Made a mistake..test drove the 330i

tiga901 · 10-19-2005, 11:51 PM

I have been a happy e90 325i owner until one day I was at the dealer and started eyeing a 330i. My dealer forewarned me not to do it since he assured that I will be hooked...but the stubborn me still test drove it.

All I can was wow....and made a quick arrangement to trade my 2 month old 325i for the 330i...I'm forking another 12K since my 325i was a base model MT. I'm getting almost all of my money back from the dealer(less $500 for the 2500 miles I have used). My new 330i is MT, pp, and sports package. I have to settle for the Titanium silver, since they do not have any MT dark colors cars left.

My wife say's I'm crazy but is in full support so here I am. Goodbye 325i...Hello 330i! :rocks:

E90-4life · 10-19-2005, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

I have been a happy e90 325i owner until one day I was at the dealer and started eyeing a 330i. My dealer forewarned me not to do it since he assured that I will be hooked...but the stubborn me still test drove it.

All I can was wow....and made a quick arrangement to trade my 2 month old 325i for the 330i...I'm forking another 12K since my 325i was a base model MT. I'm getting almost all of my money back from the dealer(less $500 for the 2500 miles I have used). My new 330i is MT, pp, and sports package. I have to settle for the Titanium silver, since they do not have any MT dark colors cars left.

My wife say's I'm crazy but is in full support so here I am. Goodbye 325i...Hello 330i! :rocks:

A beautiful mistake you've made! Word to the wise, if you're looking at a 325i and want to drive a 330 as well, don't, it's a pandora's box waiting to HAPPEN.

Congrats.

NaTuReB0Y · 10-19-2005, 11:55 PM

Welcome to the 330i family!

stressdoc · 10-19-2005, 11:59 PM

Congrats -- but what are you going to do when the 335i comes out?
And 12k seems like a lot, how did 5.5(330) + 2(pp) + 1.5(zsp) + 1(used&price increase)= 12? (taxes?)
And what specifically did you find so much better about the 330i?

visor · 10-20-2005, 01:18 AM

Having power is good, but more power is even better!

cntlaw · 10-20-2005, 01:42 AM

Congrats.
It all sounds to me you really feel the difference of 330i 's extra power. I only vote for your decision if the amount loss for replacement is of minimal. For any other cases, if the replacment amount is significant, I would consider to be patiently waiting for the M3 E90 which that will be an 'experience. ( or a 335i if it ever gets sale in your country ).

One last thing, I am still not convinced the small $ difference for a replacement; so please make sure you check exactly what you are getting and be aware of any " traps "

puck724 · 10-20-2005, 02:08 AM

cool!!!

magmd · 10-20-2005, 02:27 AM

great! never put a pricetag on happiness. if you love it....that's what matters.

lwongveros · 10-20-2005, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

...
All I can was wow....and made a quick arrangement to trade my 2 month old 325i for the 330i...I'm forking another 12K since my 325i was a base model MT. ..

Don't say that!!! I'm also a 325i owner, was the power difference really that noticeable? Part of me regrets not ordering the 330i although I would have had to forego options such as the sunroof ...

Congrats tho, I'm all for more horsepower!!

Hula-Hula · 10-20-2005, 04:19 AM

I wont ever testdrive the 330 coz I was soooo impressed with the 325i that I don't wanna spoil that!
But you did.. and got a 330i.. now that's

man!

theclay · 10-20-2005, 04:39 AM

Nice job! Now you don't have to de-badge it.

Just kidding, I think de-badged cars look cool.

natalia · 10-20-2005, 04:55 AM

Yeah, what actually did impress you so much about the 330i? Was it just the power difference or the added options and extras that it had over your base 325i?

darkside · 10-20-2005, 06:32 AM

Just remember: :THERE IS NO CURE!

Regarding the color, I think you should should be happy to get silver. In my opinion, this color shows off the lines of the car best; with black and dark colors the lines are obscured. And, after having had a Jet Black e46 M3 the past 3 years, I can tell you it is a real challenge to keep up with a dark colored car if you are a perfectionist type. The silver will look very good all of the time, and you won't have to worry about those annoying swirls every time the sun comes out.

Congratulations!

davinet78 · 10-20-2005, 07:44 AM

congtratulations on your new car man

Robin_NL · 10-20-2005, 07:55 AM

Congrats man!

When in Europe, take the 330i to the Nürburgring and chase me:

http://www.creativephotoart.nl/Ring_16-10/Ring-08.jpg

thd13 · 10-20-2005, 08:00 AM

Great decision; you won't regret it!!!

tiga901 · 10-20-2005, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Congrats -- but what are you going to do when the 335i comes out?
And 12k seems like a lot, how did 5.5(330) + 2(pp) + 1.5(zsp) + 1(used&price increase)= 12? (taxes?)
And what specifically did you find so much better about the 330i?

I added a clear bra and some protection package(about $1.5K). I essentially got invoice + $250 markup on the car. Taxes is about another $800.

Well here is what sold me into a 330:

1. Definitely more power, after driving a 325i for 2 months, you could feel the extra 40 HP. especially accelarating in the freeway.

2. The manual tranny seems to shift better than the 325i. It feels different(at leat noticeable by me).

3. I was not a fan of sports seats until I sat in it...whoa, it hugs you really well, and the back support was great.

4. Wheels - the 18" wheels definitely makes the 330i way different from a base 325i

5. SP drive on the 330i was not as bad as what have been reported in this board. I thought it was just right. I was expecting a harsher ride especially on bad streets(i mean not as well paved as the freeway) but I actually came out impressed. The handling is definitely better than a non sp car.

I was looking at the upgrade route with my 325i, but man BMW really penalizes you for buying a base car. Here are my estimates:

Xenon HID upgrade - $2-$3K for parts alone.
Auto Dim mirror - $600
Home Link - $300
Bluetooth - $2.3K for parts alone, another $300 for labor. (This was the last strw for me).
Wheels - at least $2K-$3K

So you see if I went to the upgrade route, I would have to fork over $10K already without the engine and tranny upgrade.

So for 12K all in(including taxes and DMV fees), I get all the upgrades plus Logic 7, leather interior, folding mirror, compass, better engine and tranny.

The fact that I was not hit with any real car depreciation(paying only $500 for the miles I used) was a sweetheart deal. I complained so much on the bluetooth upgrade cost that they offered me this deal. I'm sure they were thinking that no one in their right mind would fork over $10K just to get bluetooth. So they offer to let me upgrade, either to a 325i with pp, or 330i with pp....and after driving the 330i, it made a whole lot of sense to just go for the 330i.

So I guess, no more modding for me until way later!!!! :rocks:

Mauricio · 10-20-2005, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkside

Just remember: :THERE IS NO CURE!

Regarding the color, I think you should should be happy to get silver. In my opinion, this color shows off the lines of the car best; with black and dark colors the lines are obscured. And, after having had a Jet Black e46 M3 the past 3 years, I can tell you it is a real challenge to keep up with a dark colored car if you are a perfectionist type. The silver will look very good all of the time, and you won't have to worry about those annoying swirls every time the sun comes out.

Congratulations!

Totally agree!

HRC · 10-20-2005, 11:09 AM

Congrats!

Danny

Casey 5 · 10-20-2005, 11:18 AM

I have a 330i in TiAg but had a 2002 E46 in jet black. I am a convert--the TiAg always looks great!! You will be happy. Congrats.

roburado · 10-20-2005, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

I'm getting almost all of my money back from the dealer(less $500 for the 2500 miles I have used)...My wife say's I'm crazy but is in full support so here I am. Goodbye 325i...Hello 330i! :rocks:

Wow...you're lucky only losing the $500 on the 325i. Good for you!

noflash · 10-20-2005, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiga901

I'm getting almost all of my money back from the dealer(less $500 for the 2500 miles I have used).

Unless you are related to the owner, I call BS on this.

No offense, i just can't believe it.

10-19-2005, 11:51 PM	#1
tiga901 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 244 Posts Drives: e90 330i, mt pp sp Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Millbrae, CA iTrader: (0)	Made a mistake..test drove the 330i I have been a happy e90 325i owner until one day I was at the dealer and started eyeing a 330i. My dealer forewarned me not to do it since he assured that I will be hooked...but the stubborn me still test drove it. All I can was wow....and made a quick arrangement to trade my 2 month old 325i for the 330i...I'm forking another 12K since my 325i was a base model MT. I'm getting almost all of my money back from the dealer(less $500 for the 2500 miles I have used). My new 330i is MT, pp, and sports package. I have to settle for the Titanium silver, since they do not have any MT dark colors cars left. My wife say's I'm crazy but is in full support so here I am. Goodbye 325i...Hello 330i! :rocks:
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-19-2005, 11:55 PM	#3
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD 339 Rep 7,369 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire iTrader: (12)	Welcome to the 330i family! __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-19-2005, 11:59 PM	#4
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Congrats -- but what are you going to do when the 335i comes out? And 12k seems like a lot, how did 5.5(330) + 2(pp) + 1.5(zsp) + 1(used&price increase)= 12? (taxes?) And what specifically did you find so much better about the 330i?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 01:18 AM	#5
visor BMW, can I have some LSD please? 88 Rep 1,591 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Having power is good, but more power is even better! __________________ 2006 330i \| TiAg \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2008 335i \| AW \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2013 328xi \| Red \| Gray \| Al \| 8AT \| Sports Line \| Premium \| Executive \| Heat Pkg retired 2017 340i xDrive \| Estoril \| Black \| Al \| 8AT \| M Package
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 01:42 AM	#6
cntlaw Major General 235 Rep 6,874 Posts Drives: 330i E90 C55 AMG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [0.00] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2002 Z3 2.2 USA Spo ... [0.00] 2002 Toyota MR-S Co ... [0.00]	Congrats. It all sounds to me you really feel the difference of 330i 's extra power. I only vote for your decision if the amount loss for replacement is of minimal. For any other cases, if the replacment amount is significant, I would consider to be patiently waiting for the M3 E90 which that will be an 'experience. ( or a 335i if it ever gets sale in your country ). One last thing, I am still not convinced the small $ difference for a replacement; so please make sure you check exactly what you are getting and be aware of any " traps " __________________ BMW 2006 330i E90 Jet Black/Black Leathers/Aluminium, Steptronic Active Steering; MTech Aero Kit Carbon Fibre Splitters/Diffuser. Bilstein PSS9 Coilover, Rays VOLK Racing RE30 Formula Limited Edition 18" Pirelli Rosso; Project Mu 355mm Forged 4pot Caliper. HID:Osram D1S 6000K, PIAA 6500K White Ring, Philips Diamond Vision HB4 5000K, PIAA H490/H491 Super Bright 6500K LED Interior Lights. Chrome S.Wheel Cover, Rear Windows Sunshades.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 02:08 AM	#7
puck724 COLTS 4 LIFE!!! 99 Rep 1,746 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: california iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	cool!!! __________________ 2006 330i --sapphire black--black leather --alumminum trim --premium package --cold weather package --park distace control --automatic transmission --navigation with iDrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 02:27 AM	#8
magmd Major General 160 Rep 5,271 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	great! never put a pricetag on happiness. if you love it....that's what matters. __________________ 2006 330i \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Step Auto \| Navi with iDr \| Sports Pkg \|OEM Rear Spoiler \| 3M CS35 Tint \| H&R Sport Springs \| Koni Yellows \| Advan RS Racing Hypersilver: 19x9 et22 19x10 et20
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 04:19 AM	#10
Hula-Hula Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,964 Posts Drives: ♥ Join Date: May 2005 Location: Nürburgring iTrader: (0)	I wont ever testdrive the 330 coz I was soooo impressed with the 325i that I don't wanna spoil that! But you did.. and got a 330i.. now that's man! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 04:39 AM	#11
theclay Lieutenant 20 Rep 510 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Nice job! Now you don't have to de-badge it. Just kidding, I think de-badged cars look cool. __________________ Jet Black, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Sport, Premium, Steptronic, 35% tint
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 04:55 AM	#12
natalia Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 266 Posts Drives: Not a BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Yeah, what actually did impress you so much about the 330i? Was it just the power difference or the added options and extras that it had over your base 325i?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 06:32 AM	#13
darkside Private First Class 4 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 07 e90 335 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	Just remember: :THERE IS NO CURE! Regarding the color, I think you should should be happy to get silver. In my opinion, this color shows off the lines of the car best; with black and dark colors the lines are obscured. And, after having had a Jet Black e46 M3 the past 3 years, I can tell you it is a real challenge to keep up with a dark colored car if you are a perfectionist type. The silver will look very good all of the time, and you won't have to worry about those annoying swirls every time the sun comes out. Congratulations!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 07:44 AM	#14
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	congtratulations on your new car man __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 07:55 AM	#15
Robin_NL S0THPAW 8723 Rep 7,847 Posts Drives: HS M2 Competition Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Congrats man! When in Europe, take the 330i to the Nürburgring and chase me: http://www.creativephotoart.nl/Ring_16-10/Ring-08.jpg
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 08:00 AM	#16
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Great decision; you won't regret it!!! __________________ My other ride is your mom.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 11:09 AM	#19
HRC MAUI BUILT 485 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	Congrats! Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2005, 11:18 AM	#20
Casey 5 Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 256 Posts Drives: E90 335i,SPG,ZSP,ZPP,Step Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chapel Hill, NC iTrader: (0)	I have a 330i in TiAg but had a 2002 E46 in jet black. I am a convert--the TiAg always looks great!! You will be happy. Congrats.
	Appreciate 0 Quote