[jimchambers]

ok, so the 325 has the same 3.0L motor as the 330 with different intake, exhaust, possibly some internal components? I talked to a dealer friend about why not purchasing a 325 and upgrading. After looking at the US brochure it looks like for the additional options that are standard on the 330 it seems the price difference will be pretty well justified.

on 330 you get standard

17" wheels
Logic 7 stereo
memory seats/mirrors
xenon lights
40hp (i wonder what price of parts would be just to get it up this much?)

hopefully the price comes out pretty attractive on the 330 considering all the extra stuff you get with it.

[Briteboy[iCE]]

I got a feeling that to make an extra 40hp's won't exactly cost just a few dollars. And that after you swap out whatever you need to get the extra 40hp's the price won't be THAT far off (plus you get all those extra standard features you listed). I'm hoping for good 330 price too.

[BimmerJon]

We'll basically see in a few hours what the exact price difference is and if it's justified

[jav330ci]

whoever finds out the pricing on the new 330, please let us know

[jiggz]

I don't think deciding between the E90 325 & 330 will be any different than deciding between the E46 versions. Some will find the increased sticker on the 330 to be worth it, others won't.

40 HP and some added options are certainly nice - if one can afford it and those things are important - go for it! 40K + for a car is not viable for everybody though.......

[stelmach]

I thought long and hard about this before putting in my order for the 325. The things I decided I needed to have were:

-Premium Package
-Sport Package
-Cold Weather Package
-Xenon Lights
-Metallic Paint

If you spec out a 325 with these options, it comes out to $38,370 msrp. The same options on the 330 comes out to $42,570 msrp. A difference of $4,200, not to mention the increase in tax and finance charges. I realize that the 330 is still giving me more (40hp, 18" wheels, and the Logic 7,) but I don't really care so much about these things, so I opted for the 325. I think I'll be happy with it once it comes in.

[Oz]

There has been countless threads about this. Do a search

But definitely get 330 if you can afford it. I think it's worth it with all the uprades

[NaTuReB0Y]

Get the 325i...save the money...then debadged...

[shuzmaker]

FYI
330i also get the bigger brakes:

Front – diameter 13.0 inch
Rear – diameter 13.2 inch

vs

325i:
Front – diameter 11.8 inch
Rear – diameter 11.8 inch

Depending on what you WANT, get what you WANT.

[noflash]

I got my 325i with sport/coldw/xenon for $33,040.

The 330i on the lot I wanted was priced over $42,000.

I pretty happy with my savings!

[Atty]

What's the diff between exhausts? I've noticed differences in E46's in the sound and feel. But I can't get answers from BMW.

The sound of a 330 engine note is better than 325.

Is there diff in exhaust between sport and non-sport?

Thanks.

[petesamprs]

This is basically why I ordered a bone stock 330. All the options I wanted for the 325 (larger wheels, better audio, xenon, power seats) were standard in the 330, so I basically found myself paying $1-2k more (don't remember my exact calculation) for 40 ponies, bigger brakes, chrome exhaust tips, and the ability to say I had a 330. seemed worth it.

[ska///235i]

Besides performance and options....Is there differences on the 330 vs 325 appearance wise???

Any differences on the Looks? I seen photos where some E90s have the Grill all Chromed (pls see attached pics).
You guys notice any.....or both models look exactly the same?

(1 pic - chromed grill)
(2nd pic - non-chromed)....maybe is just the lighting

[cntlaw]

It was not a easy decision for me at all, I ended up a order of 330i. I must say 80% for the logo. The other factors are the lack of BiXenon on the 325i - yes, I could just add a Bi xenon to 325i and still save $5.5K; and the issue was still being I must have the adaptive steering and adaptive headlights which will not manage a 325i to its best price anyway. So, a 330i, what the hell, must admit , not a senisble decision; as no matter how much I spend, it won't be any sportier than my C55. Not considering the 325vs330 $ differences issues, 325i in our city has high points:
1. 2497cc means, fuel efficiency
2. $300 less annual registration
3. Not sound as loud as 330i but its BMW tuned exhaust still sounds great
4. 2.5 litre for 218hp - this is a perfect engine performance efficiency
5. Exactly the same features in the standard pacakge as the 330i except BiXenon.
6. I test driven the 325i - felt great pleasure in handling not less than my C55 in normal driving situations.
Now, would I really regret ?

cnt

[greenscape]

For me it was easy, my biggest pet peeve with my E39 was the lack of power, I was not gonna make that mistake again. There will be mods within a year for the 325 for power increases, but they will be there for the 330 too. Xenons, the sound system, Logic 7 sound, some extra ponies, was it worth it ? Remains to be seen. My motto, "If you go cheap you'll typically regret it everytime you use it. Spend a few extra dollars and you forget how much it cost almost immediately"...

[puck724]

Originally Posted by ska

Besides performance and options....Is there differences on the 330 vs 325 appearance wise???

Any differences on the Looks? I seen photos where some E90s have the Grill all Chromed (pls see attached pics).
You guys notice any.....or both models look exactly the same?

(1 pic - chromed grill)
(2nd pic - non-chromed)....maybe is just the lighting

technically the 330 has the all chrome and the 325 has the black slats...but its an easy swap out of the grill to make it chrome or not...

[bcaslis]

I got the 330i and this it's work the difference if you want the extras. I'll be honest though, one of the big things to me was the 18" 162 wheels that come with the sport package on the 330 but not the 325. That was the final factor that made me pick the 330i.

1160 miles now! Finally I'll be able to really use the engine soon!

[E90-4life]

I'd go for a car w/ all of the basic essentials, if you want gizmos' and all that other crap, buy a Benz. To me the 330 is the more engaging/aggresive drive out of the two, not to mention the engine is a good deal louder than that of the 325. However you're still gonna have fun driving either car, they're both BMW's at the end of the day, the ultimate pistol whipping on four wheels machines.

[marcus330i]

Originally Posted by bcaslis

I got the 330i and this it's work the difference if you want the extras. I'll be honest though, one of the big things to me was the 18" 162 wheels that come with the sport package on the 330 but not the 325. That was the final factor that made me pick the 330i.

1160 miles now! Finally I'll be able to really use the engine soon!

My 330 (see specs in my sig below) lists for exactly $3000 more than a 325 with the same options. The extra $3000 gets the 40 hp plus the bigger wheels and brakes....plus the extra chrome bits. I think the wheel & tire upgrade alone is worth $1000 so the other $2000 for the HP is a bargain considering the Germans charge big bucks for HP.

[ward]

yeah, but the blacked out side trim and grille look better!

Doh.

the 325 is pretty quick

[marcus330i]

I actually think you're right...I might get the black grill inserts since I have a Jet Black car...that would look great. The side trim would be too much work and $$ to change.

[waelmik]

hahaha u are funny please come and see the prices of the e90 here in Lebanon i bought my 320i for $50 000 it doesnt have xenon it has 16" wheels no idrive no electric seets
my bros e92 is a standard 325i for $70 000 what do u think about that?
go buy a 335i or an M3 for GOD's sake!!!!!