[bcred]

Hi,

My first post. I must admit to being a little overawed. You guys are enthusiasts.

I've owned a 1993 320i since new. And I am a BMW man through and through.
As a family man with 3 kids I have to admit that my car is thrashed, 337k on the clock the uphostery is threadbare,the drivers side window does not work. Small rust spots are starting to appear,plus many other things I've driven the car into the ground,it's been the family station wagon and the kids have grown up in that car. It owes me nothing.

However,It's time for a new car. Well a new car to me frankly I can't afford a new one. I'll be purchasing in June/July.

I've been looking at 04/05/06 320i 330xi 325... the best (I think) I have found so far is a 06 323i which is under 20 grand (Canadian) around 40 k on the clock.

So guys advice? I've figured out that the x means 4 wheel drive,yes?
Whats a Ci ? In fact is there a list of all these sub series numbers?

Also in general and remember I'm not a automobile fanatic I just love my beemer and want a newer one. Any advice what I should be looking for ?
I do need a four door.

Thank you very much,I'll sit back and read the replies.


Cheers!

[fwmcb]

Hey, you are correct, x refers to the all wheel drive system. The CI was the coupe in the previous e46. In the current generation there is no CI, the car is simply called sedan wagon or coupe. I wish you the best of luck on your BMW hunt.

I've seen quite a few Certified Pre Owned 325i sedans under 30k Canadian 2006, and they had decent mileage as well.

[bcred]

Thanks,so I know that the 320i is 4 cylinder whats the difference between 323 and a 325?

[GregL]

Originally Posted by bcred

Thanks,so I know that the 320i is 4 cylinder whats the difference between 323 and a 325?

The 323 has a 2.5L I6 while the 325 has a 3.0L, infact it's the same 3.0 as the 328 and 330 but with different programming, intake, exhaust and a few other things. If you're looking at a 323 then be aware that the '07 and up have a bit more power than the '06.

Edit: To clarify I'm referring to the E9x generation.

[Bimmer007]

06+ is the e90 body (newer)

[bcred]

thanks,bear in mind my budget I suspect my choice will be limited to 04,05,06
I've also noticed you guys talking about premium and sport packages. What are some of the more noticable extras I should be keeping an eye out for?

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by bcred

thanks,bear in mind my budget I suspect my choice will be limited to 04,05,06
I've also noticed you guys talking about premium and sport packages. What are some of the more noticable extras I should be keeping an eye out for?

The Premium Package adds:
Leather
BMW Assist
Garage Opener
Motorized Wings
Power Seats


The Sports Package Adds:
Bigger Wheels
Sport Steering
Stiffer Suspension


Try for a Premium Package Equipped car at the least

[GregL]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

The Premium Package adds:
Leather
BMW Assist
Garage Opener
Motorized Wings
Power Seats


The Sports Package Adds:
Bigger Wheels
Sport Steering
Stiffer Suspension


Try for a Premium Package Equipped car at the least

I think the package items are a bit different here in Canada though... but I do agree that ZPP would be a good one to have.

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by GregL

I think the package items are a bit different here in Canada though... but I do agree that ZPP would be a good one to have.

Premium Package
$2,400
Includes: Heated Steering Wheel, Glass Sunroof, BMW Assist with Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Looks like this is the only package the 323i is offered with from the factory. The premium package basically adds ALL the options that the car can be built with. Thanks for correcting me Greg.

BTW: Also noticed that the Automatic Transmission is a free option for a limited time.

[bcred]

Does that mean that any car with leather seat would automatically be a premium package?

btw What the hell are motorized wings?

Also my older 320i is standard,it seems like 90% of the cars I've looked at are auto.
This is the 06 that I have my eyes on ..hope the link works.

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...ritishcolumbia

2006 BMW323I MANUAL PREM PKG $19,888.00 40,000k

[GregL]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

Premium Package
$2,400
Includes: Heated Steering Wheel, Glass Sunroof, BMW Assist with Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Looks like this is the only package the 323i is offered with from the factory. The premium package basically adds ALL the options that the car can be built with. Thanks for correcting me Greg.

BTW: Also noticed that the Automatic Transmission is a free option for a limited time.

I hate to intervene again But the OP indicated he would be interested in an '06 or older. Unfortunately I'm not aware of what ZPP includes for that particular model year. I think they were pretty stripped down back then.

Edit: Ok I think I found it for the '06 323

Glass Sunroof
Auto Dimming Mirror, Int.
Heated Front Seats
Cruise Control with Brake Func

[GregL]

Originally Posted by bcred

Does that mean that any car with leather seat would automatically be a premium package?

btw What the hell are motorized wings?

I could be mistaken, but I think leather was also available separate from ZPP.

Motorized wings are power folding mirrors.

[blue2fire]

This seems to be specific to the Canadian E90 323i from 2006

Features on the 323i include anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors and washer jets, rain-sensing wipers, tire pressure monitoring system, side and curtain airbags, multifunction leather-wrapped wheel, manual air conditioning, tilt and telescopic wheel, “leatherette” upholstery, CD/MP3 player and six speakers; options include cruise control, heated seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, sunroof and 60/40 folding rear seats

Options

(Premium Package of sunroof, auto-dimming mirror, heated seats and cruise control $2,200; Sport Package of three-spoke leather sport steering wheel, 16-inch star spoke alloy wheels, sport suspension and sport seats $1,500; metallic paint $800)

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2005/1...6-bmw-323i.htm

[bcred]

Hey I really appreciate all the great info. It will allow me to make an informed decision. I notice that these days 90% of the cars are automatic,my older 320i is standard. I love it, so I've been leaning towards buying another,however this will reduce my choices dramatically.
Automatics have greatly improved ..any thoughts on this subject?


here is the link w photos http://www.canadatrader.com/usedcarc...KG_947831.html

[MontegoGoGoGo]

After looking at that photo, I am really confused....Car has the new body, but I thought they stopped making the 323 years ago?

BTW, OP: I had a 323ci Black/Black/Loaded and it was a GREAT car. The body style for that coupe is still one of my all time favorite designs.

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by MontegoGoGoGo

After looking at that photo, I am really confused....Car has the new body, but I thought they stopped making the 323 years ago?

It is still available in Canada.

[MontegoGoGoGo]

Interesting thanks. I will have to check out BMW Canada's site. Good luck OP!

[bcred]

Auto or standard peeps?

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by bcred

Auto or standard peeps?

Would recommend Auto if you do not have a particular preference.

[dpwr]

keep in mind 323 has a really ugly center dash with different manual buttons compare to 325, and i believe 323 did not have navigation option

[bcred]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

Would recommend Auto if you do not have a particular preference.

Well as I said I love my standard,why do you suggest auto?
I'd like to hear a few opinions.

[bcred]

Originally Posted by dpwr

keep in mind 323 has a really ugly center dash with different manual buttons compare to 325, and i believe 323 did not have navigation option

Any pictures out there?