[tima]

My first E36 was a 325. It was a sweet car and gave me many enjoyable miles of fun. When I fell in love with the M3, in no way did my enjoyment of the M taint the good times I had with the 325. When I look back at my E90 in the parking lot I don't think 'wow I'm sure glad I got a 330 and not a 325' - no - I think 'what dynamite looking car'.

Every bimmer I've had has given lots of satisfaction and driving fun. Its not the horsepower or the numbers on the backside, its the enjoyment that comes from driving it. A winding road, a smooth downshift, the texture of the steering wheel on my hands - I think the car offers that to everyone who appreciates its - doesn't matter which model it is.
.

[human]

Originally Posted by tima

My first E36 was a 325. It was a sweet car and gave me many enjoyable miles of fun. When I fell in love with the M3, in no way did my enjoyment of the M taint the good times I had with the 325. When I look back at my E90 in the parking lot I don't think 'wow I'm sure glad I got a 330 and not a 325' - no - I think 'what dynamite looking car'.

Every bimmer I've had has given lots of satisfaction and driving fun. Its not the horsepower or the numbers on the backside, its the enjoyment that comes from driving it. A winding road, a smooth downshift, the texture of the steering wheel on my hands - I think the car offers that to everyone who appreciates its - doesn't matter which model it is.
.

True.

[visor]

OK, time for this...

:grouphug

[Kurupt1811]

Thanks for all the responses guys. What all of you are saying really does make sense and I realize now that I really shouldnt be stressing myself over which BMW subdivision I belong to but happy that I am fortunate enough to own a BMW! It is, after all, my first BMW and I'm only 21 so I can always look forward to the E90 M3!

And hey, as long as I have enough horsepower to blow the doors off the occasional ricer, I'm happy!!! Thanks again for the responses guys and I think visor is right. It is time for a group hug!

-Kalvin

[Oz]

Originally Posted by Kurupt1811

Thanks for all the responses guys. What all of you are saying really does make sense and I realize now that I really shouldnt be stressing myself over which BMW subdivision I belong to but happy that I am fortunate enough to own a BMW! It is, after all, my first BMW and I'm only 21 so I can always look forward to the E90 M3!

And hey, as long as I have enough horsepower to blow the doors off the occasional ricer, I'm happy!!! Thanks again for the responses guys and I think visor is right. It is time for a group hug!

-Kalvin

So you're getting the 330i right?





Enjoy your 325i. You will love it!

[mc68386]

Originally Posted by dnh325i

My personal rule has always been: Don't look at a house you can't afford, don't test drive a car you can't afford, don't ride a bike you don't want to spend the money on. Then you won't regret what you have.

The 325i was the upper end of what I considered, so I'm happy.

That's funny...that's pretty much the same argument the Bible-Thumpers have against pornography.

[aloyouis]

Originally Posted by tomwid

I'm a 5er owner and don't look down on 3ers. I want one! I can't justify buying it just because I "want" one. I hardly drive the 545i as it is.

But, I can't lie though, when I see a 325 I say to myself, aww.. it's the lower 3er, although still nice though!

I'm sure 7 series owners do the same thing to me, but at least I'm faster than they are LOL.

Any way, who cares what people think, if you drive a BMW, it's a nice car regardless. If you feel the need for extra power/options, then it's time to upgrade, don't upgrade because of what people "think".

This thread is bugging me more and more as I read it.....

Do I wish that I drove a 330 instead of my 325? Yes.

Am I unhappy with my 325? No. In fact I love it and already have 6000 miles on it.

Money IS the most determining factor when we choose which model. But to constantly infer, or blatently state that people who drive 325's can't afford to drive a 330 is ignorant.

I chose my second 325 (E46, 2002 in the garage as well) because it was what I wanted and what I wanted to spend. I could have purchased (yes I own both) a 7 series if I wanted to spend that amount of money for a car. I didn't because I chose to save/spend/invest the difference in cost somewhere else (investments, vacations with family,new pool,house for my Mom).

Next time you feel all warm inside as you pull up next to a 325 in your 330, ask yourself what sacrifices you are making that (we) 325 OWNERS don't have to make. But don't by any stretch ASSume that
it is an affordability issue. I have seen too many snot nosed kids driving a 330 that Daddy bought or that the cost of owning it consumes thier lives.

I don't want to sound snotty myslf but as I said above, this thread was irritaing me.


It is about choices folks, MORE than affordability.

[LEDZEP]

aloyouis : Exactly!

[z1ppo325i]

i think everyone understands our points... but as we all know we are all here for a reason.. we drive and love our 3 series.. i dont think a person would log on this site just too belittle people.. our common interest is the e90 bimmer and we all love it.. Thats why this forum is successful because we all are good people are respect each other. So ROCK ON EVERYONE!! LOL

[stressdoc]

To put this in context, if the 330i were, say $10,000 [or $20,000...] more than the 325i, many of us might start to feel foolish about spending that much more for the difference. Better to go get a new windsurfer (or whatever) instead. So BMW marketing analyzes the 'value point' that we base these kinds of 'rational' economic decisions on, and sets prices that maximize their profit.

This is a straightforward process. No need for us to get agro with each other! Perhaps we should try our best to STICK TO THE ENGINEERING and minimize the social games on this list.

[hemi to e90]

THATS IT

THIS NOOB IS GOING TO END THIS DISCUSSION

ALL THOSE THAT DONT BELIEVE THE E90 IS THE GREATEST CAR EVER

I SHALL DAMN U TO DRIVING A FORD PINTO FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE


j/p

i understand this debate, im the mist of it rite now, and trust me its a finacial descision

i WANT a 330i, i can AFFORD a 325i

damn this thing called money

also, when i bought the Hemi instead of the regular 4.7 or 5.9L v8s for my truck, it was easy to see the Hemi was a superior product

but for the 325i-330i debate its not so easy.

if i could afford a 330i easily i would have purchased one along time ago

[Petercat]

Originally Posted by Kurupt1811

Hey all! Relatively new to the forum (love it btw) and recently pulled the trigger on a 325i. I was really trying to get a 330 but in the end the $6000 price difference was just too much for me. Anyways, I just wanted to know, am I missing out on much? I know how the 325 stacks up on paper but is there a really noticable difference that you can "feel" while driving?

For all you 325 owners out there, after having your cars for awhile now, do you ever wish you saved up just a little longer to get that "perfect" 330 that we are so close to having? Thanks!!

-Kalvin

I guess after all this BS and arguement. My answer is no. I don't have any regret or buyers remorse. After 2500 miles, the 325 has been nothing but perfect for me.

[piru]

I had a 2002 330 so I had a very long struggle trying to decide between a e90 325 and 330. I finally decided that it didn't make sense for me to spend $5k+ for the 330.

So I ordered a 325 two months back. I went to the dealer to pick up the 325 but I just couldn't go through with it. The dealer had a 330 on the lot in the same color. Ended up spending $9k more and walked out with a profound sense of stupidity and happiness.

My wife had a heart attack when she found out that I had got the 330 The way I see:
40 more horses = $5k,
zsp = $1.6k,
premium package = $2.2k,
getting to work with a smile on my face = priceless!

I envy each and every person on this thread who bought the 325. It is a phenominal car for its price.

[victordweck]

i have never heard of someone referring to the 3-series as "the poor man's BMW." That is a ridiculous statement. I have heard people say the Porsche Boxter is "the poor man's Porsche." Which makes sense, when it is compared to the rest of their very high-end line. However, more 3's are bought than anything else the company creates. Furthermore, BMW has a car for just about every luxury class/level, and leads or seriously contends in leading almost every single one. So calling a 3-series a poor man's BMW is senseless.

[markh]

Here in the UK, you have other models (e.g. 320i and 318i) so the 325i is regarded as being near the top of the range.

I ordered the 325 (which arrives 1st September).

Like everything, there is always something better, whether engine size or optional extras. At the end of the day, it's a personal decision on what is enough. I'm having to buy a second car with 7 seats so I'd rather have a good one of those rather than spend it all on a 330 with all the extras.

Mark

[Petercat]

Originally Posted by victordweck

i have never heard of someone referring to the 3-series as "the poor man's BMW." That is a ridiculous statement. I have heard people say the Porsche Boxter is "the poor man's Porsche." Which makes sense, when it is compared to the rest of their very high-end line. However, more 3's are bought than anything else the company creates. Furthermore, BMW has a car for just about every luxury class/level, and leads or seriously contends in leading almost every single one. So calling a 3-series a poor man's BMW is senseless.

Seriously? Never heard it?

It is a common phrase here in the midwest (Minneapolis specifically). When I chose the e90 over the 5 series, my wife asked "are you sure you want a 'poor man's BMW'?". Also, the first statement my neighbor made was "It certainly is not the 'Poor Man's BMW' anymore".

I was using the quote to point out peoples ignorance, so I agree with you.

Read my post;
"just like a lot of people refer to the 3 series as the "Poor Man's BMW". Both statements show a great amount of ignorance."

[e90wraith]

I agree that a BMW is a "poor man's car." If you're not already, you're certainly going to be poor after buying a BMW.

[xyz123]

Just a few observations, for what they’re worth, on BMW in the marketplace. I think it is safe to say that this forum is populated by a small subset of owners who truly like to drive and therefore might not be typical of how the vast majority of buyers view their 3’s.

The ancestor of the 3, the BMW 2002, was shall we say, spartan. It was a simple car not considered to be luxurious by any stretch and was known only to a small circle as a bargain sporty car with some utility. No one outside of a few auto enthusiasts knew about them. The first time I drove my 2002 to work, my co-workers asked how on earth I could spend 3200 dollars on a dinky toy when I could have had a big Ford Tudor for 2800 bucks. They laughed at me. There were so few of us that BMW drivers waved to each other when they encountered another one on the road.

Not so today; I would say that the BMW 3 has evolved until it is seen universally, and bought as, a luxury car first and only incidentally as a driver’s car. One clue is that in any dealer’s inventory there will not be more than a few equipped with manual transmissions with maybe 8 or 9 cars out of 10 being automatics. Another clue to the change is that on some days I could swear that I see more BMW 3’s on the road than Fords or Chevs, and that most of them are being driven by suburban women sedately squiring kids off to school or picking up groceries, not by an alpha male hurtling up and down winding roads. I would say that owning a BMW is now an example of the conspicuous consumption characteristic of our society (yes, me included) and claiming anything else is like saying I chose leather because of my sweaty back, not because owning something expensive makes me feel good. The new 3 is far, far superior to the 2002 I had in every way except one, the fun factor, and no one views any BMW these days as an inexpensive bargain. I am looking forward to my new E90 325i; I expect it will be the greatest small BMW I have owned yet. Hey, I think it’s okay to be proud of a car, or any other material possession for that matter, but it is really dumb to flaunt it. People don’t respect that.

[stressdoc]

I agree with xyz123. I always felt comfortable in my 1602-2002-2002tii because I never thought anyone was evaluating me on the basis of what I was driving. BMWs initially were cryptic, although the '02s were quickly recognized as fun cars around Ann Arbor where I grew up. They were indestructible, easy to work on, great to drive and race. And, provided they had more than 100,000 miles on them, relatively cheap to buy. I got my first one from a GI that brought it back from Germany -- off on a tangent, wouldn't it be great if every service member got a stint in europe with a BMW after active duty? I still see a lot in common between today's 3-series and the 02's. That is why I will continue to buy them. More or less a life-long love affair. I have never regretted buying a BMW; they have always exceeded my high expectations, never let me down, and gotten me out of a number of pickles that I never should have gotten myself into. Even saved my brother's life when he got into an unavoidable-not his fault accident in which he undoubtedly would have been crushed had he not traded his old VW for an old 2002 a week before at my insistence. Nothing else but small BMWs for me. That said, I do feel a little more awkward these days driving a BMW, given the stark reality of the economic contrasts between that lifestyle and that of the rural communities in the third world in which I work on child health projects. But given the available alternatives, I do not find BMW ownership out of line with environmental and political good citizenship. No flaunting, no guilt trips on this list...

[Petercat]

The previous two posts by xyz123 and stressdoc are probably the most relavent and enlighting posts within this topic. Showing the history and origins of our cars (325/330) really puts todays product into perspective.
Where the 325 came from and What the 325 really is.

[know1isgod]

While stationed in Italy, I had a 77 320i whose "320i" fell off one day when I slammed the trunk too hard. Everyone laughed. I used to call it deploying a smoke screen when I used to drop from 4th to 3rd and the bluish/white smoke would come out the tail pipe. I loooooooooveeeddddddd that car. I had it for two years. Later I had a 95 325i. I put the conforti shark emblem on the tail cause of the chip (nobody really cared about Dinan Chips in those days). I put an M-3 exhaust because that was the cheapest mod I could afford. My point was no one "accused" me of not being able to afford a 328 E36. That 325 was the bomb. I kept the grey side skirts and used lemon pledge to keep them shiny. This forum has got to return to the root of loving our cars and sharing information/stories about them. Not why did you buy the 325 or 330? So I guess people who bought the 525 and not the 530 are considered less than 530 owners but superior to the 3 series owners? My 96 318ti was fun for it's own right. I am a BMW owner/driver. This is my fourth one. I welcome those who are new to ownership and respect those who know the history. I have no regard for those who feel one model is "better" than another. I wish I had my rusty orange, smoke coming from the engine and tailpipe, oil leaking 320i to restore. I would bring it to a meet, and I bet I would get as much respect from REAL BMW owners. Thats my 4 cent.

[djinferno]

Realisticly, Anyone who looks at the E90 325 and the E46 330 will realize that its ecentially the same car... now before the E90, anyone who needed more then a 330 had either a ZHP or a M3 as an alternative... To day the E90 325 is very comperable to a E46 330 in terms of power so all the badging noncense has to stop...

At the end of the day, it's all about what you need and if that includes looking at what fits into your budget, then so be it... I trully beleive that most BMW owners could go for the 325 or the 330 if they would really care that much, it's a matter of being patient, I beleive that anyone who buys a BMW is not necessarely buying the car for it's practibility or it's great gas consumption... At the end of the day, these cars are A "want" thing more then a "need" and if someone beleives that 215HP is enought, so be it... I know guys that have 325's that cost more then a 330 because the 330 is base...


I want a new Bimmer but I want the 330 with the sports package and all the bells and wisles that can be in it and thats only because I beleive that at this time in my life, i'm done with aftermarket rims and suspentions etc.. that end up costing you out of pocket and that when you add up, you realize "Shit, I should of got the M3 that allready have all this crap i'm buying all the time for a little more money" thats my stand on cars today but for others it's different, thus more reason to not question someone who buys a 325 compared to a 330....


At this phase of the game... a 3 series owner that does not own a M made a decision, may it be financial or not does not make him less of a person....