325i /w sports package or 330i?

Okiedoke · 12-31-2005, 12:49 AM

Hi. I've had a chance to drive the 325i manual, but haven't had a chance to drive the 330i or the 325i with sports package. The more powerful engine on the 330i is so tempting but the price is also much higher. Does anyone know how the handling of 325i w/ sports package compares with the 330i without sports package?

theclay · 12-31-2005, 12:53 AM

Test drive one with Sport before you make up your mind. Sport gives it a whole new feel. Get the stuff you really want on the car or you will regret it in the future.

canucklion · 12-31-2005, 01:28 AM

best way is for you to test drive both cars with the sports package right? that way you don't have to wonder "what if..." And driving feels are very subjective, only you know what you like/dislike
so go find yourself a 330i with the sport package

Wolf359 · 12-31-2005, 09:27 AM

You might actually be sold to the sport package even before pressing the Start button. Those seats are awesome!

JSpira · 12-31-2005, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okiedoke

Hi. I've had a chance to drive the 325i manual, but haven't had a chance to drive the 330i or the 325i with sports package. The more powerful engine on the 330i is so tempting but the price is also much higher. Does anyone know how the handling of 325i w/ sports package compares with the 330i without sports package?

Handling on the 325i with SP and the 330i with SP will be more similar than dissimilar.

The seats are the same, they both have staggered tire setups although the 325i has 17" wheels v. the 330i´s 18" wheels.

The 325i mit SP will feel more ,,sporty`` compared to a non SP 330i.

ward · 12-31-2005, 12:00 PM

that'd be a simple choice to me,

handling is more important than power, and the difference in suspension and cornering is larger than the difference in HP

get the SP

Oofie · 12-31-2005, 12:03 PM

DO NOT TEST DRIVE the 330i with SP! I was only getting the 325i at first, but when i heard the note on the 330i, I immediately knew that was my car, which also meant some 5k out of my bank again

yeah, I suppose handling wise, both cars with SP wouldnt be that much of a difference. But either car, you should get SP

BMW0 · 12-31-2005, 01:06 PM

Sport Package is essential for the driving enthusiast.

BMW F22 · 12-31-2005, 04:55 PM

get the SP!!! im kinda regretting that I didnt...

DerekS · 12-31-2005, 04:56 PM

I would certainly agree with those who say " go for the sport package." However, there is one hesitation I would offer with respect to the 330i with ZSP, which is what I drive. With the 18" wheels/tires, the ride is much stiffer than it is with 17" wheels/tires. I have experienced this first hand when I switched to 17" wheels with snows. The ride in my car improved significantly. So, you might want to keep this in mind when choosing between the 325/ZSP with 17" wheels and the 330/ZSP with 18" wheels.

BMW F22 · 12-31-2005, 05:11 PM

I guess it comes down to this : if you like to test your car and see its limit, get the Sp. If you are just driving around town or occasionally up in the mountains and such, dont get the SP. The ride is stiffer with SP but when you're carrying 4 or 5 people or going over bumpy roads, it is also smoother. Again, hardcore driving= SP; not so hardcore= No SP.

Okiedoke · 12-31-2005, 07:20 PM

Thank you all for your valuable feedback! I had intented to go drive the SP today as many of you suggested, but work got in the way. I think I might have also been a bit abiguous in my original posting.

Because of the increase in price of the 330i over the 325i, I can get the 325i with more options or the 330i with fewer options. Therefore, I was wondering which would provide more, longer lasting "fun", the 325i with SP or the 330i without SP, because I can likely only get one or the other.

Thanks again for your help!

seevemonka · 12-31-2005, 07:21 PM

325 sport all the way.You will regret not having sport package on a bmw.IMO.

peakpro · 12-31-2005, 07:23 PM

go for the SP......

Ethirtynine · 01-01-2006, 04:31 AM

i would definitely go with a 325 sport. the sport seats and steering wheel look and feel great, and you'll be able to save money for additional options

Saintor · 01-01-2006, 08:08 AM

I would be leaning toward a non-SP 330i. Likely to be less firm and it is quite an handler anyway and more than acceptable. Except maybe for seats, the "benefits" of SP won't be felt more than 2% of the time., assuming you are driving at 9/10+ for an extended period of time.

Well the base 330i with 17" can do this mission with flying colors as well.

IIRC, BMW announces a 0-60mph of 6.7s for the 325i and 6.1s for the 330. Enough difference to leave a 325 SP inthe dust. :rocks:

ksfrogman · 01-01-2006, 08:42 AM

Another thing to consider when comparing prices between the 325i and 330i is that if you end up getting the premium package, it is actually cheaper on the 330 than it is on the 325. You get more than just the more powerful engine (with it's larger exhaust and performance tuning). You get bigger wheels, xenon lights, higher speed limiter, and subtle trim, final drive and gear ratio differences.

I've been reading posts on this forum for a little over a month or so, and I've noticed a lot of members ask about "how to" add an option or feature they didn't originally get on the e90s they ordered. If you are one who customizes, will fork out the money for larger wheels, chrome kidney grills, chrome tail pipes, larger exhaust, or anything that might make your car faster, and are getting your e90 with the premium package, consider how much you will eventually spend on your 325i to make it more like the 330i you will not have gotten versus the true added cost of a 330i to begin with.

i initially planned on ordering a 325i until i considered this, but for a few extra thousand bucks, i felt it was well worth the money. now i don't have to live the next few years in regret everytime i see a 330i on the road.

stressdoc · 01-01-2006, 10:20 AM

ZSP is always the first option for me. The 325 is lighter, and is more similar to the 330 than it ever has been, in terms of having the same transmission etc., so I think it is a great deal. That said, why not get a 330i ZSP via ED for the price of the 325 with options?

pharding · 01-01-2006, 12:09 PM

For the price of a US 325 with sport, I would do this:

Euro Delivery - See my recent post on how to do this over a weekend and miss one day of work for $800.
330
Sport Package
6 Speed Manual Transmission
Black Paint
Black Leatherette

That is the ultimate value of any sports sedan for the auto enthusiast.

Black Leatherette is indistinguishable from leather for most people and it is more durable.

pharding · 01-01-2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintor

I would be leaning toward a non-SP 330i. Likely to be less firm and it is quite an handler anyway and more than acceptable. Except maybe for seats, the "benefits" of SP won't be felt more than 2% of the time., assuming you are driving at 9/10+ for an extended period of time.

Well the base 330i with 17" can do this mission with flying colors as well.

IIRC, BMW announces a 0-60mph of 6.7s for the 325i and 6.1s for the 330. Enough difference to leave a 325 SP inthe dust. :rocks:

With the sport package the car feels "sporty" at any speed and all times.

BMW F22 · 01-01-2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

Another thing to consider when comparing prices between the 325i and 330i is that if you end up getting the premium package, it is actually cheaper on the 330 than it is on the 325. You get more than just the more powerful engine (with it's larger exhaust and performance tuning). You get bigger wheels, xenon lights, higher speed limiter, and subtle trim, final drive and gear ratio differences.

I've been reading posts on this forum for a little over a month or so, and I've noticed a lot of members ask about "how to" add an option or feature they didn't originally get on the e90s they ordered. If you are one who customizes, will fork out the money for larger wheels, chrome kidney grills, chrome tail pipes, larger exhaust, or anything that might make your car faster, and are getting your e90 with the premium package, consider how much you will eventually spend on your 325i to make it more like the 330i you will not have gotten versus the true added cost of a 330i to begin with.

i initially planned on ordering a 325i until i considered this, but for a few extra thousand bucks, i felt it was well worth the money. now i don't have to live the next few years in regret everytime i see a 330i on the road.

yeah if you want all the features on the 330 for your 325, might as well get a 330. First I was also planning to get the 325. But then I noticed it didnt have chrome exhaust tips, chrome grills and the Logic7 (among other things). I thought that if I added on all those features it would come out as much as a standard 330. But with the 330 I get more than HP like KSFROGMAN's mentioned. If you're gonna get a 330, get the Premium also.

stressdoc · 01-01-2006, 07:37 PM

Ditto Phardings' ED shopping list, but make it Alpine White w/beige leatherette.

12-31-2005, 12:49 AM	#1
Okiedoke New Member 3 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1)	325i /w sports package or 330i? Hi. I've had a chance to drive the 325i manual, but haven't had a chance to drive the 330i or the 325i with sports package. The more powerful engine on the 330i is so tempting but the price is also much higher. Does anyone know how the handling of 325i w/ sports package compares with the 330i without sports package?
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12-31-2005, 12:53 AM	#2
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]	Test drive one with Sport before you make up your mind. Sport gives it a whole new feel. Get the stuff you really want on the car or you will regret it in the future. __________________ Jet Black, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Sport, Premium, Steptronic, 35% tint
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12-31-2005, 01:28 AM	#3
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	best way is for you to test drive both cars with the sports package right? that way you don't have to wonder "what if..." And driving feels are very subjective, only you know what you like/dislike so go find yourself a 330i with the sport package
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12-31-2005, 09:27 AM	#4
Wolf359 Captain 12 Rep 942 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	You might actually be sold to the sport package even before pressing the Start button. Those seats are awesome!
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12-31-2005, 12:00 PM	#6
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	that'd be a simple choice to me, handling is more important than power, and the difference in suspension and cornering is larger than the difference in HP get the SP
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12-31-2005, 12:03 PM	#7
Oofie Private First Class 16 Rep 127 Posts Drives: 13 FR-S Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0)	DO NOT TEST DRIVE the 330i with SP! I was only getting the 325i at first, but when i heard the note on the 330i, I immediately knew that was my car, which also meant some 5k out of my bank again yeah, I suppose handling wise, both cars with SP wouldnt be that much of a difference. But either car, you should get SP
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12-31-2005, 01:06 PM	#8
BMW0 Colonel 237 Rep 2,059 Posts Drives: AW E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Spokane, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Sport Package is essential for the driving enthusiast. __________________ 330i 6MT l 255 HP @ 5900 rpm 214 lb-ft Torque @ 3500 rpm l Alpine White l Beige l Aluminum l ZSP l 494 l PDC "Freude am Fahren" = "Joy to Drive"
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12-31-2005, 04:55 PM	#9
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	get the SP!!! im kinda regretting that I didnt...
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12-31-2005, 04:56 PM	#10
DerekS Major 197 Rep 1,180 Posts Drives: '24 X3 M Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: YVR iTrader: (0)	I would certainly agree with those who say " go for the sport package." However, there is one hesitation I would offer with respect to the 330i with ZSP, which is what I drive. With the 18" wheels/tires, the ride is much stiffer than it is with 17" wheels/tires. I have experienced this first hand when I switched to 17" wheels with snows. The ride in my car improved significantly. So, you might want to keep this in mind when choosing between the 325/ZSP with 17" wheels and the 330/ZSP with 18" wheels.
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12-31-2005, 05:11 PM	#11
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	I guess it comes down to this : if you like to test your car and see its limit, get the Sp. If you are just driving around town or occasionally up in the mountains and such, dont get the SP. The ride is stiffer with SP but when you're carrying 4 or 5 people or going over bumpy roads, it is also smoother. Again, hardcore driving= SP; not so hardcore= No SP.
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12-31-2005, 07:20 PM	#12
Okiedoke New Member 3 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1)	325i /w SP or 330i w/o SP? Thank you all for your valuable feedback! I had intented to go drive the SP today as many of you suggested, but work got in the way. I think I might have also been a bit abiguous in my original posting. Because of the increase in price of the 330i over the 325i, I can get the 325i with more options or the 330i with fewer options. Therefore, I was wondering which would provide more, longer lasting "fun", the 325i with SP or the 330i without SP, because I can likely only get one or the other. Thanks again for your help!
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12-31-2005, 07:21 PM	#13
seevemonka Private 2 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2006 bmw 325,black Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: mpls iTrader: (0)	325 sport all the way.You will regret not having sport package on a bmw.IMO.
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12-31-2005, 07:23 PM	#14
peakpro Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 290 Posts Drives: ex-Z4; now looking Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	go for the SP......
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01-01-2006, 04:31 AM	#15
Ethirtynine Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2004 Honda S2000 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Colorado iTrader: (4)	i would definitely go with a 325 sport. the sport seats and steering wheel look and feel great, and you'll be able to save money for additional options
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01-01-2006, 08:08 AM	#16
Saintor Banned 79 Rep 2,446 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MTL, Canada iTrader: (1)	I would be leaning toward a non-SP 330i. Likely to be less firm and it is quite an handler anyway and more than acceptable. Except maybe for seats, the "benefits" of SP won't be felt more than 2% of the time., assuming you are driving at 9/10+ for an extended period of time. Well the base 330i with 17" can do this mission with flying colors as well. IIRC, BMW announces a 0-60mph of 6.7s for the 325i and 6.1s for the 330. Enough difference to leave a 325 SP inthe dust. :rocks:
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01-01-2006, 08:42 AM	#17
ksfrogman Major General 576 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	Another thing to consider when comparing prices between the 325i and 330i is that if you end up getting the premium package, it is actually cheaper on the 330 than it is on the 325. You get more than just the more powerful engine (with it's larger exhaust and performance tuning). You get bigger wheels, xenon lights, higher speed limiter, and subtle trim, final drive and gear ratio differences. I've been reading posts on this forum for a little over a month or so, and I've noticed a lot of members ask about "how to" add an option or feature they didn't originally get on the e90s they ordered. If you are one who customizes, will fork out the money for larger wheels, chrome kidney grills, chrome tail pipes, larger exhaust, or anything that might make your car faster, and are getting your e90 with the premium package, consider how much you will eventually spend on your 325i to make it more like the 330i you will not have gotten versus the true added cost of a 330i to begin with. i initially planned on ordering a 325i until i considered this, but for a few extra thousand bucks, i felt it was well worth the money. now i don't have to live the next few years in regret everytime i see a 330i on the road. __________________
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01-01-2006, 10:20 AM	#18
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	ZSP is always the first option for me. The 325 is lighter, and is more similar to the 330 than it ever has been, in terms of having the same transmission etc., so I think it is a great deal. That said, why not get a 330i ZSP via ED for the price of the 325 with options? Last edited by stressdoc; 01-01-2006 at 11:18 AM..
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01-01-2006, 12:09 PM	#19
pharding Major 308 Rep 1,128 Posts Drives: 23 Audi Q4 e-tron + 14 X3 28i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	For the price of a US 325 with sport, I would do this: Euro Delivery - See my recent post on how to do this over a weekend and miss one day of work for $800. 330 Sport Package 6 Speed Manual Transmission Black Paint Black Leatherette That is the ultimate value of any sports sedan for the auto enthusiast. Black Leatherette is indistinguishable from leather for most people and it is more durable. __________________ 23 Audi Q4 e-tron; 23 i4 M50 on order 14 X3 Retired: 20 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD; 17 540i x; 14 550i Euro Del; 11 550i Euro Del; 08 550i Euro Del; 06 330i Euro Del; 04 545i Euro Del; 01 530i Euro Del
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01-01-2006, 07:37 PM	#22
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Ditto Phardings' ED shopping list, but make it Alpine White w/beige leatherette.
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