E46 325 Ci Sport (2001, auto)

[ratazzi]

I am looking a purchasing one of the above with 117,000 miles on the clock. I have never had a BMW so any thoughts, views, comments, warnings etc.... would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Mark

[daveco]

The 325 is a great car, but you'll be told (and rightly so) that the 330 is the one to go for. Pretty much the same running costs, and whereas the 325 is a quick car the 3 litre is a rapid one.

I've had both and the 330 is probably better on fuel too.

[DavidLScott]

+1

A dealer tried to get me to have a 325 as they didn't have a suitable 330 but the performance difference was extremely noticeable.

My 330ci auto is great but I do tend to drive in sport unless really cruising.

[paoloh]

325 is NOT quick and is not economical. It's an engine that doesn't know what it wants to be. Go for the 330 in Sport trim.

[jeff666]

i was also looking at a 325 before i bought my 330 sport, it was my brother in law who changed my mind, he bought one new a few years ago, he said i would be delighted with a 325 but if i drove the two back to back i would prefer the 330. ive had mine nearly two years now and no problems at all, i get over 30mpg on a run if i drive like a little old lady. i also think the resale value will be better with the 330. ps get the sport.

[jonny996]

I on the other hand was out for a 330 sport, it would have had high mileage for my budget. then I spotted a 2002 325 sport with only 17500 miles on it, in perfect nick. drove it and went for it.
It is not rocket fast but I was coming from a 911 (996) so most things where going to feel slower.

I think the 325 is fast enough, you do not buy s 3 series for the same sort of drive as an Evo, it is a more refind drive & the 2.5 suits it fine.

[Fox-]

jonny996 said:

I on the other hand was out for a 330 sport, it would have had high mileage for my budget

So what? I'd rather a bigger number on the odometer than paying the running costs of a 330 but getting only the performance of a 325.

[jonny996]

Fox- said:

jonny996 said:

I on the other hand was out for a 330 sport, it would have had high mileage for my budget

So what? I'd rather a bigger number on the odometer than paying the running costs of a 330 but getting only the performance of a 325.

What I am trying to say is you get the same build quality & smooth 6, but with slightly less performance.

If performance per £ is what you are after there are better ways than a BMW.

And as for saying the same running costs? if they both had 17000 miles then yes but a 17000 mile car will cost less to run than a 87000 mile car.

[Fox-]

jonny996 said:

And as for saying the same running costs? if they both had 17000 miles then yes but a 17000 mile car will cost less to run than a 87000 mile car.

Why do BMW give a discount on servicing if you've got low mileage?

[jonny996]

Fox- said:

jonny996 said:

And as for saying the same running costs? if they both had 17000 miles then yes but a 17000 mile car will cost less to run than a 87000 mile car.

Why do BMW give a discount on servicing if you've got low mileage?

No, but wear & tear iteams are less likely to go.

You pay your money , you take your choice, I chose the low mileage 325 over the high mileage 330