[gchild]

These look close on paper. 325i a bit slower but seem to be more of them with the kit I want.

What's the general view on these two cars when compared together?

[E91 S65]

I have a 325 e91 with some nice options. I would choose a 330 every time from now on- more power same mpg plenty more torque iirc. Like my car a lot but there seems to be no trade off except cost.

[AlanYoro35i]

I think some version is a detuned 330i engine.. hence the similarites

[chris325]

the 330 is a bit more powerful. Pre sept o7 they had different engines, the 325 had a 2.5 straight six. The newer 325s have a detuned 3.0.
My 325 is plenty fast, quicker than a e46 330, but sometimes you just have to work the revs a bit harder.
Sounds cracking too.

[chrismanchr]

i had a e46 330ci(221bhp) for 3 years and now ive got a e92 325i(218bhp) ,and my 325i is faster in everyway but is also more economical

although my e46 330ci had a more satisfying sound

[E91 S65]

Sounds like I should be happier with my 2.5! I came from a lighter, similarly powerful and torquier car that was more sonorous* so not amazed with it.

I imagine the power difference to 250- 270 bhp in the 3litre is actually quite a nice step. Really advanced engines though, magnesium alloy block and lots of clever advances.

* and no, I wouldn't go back to an amd fettled golf v6 4motion for anything, e91 is a great little family wagon.quality and drive are really good.

[buckethead]

i had a e90 330i and raced a e90 325i away fron the lights both giving it every thing at 60 my boot was 3 foot infront of his front bumper. theres not a lot in it away from the line anyway

[chrismanchr]

i nearly bought a 2.8 4 motion golf years ago but once i drove one i really didnt rate them ,the engine was course ,rough and very poor on fuel

[RichJ]

330i...!

[DavS1]

2.5 6cyl is what i have, good engine but you need to rev it to get it to go...once it's going though it pulls like a train 100mph+ it's great. (had a stripped out 420bhp 200sx before, so don't get me wrong I know the difference, big time ) lol.

[mierzwin]

bigger engine the better

tbh I moved from a3 3.2 to e90 pre-07 330i and dont like it as much yet. 265bhp in 330i feels slow in my opinion so I expect 325i being even slower

[wallsmk2]

I think the 2.5 litre is a great little engine. It doesn't have the mid range grunt so gear changes are required, but that's the fun of it...free revving and light front end. Get it on a rapid country road, wind down the window and listen to it.

[Dino355]

My 330i sounds great from the inside but wind down the windows and it sounds muted. Odd! It's a cracking engine though and really quick off the line but I find the gearing lets it down (far too long)

[HeavyRightFoot]

330i.

I had a 190bhp RX8 and everytime I was saw a 230bhp, I use to think I should have got the one with a bit more grunt. There were far too many 'hot hatches' that were quicker than the one I got and the 230 would have been more of a match, even though there was not much in it.

I decided that when those moments arise when there is not much in it, I didn't want to be the one that was behind by a few metres everytime.

I was originally looking for a 325i or 330i like yourself but in a moment of clarity, I went for the 335i. Not regretted it! (I don't mean get a 335i by the way, just get the 330i )

[gchild]

No what you mean.

Holding out for a 330 with the right spec. There is a 325 I have seen with everything I would want but the engine!

[The_Bear_Yid]

Why no get a 335?

That's what I'd get next and they usually come well spec'd.

[DavS1]

If I knew what I know now, i'd have got a 335i....you'll only want a faster car even if you get the 330i...

[gchild]

Hmmm. May have to extend my search. Not really thought of the 335 before. They gave twin turbos? Is it a reliable and proven package?

[NoelWatson]

Originally Posted by gchild

Hmmm. May have to extend my search. Not really thought of the 335 before. They gave twin turbos? Is it a reliable and proven package?

I don't think you would want to run one without a BMW warranty

[dxb335d]

Get a 335d, same performance as the petrol variant but far more reliable..

[BigBanana]

Originally Posted by Dino355

My 330i sounds great from the inside but wind down the windows and it sounds muted.

My 325D sounds great from the inside but wind down the windows and it sounds ...... better when I wind the windows up again.

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by BigBanana

My 325D sounds great from the inside but wind down the windows and it sounds ...... better when I wind the windows up again.

That did make me chuckle