325ci or 330ci?

e36Adz

e36Adz

e36Adz

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I'm on the look out for a new car. Currently have an e36 320 which I've had for afew years now and totally run into the ground, but the engine is still going strong, its on ~154k now. Thats why I want another bmw. My insurance renews in july so by then I hope to have a new car.


Must have:

Leathers, air con, armrest and all round nice interior, with a fair bit of power.


Prefer:

Manual, petrol, coupe, either black or blue (estoril blue if possible). Low-ish mileage, 2000 model or newer. M-sport bodykit.


Insurance isn't really an issue. Whats the petrol consumption like on the 330ci in comparison to the 325ci? Both cars look identical really if they have the same kit on, is there a real noticeable power difference between the two?


Is the 328ci worth taking a look at?


I'm in no rush but hopefully by may/june I will be looking to buy, budget around 7k, could stretch abit more if I thought it was really worth it. I really fancy an estoril blue 325ci but I don't think they made them in that colour, just the 'clubsport' 330s? And these look to be going for well over 10k!


Thanks for any advice, tips, and things to look out for/avoid :)
 
Might as well get the 330ci if you can, the difference in economy and running costs between the 6-pots is minimal. So get as much power as you can get for the cash.

I'd rather have the 325 or 330 over the 323 or 328 though, given that 323 and 328 are pre-facelift cars only, earlier and generally less well built than the newer cars.
 
With a budget of £7k I rather fancy you'll get a better 328Ci than you will 330Ci. You've picked the most desireable car in the E46 range this side of the M3 and as a result, prices are strong. Whilst the odd 330Ci does pop up they will be mostly W and X reg 330Ci's, most of which have cloth, few of which have nice extras like Sports seats.

Any 330Ci Sport, or infact 325Ci Sport, for £7k is likely to be a bit scabby, and why would you want anything but a really nice example?

I've just noticed your requirements. M Sport bodykit? Forget it, didn't appear until the Sport model was introduced in mid 2001. Estoril Blue is exceptionally rare, mostly found on the 330Ci Clubsport or on BMW Individual models. Not for £7k :(
 
paradigm said:
Might as well get the 330ci if you can, the difference in economy and running costs between the 6-pots is minimal. So get as much power as you can get for the cash.

I'd rather have the 325 or 330 over the 323 or 328 though, given that 323 and 328 are pre-facelift cars only, earlier and generally less well built than the newer cars.
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If running costs between the two aren't that much different, I will definately lean towards a 330ci. I should have mentioned I intend to keep the car for the next ~5 years hopefully. I won't be looking to change anytime soon.
 
[TW]Fox;11502915 said:
With a budget of £7k I rather fancy you'll get a better 328Ci than you will 330Ci. You've picked the most desireable car in the E46 range this side of the M3 and as a result, prices are strong. Whilst the odd 330Ci does pop up they will be mostly W and X reg 330Ci's, most of which have cloth, few of which have nice extras like Sports seats.

Any 330Ci Sport, or infact 325Ci Sport, for £7k is likely to be a bit scabby, and why would you want anything but a really nice example?

I've just noticed your requirements. M Sport bodykit? Forget it, didn't appear until the Sport model was introduced in mid 2001. Estoril Blue is exceptionally rare, mostly found on the 330Ci Clubsport or on BMW Individual models. Not for £7k :(
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If I stretch to 8k, you reckon I could find a nice 330ci coupe? Leathers, air con etc is a must. The bodykit isn't, as that's something I can always add later, as mentioned above I plan to keep the car for a good few years.

I guess I'll have to forget about estoril blue.
 
paradigm said:
An early one is doable for £8k, but it will be pretty high milage.
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Certainly doable imo, and the mileage certainly should not be an issue as long as it has a detailed FSH. :)

A work mate of mine has recently bought an early 328Ci that's done well over 180k, cost him £4600 which I thought a bit high tbh, that said, its condition is superb, bar a slightly scuffed drivers seat.

Like my previous 728i, it uses no oil between services.
 
I would personally look for number of owners and length of time kept over mileage on these. If looked after they are fine, if not, they are not, and they are beginning to be the favoured car of ***** wideboys who don't give a stuff and have a new car every 30 seconds.

You want one off its first or second owner, who has owned it for many years and paid a lot of money for it. Better chance of it being in nice condition.

I'd put money on the 180k miler R124 mentions being a 1 or perhaps 2 owners at the most car.
 
Remember 328's can suffer from subframe problems, like most early E46's. Its something to be aware of as it can cost a fortune to put right.
 
[TW]Fox;11504170 said:
I'd put money on the 180k miler R124 mentions being a 1 or perhaps 2 owners at the most car.
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He bought it from a fleet disposal auction, one owner, full BMW history. :)

Just out of interest, I kept my 728i for 30k and 2 years, and had a wad of invoices for work done during my ownership - does that clear me from the "wideboy" charge? ;):D
 
Am looking at the same kind of car, does the sport pack add a lot to the drive? Really need to get out and test drive them I suppose.
 
[TW]Fox;11504733 said:
Was this not the subject of a BMW recall/goodwill programme?
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Mileage seems to vary, ranging from BMW doing it for free to them not paying anything towards the repair.
 
i found my insurance quote (with elephant, and poor claims history) was actually HIGHER for a same-age 325i

perhaps this is because they're perceived as being cheaper to insure and thus bought by more hooning idiots?
 
Saytan said:
i found my insurance quote (with elephant, and poor claims history) was actually HIGHER for a same-age 325i

perhaps this is because they're perceived as being cheaper to insure and thus bought by more hooning idiots?
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Not sure about that, I just tried a quote for a 330ci and the lower 2-3 quotes I got were in my 'acceptable' price range hence why the 330ci automatically became an option for me :)

[TW]Fox;11504170 said:
I would personally look for number of owners and length of time kept over mileage on these.
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That makes a lot of sense actually. I'll be abit more flexible on the mileage because from experience I know how good the engines are especially if well maintained.
 
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