323, 325, 328 or 330?

[Blue Meanie]

OK, I have my crappy little frontera for messing about in mud, and up and down hills, and what not, so I am after something comfy, for the long boring drives, and possible a touch of hooning should I feel the need. despite PH's obvious hatred for the blue and white propellor, I have decided to have a pop at a beemer. So, it will probably be a 2000-2003 model year, but which to go for. Performance wise, is there really much differnce between the cars in the title? Any recommendations, or pointers as to which ones to avoid/or any potential problems?? I've done audi, and merc, so might as well have a taste for the 'other' one. I'm not after outright speed, but want it smooth, easy up hills, (lots of hills here), and a decent wedge of power when you mash your foot to the floor!

Thankydoodles in advance.

[Blue Meanie]

Oooh.. OK.. I was looking at a 330i this morning. had 117K on the clock though.

[Doctor Bone]

Get a 330i. Lovely smooth, fast and powerful. Sits at motorway speeds in comfort and returns 32mpg combined. 117k is just warming up if its been well looked after.

[[TW]Fox]

325i and 330i replaced the 323i and the 328i respectively.

Buy a 330i. It costs the same to run as a 325i so why not?

[blade7]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I wouldn't have thought the 330 was much faster than a tweaked E36 328, more torque sure.

[Russell B]

Ive Had 2 325`s and 2 330's. As good as the 325's were the 330's are faster,smoother,sound better and mine were better on fuel than the 2.5's.

330 every time for me

[blade7]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Some people may think that, I don't happen to be one of them if that's what you are insinuating.I didn't say anything about power, weight is more relevant in this instance.

[Hub]

To hijack the thread, I've been looking at this too...

According to the official stats there is barely anything in the fuel economy between all the 6 cylinder engines - for example Parkers say a 320 is 31mpg and 213g/km co2, while a 330 is 31mpg and 218g/km ... Is this actually true? And if so why would anyone go for anthing less than a 330 (insurance aside!)

[jonny996]

Hub said:

To hijack the thread, I've been looking at this too...

According to the official stats there is barely anything in the fuel economy between all the 6 cylinder engines - for example Parkers say a 320 is 31mpg and 213g/km co2, while a 330 is 31mpg and 218g/km ... Is this actually true? And if so why would anyone go for anthing less than a 330 (insurance aside!)

Cost to buy..... I got a lovely 2002 325 sport with 17K miles for £10500, I would not have got as nice as car if I looked purely at 330's

[[TW]Fox]

Hub said:

To hijack the thread, I've been looking at this too...

According to the official stats there is barely anything in the fuel economy between all the 6 cylinder engines - for example Parkers say a 320 is 31mpg and 213g/km co2, while a 330 is 31mpg and 218g/km ... Is this actually true? And if so why would anyone go for anthing less than a 330 (insurance aside!)

This is completely true. As for why anyone would go for anything less, beats me - the running costs aside from insurance are as near as makes no difference identical.

Every time I point this out on other forums all the 520i owners gang up on me and have a go

[Doctor Bone]

Hub said:

To hijack the thread, I've been looking at this too...

According to the official stats there is barely anything in the fuel economy between all the 6 cylinder engines - for example Parkers say a 320 is 31mpg and 213g/km co2, while a 330 is 31mpg and 218g/km ... Is this actually true? And if so why would anyone go for anthing less than a 330 (insurance aside!)

Yep. Thats what I get from my 330i at least 31mpg combined. Why doesn't everyone get one eh?