Help a newbie

[Axelfuzz]

Hi,

I have been trolling around the board for awhile and decided it's time to reach out to the board. I currently have a 2005 Impreza WRX STI and am looking to move up to a 2006-2007 3 series very soon. I am a little confused about the differences between the 328xi and the 330xi. It appears that the motors are the same, is it simply a higher trim level? If you could point me in the direction of a faq here on the board or a sweet website I could reference this info, I would appreciate that. So far, I am a failure at google.

Thanks in advance

AC

[cmoody]

The 328xi has the 230hp 200 ft-lb 3.0 L I-6 and the 330xi has the 255hp 220 ft-lb 3.0 L I-6 motor.

[Axelfuzz]

Are the same options available for either car. For example, premium pkg, sport, cold weather... Is the only diff the engine?

[fshubert]

Welcome to BMW!! You made a great choice.

[Brey335i]

The difference is that the engines are the same displacement, but the 330i has 25 more HP and 20 more TQ. It may or may not have a different suspension setup... I don't know.

[FORDMANWITHA330]

The Premium Package, Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, etc., all available for both the 328xi & 330xi. However, The Sport Package on the 330xi will take you from 17" wheels to 18" wheels, the 328xi will take you from 16" wheels to 17's. The Sport Package has better suspension & sits lower, and just handles better. The rims are much nicer as well. Personally, get the 330xi or 330i. More powerful. We test drove every combination from 2006 thru 2009. Best bang for the buck was the 330i Sedan, for us. We have a 2006 330i (E90) Sedan, Sport Package, Premium Package. BMW Certified Pre-Owned for $21,800 and BMW 3.9% financing. Absolutely love the car. Handles great, good power, 30 mpg. CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) is the was to go. Picks up from BMW 50,000 mi. and adds another 50,000mi. For a total of 6 years/100,000 miles of BMW warranty. I added the Extended Service Contract--Covers Oil Changes, Brakes, Tune-ups, all maintenance requirements. I'll work on my Truck, Boat, Mustangs & Camaro, but BMW can spoil 330.

Good Luck Hunting!

P.S. Check out nadaguides.com. The NADA Guide will allow you to compare, side-by-side, models & years along with pricing and specs.

[mryakan]

The Sport Package has better suspension & sits lower, and just handles better.
Correction/clarification: x-drive models do not get a modified suspension with the sports package and sit higher than their RWD counerparts even with the ZSP.

[FORDMANWITHA330]

I stand corrected on the X-Drive.

[Axelfuzz]

Thanks for the info everyone! I was looking at a 330xi with 31K miles for $24900, sadly it was sold today. I have a prospective buyer coming to check out my current ride, but I may need a car faster than I was thinking. I really wanted to stay around $25K, but most of the XI models are $27K-$29K. Does anyone know where I can find a 330xi with less than 45K miles for less than 25K? That may be the Holy Grail of BMW's out there. Thanks for the offer Fordman, but I live in MI and the XI is really a must for me.