2001 - 320i VS 325i

[sol_searchin]

What's are the MAIN difference between the 320i and the 325i (beside's the engine) is the 320i drivetrain less reliable then the 325's? Thanks for the help guys!

[arsevader]

Originally Posted by sol_searchin

What's are the MAIN difference between the 320i and the 325i (beside's the engine) is the 320i drivetrain less reliable then the 325's? Thanks for the help guys!

Other than the engine (2.2 vs 2.5) the 320i and the 325i are very similar and in most respects identical.

[radi0activem]

The brakes are smaller on the 320i also

[simplycars]

320i
- manual climate control
- optional sunroof

[arsevader]

Originally Posted by radi0activem

The brakes are smaller on the 320i also

Yes, only slightly though. The calipers are the same calipers as the 325i. It's just the rotors that are smaller. With a 325i caliper carrier you can use the larger 325i rotors.

Sunroof is optional on all e46s. If you get the premium pakcage then it is included. My touring had no sunroof which was awesome but it's next to impossible to find a car without one.

As far as bells and whistles, the 320i is a little more stripped down but all in all it drives pretty much the same as the 325i.

[mstearnsy]

big differences in terms of luxury:
- no xenon headlights
- fog lights are optional
- no stereo upgrades
- no climate control
- no power seat or leather availability
- cruise control is optional
- alloy wheels are optional
- no body colour trunk handle and roof strips

A 320i with a stick is actually quite nice to drive. The 320i automatic is pretty slow though.

[arsevader]

Originally Posted by mstearnsy

big differences in terms of luxury:
- no xenon headlights
- fog lights are optional
- no stereo upgrades
- no climate control
- no power seat or leather availability
- cruise control is optional
- alloy wheels are optional
- no body colour trunk handle and roof strips

A 320i with a stick is actually quite nice to drive. The 320i automatic is pretty slow though.

Yes, manual is a must. I notice no real acceleration difference between the touring and the 320i. The 320i has a 3.38 rear which with the manual helps.

Leather is available for the 320i. Lots of examples out there.

What roof strips are you referring to? The strips that the roof rack screws into? I thought they were black on all e46s but now you mention it you are right. Never really noticed as the tourings have black strips.

[simplycars]

xenons were optional
the roof strips (where you mount the roof rack) were black on 320 and body color on all other.

[mstearnsy]

You're right. But things like Xenons, power seats, and even Nav were optional only up until 2003, then they were all removed because nobody bothered to buy those options anyways. I've never seen any 320i with Xenons.

[simplycars]

Originally Posted by mstearnsy

You're right. But things like Xenons, power seats, and even Nav were optional only up until 2003, then they were all removed because nobody bothered to buy those options anyways. I've never seen any 320i with Xenons.

my friend has 2003 320i with factory installed xenons and sport package

[mstearnsy]

That's really rare. I've seen a few Sport pkg 320s (those are fun cars) but never xenons. I personally won't ever buy a car without xenons at this point, that is reason enough for me to prefer a 325/328/330.

[simplycars]

Originally Posted by mstearnsy

That's really rare. I've seen a few Sport pkg 320s (those are fun cars) but never xenons. I personally won't ever buy a car without xenons at this point, that is reason enough for me to prefer a 325/328/330.

i replaced the manual climate control with the digital and his interior looks just like sport package 325i