[jamesbmw1]

Please read my entire thread: Thank you.

I'm looking forward to get a BMW within the Near Future, but now I can't decide if I want a 328i Sedan or 330i Sedan? Both with Sports Package. >

Edit: Do the all wheel drive models and/or xDrive have more problems/expensive repairs usually? Also are they harder to Mod?

I currently Drive a 1999 Buick Regal LS. That I believe only has 180 Horsepower, so either one of these BMW's will do me good, I just want to pick one thats a good starting point into BMW. I'm young and not a millionaire so keep that in mind. lol

[i dunno]

have you driven either of them? you should test drive at least one of them first to see if you like how they feel. be sure to try cars from other companies that you might want.

[bob.g]

the 330 is only available as an 06 model. You can get a 328 and get it close to 330 power by swapping the intake manifold and adding a tune (will set you back around 1k). Personally id go for newer/lower miles.

[jamesbmw1]

Originally Posted by i dunno

have you driven either of them? you should test drive at least one of them first to see if you like how they feel. be sure to try cars from other companies that you might want.

Test drove only the 328i 2006 with Sports Package, loved it! But haven't gotten around to any other model.

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by jamesbmw1

Test drove only the 328i 2006 with Sports Package, loved it! But haven't gotten around to any other model.

2006 was the year of one offs, the 330 and 325. 328s were produced from 2007+ for the e90. 328 and 330 are great cars, good for a young person bc of the lower cost of ownership, insurance, ect. I would say whichever is a better deal get that. Both use the N52 naturally aspirated engine (the last time BMW used NA).

the 330 may have bigger brakes, better tuning, and a different tranny in the ZF. It may be a tad quicker, and I have a bias because I own one. I tested a couple 328s and they were good as well but I just got the 330 because power and great deal.

Pick the one with best color, options, and mileage

[jamesbmw1]

Originally Posted by Nebraska330xi

2006 was the year of one offs, the 330 and 325. 328s were produced from 2007+ for the e90. 328 and 330 are great cars, good for a young person bc of the lower cost of ownership, insurance, ect. I would say whichever is a better deal get that. Both use the N52 naturally aspirated engine (the last time BMW used NA).

the 330 may have bigger brakes, better tuning, and a different tranny in the ZF. It may be a tad quicker, and I have a bias because I own one. I tested a couple 328s and they were good as well but I just got the 330 because power and great deal.

Pick the one with best color, options, and mileage

Sorry, I meant 325i. It had door issues, and other things but other than that it drove great.

[jamesbmw1]

Originally Posted by Nebraska330xi

2006 was the year of one offs, the 330 and 325. 328s were produced from 2007+ for the e90. 328 and 330 are great cars, good for a young person bc of the lower cost of ownership, insurance, ect. I would say whichever is a better deal get that. Both use the N52 naturally aspirated engine (the last time BMW used NA).

the 330 may have bigger brakes, better tuning, and a different tranny in the ZF. It may be a tad quicker, and I have a bias because I own one. I tested a couple 328s and they were good as well but I just got the 330 because power and great deal.

Pick the one with best color, options, and mileage

What do you mean by the "330i" has better tuning? Sorry, I just joined this forum, and not yet exactly a genius when it comes to cars, but I love em. And also, the bigger brakes, is that just for stopping or, what? Do they both handle the same?

Thank you!

[ping65810]

The 330i and 328i are pretty similar in most respects, esp power. Usually the 330i came more equipped as others have mentioned, but your best bet is to find the one with the options you like best, good price, etc. I drive a 2007 328xi and love it. Even a 328 with 230hp has PLENTY of power, and always puts a smile on my face driving.

You will find a very large price swing depending on equipment with these cars, so don't be surprised to see up to a $8,000 swing for the same year car if one has low miles and is loaded up versus a higher mileage less optioned. Its all in what you like and can afford- you are getting the same basic amazing car either way and will be very happy :-)

[cuiter23]

Whichever one has the sport package is the one you should choose

[jamesbmw1]

Originally Posted by cuiter23

Whichever one has the sport package is the one you should choose

Yea, I'm leaning way towards the 328i now since its more common, I'm assuming if I had problems it'd be easier to find someone I can talk to about haha!

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by jamesbmw1

What do you mean by the "330i" has better tuning? Sorry, I just joined this forum, and not yet exactly a genius when it comes to cars, but I love em. And also, the bigger brakes, is that just for stopping or, what? Do they both handle the same?

Thank you!

I'm not sure how drastic the difference in braking is, it's probably pretty similar especially for daily driving. Since the 330 was the top of the line 3 for 2006 it had all the best parts so to speak. But it is not a drastically different car.

By tuning I mean the same thing, the car is tuned to get as much out of the engine as it can. The car may pull to redline quicker, feel sportier ect

The handling I think would be the same assuming the car has the same suspension. Get a sport pack on either and handling should be great!

I would test a few and don't pick based just on the 30 or 28 on the back, I would be more concerned with service history, price, and mileage. Also look in the cabin as the plastics in the e9x have a tendency to peel regardless of year.


There may be quite a few more 328s if you look around, like others have said and yea the price could go from 8k for an 06 330 with 150k miles to 30+k for a low mileage 2011 LCI that is essentially the same car as the 06 (aside from depreciation and future repairs, newness).

Search around in this forum and you will find a wealth of information about the cars.

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by jamesbmw1

Sorry, I meant 325i. It had door issues, and other things but other than that it drove great.

O I didn't see 325. But yea that is the base car, don't know much about how "detuned" it is but if you drive a 330 you will for sure notice a difference.

[cuiter23]

Originally Posted by jamesbmw1

Yea, I'm leaning way towards the 328i now since its more common, I'm assuming if I had problems it'd be easier to find someone I can talk to about haha!

Other advantages of the 328i are more advanced electronics if you were going to want to code. Vehicles made after March 2007 come with FRM2 so you are able to code angel eyes/fogs/rear license plate light to come on when you unlock car. In the FRM1 you can only do basic coding (mirrors, windows, etc)

Otherwise both solid cars the N51/N52 engines are bulletproof. There is a noticeable difference in power between the 328i and 330i, however I wouldn't say its drastic. Again, I would pick the one with the sports package as it really enhances the driving experience in general.

[Meeni]

The 330, if for the gearbox alone. The ZF trans is much better than the GM featured in the 328.

I tried the 330 and 328 when I bought mine, and I went with the 330 although it was more expensive and older, not a decision I took lightly. The power difference is easy to feel.

Now, neither are a good base for serious moding. You get very modest power improvements from very expensive mods. The Xi is also limited in terms of suspension choices, but otherwise is not a bad horse.

I would expect the 330 to be slightly more expensive to maintain than a 328, due to the use of magnesium parts that are promoting leaking oil gaskets.

In general terms, both are very similar cars, the 330i is just in a better "tune" state from the factory.

[VTECaddict]

Many 328i are stripper/bare bones models. 330i will come standard with adaptive xenons, power front seats, Logic 7 stereo, and a better sounding OEM exhaust and overall tend to be equipped with more options.

And I could definitely tell the difference between braking power/feel comparing my 330i to a 328i loaner.

[Efini]

Both are solid cars. I wouldn't pick one over the other, I'd base my decision off history reports, year, and miles. Aesthetically you have plenty of options, mods for days. As far as performance mods go, you wont get much out of these cars. I say this is a good starting point, these two models require less maintenance.

[GoRomeo]

I would tell u to go with a 330 but they are be hard to find with low miles. So 328 will be your best bet for the value.

Sorry but you came in late for the 330 party. Cheers!

[jamesbmw1]

Which 328i Years come with the Built in USB PORT in the Glovebox? Does the 2008/2009 Models have those? As I hear BlueTooth music Streaming doesn't work?
If anyone could answer that'd be great.

Thanks all.

[ctuna]

BMW did'nt have bluetooth music streaming till
2011.5 and then only on cars equipped with idrive/nav
and that particular option. They are kind of slow in that department.
As others have said the 330 comes with a lot of options included and the most power of any of the non turbo three series e9x.(328=230hp 330=255)
There is not much you can do with a 328 to modify the power if you add the three stage intake and a AA tune you can maybe get it up to 330 power.

The usb port in the arm rest is the one that plays usb sticks.
The early usb ipod ports uses a combination of usb
to display song data and a analog cable to tranmit
the sound.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16
http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=378

No big problems reported with the xi but purists
like rear wheel drive.
The range of suspension modification is more
limited with and xi .
See the xi and suspension sub forums.(look in the above links)
If you want a car you can mod the heck out of
you should probably consider a 335.

[ping65810]

Owning an Xi, and having had 5 prior 3 series, all RWD, I can tell you the Xi drives and feels like a RWD. The best way I can describe the feel is like regular RWD, with just a little bit of help from the front to straighten it out. Amazing in the snow too.

I would be most concerned with finding a car you like, with the right options, condition, etc. The 335 have many expensive problems which seem to develop, whereas the 325, 328, and 330 are nearly bulletproof. As for transmissions, I don't buy automatics anyways, so can't tell you the difference between them since mine is a 6 speed manual. I can tell you that even a 328xi is a blast to drive, stops on a dime, and is quite fast. iDrive is a like it or hate it type thing, I have it and love it, but there is def a learning curve to it. Sport package is worth it just for the upgraded seats alone.

As far as price goes, you do get what you pay for. Spring 2013 I paid $19k for my 2007 328Xi, with 41k miles, with 6 spd manual, sport pack, premium pack, xenons, iDrive, nav, cold weather package, and a clean car fax with full service records. Oh, and it was SPOTLESS. It was well worth it to me, and am very happy with it.

[Delta0311]

I went from a tuned 328 sedan to a 335xi coupe. Difference is night and day but the 328 was still an awesome car.
Let me give you some pointers:
The 328 only comes with halogen headlights (unless you get the coupe); it is difficult to find one with xenons from the factory. I wound up doing a full conversion on my car and yes it was a bit of a pain in the ass. The 330 comes with xenons, leather, and larger breaks; standard. The only problem with the 330 is that it was only released in 2006 which means it will be a bit difficult to find one with low mileage.
The 330 comes with 255hp stock and it can be tuned to about 265-270hp(at the crank, NOT wheels). I wouldn't say it has great tuning potential but hey this is a naturally aspirated car.
The 328 comes with 230hp and can be tuned to about 250hp for a bit over $1k. In reality neither the 328 or 330 have great tuning capabilities.
Both cars are nearly bulletproof though. If you maintain it well it will last you a long time. I traded my in at 94k miles and it was still running perfect.

I also did a bit of research into the transmissions of the 325/328/330. The 325/330 came with the ZF tranny and the 328 comes with the GM. In reality both transmissions are set to the exact same specifications. The ZF tranny on a 325/330 is NOT the same as the ZF tranny on a 335; same brand but two completely different transmissions.

[ping65810]

Xenons on a 328 aren't all that unusual- I have them on mine and have seen plenty with them. It seems the sport package is missing on most all E90s I see- 328 and 335 alike.

I like minor mods, but there are many of us who buy the car for what it is- not planning to put $10k into mods. I love mine stock, and its a 328Xi.

BY THE WAY- The Xi models don't seem to really have any more issues than RWD, other than a little added maintenance, and prob go through tires quicker. Both RWD and Xi are pretty bulletproof and don't have any issues. If you want to do a lot of mods and treat it like its a Honda Civic, the RWD is easier and has more available.. Same with the 335... but why pay all the money to then change everything and make it ride rough, look like a 17 yr old's Civic, and sound like ass?