I found this interesting article:

Slightly confusingly, both the new 325i and the 330i have the same 3.0-liter inline-six. The 325i has retuned software and a different exhaust and intake system, lowering power and torque from 255 hp and 220 lb-ft to 215 and 185: the 325i would need only ten more horses to fill the previous 330i’s stable. In both forms, the engine has a great note. While we favor the more powerful of the two, $7,000 knocked off the price is hard to argue against. Buying a base 325i and spending one to two thousand dollars in the aftermarket could result in a $32,000 330i,I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience modifying their 325 and can comment?

I've also heard conflicting statements about the size of the motor in the 2006 325i. Is it 2.5L or 3L as the article suggests?

I've also heard conflicting statements about the size of the motor in the 2006 325i. Is it 2.5L or 3L as the article suggests?3.0

I've also heard conflicting statements about the size of the motor in the 2006 325i. Is it 2.5L or 3L as the article suggests?It depends on what country the car is in. Some markets sold a 2.5l 325i. In Canada, the 323i has a 2.5l.

All E90 325i and xi models sold in the US came with a 3.0l N52. The major difference between the 25 and 30 cars is the DISA variable intake system.

We have just turned our 325i into a 330i with minimal work. All it takes is software, a 330 intake manifold and the actuators for the variable runners

Dale

Thought id bring this thread back up.

I'm currently trying to get rid of my car and was looking into E46 330 ZHP's.

I LOVE the look of the E90 though, however my budget only allows 25k and the 325i seems to be falling into that price range.

Only thing that veers me off is the lack of power (or so I thought).

So is there truth to this? Would it take minimal mods to make the 325 equal to the 330i performance wise?

Thought id bring this thread back up.

I'm currently trying to get rid of my car and was looking into E46 330 ZHP's.

I LOVE the look of the E90 though, however my budget only allows 25k and the 325i seems to be falling into that price range.

Only thing that veers me off is the lack of power (or so I thought).

So is there truth to this? Would it take minimal mods to make the 325 equal to the 330i performance wise?
Depends how much modding and $$ you plan to do/spend. I assume it is cheaper to get a 330 off the bat than try to get 40 more hp out of the 325. That being said, depending on how much power you are looking for, the 325 is not slow by any means. My 323 is 15 less hp and still pretty fast to me. It will not burn rubber off the line like a 335, but for normal day to day driving it is pretty good. There is enough low end torque to not make it cumbersome around town even in highest gear. Some would say more power is better, maybe, but then you'd have to pay more. If you have a fixed budget, get the 325 and then if any $$ is left, spend it on mods you'll enjoy yourself.