[Simoncanada]

Please post your 323i, I am so looking fwd seeing it.

A couple questions, are those run-flat snow tires expensive? Is is good with so much snow in Calgary? Did you mount the snows to your original rims?

Also, how do you compare the power from your Dad's 330i? I am going to buy an Alpine white one in Toronto very very soon.

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by Simoncanada

Please post your 323i, I am so looking fwd seeing it.

A couple questions, are those run-flat snow tires expensive? Is is good with so much snow in Calgary? Did you mount the snows to your original rims?

Also, how do you compare the power from your Dad's 330i? I am going to buy an Alpine white one in Toronto very very soon.

I got my runflat Bridgestone Blizzaks with rims, installed and balanced from my dealer for $1695. So I have a second set of winter rims and my nice Sport rims are currently waiting in my basement.

My dad's E46 330i definately has more juice... however, if his 330i has 225 hp, I think that it would be fair to say that the 323i feels like 200 hp. I would say that my 323i is an improvement versus my dad's 330i in terms of smoothness and fuel economy and it definately sounds very different than my dad's 330i.

The pictures will be around soon... I am aiming for this weekend assuming the weather cooperates... the stupid sun sets so fast that it is always dark by the time I get home on week days

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by epiphone3

I got my runflat Bridgestone Blizzaks with rims, installed and balanced from my dealer for $1695. So I have a second set of winter rims and my nice Sport rims are currently waiting in my basement.

My dad's E46 330i definately has more juice... however, if his 330i has 225 hp, I think that it would be fair to say that the 323i feels like 200 hp. I would say that my 323i is an improvement versus my dad's 330i in terms of smoothness and fuel economy and it definately sounds very different than my dad's 330i.

The pictures will be around soon... I am aiming for this weekend assuming the weather cooperates... the stupid sun sets so fast that it is always dark by the time I get home on week days

hopefully these pics work! They are average but will get you the idea until I do something demonstrating more skill in photography!

Shown are my winter rims... just as a summary, I have a Black Sapphire metallic on Black interior manual 6-speed 323i with Premium Package and Sport Package. The interior looks exactly like the other models except for the manual climate control unit... if pics are desired, I can try and snag some of the interior too.

ENJOY

[shragon]

interesting.

did you add the chrome tips or did it come with it? nice car!

[epiphone3]

and a side view.... winter rims look great for steel, eh?

Let me know what you all think about my new ride

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by shragon

interesting.

did you add the chrome tips or did it come with it? nice car!

I actually added the chrome tips along with 3M Clear Bra and a second set of winter rubber floor mats.

[Simoncanada]

Hi epiphone3, very nice pics, did you buy the chrome tips from the dealership? The winter rims are pretty nice looking, you sure got an awesome ride.

It looks like the standard 323i doesn't come with any kind of fold down rear seat pass through for skis or long items, does you car have that option? I think it is a $650 option.

Also, how's the stereo comparing to the 330i? can you plugin an iPod and make songs selection through your radio control?

[tctic]

Yeah post pics of the interior too. The Canadian 323i doesn't have automatic climate control. So it's different.

[JamieA]

Congratulations, and heres wishing you many long hours of happy driving with clear roads and fast curves

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by Simoncanada

Hi epiphone3, very nice pics, did you buy the chrome tips from the dealership? The winter rims are pretty nice looking, you sure got an awesome ride.

It looks like the standard 323i doesn't come with any kind of fold down rear seat pass through for skis or long items, does you car have that option? I think it is a $650 option.

Also, how's the stereo comparing to the 330i? can you plugin an iPod and make songs selection through your radio control?

I didn't get the folding rear seat option just because I have no use for it (I am not a skier and the trunk is big enough for anything I would want to transport in this car)... So the long and the short of it is that I feel that the trunk is already quite large and meets my needs so no justification for an extra $650.

The stereo sounds very nice... seems to pick up minor details in songs that I haven't even noticed with ear-phones (I listen to alot of stuff like U2 and Oasis which is quite layered). I am very pleased with the sound of this stereo... the iPod plugs in and plays through the stereo but cannot be controlled through the car radio, unforunately. Would be nice if it did, but I am okay with just controlling with the iPod.

Oh yeah, did I mention that the sport suspension amazes me? Turn-in on this car is very quick and, I think, even better than E46 sport. Mid-corner stability is excellent even if there are bumps... very impressed with the ride-quality also... everyone who has ridden in my car comments on the soft ride.

[Simoncanada]

Thanks.

We are so looking fwd to see those interior pics, I honestly won't miss the automatic climate control as it doesn't really add too much value and it definitely will be a weak spot for repairing 5 years down the road.

I am still debating on the 323i vs. 325i, whether I should spend more to get to a bigger engine + Xenon + folddown backseat. On this note, how's the 323i headlights compare to the old 330i with Xenon? Is it bright enough? Does it has the "angel eyes" rims?

I am planning to pay cash for the car and I will keep it for at least 8 years (this is why I am still driving a 95 E36), so a few $Ks is a lot of money no matter how you look at it.

[db17k]

lets play find the camera man in the pictures

[one3]

Originally Posted by Simoncanada

Thanks.

We are so looking fwd to see those interior pics, I honestly won't miss the automatic climate control as it doesn't really add too much value and it definitely will be a weak spot for repairing 5 years down the road.

I am still debating on the 323i vs. 325i, whether I should spend more to get to a bigger engine + Xenon + folddown backseat. On this note, how's the 323i headlights compare to the old 330i with Xenon? Is it bright enough? Does it has the "angel eyes" rims?

I am planning to pay cash for the car and I will keep it for at least 8 years (this is why I am still driving a 95 E36), so a few $Ks is a lot of money no matter how you look at it.

I was in the exact situation as you. 323 vs 325. I pondered it for almost a month as I too intend to purchase/not lease it and keep it for 8 years + . I finally decided on the 325i (stock with no options). I based this on a few factors:

1. I really like the look of the Xenons. Both when they are on and when they are off (seeing the "angel eyes" that are not on the 323)

2. Folded seats were a must for me (although I know they are an option on the 323)

3. Heated seats are a nice add on. The car I took for a testdrive had them and I was sold on the idea immediatly.

4. The automatic climate control / dual zone is also a nice feature as my wife likes warm air on her feet where I prefer cool air on my face - so that make it for less fighting over the heat controls.

5. The bigger engine is of course nice although honestly for the kind of driving I do I don't think it's a big difference.

6. I like the wheels on the 325 more then the ones on the 323 (but that's a personal opinion - so to each his own)

In the end the difference between the 323 with the folder seats and the heated seats and the stock 325 was a bit over $3500 if I remember correctly, but considering the fact that I plan to keep the car for a while it was worth the overall satisfaction in the end and knowing that I won't have that "what if..." feeling.

I don't know if this help your decision or makes it more confusing
I'm waiting on my car to arrive here in Vancouver - should be late March!!!!!

Let me know how your decision process goes!

[Simoncanada]

Your analysis makes a lot of sense, but I really like the sport seat + thicker steering wheel at the 323i SP, but if I purchase a 325i with SP, it will bump the price up to beyond $50K on the road.

I don't like the stock rims on the 323i, but the 323i SP rims look pretty good, although I might purchase an aftermarket 17" in either case.

What color is your base 325i, I will get an alpine white for sure.

[one3]

Originally Posted by Simoncanada

Your analysis makes a lot of sense, but I really like the sport seat + thicker steering wheel at the 323i SP, but if I purchase a 325i with SP, it will bump the price up to beyond $50K on the road.

I don't like the stock rims on the 323i, but the 323i SP rims look pretty good, although I might purchase an aftermarket 17" in either case.

What color is your base 325i, I will get an alpine white for sure.

I also considered the sports package (for both the 323 & 325) but decided against it for a few of reasons: First I'm not sold on the 'harder' ride for the type of driving I do (driving to work in traffic). Second - the price!! Lastly - 17" tires don't last as long as 16" tires. I love the 161 wheels that come with the 325 sports package though!!! However having already decided to pay the extra to get the 325 vs the 323 I just couldn't rationalize adding the sports package ontop of that. Heck, when I started looking last month I started by only looking for a used (2002) 320 or 325 so by now I'm waaay over my initial budget as is.

On the test drive I found the stock seats to be quite comfortable but at the same time quite supportive and 'grippy' ... so to me they have a sporty feel to them as is.

I ordered a Jet Black with Black Leatherette inside. I think the white would have been my #2 choice... really shows off the lines of the car well.

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by Simoncanada

Thanks.

We are so looking fwd to see those interior pics, I honestly won't miss the automatic climate control as it doesn't really add too much value and it definitely will be a weak spot for repairing 5 years down the road.

I am still debating on the 323i vs. 325i, whether I should spend more to get to a bigger engine + Xenon + folddown backseat. On this note, how's the 323i headlights compare to the old 330i with Xenon? Is it bright enough? Does it has the "angel eyes" rims?

I am planning to pay cash for the car and I will keep it for at least 8 years (this is why I am still driving a 95 E36), so a few $Ks is a lot of money no matter how you look at it.

Hey Simon,

I find the 323i halogens work very well... I would say that they are pretty comparable in brightness to my dad's E46 330i xenons. No angel eyes, though. High beams are like driving in the day time

I would highly recommend the 323i... Sport and Premium gives me everything that I want. With the headlights in my 323i, I see no point for xenons other than the looks as the halogens work very well. I think that automatic climate control is over-rated, at least for my needs.

Remember to keep in mind that you will want a second set of winter rims and tires and probably some other accessories which may push your budget limits if you pay the extra $5000 for a 325i. After driving both the 323i and the 325i, I felt that there was no significant reason to shell out extra dollars for a 325i.

[one3]

Despite having just posted a slew of reason's why I chose the 325 over the 323 (see a couple of posts above) I do agree with epiphone3 - the 323 is a great car. For me it was just a matter of a few options that I personally felt I really wanted. For others my reasons may not apply and in that case I really believe the 323 is a great car at a great price. It's hard to see how one can get into any other car that is as good for around $35k.

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by one3

Despite having just posted a slew of reason's why I chose the 325 over the 323 (see a couple of posts above) I do agree with epiphone3 - the 323 is a great car. For me it was just a matter of a few options that I personally felt I really wanted. For others my reasons may not apply and in that case I really believe the 323 is a great car at a great price. It's hard to see how one can get into any other car that is as good for around $35k.

Agreed. In fact, it is tough to imagine a car better than the 325i in the 40-50 range as well! Looks like with the 323i and 325i, it is tough to make a wrong choice!

[one3]

Originally Posted by epiphone3

Agreed. In fact, it is tough to imagine a car better than the 325i in the 40-50 range as well! Looks like with the 323i and 325i, it is tough to make a wrong choice!

Totally true. I think the difference between the two is just a matter of personal preference (and of course a bit of $$).

Hope you are enjoying your 323 - you get to test it out in real winter conditions which I'll never really get to here on the west coast. Would love to know how it handles in the snow even with the allseasons.

[Simoncanada]

Thank you guys.

One3, did you get a good discount in B.C.? I remember epiphone3 mentioned that he got a great deal on his 323i plus he doesn't have to pay provincal tax in Alberta, so lucky.

[one3]

Originally Posted by Simoncanada

Thank you guys.

One3, did you get a good discount in B.C.? I remember epiphone3 mentioned that he got a great deal on his 323i plus he doesn't have to pay provincal tax in Alberta, so lucky.

I got $1500 off the MSRP price of the 325i base - I think that's a fairly decent discount from what I've heard and they gave me a fair trade in value on my current car. So overall I was very happy with the price.

[epiphone3]

I should be getting my interior pics up this weekend... stay tuned!