325d Touring - opinions

[ChasW]

I am thinking of buying a nearly new AUC 325d Touring. There appear to be quite a few around in the dealer network, ex-employee cars I imagine, unlike the 330d which I'd prefer. I am undecided about manual or auto so would be interested in peoples' comments/observations/opinions.

[martin vr6]

325d not as quick or as frugal as the 330d, but still a very capable car, dont dismiss an auto, i initially looked for a 330d Msport Manual touring to no avail, and settled for a 335d touring instead (auto only)

Cracking cars the 325, 330 and 335d, i love mine and i am not at all disappointed by the auto box

One thing worth swapping is the run flats for normal tyres, best thing i ever done to ours

[n1ckm]

I bought a 325d Touring Auto in November and absolutely love it. It's pretty economical - low 40's mpg on the motorway and about 30 around town.

For me, it would be an auto every time !

[thornettj]

330d the only one to go for.
325 surely for those that couldn't afford the proper job?!

[rassi]

But the 325d is actually a detuned version of the 3 litre engine fitted in the 330d too, so unless it has a smaller turbo, intercooler, etc, it would presumably be very easy to "chip" it to 330d levels of bhp and torque?

[ChasW]

Thanks for responses.

My default would be a 330d but there are so few available within my budget, sub £30k. Therefore I would settle for a 325d and possibly get one around £25k as there are quite a few available.

[pgilc1]

ChasW said:

Thanks for responses.

My default would be a 330d but there are so few available within my budget, sub £30k. Therefore I would settle for a 325d and possibly get one around £25k as there are quite a few available.

Hmmm...

Yeah, you're right. The 330d is £30K+. The 325d is £25K+

I'd run with the 325d.

[Welshbeef]

There is nothing wrong with a 325d remember that has the same output as the e46 330d which at the time was considered excellent. Sure the difference of 40bph down and what ever torque down would be noticable on the teat drive and you would have to get over "I did want a 330d but settled for this" issue. That said a 330d owner could say the same about a 335d and why they have settled for a 330d.

If you cannot afford it then the only way to get into one is to go older then you can or compromise on the spec and milage or as you say compromise on the performance. Sus that out then be happy.

Also why not check to see what the pcp is for both of these cars as the 330d might not be that much more due to higher residual value.