E46 330 Ci vs 325 Ti?
Discussion
Apart from the obvious, how does the E46 325 Ti compare to the full-fat 330 Ci? I'm looking for an E46 currently and I've hit a slight snag. My garage is only millimetrically longer than a 330 Ci. There's no on-street parking here, and while I could just about squeeze two on the drive it will be a bit of a pain every time my wife needs to get her car out...
I might just have to get very good at parking, but curious as to how the two stack up. I'm not too fussed about outright performance, but I was wondering how the handling and the long-distance comfort compares?
I might just have to get very good at parking, but curious as to how the two stack up. I'm not too fussed about outright performance, but I was wondering how the handling and the long-distance comfort compares?
Well, this complicates things a little!
I've read elsewhere that the 330CI has better brakes than the 325CI - any idea if the same applies to the Compact?
I'm after fun daily transport, so this is not intended to be any sort of future classic. However... Part of me thinks 'look at the way E36 328s have gone up in the last few years, a good 330CI is likely to do the same eventually'. On the other hand, there's quite a hefty price difference. There don't seem to be many Compacts about, but it looks like a post-facelift six-speed 325 Ti can be had for about the same as an early five-speed 330 CI.
On a related note, what are your thoughts on five-speed versus six-speed (for either of them)? Is the six-speed a no-brainer if you can find a good one or are there advantages to the earlier 'box? I do a lot of motorway miles, so the six-speed appeals, which is a shame, as most of the potentially good manuals I can see are five-speed.
I've read elsewhere that the 330CI has better brakes than the 325CI - any idea if the same applies to the Compact?
I'm after fun daily transport, so this is not intended to be any sort of future classic. However... Part of me thinks 'look at the way E36 328s have gone up in the last few years, a good 330CI is likely to do the same eventually'. On the other hand, there's quite a hefty price difference. There don't seem to be many Compacts about, but it looks like a post-facelift six-speed 325 Ti can be had for about the same as an early five-speed 330 CI.
On a related note, what are your thoughts on five-speed versus six-speed (for either of them)? Is the six-speed a no-brainer if you can find a good one or are there advantages to the earlier 'box? I do a lot of motorway miles, so the six-speed appeals, which is a shame, as most of the potentially good manuals I can see are five-speed.
Maracus said:
I know looks are in the eye of the beholder, but the coupe is a far nicer looking car IMO.
I'm inclined to agree, but I still like the looks of the Compact. And it would fit in the garage a bit more easily! I think it probably comes down to which one I find first. If there's a 325 Ti with the bushes done, good history etc. for sale locally I'd definitely consider that over a coupe.s m said:
Chris71 said:
Apart from the obvious, how does the E46 325 Ti compare to the full-fat 330 Ci? I'm looking for an E46 currently and I've hit a slight snag. My garage is only millimetrically longer than a 330 Ci. There's no on-street parking here, and while I could just about squeeze two on the drive it will be a bit of a pain every time my wife needs to get her car out...
I might just have to get very good at parking, but curious as to how the two stack up. I'm not too fussed about outright performance, but I was wondering how the handling and the long-distance comfort compares?
325ti is 226mm shorter than a 330i Coupe - that's 9 inchesI might just have to get very good at parking, but curious as to how the two stack up. I'm not too fussed about outright performance, but I was wondering how the handling and the long-distance comfort compares?
Compact has 25mm smaller front discs than a 330 ( as stated by helix above ) meaning any OEM 16" alloys will fit compact but I think only a few 16" alloys will fit a 330 ( and then only with wheel weights outside ) - AT Contour reps are one 16" Alloy that fits a 330
You can fit 330 disc/ calipers to a 325ti though
Both have same wheelbase and rear passenger leg space - Compact has 310 litres boot space, Coupe has 410 litres space.
Autocar tested them both - whether you believe the test figures they recorded is up to you - up to 90mph there was 0.2 seconds difference in time ( favouring the 330 Coupé ) - 13.7 seconds vs 13.9 for the Compact
The Compact is 9mph down on top speed as it has a "shorter" rear diff ratio ( 325 Coupé and saloon manual do not have the shorter ratio of the Compact so feel a bit less spritely ). It needs an extra gear change into 4th to hit the ton whereas the 330 will just make it in 3rd.
Also needs an extra change into 3rd to hit 60 whereas 330 only needs one change (6.9 vs 6.7 - other mags have recorded different/faster times for both )
Effectively there is virtually nothing in it till you reach 3 figure speeds and above.
325ti Compact was 1db noisier at 70mph cruise and on full acceleration than 330 Coupé ( 325ti has no vacuum operated exhaust flap as standard - it was engineered to give a 'sportier note' ) - neither will sound as musical as that 156 V6 you were thinking of
Std 325ti Compact has slightly thicker front ARB than 330 and in conjunction with the lighter weight over the 330 Coupé the suspension ( as standard ) is effectively stiffer/harsher - you probably won't notice it on a motorway and unless you were comparing totally refreshed suspension on both cars, probably not on a B-road either. FWIW quite a few journos thought the Compact was the best handler in the range - Harris, Sutcliffe and Meaden. Whether it's psychological or not, mine definitely felt livelier/wieldier than my 330 saloon. Other peoples MMV ...... as they say.
I've not had a 330 Coupé but have owned a 330 saloon - for all practical purposes both will cruise at the motorway limit here and abroad very easily. I've done trips down to South of France/Italy in both with family and luggage. Coupé would have 30% more luggage room without folding rear seats than Compact
I bought a Compact as they were a real bargain 4years ago compared to 330 Saloons/Coupes - often lower mileage and much cheaper because of the looks.
These days you're buying on condition though so just buy the car you want - I'm more interested in how a car feels to drive than how it looks ( I bought a 309gti over a 205 1.9 years back as it was much cheaper! ) but DRG is important to many.
If I go coupe it'll definitely be a 330 (because why wouldn't you...) That said, I'm getting the impression the Compact is quite a different proposition to the 325 in Coupe form - perhaps more fun on the B-roads at the expense of a little wafting ability, and crucially small enough to go in the garage without removing the shelves I've got at the back!
Sport bumper 325 Ti's seem to be even rarer than good 330 CIs. I know where there's going to be a good coupe in a few weeks' time, so I guess we'll se what pops up first. I could really do with a car sooner, but I've not found anything that grabs me so far. In the meantime, I'm tooling around in my OH's Corolla.
JakeT said:
s m knows all and I agree with all of it.
I almost put something to the same effect (likewise, intended sincerely). 
Hmm, tricky. Sounds like the Compact is a better B-road option and the Coupe is a better cruiser. I'm lucky enough to live surrounded by great B-roads, but most of my time in the car is actually spent driving past them on the motorway, so it sounds like win-win. The main thing I'm looking for is good condition and a mechanically-competent owner. The original aim was to find a motorway cruiser basically, but who knows, there might be a nice facelift 325 Ti with refreshed suspension and an aftermarket LSD for sale just down the road.
Are there any good BMW-specific sites or forums to keep an eye on? I signed up to Bimmerworld and some sort of E46 selling group on Facebook, but they don't seem to have much on. Keeping an eye on PH and Autotrader, but again there aren't many that leap out.
This one?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Bit of a trek to see it speculatively and I'd want to get rid of those lights and the M-badge! Might be worth a call, though.
Also, can anyone glean anything from this rather brief ad? Spoke to the owner, it's a 2001 manual, allegedly rust-free with a recent brake overhaul. Sounds like it could be a contender. Forgot to ask what spec it is - can you tell from the wheels?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/bmw...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Bit of a trek to see it speculatively and I'd want to get rid of those lights and the M-badge! Might be worth a call, though.
Also, can anyone glean anything from this rather brief ad? Spoke to the owner, it's a 2001 manual, allegedly rust-free with a recent brake overhaul. Sounds like it could be a contender. Forgot to ask what spec it is - can you tell from the wheels?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/bmw...
Edited by Chris71 on Thursday 21st September 10:57
Does anyone know if the VIN lookup still works? I've seen this referenced in another thread, so I searched for how to get the VIN number from the numberplate. There were several links, but none seem to work anymore.
ETA Never managed to find the VIN, but I did manage to get the basic details back on the first stage of an RAC history check. The 330 is indeed an SE. So, various cosmetic differences, softer suspension and less fancy seats?
And the red Compact is sold, apparently.
ETA Never managed to find the VIN, but I did manage to get the basic details back on the first stage of an RAC history check. The 330 is indeed an SE. So, various cosmetic differences, softer suspension and less fancy seats?
And the red Compact is sold, apparently.
Edited by Chris71 on Thursday 21st September 15:30
Mr Tidy said:
Every E46 got folding rear seats except the saloon!
Were folding seats an option on the saloon? Any idea if you can get a bike in the back without folding seats (in the saloon)?This one looks quite nice: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Had a look at an E46 saloon last night. This confirmed two things:
1) No, you're not going to get a bike in there. Not in the boot, at least.
2) I really want a coupe and I think I'm leaning towards a manual.
If anyone is in the market for a saloon this one is well worth checking out. It's as nice as the ad implies: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
1) No, you're not going to get a bike in there. Not in the boot, at least.
2) I really want a coupe and I think I'm leaning towards a manual.
If anyone is in the market for a saloon this one is well worth checking out. It's as nice as the ad implies: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
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