[clutch09]

Hi Guys,
I know this thread is gonna get me a lot of negative and angered responses but wth
I bought a 330xi in February (steptronic) and was very happy with the car. I grew up in Indonesia where I always drove stick shifts so the steptronic was quite a change for me, something I really began to get bored with because I like to very engaged when driving. Have about 4500 miles on my car and I went into the dealer just to see how much I could get for my xi, enabling me to trade in for a 325i or 330i. I was very surprised when the dealer said he would take my car for 36,500. I proceeded to price out a 325i and 330i with varying packages. In the end, it came down to a 325i w/ premium, cold weather and sport or a 330i with just premium and cold weather because I didn't want to have to pay too much extra. I only had to pay $130 dollars extra for the 325i while I would be required to pay $2226 for the 330i. I went through the list of differences between the two and I checked off the logic7(the stock one is fine and something I can change later), exhaust (bought the eisenmann anyway), rims (already have some black MRR-GT1's), chrome trim (getting it in jet black so I don't want the chrome). The only thing I couldn't decide on was whether I wanted the extra 40hp or not. I drove my friends' 325i and 330i (both 6mt) and to tell you the truth was more than pleasantly surprised with the 325i. I guess because its only 0.1 second slower than the 330xi, I didn't feel too much different. Last but not least, I really wanted the sport package and I didn't want to compromise on getting the premium and cold weather. Therefore, I decided to get the 325i and use the remaining money to mod the car even more (catback exhaust, cf trim, etc).

We found a car "In Transit" going to NH and contacted the dealership and managed a trade. This way, I cut the waiting time by about 4 weeks. EDA 5/25. Can't wait!

Note: I would appreciate it if people didn't ask me questions or comment on why I bought the XI in the first place or on how I didn't think it through. I made a mistake and though lost a bit of money am a lot happier now as a result.

[creativeautoworks]

wow kanish that steptronic bugged you that much huh... good thing everything I'm sending you works with the 325i

Once you get bite by that mod bug, you better lock your wallet up

Congrats!

[gos]

Nothing wrong with changing your mind.

I agree with the wallet comment... upgrading the stereo in modern cars is, I imagine, a real PITA.

[noflash]

We all make mistakes. Yeah you'll take a bath, but being happy with your everyday ride is important too.

You can always try to sell the car yourself until the replacement arrives.

[BKsBimmer]

Originally Posted by kanishkl

Note: I would appreciate it if people didn't ask me questions or comment on why I bought the XI in the first place or on how I didn't think it through. I made a mistake and though lost a bit of money am a lot happier now as a result.

Glad you're happy now. Let's see how happy you are after you've had your car for a while. Given your history I think that will be the real test.

[noflash]

I wonder how much a tranny swap would run?

[ward]

I'm sure it'd be really pricy,
there's alot of electronics in an auto car that I'd imagine aren't there in a manual car

[noflash]

Think it'd be more that the hit he'd take trading it in for a 325i? (I mean financially and car-content-wise).

He could even sell the AT on ebay after.

[ward]

there may be other things such as a different length driveshaft, different rear end ratio and the computer issues

I bet it'd be cheaper and less of a headache to just trade cars

I'm not the parts guru, so I"m not sure exactly what would have to be changed, but it'd probably include

major computer stuff
tranny
driveshaft
diff

[noflash]

Maybe he should just use the manual feature of his AT.

[clutch09]

MT feature of AT is still pretty boring. Given prior history, I should be fine with it. Family changes car every 5-6 years so this extremely quick change shows you how much the AT was bothering me.

[saurav27]

At one point i was thinkng of trading my 325i for 330i but i was getting hit way to much so thought of not doing it ...

[clutch09]

You Indian? lol
same here

[E90330iS]

guys stop making me feel bad for having a step!

[clutch09]

Originally Posted by E90330iS

guys stop making me feel bad for having a step!

Lol - this is probably one thread you didn't want to read

[volinder]

Originally Posted by kanishkl

You Indian? lol
same here

Kiddan Yaar!!!

[clutch09]

Bas tikh tikh sir. Kithe de ho tusi punjab vich?

Nice to know other Indians on the forum.

Originally Posted by volinder

Kiddan Yaar!!!

[tl_boy]

banchots...

j/k!

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by E90330iS

guys stop making me feel bad for having a step!

YOu know, its really is unreal that some of us have and really enjoy our steptronic e90s, while some are one eyed stick fans. The best thing is, BMW give us the choice. Up to the E90 330, which is a step only here in Australia. The coupes, have the full range choice.

After 2 stick BMWs, (E36 and 46) which although were great, I could not be happier with my step in my e90. The engine and tranny are perfectly matched and I use D & DS modes when I feel like engaging the tranny, say around corners etc. Otherwise I am happy to let D mode rule, even if it is in a hurry to get to 6th gear - or as close to it as possible.

I trust you are enjoying your step car 330.

[uhaulball]

dera mahay churael

[LEDZEP]

It sounds like you made out very well and didn't lose much value. Good for you! As long as you're happy with your choice, don't worry about what anyone else thinks.