ward]

both are good, try them and see if the lower power is acceptable to you

if it is, then save some $$$

if you need the HP, then more power to you

[roppongicorolla]

I would say test drive both and see how you feel, but you are going to be hard pressed to find MT equipped cars of both. The salesman begged me to keep the 330 under 4000rpm, so you may not get the opportunity to feel the difference above that. out on the street it won't make that much difference, you just have to use the gearbox.

[chicken]

Why not order one and get both
Nav & the engine you want? You will probably own this car for some time and the 3 month wait will be nothing in the long run. To have buyer's remorse after the "new car" feeling has worn off because you didn't wait 3 months for the exact car that you wanted doesn't make sense. Just my .02.

[TENCHI]

the 330 is definitely faster than the 325.

[Krockit]

Nav is a great thing in Europe. When I drive there I've gotta have it! After both drives the 330i was clear choice for me because performance is more important than the nav in USA. There is a major difference is perf. between the two cars. Also, 18" wheels come with 330 sport package (17's on 325.) A few things standard with the US spec 330... Xenons, Power front seats with mirror presets, Logic 7 audio, chrome exhaust tips and grille. BMW delivers more 320 series cars than 330 to Euro customers, I suspect, because of gas prices and tighter roads/traffic not letting you unleash the beast of a higher output car, autobahn excepted. Either way you are picking a fantastic car. I drove everything in it's class and 3-Series won going away.

330i MT6 ordered April 7th, Pro number issued April 9th, into production April 17th.... The waiting is the hardest part....

[findtom]

I've never driven the 330i, just like I never drove the turbo version of my Volvo when I had it.

Ignorance is bliss.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by mc68386

My impression was that the 325 had the minimum amount of power that a modern sedan should have, and the 330 had the minimum amount of power that a modern SPORT sedan should have.
.

Hope you never have to drive a E90 318i then

[Jackbmw]

I've heard that BMW introduced in Ireland the 316i with the motor from 1 Series. This is all because of the f$^%ing taxes we have in Europe. The bigger engine in your car have the more you pay, and the fuel price about 1 Euro a litre. :mad: I wonder when the EU makes men to pay tax for the size of their cocks - the bigger you have the more you pay. :mad:

[mc68386]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Hope you never have to drive a E90 318i then

Me too.
I suppose it could happen... in a few years when gas runs $12.00 a gal in the U.S.

[325er]

Kill this thread...the issue has been beaten to death. Buy whatever the hell suits your needs, only you know ok?

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by Jackbmw

I've heard that BMW introduced in Ireland the 316i with the motor from 1 Series. This is all because of the f$^%ing taxes we have in Europe. The bigger engine in your car have the more you pay, and the fuel price about 1 Euro a litre. :mad: I wonder when the EU makes men to pay tax for the size of their cocks - the bigger you have the more you pay. :mad:

Atleast you get something for your taxes, all we get is curruption.

[Hammerfang]

i have driven both cars in both forms of transmission, the 330 has tons of power and can run with a stock e36 m3, however the 325 is no dog, my father has an 03 330i auto and i'd say an e90 325 stick is just as fast. i remember not to long ago car and driver tested a 325 stick and it did 0-60 in 6.2 seconds if i remember correctly, which is quite good. if u can afford it get the 330, but if not the 325 has adaquate power. i honestly wouldn't get the nav system, i hate the i-drive, i'd save the money and get a good aftermarket one installed for roughly the same price, just my $.02

[AskNiko]

Originally Posted by mvanromondt

I like performance but the nav is usefull and a nice gadget. Please let me know.

A lot of people go with after market Nav systems. Several of my friends bought the Tomtom and stopped using their built-in Nav systems because their after market systems are so much easier to use.

Niko

[wahoo]

save a bit more..buy the 330 with nav..trust me, you'll want the extra hp. I promise, promise, promise. In 7-8 years when the new 325/8 whatever comes out and you have just paid your car off 2 years ago and blows your doors off you'll wish you waited a bit longer and had more overlap...just my .02.

[sblument]

I would have considered the diesel models had they been available in the US

[Hammerfang]

the diesels r not emissions compliant in the US i believe, infact the mercedes e320 cdi can only be sold in some states, and ethirtynine i agreed with u on the nav

[David328M-Sport]

My 325 has plenty of power and torque to do EVERYTHING it was designed and built for - and then some.

I am very happy with the 325.

Here in Australia, the 330 (although better equipped with extras) is not less than $20,000 more than the 325.

Not a serious consideration, seeing that the 325 can do everything the 330 can at say 93% - 95% of the 330.

I am very happy with my 325. The N52 engine is plenty powerful.

[DILLIGAF]

I have driven both and you can feel the difference. I was originally going to get the 325 but with the options I wanted to add the cost almost came up to the base price for the 330. So I got the 330 with sport and CA. I treated myself to the extra HP and other extras that are standard on the 330. No regrets.