325I or 330I in terms of reliability/longetivity?

mysterl33 · 03-30-2010, 09:21 AM

So I am considering on purchasing a 325i or 330i once my income tax return comes in

but I had a few questions.

-Besides the hp, wheels, and logic 7 in the 330, what are the differences if they both have the same packages (ZSP & ZPP)??

-Which one is more reliable? or are they about the same in terms of reliability??

The two cars I'm looking at are:

325i w/ ZSP, ZPP, Xenon, heated seats. 48k miles listed at $17k, Monaco Blue

330i w/ ZSP, ZPP, Xenon, heated seats. 68k miles listed at $16k, TiAG

both cars are 6-spd

and I like both colors haha

MassBimmer · 03-30-2010, 10:30 AM

I like cars with lower mileage but I also dislike the engine in the 325 (too weak IMO) which is why I waited for the 328, it's amazing what 20 more hp and 15 more lb-ft of torque will do...test drive both and see if the different engine in the 330 is worth it to you

ellipsis212 · 03-30-2010, 10:56 AM

i had this same decision to make at one point and i'm glad i went with the 330i. the long and the short of it is you get a good bit more hp than the 325. if you get the 325 you'll have 330 envy just like i have 335 envy just like they have M3 envy.

maybe i should have waited for a 335 but in terms of reliability/peace of mind i don't think you can beat the N52 engines.

VTECaddict · 03-30-2010, 02:38 PM

330i also gets body colored side rails on the roof, chrome slats on the kidneys, chrome exhaust tips and chrome window trim. Other than that, you can option out a 325i to be identical feature wise to a 330i.

SpmnE9zero · 03-30-2010, 02:40 PM

I like my 330, I have had zero issues at all with it!!!

mysterl33 · 03-30-2010, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

330i also gets body colored side rails on the roof, chrome slats on the kidneys, chrome exhaust tips and chrome window trim. Other than that, you can option out a 325i to be identical feature wise to a 330i.

whats does the side rails on the roof look like??

CarForHire · 03-30-2010, 02:50 PM

You can't go wrong with the 328i. The N52 is great.

mysterl33 · 03-30-2010, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarForHire

You can't go wrong with the 328i. The N52 is great.

I would consider 328i too but there are non in my price range that is manual

VTECaddict · 03-30-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterl33

whats does the side rails on the roof look like??

I can't find a pic, but its just the two plastic strips that run along the side edge of the roof. Where you would attach a roof rack. 325/328 is black and 330/335 is painted. It's a pretty minor detail, but I was just pointing it out since you asked for the differences.

mysterl33 · 03-30-2010, 03:07 PM

oh ok haha

is Logic 7 that much greater than the stock system??

CarForHire · 03-30-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterl33

I would consider 328i too but there are non in my price range that is manual

I say test them out. They are similar in reliability, but 20k miles is a big difference. I would go for the 325i. Especially since it's a 6MT, it will make it more fun than an auto with that amount of HP.

CarForHire · 03-30-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterl33

oh ok haha

is Logic 7 that much greater than the stock system??

It's pretty darn good, but I have the stock system and I'm not complaining.

BK · 03-30-2010, 03:18 PM

Besides standard xenons and Logic 7, the other differences are much like the current differences between the 328i and 335i -- including larger brakes (325i can fit 16" wheels, but 330i cannot), more robust transmission and clutch, shorter driveshaft, 3-stage intake, different engine management, standard memory seats and mirrors, chrome trim around windows and on grill, better engine note. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things.

Either car should be fairly reliable. I've been very pleased with my car's reliability.

mysterl33 · 03-30-2010, 03:23 PM

I'm gonna guess the insurance is a bit more on the 330?? or are they similar?

dcat151 · 03-30-2010, 03:59 PM

I have a 330i and love it. I have had no issues with it so far. I've got the 6MT, and it's fairly engaging to drive. ZSP is definitely the way to go.

CarForHire · 03-30-2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterl33

I'm gonna guess the insurance is a bit more on the 330?? or are they similar?

It has more HP, so generally speaking yes. Most just comes down to your age.

mysterl33 · 03-30-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarForHire

It has more HP, so generally speaking yes. Most just comes down to your age.

Well the car would be under my dad's name but I would be making payments for it. I'm 21 and have a spotless driving record. no accidents, tickets or violations to date

oh and repair costs are about the same on both 325i and 330i right??

sandman0615 · 03-30-2010, 04:14 PM

i got 325xi and yea its a bit weak (especially with the awd) but i hear the BMS powerbox can work wonders. i'm waiting on a paycheck before i get mine but people claim it makes your car feel like a 330 (but more realistically a 328)

CarForHire · 03-30-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mysterl33

Well the car would be under my dad's name but I would be making payments for it. I'm 21 and have a spotless driving record. no accidents, tickets or violations to date

oh and repair costs are about the same on both 325i and 330i right??

Insurance should be no problem at all then.

As far as I know they are generally the same. I know the 335i has bigger breaks than the 328i, making replacing them more expensive on the 335i. Not too sure about the 325i and 330i, sorry. I'm sure the other members will chime in though.

vasillalov · 03-30-2010, 04:45 PM

For your budget, I'd definitely get an MK5 GTI!

Gobs and gobs more fun than the 328 or the 325

mysterl33 · 03-30-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

For your budget, I'd definitely get an MK5 GTI!

Gobs and gobs more fun than the 328 or the 325

I was considering them before but they're not my style haha they are nice though my co-worker has a white one haha

cstavaru · 03-30-2010, 04:58 PM

If you can afford a 330i 6MT, take that...

03-30-2010, 09:21 AM	#1
mysterl33 ivannabimmer 2 Rep 44 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	325I or 330I in terms of reliability/longetivity? So I am considering on purchasing a 325i or 330i once my income tax return comes in but I had a few questions. -Besides the hp, wheels, and logic 7 in the 330, what are the differences if they both have the same packages (ZSP & ZPP)?? -Which one is more reliable? or are they about the same in terms of reliability?? The two cars I'm looking at are: 325i w/ ZSP, ZPP, Xenon, heated seats. 48k miles listed at $17k, Monaco Blue 330i w/ ZSP, ZPP, Xenon, heated seats. 68k miles listed at $16k, TiAG both cars are 6-spd and I like both colors haha
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03-30-2010, 10:30 AM	#2
MassBimmer Major General 306 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	I like cars with lower mileage but I also dislike the engine in the 325 (too weak IMO) which is why I waited for the 328, it's amazing what 20 more hp and 15 more lb-ft of torque will do...test drive both and see if the different engine in the 330 is worth it to you
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03-30-2010, 10:56 AM	#3
ellipsis212 Colonel 1618 Rep 2,161 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: RVA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00]	i had this same decision to make at one point and i'm glad i went with the 330i. the long and the short of it is you get a good bit more hp than the 325. if you get the 325 you'll have 330 envy just like i have 335 envy just like they have M3 envy. maybe i should have waited for a 335 but in terms of reliability/peace of mind i don't think you can beat the N52 engines.
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03-30-2010, 02:38 PM	#4
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	330i also gets body colored side rails on the roof, chrome slats on the kidneys, chrome exhaust tips and chrome window trim. Other than that, you can option out a 325i to be identical feature wise to a 330i. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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03-30-2010, 02:40 PM	#5
SpmnE9zero DENY THE WORLD THAT SURROUNDS YOU 505 Rep 35,580 Posts Drives: JB 33ZERO Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: City of Champions iTrader: (14) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	I like my 330, I have had zero issues at all with it!!! __________________ Eurocharged V5 \| ROW's / CC Delete \| K&N's \| H&R Springs \| Single Fin G.B. Grill \| Mode Carbon Diffuser \| JBSpeed CF Spoiler \| Arkym Style CF Splitter \| CF Mirror Caps \| 5% Tints \| 12mm Spacers \|
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03-30-2010, 02:50 PM	#7
CarForHire Major 29 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: Slow in the left lane. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 328i [0.00]	You can't go wrong with the 328i. The N52 is great. __________________ Race car driving is like sex...all men think they are good at it. - Jay Leno
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03-30-2010, 03:07 PM	#10
mysterl33 ivannabimmer 2 Rep 44 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	oh ok haha is Logic 7 that much greater than the stock system??
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03-30-2010, 03:18 PM	#13
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	Besides standard xenons and Logic 7, the other differences are much like the current differences between the 328i and 335i -- including larger brakes (325i can fit 16" wheels, but 330i cannot), more robust transmission and clutch, shorter driveshaft, 3-stage intake, different engine management, standard memory seats and mirrors, chrome trim around windows and on grill, better engine note. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things. Either car should be fairly reliable. I've been very pleased with my car's reliability. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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03-30-2010, 03:23 PM	#14
mysterl33 ivannabimmer 2 Rep 44 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I'm gonna guess the insurance is a bit more on the 330?? or are they similar?
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03-30-2010, 03:59 PM	#15
dcat151 Lieutenant 21 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 2006 330i 6MT ZSP/ZPP/ZCW Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Gainesville, GA iTrader: (1)	I have a 330i and love it. I have had no issues with it so far. I've got the 6MT, and it's fairly engaging to drive. ZSP is definitely the way to go.
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03-30-2010, 04:14 PM	#18
sandman0615 bimmer freak 98 Rep 579 Posts Drives: F30 335xi 6MT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	i got 325xi and yea its a bit weak (especially with the awd) but i hear the BMS powerbox can work wonders. i'm waiting on a paycheck before i get mine but people claim it makes your car feel like a 330 (but more realistically a 328)
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03-30-2010, 04:45 PM	#20
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1121 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	For your budget, I'd definitely get an MK5 GTI! Gobs and gobs more fun than the 328 or the 325
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03-30-2010, 04:58 PM	#22
cstavaru Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	If you can afford a 330i 6MT, take that... __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \|
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