320 or 325 or 330?

[Loopyleesa]

I'm looking at getting one of the above.
I was orginally thinking 320 because of fuel costs, but looking at the figures there's really not much difference between the 3.
I appreciate the 330 is higher insurance but that's fine as I'm old!
They are all the same tax band, and the 330ci has a better spec list.

I'm looking around 2000-2003, any advice please?

[LC23]

Get the 330. Simple answer.

[Loopyleesa]

LC23 said:

Get the 330. Simple answer.

Simple as that, seems to be the same as everyone else is saying!

[Matt UK]

LC23 said:

Get the 330. Simple answer.

[Heathwood]

Definitely discount the 320; it just doesn't have the performance to justify the fuel consumption.

The 325 is ok but it has quite a bit less torque than the 330 and lower gearing to counter this I believe. Therefore, fuel consumption is pretty much identical to the 330, possibly even less in day to day driving.

In a nutshell, unless you stumble across an absolute steal of a 325, it's got to be a 330.

[Vladimir]

320i engine is pants.330i engine is brilliant. There is your answer.

[FamilyDub]

330ci petrol or, if you have to worry about fuel costs, 330cd.

[Loopyleesa]

Pretty much decided on 330ci.

I don't do many miles during the week, so not fussed about fuel!

So now need to find one with the colours and spec I want

Thanks guys

[FamilyDub]

Sometimes it's just nice to hear someone else say what you already think is true.

Happy shopping

[ambuletz]

I'm going to assume this is for e46. without trying to hijack the thread, whats mpg like across the range? some people say they manage 35-40mpg on a 318ci. how does town/mixed/long haul mpg differ with all the 320 (or larger) lumps if they are all fairly similar?

[billzeebub]

325 or 330, stay away from the 320..(especially in cabrio)..too heavy for the engine..no noticeable gains in economy either..it should come down to price, condition and spec between the 325 and 330..it doesn't make a huge difference which engine you go for in terms of performance or costs/insurance quote..

[Loopyleesa]

ambuletz said:

I'm going to assume this is for e46. without trying to hijack the thread, whats mpg like across the range? some people say they manage 35-40mpg on a 318ci. how does town/mixed/long haul mpg differ with all the 320 (or larger) lumps if they are all fairly similar?

Yes E46

The 318 is (U)21.7 (C)30.7, the 320 is (U)23.2 (C)32.7 and the 325/330 is (U)22.1 (C)31.