Another 330i review

Wildcat Jon · 04-29-2005, 10:06 PM

I test drove the SG 330i today, no navi, auto, black interior with burl, non sport. It was very cloudy in Cincy today with light rain, and the SG looked pretty good. Not much of the rumored purple tint. I'll venture back when the sun is out. I also saw a black 325 nonsport on the showroom floor and the wheels make a HUGE difference in the look. The std. 325 wheels and tires look terrible. That said, the std. 330i looked very sharp, and much bigger than I anticipated. The SG was sitting near a black E46 and looked much larger. They also had a TiSilver, stick, poplar, black interior, no navi, sport. It looked absolutely gorgeous. Almost took my breath to be honest with you. I didn't drive that one, but it looked awesome. The Tisilver was sitting facing out right next to a black 530i, and amazingly, the width of the cars was VERY similar. The length of the 530i was obviously longer and the rear larger, but the width of the cars was very similar. Amazing.

Anyway, the logic 7 was a huge improvement over past bimmer stereos. I think it is a must. The driving mechanics were also awesome, although the roads were wet and I couldn't/didn't want to push it much. ****pit seemed a little smaller than I anticipated, but the back seat room was a bit larger than the e46. Trunk was bigger than the e46 but not as large as it looks from the outside.

In all, a great experience. However, I would NOT get less than 17 inch wheels on this car. The small wheels make the car look terrible. But, take heart, with the sport wheels, the car looks AWESOME.

YYdoodle · 04-29-2005, 11:26 PM

Cool thanks Jon. I agree, anything less than 17" wheels looks kinda ridiculous on this car (18's look best). Also good to finally hear someone say something about the Logic 7. Did you have a CD to test it out fully or just the radio?

Wildcat Jon · 04-30-2005, 07:44 AM

Unfortunately, just the radio, which is not a great input. I had my ipod but the guy didn't have the input wire to plug it into both ends. That is what I'd really like to hear for perspective's sake. I took some pics on my treo 600 but the quality is crap. Better pics on here. I was happy that the car seemed much larger than I anticipated. Looked very close to the 5 except in length.

spikes111 · 04-30-2005, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildcat Jon

Unfortunately, just the radio, which is not a great input. I had my ipod but the guy didn't have the input wire to plug it into both ends. That is what I'd really like to hear for perspective's sake. I took some pics on my treo 600 but the quality is crap. Better pics on here. I was happy that the car seemed much larger than I anticipated. Looked very close to the 5 except in length.

That's too bad. Radio's signal quality is bad generally... digital quality from ipod or cd should really make the logic 7 stand out. I gotta remember to bring a CD with me to my test drive this week.

kchika · 04-30-2005, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildcat Jon

In all, a great experience. However, I would NOT get less than 17 inch wheels on this car. The small wheels make the car look terrible. But, take heart, with the sport wheels, the car looks AWESOME.

I completely agree. Thanks for sharing!

Wildcat Jon · 04-30-2005, 12:38 PM

Oh, and to my great dismay ,the std. 330i came with Bridgestone EL42s, quite possibly the worst all season perf. tires on the planet. That alone is enough to make me want the sport pkg. I had those tires on my 04 TL. Terrible.

tim916 · 04-30-2005, 03:22 PM

I went by the local dealer today and took a quick look at the E90's they had sitting outside. First I saw a non-sport 325i in jet black, and I agree, the 16" rims are an insult. Then I went around back and there was a non-sport 330i in SG. It was a rainy day, so I couldn't really pass judgement on the color, but overall I think the car looks very good. The thing that BMW does better than any other automaker is getting the proportions right, and the E90 is no exception. The overall impression is one of balance, poise, and athleticism. The rear end isn't perfect, but I think it is more than acceptable, and worthy of a BMW.

Thankfully, the 17" rims on this car looked decent, 100% better than the 16's on the 325i. I was relieved to see this as I am getting a 325i w/sport so I will have 17's, though I'm sure I will be a little jealous when I see the 18's on the 330i sport.

BMWAustin · 05-01-2005, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildcat Jon

I test drove the SG 330i today, no navi, auto, black interior with burl, non sport. It was very cloudy in Cincy today with light rain, and the SG looked pretty good. Not much of the rumored purple tint. I'll venture back when the sun is out. ...... Amazing.
.

Agreeeeeee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildcat Jon

In all, a great experience. However, I would NOT get less than 17 inch wheels on this car. The small wheels make the car look terrible. But, take heart, with the sport wheels, the car looks AWESOME.

and agree again.....

YYdoodle · 05-11-2005, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim916

Thankfully, the 17" rims on this car looked decent, 100% better than the 16's on the 325i. I was relieved to see this as I am getting a 325i w/sport so I will have 17's, though I'm sure I will be a little jealous when I see the 18's on the 330i sport.

Ebay and this forum will eventually be flooded with people selling off their stock wheels, including I'm sure the sport 162 18" wheels. I say save yourself some money... better to get the cheaper OEM wheels now, then just buy the OEM wheels you really want off ebay or forum members when the market gets flooded by them and prices get real cheap (or at least cheaper than it would have cost you from the dealer).

bmt_toronto · 05-11-2005, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terps

Ebay and this forum will eventually be flooded with people selling off their stock wheels, including I'm sure the sport 162 18" wheels. I say save yourself some money... better to get the cheaper OEM wheels now, then just buy the OEM wheels you really want off ebay or forum members when the market gets flooded by them and prices get real cheap (or at least cheaper than it would have cost you from the dealer).

Great idea, Terps!
I've been agonizing a little over my decision on a non-sport pkg 325i (financial limitations primarily). I've seen a few E90s with 16's and they're adequate, but the car is definitely enhanced by 17 or 18's (love the 162!).

So, I'll wait for someone to sell their 162s and use the 156s for snows.

mrbelk · 05-11-2005, 01:08 PM

In the 330 configurator on the bmwusa.com site, in the accessories section, there is a option for the style 195 wheels. In my opinion, they look incredible.

Also, the 330 with sport package will look especially good once BMW offers an aero pack with it. When the E46 first debuted, there was no sport-pack aero kit, but by 2001, when I got my 330, the sport package came with a more agressive front and rear valence

-MrB

pete330 · 05-11-2005, 02:04 PM

That wheel looks kick ass. Maybe a birthday present!

AskNiko · 05-11-2005, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildcat Jon

I had my ipod but the guy didn't have the input wire to plug it into both ends.

Please describe the cable I will need to connect my iPod. I'm picking up my car in Munich next month and would hate to find out that I didn't bring the right cable to connect my iPod. Thanks in advance.

Niko

Jason · 05-11-2005, 02:24 PM

Niko, what you'll need is a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable. See the attached pictures.

AskNiko · 05-11-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwocky

Niko, what you'll need is a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable.

Jwocky,
You are the man!

Have I told you guys that I'm addicted to this room. Lots and lots of nuggets to be picked up.

04-29-2005, 10:06 PM	#1
Wildcat Jon Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	Another 330i review I test drove the SG 330i today, no navi, auto, black interior with burl, non sport. It was very cloudy in Cincy today with light rain, and the SG looked pretty good. Not much of the rumored purple tint. I'll venture back when the sun is out. I also saw a black 325 nonsport on the showroom floor and the wheels make a HUGE difference in the look. The std. 325 wheels and tires look terrible. That said, the std. 330i looked very sharp, and much bigger than I anticipated. The SG was sitting near a black E46 and looked much larger. They also had a TiSilver, stick, poplar, black interior, no navi, sport. It looked absolutely gorgeous. Almost took my breath to be honest with you. I didn't drive that one, but it looked awesome. The Tisilver was sitting facing out right next to a black 530i, and amazingly, the width of the cars was VERY similar. The length of the 530i was obviously longer and the rear larger, but the width of the cars was very similar. Amazing. Anyway, the logic 7 was a huge improvement over past bimmer stereos. I think it is a must. The driving mechanics were also awesome, although the roads were wet and I couldn't/didn't want to push it much. ****pit seemed a little smaller than I anticipated, but the back seat room was a bit larger than the e46. Trunk was bigger than the e46 but not as large as it looks from the outside. In all, a great experience. However, I would NOT get less than 17 inch wheels on this car. The small wheels make the car look terrible. But, take heart, with the sport wheels, the car looks AWESOME.
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04-29-2005, 11:26 PM	#2
YYdoodle Captain 115 Rep 666 Posts Drives: E92 M3 fanatic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Cool thanks Jon. I agree, anything less than 17" wheels looks kinda ridiculous on this car (18's look best). Also good to finally hear someone say something about the Logic 7. Did you have a CD to test it out fully or just the radio?
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04-30-2005, 07:44 AM	#3
Wildcat Jon Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	Unfortunately, just the radio, which is not a great input. I had my ipod but the guy didn't have the input wire to plug it into both ends. That is what I'd really like to hear for perspective's sake. I took some pics on my treo 600 but the quality is crap. Better pics on here. I was happy that the car seemed much larger than I anticipated. Looked very close to the 5 except in length.
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04-30-2005, 12:38 PM	#6
Wildcat Jon Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	Oh, and to my great dismay ,the std. 330i came with Bridgestone EL42s, quite possibly the worst all season perf. tires on the planet. That alone is enough to make me want the sport pkg. I had those tires on my 04 TL. Terrible.
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04-30-2005, 03:22 PM	#7
tim916 Private First Class 8 Rep 114 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: RI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I went by the local dealer today and took a quick look at the E90's they had sitting outside. First I saw a non-sport 325i in jet black, and I agree, the 16" rims are an insult. Then I went around back and there was a non-sport 330i in SG. It was a rainy day, so I couldn't really pass judgement on the color, but overall I think the car looks very good. The thing that BMW does better than any other automaker is getting the proportions right, and the E90 is no exception. The overall impression is one of balance, poise, and athleticism. The rear end isn't perfect, but I think it is more than acceptable, and worthy of a BMW. Thankfully, the 17" rims on this car looked decent, 100% better than the 16's on the 325i. I was relieved to see this as I am getting a 325i w/sport so I will have 17's, though I'm sure I will be a little jealous when I see the 18's on the 330i sport.
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05-11-2005, 01:08 PM	#11
mrbelk Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 207 Posts Drives: E90 335i/6MT Join Date: May 2005 Location: Alpharetta, GA iTrader: (0)	In the 330 configurator on the bmwusa.com site, in the accessories section, there is a option for the style 195 wheels. In my opinion, they look incredible. Also, the 330 with sport package will look especially good once BMW offers an aero pack with it. When the E46 first debuted, there was no sport-pack aero kit, but by 2001, when I got my 330, the sport package came with a more agressive front and rear valence -MrB Attached Images
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05-11-2005, 02:04 PM	#12
pete330 New Member 2 Rep 21 Posts Drives: sold - 98 E36 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chicago - moving to Dallas iTrader: (0)	That wheel looks kick ass. Maybe a birthday present!
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05-11-2005, 02:24 PM	#14
Jason Administrator 40712 Rep 21,238 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Niko, what you'll need is a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable. See the attached pictures.
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