m325i 709 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 Can anyone tell me the differences between a 330i and 325i convertible? I'm talking pre facelift e46's. Many Thanks Kind regards Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bimmer boy 21 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 The body kit and wheels i think are different between the two, but i'm not 100% sure. The badge on the back should be a dead giveaway Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1043 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 330ci verts have uprated breaks, forged pistons,more horses (obviously) and a bunch more modification options when it comes to modding the engine, otherwise .. they are the same Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alex 0 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 The body kit and wheels i think are different between the two, but i'm not 100% sure. The badge on the back should be a dead giveaway correct. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 330ci verts have uprated breaks, forged pistons,more horses (obviously) and a bunch more modification options when it comes to modding the engine, otherwise .. they are the same Yeah obviously engine. THings like brakes, suspension etc.??? You guys know of any links with a comparison table or anything? I am helping someone buy one. They are not going to be modding it, and aren't really the kind of driver that drives 'spiritedly'. This is why I am wondering if it is worth the (only little bit) of extra money to go for the 330i. Thnaks for your help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alex 0 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 Yeah obviously engine. THings like brakes, suspension etc.??? You guys know of any links with a comparison table or anything? I am helping someone buy one. They are not going to be modding it, and aren't really the kind of driver that drives 'spiritedly'. This is why I am wondering if it is worth the (only little bit) of extra money to go for the 330i. Thnaks for your help. i reckon its well worth the money to get the 330iMum's got a 2004 e46 325i Msport, its a beautiful car and its one i've the best looking bmw's i've seen, but at 141kw its a tad lacking in power. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1043 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 yeah if you can get the 330 .. he/she will enjoy it that much more. How many k's has it done .. ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jazzbass 1 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 If all other parameters (mileage, condition, know history etc) were close, I'd certainly recommend the 330 over the 325. That said, I'd be as happy as a pig in sh*t in either... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1043 Report post Posted February 13, 2006 One thing with high km e46's to check is the rear subframe where the mounts that hold the rear drive train to the chassis. Where the sheet metal supports the load actually get weaker from torque from the diff. They are (like the e36) prone to fracture. Get it checked .. usually the bushes take the loading but is has also been common for the bar bush mount points to crack. This is seen in cars with either very high milage, tracked (raced) cars or cars that have seen a hard life .. For some strange reason history has shown 330's and M3's seem to not be affected as much if at all. There is preventative maintenance that can be carried out to stop this from happening .. see http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/susp...inforcement.pdf for more details Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) Nice, good info guys. Haven't narrowed it down to 2 cars yet, but there is a much bigger selection of 325i's. Also the 325i's around at the moment have a better colour selection. Colour is important. (prefer no silver/gunmetal/gold) TM seems to have most available. Looking no more than $65k By all means give me your personal pick. The black one isnt that nice. **edit both black ones** Edited February 14, 2006 by m325i Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1043 Report post Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) farkkkk me ... verts are still hell expensive ..... mine (non vert) cost 45k including leather install with 40k ( just run in ) on the clock incl onroad costs ... I got to choose exactly what I wanted ... had to wait 7 weeks, but saved 20k. Have an importer friend. Edited February 14, 2006 by hybrid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted February 14, 2006 330ci verts have uprated breaks, forged pistons,more horses (obviously) and a bunch more modification options when it comes to modding the engine, otherwise .. they are the same Team McMillan tell me there is no difference.If there are no options taken, then the only difference is engine size. Why are BMW's so hard to get specs for? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hybrid 1043 Report post Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) Team McMillan tell me there is no difference.tell RENNSport that mind you .. hes not modding it .. so if he doesn't mind the power loss then 325 it is :thumb: It makes a big difference if your putting a blower on it however ( crank is forged on 330 as well) engine differences... 325 M54 2.5L Tech Data Liter/type 2.5/inline 6 Bore/stroke 3.31/2.95 inch 330 M54 3.0L Tech Data Liter/type 3.0/inline 6 Bore/stroke 3.31/3.53 inch Edited February 14, 2006 by hybrid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jazzbass 1 Report post Posted February 14, 2006 Have you looked here? E46 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 709 Report post Posted February 14, 2006 Have you looked here? E46 Yeah good link. But it doesnt really give specifics of 325 convertible Vs. 330i. Does seem to back up the bigger brakes thing though. Thanks for the input guys. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
