E46, 330 V's B3

[jonny996]

I am no expert, but when I foud a nice, 17000 mile 2002 325 sport. A lot of people came back with "sholud have got 330", even though all i wanted was a smooth solid nice famaily car, If I wanted speed I would have keeped my 996.

So question is, why did no one say I should have got an alpina B3, I have seen them for £8k. Is there anything wrong with these cars?

[roofer]

Nope, they're fine, but it sounds like the 325 (slightly smoother revving) would fit your bill ok.

[Fox-]

The reason why they say you 'should have got a 330' is that a 330i is identical in terms of running costs, repair costs and servicing costs, including fuel economy, to the 325i, meaning when you buy a 325 you pay 330 running costs but dont get the 330 performance.

Whereas the Alpina B3 is rarer, more expensive, more thirsty, etc etc. So the same doesnt apply.

[jonny996]

Fox- said:

The reason why they say you 'should have got a 330' is that a 330i is identical in terms of running costs, repair costs and servicing costs, including fuel economy, to the 325i, meaning when you buy a 325 you pay 330 running costs but dont get the 330 performance.

Whereas the Alpina B3 is rarer, more expensive, more thirsty, etc etc. So the same doesnt apply.

I agree, barr 1 point, a 17000 mile 330 would have set me back at least an extra £1500. so I had the choice, 17000 325 or 57000 330, I m happy with my choice, but of I realy wanted the extra performance I think I would go Alpina over 330 or even early M3, I think it would suit me better, bit more comfort.

[Fox-]

Guess thats what makes us all different, I'd have had the 57000 mile 330i over a 17000 mile 325i, as the number on the odometer doesn't really bother me, I'm more fussed about condition, performance, etc.

[gizlaroc]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

For you.

[Fox-]

gizlaroc said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

For you.

And all the other people who bought manual 330Ci's and M3's instead, one would imagine.

[jonny996]

must admit I would have a auto over a manual, if it was not for the MPG diffrence, I had a 996 tip and I loved the auto box, but has to be attached to a powerful car, the mpg the auto gave was truely awful.
It is good news that the new BMW auto's seem tyo be the same as the Manuals, it all comes down to choice, most of my driving is city so auto was great, if I was out of town then i would go other way

[jeff666]

Im not old enough for an auto yet.

[Neil.D]

I found the automatic - sorry, switchtronic in the B3 the slowest changing box known to man. It was awful. I only test drove one as I was bored. I ended up being even more bored than I was to start with. What a wasted hour

Edited by Neil.D on Sunday 7th December 18:58

[gizlaroc]

Fox- said:

gizlaroc said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

For you.

And all the other people who bought manual 330Ci's and M3's instead, one would imagine.

M3 E46 was only available as a manual, albeit one had a sequential clutch.

Manual 6cyl BMW owners are the exception rather than the rule though.

[pstruck]

gizlaroc said:

Manual 6cyl BMW owners are the exception rather than the rule though.

I'm more than happy to be 'the exception'. Love my 6 speed manual E46 330Ci Sport.