Hey guys, looking to get a good daily driver, and I like the 325i a lot. Can someone point be to some general info about them, like model year differences, things to look for, and options available on them.

I should be purchasing in the next week or two.

Thanks!

I have a 2004 325i. Ask me some specific questions and ill try my best. They are power crazy but they are quick enough. Try to find one with a stick. What price are u looking for and how many miles would be too many for you?

Im looking for a 330i 01-02 but the color combo and options(sport/premium) i want isnt that popular...im thinkning of downgrading to a 325i not to sure though..what do you 325i guys think

I bought my 2003 325i in February, when prices had started dropping, but unfortunately before they really stepped down at the beginning of summer.

My list of must haves was: Sport package (ZSP), manual transmission, heated leather, xenons, moonroof, >/=2003, <30,000 miles. Luckily I found that exact car, and I love it, even though it's 'just' a 325i.

I do consider the manual/sport package as absolute requirements, particularly in the 325.

I started out looking for a 330i Performance Package (ZHP), which proved untouchable at my price point. I found lots of gorgeous ZHPs, but none buyable below $30,000, which was $3k more than I was willing to pay at absolute max. I found one - count it, ONE 330i Sport (ZSP) - that met my criteria, but it had double the mileage I wanted.

I found my car (met all criteria at 23k miles and CPO) at a dealer 150 miles away and made a low offer of $22k, which they took.

Am I disappointed? Only slightly, and not for long. As the poster above said, it's not power crazy but it is quick enough with a manual trans. I would have loved a 330i ZSP but I kept $5000 in my pocket by stepping down to the 325i, and more like $8000 under a ZHP. That kind of savings can get you over a fair amount of disappointment, particularly since this car is so much fun to drive anyway.

Having put 6000 miles on the car, I have to say that I would make exactly the same decision again unless I found a spectacular 330i ZSP for <$25k or a ZHP for <$27k.

Good luck!

What are the weight of the 325 and 330?

I see everyone here saying the manual is definitely the way to go. I was really looking for an auto since it will be my DD and I hit a lot of stop and go traffic. I think the step shift (hybrid auto/manual) would be the best bet, is that available on the 325? What is the option called exactly?

And I still haven't been able to find any information as to what is different between, for example, 2001, 2002, and 2003 model years.

The xenons are a separate option? What does the sport package add to the car?

Of course I would rather have the power of the 330, but I am hoping on the 325 being "enough" to get me through daily driving. I can just break out the Z06 when I want to go fast. :D

Also I'm impressed at the level of features and goodies at this price point. Chevy sure doesn't give us that. ;)

if you want an auto go with the 328 or 330..... the 325 is going to drive you crazy... super slow...pre moddification was pretty disappointing.

I have a 01 325Ci, and even though it is "slow" I still have loads of fun driving it (till I get it modded). Mine has the sports/premium pkgs. I have heard and agree the sports package (standard on the coupe) is a must if possible (adds 17" rims, better handling, m style wheel, and the seats (much better than non-sport). I also have the step trans, and do not mind the compromise between loss of sportyness, and being able to drive with comfort in stop and go. I did test drive a couple 330's with manuals, and they were great, but 5-6 K more than what I bought. just my .02
Good luck

Well, here's a link to my answer to a similar question a couple of months ago:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7408747#post7408747

The two models weigh the same (3375, iirc) - the only real difference in the engines is the crankshaft, which accounts for the displacement difference. The semi-manual transmission is called Steptronic. The sport package adds a lower, stiffer suspension and bigger wheels (17" rather than 16"). Bi-xenons were a separate option. Good luck.

the thread mentioned above gave me insight on the topic

Well, here's a link to my answer to a similar question a couple of months ago:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7408747#post7408747

The two models weigh the same (3375, iirc) - the only real difference in the engines is the crankshaft, which accounts for the displacement difference. The semi-manual transmission is called Steptronic. The sport package adds a lower, stiffer suspension and bigger wheels (17" rather than 16"). Bi-xenons were a separate option. Good luck.


I was informed that all coupes share same suspension set up, only the sport package does to coupe is better sport style seats, and rims.