first impressions of my new 325

llaroo · 07-14-2005, 11:47 AM

I finally got my new 325 and what a car! I'm not going to start to compare to a 330 but here's my thoughts...

I wanted to keep the cost to a minimum so I went with the 325 6speed manual with sports, sunroof and metallic paint. $45000.00CDN. In Canada the car comes standard with all the dynamic features, bi-xenons, 'angel eyes', professional radio, folding seat and pass through, heated seats, mirrors, nozzles, chrome exhaust tips, I'm sure there is more.

Although there is only 175 KMs on the car, the car drives and handles so impressively that I quesition the struggle over the 325 and 330. IMO the power delivery on the 325 is vary satisfying especially from 80 to 120 KM's per hour. Yeah the start off isn't as good as the 330 but for someone who is concerned about dollars, don't sweat it, the 325 is truly amazing. The sports suspension is stiffer and bumpyer but still very comfortable, and we have some pretty shitty roads her in Toronto. The only downside is the very sweaty leatherette seats, with 60% humidity and temps at 35 C you leave plenty of wet spots behind! I had an A4 before this and thought it was amazing, this car improves on that as well.

So for those looking for performance and handling and lower prices, stick to the 325 with sports package and 6mt and you'll be very happy!

LEDZEP · 07-14-2005, 12:09 PM

Nice write up. I agree on all points, except I have leather so no wet spots!

noflash · 07-14-2005, 03:29 PM

I felt the same about a near-exact car I ordered. I couldn't take it because of the swamp-back the leatherette provided!!!

jubol · 07-14-2005, 03:33 PM

I felt the same way, no wet spots with the leather!!
Fred

bmw330ipty · 07-14-2005, 04:40 PM

im got the leatherette but i wont have swamp back cuz of freezing temps in boston.... so maybe it will be ice back?

jubol · 07-14-2005, 04:46 PM

BMW330,
Freezing temps in the summer in Boston, sounds like
Ted kennedy!!
Fred

Swoosh · 07-14-2005, 05:20 PM

Is there any difference between the stock radio on the 325i in Canada vs. the US?

bmwczech · 07-14-2005, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llaroo

I finally got my new 325 and what a car! I'm not going to start to compare to a 330 but here's my thoughts...

I wanted to keep the cost to a minimum so I went with the 325 6speed manual with sports, sunroof and metallic paint. $45000.00CDN. In Canada the car comes standard with all the dynamic features, bi-xenons, 'angel eyes', professional radio, folding seat and pass through, heated seats, mirrors, nozzles, chrome exhaust tips, I'm sure there is more.

Although there is only 175 KMs on the car, the car drives and handles so impressively that I quesition the struggle over the 325 and 330. IMO the power delivery on the 325 is vary satisfying especially from 80 to 120 KM's per hour. Yeah the start off isn't as good as the 330 but for someone who is concerned about dollars, don't sweat it, the 325 is truly amazing. The sports suspension is stiffer and bumpyer but still very comfortable, and we have some pretty shitty roads her in Toronto. The only downside is the very sweaty leatherette seats, with 60% humidity and temps at 35 C you leave plenty of wet spots behind! I had an A4 before this and thought it was amazing, this car improves on that as well.

So for those looking for performance and handling and lower prices, stick to the 325 with sports package and 6mt and you'll be very happy!

llaroo, thanks for your comments. I am basically going with the same configuration on my 325i which I plan on purchasing in Oct/Nov. The only additional option I am going with is the A/T which is a little disappointing since the car is for my wife and she refuses to drive a standard. What color did you go with and did you get any break on the pricing? The $45,000 Canadian you mentioned must not have included the PDI?
How significant a difference is the e90 vs the A4 you had?

Petercat · 07-14-2005, 05:50 PM

Love the review... Love the car.

I have only had my 325 for exactly 3 weeks today and surely love the car. As you had stated, it's a very satisfying car. It really offers alot of driving pleasure.

It's good to hear of others who share the appreciation.

Now, you gotta post the pics.

Robbie! · 07-14-2005, 08:28 PM

I too live in toronto and had an A4 before ... have had my 325 for 2 months now and agree, its an excellent car!

Robbie! · 07-14-2005, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwczech

How significant a difference is the e90 vs the A4 you had?

I also live in toronto and previously had an a4. The engine of the 325 has way more pull and is 10x smoother than the 1.8 turbo on the a4 quattro. The Audi comes with more standard equipment, having owned both I think the BMW is a better all around car.

Petercat · 07-14-2005, 09:38 PM

One of my prior cars was also an '05 A4 1.8t Quattro. The 325 is a far more engaging driving experience. Not rough or uncomfortable, but far more responsive, more power, better handling, more comfortable seats, better standard sound system, etc.. I did like that the Audi came standard with more gadgets, but they were still available so, I was happy.

kes · 07-14-2005, 10:04 PM

I too have a 2003 A4 1.8TQ. I found my parents 330i is a lot better than my car, better handling even in standard suspension and I got sport package on my A4. and better brakes for sure.

llaroo · 07-14-2005, 11:05 PM

hey BMWczech, the 45k was the list price, I have to look at the lease agreement I don't even know what I paid!! although I bi passed BMW and leased through cars4u.com and saved about $60.00 a month on my lease with a very good residual and lower interest rate. Same car, picked it up at a BMW dealer outside of Toronto, and I also bi passed the rigidity of the Toronto dealers. 7 dealers in the GTA and all the same. Cars4u leases from one steady supplier and they get a break and pass it on to the leaser.

llaroo · 07-14-2005, 11:10 PM

I agree with everyone with comparison to the A4. It is a great car and nice design but when I sit in my 06 325 there is a profound difference. Audi ditched the 1.8t and now have a 2.0T which is way better performance but still not the same as the BMW - greater tightness and control on the 325, I really feel like I'm in a sports car, didn't feel that in the Audi, just a good solid German car.

Petercat · 07-15-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llaroo

I agree with everyone with comparison to the A4. It is a great car and nice design but when I sit in my 06 325 there is a profound difference. Audi ditched the 1.8t and now have a 2.0T which is way better performance but still not the same as the BMW - greater tightness and control on the 325, I really feel like I'm in a sports car, didn't feel that in the Audi, just a good solid German car.

I had the same feeling... My A4 was with the sport package and the BMW is the standard and still has a more sporty ride.

bmwczech · 07-15-2005, 02:47 PM

Thanks all for your comments on the Audi A4. There is no doubt that it is a great looking car. I had a 2000 VW Passat which was built on the A4 platform and therefore got a bit of the flavor of how the A4 handles. I took a e90 325i for a test drive last month and I was amazed with how solid and confident the car felt on the road. I guess the only thing I was disappointed with was the A/T which had that hesitation feel to it that a number of people have been discussing on this forum. I wish I could get the manual but it's going be my wife's car and she doesn't drive a standard?

Petercat · 07-15-2005, 03:17 PM

I've gotta have the auto because of a back problem (spinal fusion of 4 vertebrae)...

Since my first drive of the BMW, I've thought the Step is far more fun than Audi's Tiptronic.

I think the 325 automanual shifts quicker and smoother than the A4.

I'm very satisfied. Get it for the wife and you'll find you appreciate it while commuting to work.

07-14-2005, 11:47 AM	#1
llaroo Private First Class 15 Rep 113 Posts Drives: 06 325i MonacoBlue Join Date: May 2005 Location: toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	first impressions of my new 325 - pure joy I finally got my new 325 and what a car! I'm not going to start to compare to a 330 but here's my thoughts... I wanted to keep the cost to a minimum so I went with the 325 6speed manual with sports, sunroof and metallic paint. $45000.00CDN. In Canada the car comes standard with all the dynamic features, bi-xenons, 'angel eyes', professional radio, folding seat and pass through, heated seats, mirrors, nozzles, chrome exhaust tips, I'm sure there is more. Although there is only 175 KMs on the car, the car drives and handles so impressively that I quesition the struggle over the 325 and 330. IMO the power delivery on the 325 is vary satisfying especially from 80 to 120 KM's per hour. Yeah the start off isn't as good as the 330 but for someone who is concerned about dollars, don't sweat it, the 325 is truly amazing. The sports suspension is stiffer and bumpyer but still very comfortable, and we have some pretty shitty roads her in Toronto. The only downside is the very sweaty leatherette seats, with 60% humidity and temps at 35 C you leave plenty of wet spots behind! I had an A4 before this and thought it was amazing, this car improves on that as well. So for those looking for performance and handling and lower prices, stick to the 325 with sports package and 6mt and you'll be very happy! Last edited by llaroo; 07-14-2005 at 12:13 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-14-2005, 12:09 PM	#2
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Nice write up. I agree on all points, except I have leather so no wet spots!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 03:29 PM	#3
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I felt the same about a near-exact car I ordered. I couldn't take it because of the swamp-back the leatherette provided!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 03:33 PM	#4
jubol Private 0 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dover, De, USA iTrader: (0)	I felt the same way, no wet spots with the leather!! Fred
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 04:40 PM	#5
bmw330ipty Private First Class 37 Rep 158 Posts Drives: 2006 Porsche Cayenne Join Date: May 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	im got the leatherette but i wont have swamp back cuz of freezing temps in boston.... so maybe it will be ice back?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 04:46 PM	#6
jubol Private 0 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dover, De, USA iTrader: (0)	BMW330, Freezing temps in the summer in Boston, sounds like Ted kennedy!! Fred
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 05:20 PM	#7
Swoosh Private 8 Rep 54 Posts Drives: Honda Accord EXR Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Is there any difference between the stock radio on the 325i in Canada vs. the US?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 05:50 PM	#9
Petercat Cat Herder 8 Rep 274 Posts Drives: LR3, again... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mpls, MN iTrader: (0)	Love the review... Love the car. I have only had my 325 for exactly 3 weeks today and surely love the car. As you had stated, it's a very satisfying car. It really offers alot of driving pleasure. It's good to hear of others who share the appreciation. Now, you gotta post the pics. __________________ Waiting for my e93.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 08:28 PM	#10
Robbie! Private First Class 18 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325I Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I too live in toronto and had an A4 before ... have had my 325 for 2 months now and agree, its an excellent car! __________________ E90 Titanium Silver/Black/6spd man/Sport/Premium/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 09:38 PM	#12
Petercat Cat Herder 8 Rep 274 Posts Drives: LR3, again... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mpls, MN iTrader: (0)	One of my prior cars was also an '05 A4 1.8t Quattro. The 325 is a far more engaging driving experience. Not rough or uncomfortable, but far more responsive, more power, better handling, more comfortable seats, better standard sound system, etc.. I did like that the Audi came standard with more gadgets, but they were still available so, I was happy. __________________ Waiting for my e93.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 10:04 PM	#13
kes Private 0 Rep 51 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Burnaby, BC iTrader: (0)	I too have a 2003 A4 1.8TQ. I found my parents 330i is a lot better than my car, better handling even in standard suspension and I got sport package on my A4. and better brakes for sure.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 11:05 PM	#14
llaroo Private First Class 15 Rep 113 Posts Drives: 06 325i MonacoBlue Join Date: May 2005 Location: toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	hey BMWczech, the 45k was the list price, I have to look at the lease agreement I don't even know what I paid!! although I bi passed BMW and leased through cars4u.com and saved about $60.00 a month on my lease with a very good residual and lower interest rate. Same car, picked it up at a BMW dealer outside of Toronto, and I also bi passed the rigidity of the Toronto dealers. 7 dealers in the GTA and all the same. Cars4u leases from one steady supplier and they get a break and pass it on to the leaser.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-14-2005, 11:10 PM	#15
llaroo Private First Class 15 Rep 113 Posts Drives: 06 325i MonacoBlue Join Date: May 2005 Location: toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	I agree with everyone with comparison to the A4. It is a great car and nice design but when I sit in my 06 325 there is a profound difference. Audi ditched the 1.8t and now have a 2.0T which is way better performance but still not the same as the BMW - greater tightness and control on the 325, I really feel like I'm in a sports car, didn't feel that in the Audi, just a good solid German car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2005, 02:47 PM	#17
bmwczech Private 1 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 325i Alpine White Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Victoria, B.C. iTrader: (0)	Thanks all for your comments on the Audi A4. There is no doubt that it is a great looking car. I had a 2000 VW Passat which was built on the A4 platform and therefore got a bit of the flavor of how the A4 handles. I took a e90 325i for a test drive last month and I was amazed with how solid and confident the car felt on the road. I guess the only thing I was disappointed with was the A/T which had that hesitation feel to it that a number of people have been discussing on this forum. I wish I could get the manual but it's going be my wife's car and she doesn't drive a standard?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2005, 03:17 PM	#18
Petercat Cat Herder 8 Rep 274 Posts Drives: LR3, again... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mpls, MN iTrader: (0)	I've gotta have the auto because of a back problem (spinal fusion of 4 vertebrae)... Since my first drive of the BMW, I've thought the Step is far more fun than Audi's Tiptronic. I think the 325 automanual shifts quicker and smoother than the A4. I'm very satisfied. Get it for the wife and you'll find you appreciate it while commuting to work. __________________ Waiting for my e93.
	Appreciate 0 Quote