E46 guys...325 vs. 330ci?

[urban328is]

I am leaning towards moving on to an e46. Do you guys think that the added cost is worth the extra power? My biggest concern is really the mileage, then color combo. If I can get a clean low miles 330 for 12k that would be great but today I am checking out an 04 325 (post facelift) with beyern rims and fairly low miles that fits my budget. Am I going to kick myself later for not going to a (probably 2001 or 02) 330?

Thanks,

-Rob

[500kE30]

What's the difference in cost?

[Arnel]

If it were me, power ranks pretty high up on my hierarchy of needs. I'd personally go with the 330 as it has a pretty nice torque curve. And then I'd even throw Nick G's turbo on it

What's the price difference between an 01-02 330ci and an 04 325ci? Looks wise, I think there all pretty close so I personally would be fine with an older model. I'd want to put a DDM bumper, and some CSL reps on it anyway.

Be cautious about early 01's. They had overboosted steering racks that many complained about. Aside from being able to tell by wheel effort, you can count the # turns lock to lock to tell the difference. You'll have to look it up though, as I don't remember.

[Lawless]

Definitely go with the best 330 you can afford, unless you plan on chipping the 325. My 330ci is pre facelift but with the sport package the front end looks much better imo.

[2kwiq]

are you getting a manual? cause the only fault with the 330s 5spd is some ring that won't allow the shifter to bounce back to neutral without a tug. it's not a real problem, just annoying. not sure if you want to get a auto...those can be pretty unreliable after all these years.

mpgs between the 2 engines is so trivial that it shouldn't be a factor to consider.

i believe a majority of '01s were ultimate parking machines. but if you don't drive it back to back with a 328 or 323 of '99/'00, you probably wouldn't even notice.

[urban328is]

hey guys, that 04 that i thought was the one turned out to be a stinker...bald rears, and a side airbag that looked like it had been popped and not replaced. Plus it was auto and I really want a stick this time around. Owner was a bit short of completely honest so I think i'm going to continue my search elsewhere even though 11.5 is pretty cheap for ANY 04. Anybody want to run a carfax for me?

What are some other problems E46 coupes see?

[Lawless]

Originally Posted by urban328is

What are some other problems E46 coupes see?

Definately have it checked out by someone you trust before you buy one, any honest seller won't mind. Remember, it's still a buyer's market for cars - even used.

Rear subframe cracks, window motors, sunroof shade, etc are a few things to check for.

You might want to check e46fanatics, a TON of good info over there.

e46's rock, it will feel nice to step up into a more modern vehicle.

[jakeyb]

lol you sound like I did a few months ago...


- Go with the 330
- Only get a manual
- Get heated seats
- Get the sport package
- Miles are overrated if the car has been taken care of (my 330i has 171k miles as of today, runs like a champ)

[ChItalian1027]

the 330 is a fun car to drive, my cousin had one but he need something for the denver winters so he got a porsche. He put the Dinan Stage 3 Kit on the car and it sounded awesome and it definetly was more powerful then when i first rode in it.

I think ur best bet would take the car to a mechanic that u really trust!!

I found this 330 on c-list
2001 BMW 3-Series 330Ci Steel Gray Metallic Manual

[OmniGLH]

Originally Posted by kickass95318ti

...but he need something for the denver winters so he got a porsche. ...

???

[LUSTR]

hold on I'm looking for the smacks itself across the forehead smiley...


never mind found a better one...


jk bro good luck with the search


ps. E46 looks like my anus

[Lawless]

Originally Posted by ivopivo

ps. E46 looks like my anus

I'm glad there are a couple of other detailers on the board.

[LUSTR]

Originally Posted by Lawless

[/COLOR]

I'm glad there are a couple of other detailers on the board.

haha ouch (did you have to put it in pink!)

[Matt]

get a 330 and make sure you get xenons and a sports package. Also get a coupe, preferably a ZHP but that might be harder to find in your price range.

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by Matt

get a 330 and make sure you get xenons and a sports package. Also get a coupe, preferably a ZHP but that might be harder to find in your price range.

Or just get a 330Ci and replace the cams. I miss my ZHP, though.

The sun shade isn't a big deal if you leave it open all the time. One minor, yet very annoying, thing is the interior trim around the windows. The adhesive used to hold it onto the door seals doesn't always like high temps. While not super common, they have been known to droop if left to sit under the sun in the middle of summer. If you can't get the trim to stay up, you have to buy a whole new door seal.