E46 325 or 330??

1bmw1 · 04-12-2011, 01:27 AM

I'm looking into getting another bmw into the family and thinking of getting another E46.

My two choices are either the 325 or the 330. I'm looking for reliability mostly, and do not care for power all that much. Which one is the better value?

Eurostyle · 04-12-2011, 01:42 AM

The two cars are 90% identical, and reliability is just about the same! However the 330 is more powerfull and has better brakes, to name a few. As always with buying a used car, each case is individual, a clean 325 will be better then a neglected 330, so it all comes down to what that particular car has to offer!
If both are the same price and conditon, then 330 all the way!

1bmw1 · 04-12-2011, 06:56 PM

Thanks for the input. Makes sense. Anyone else?

Blades · 04-12-2011, 08:39 PM

I have owned both now and cant tell you the 330 has better brakes so it will cost you more in maintenance then a 325 with smaller brakes. Some 330's like the xi come staggered and have larger back wheels which can be an additional cost but running 225s all around should be fine in either choice of car. You do have silver gauge rings in your cluster in the 330 which is some nice eye candy that gives the car a newer more expensive look but you can buy those rings and put them into the 325 if you really wanted too. There is some gas savings in the 325 but not much .. all depends on how you drive but I would recommend chipping the car and getting an air intake for some better power and mileage.

blakneto · 04-13-2011, 01:14 AM

WHOA! you can chip an E46!? is that a good idea or bad idea?

Blades · 04-13-2011, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakneto

WHOA! you can chip an E46!? is that a good idea or bad idea?

well its really re-programming and not a chip really but yes its a good idea.

signsmith · 04-13-2011, 08:01 AM

More info on the re-programming please!!

Who? Where?

Thx

pawcio · 04-13-2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signsmith

More info on the re-programming please!!

Who? Where?

Thx

MarkD, here

http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/member.php?u=490

MarkD · 04-13-2011, 08:57 AM

I heard someone mentioning my name...

Blades · 04-13-2011, 10:50 AM

Speak to this guy ^ and you wont be disappointed. The other alternative is shark.

btw, Mark .. could you send me a PM on a price for e46 325xi and a honda civic 2001 si

signsmith · 04-13-2011, 06:38 PM

All right! Thx guys.

signsmith · 04-13-2011, 06:41 PM

2004 e46 330ci non ZHP with AFE air intake

What do I need?

Blades · 04-13-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signsmith

2004 e46 330ci non ZHP with AFE air intake

What do I need?

sent a PM to Mark D (person that answered in this thread)

signsmith · 04-13-2011, 07:57 PM

Sweet!

Renboy · 04-13-2011, 08:47 PM

Getting back on topic.

Having owned both a 325 and a 330, I would definitely go with the 330. I believe it's about an extra 40hp +/- which is definitely noticeable. The brakes are also noticeabley better, it comes standard with leather, and if you get a 6 speed, it is about the same as far as fuel consumption is concerned. Both my cars were manual coupes so I don't know if there's a fuel consumption difference between the automatics.

The only downside to the 330 is that it's a little more expensive to buy, but will get you more when it comes to sell it so I don't really consider that a downfall.