Finally, took the plunge yesterday and bought a used 2005 BMW 330Ci.

http://www.rabmarin.com/detail.php?f...ListingID=1191


It's got the sport package with 17" wheels, upgraded exhause and firmer/lower suspense. Drives like a Go kart in some way with quick steering and firm ride. The pickup is good but I still think it is just an hair shy of my 2001 5-speed Maxima, which I can time the rpm and always maintain in the peak power band.

But wow, the BMW upgraded dual chrome exhaust looks and sounds crazy, even at low rpm.

Still keeping the Maxima for my daughter in a few years. It is just too cheap to sell - about only $6000.

 

congrats on the car, looks good and +1 on the resale value, its way too low.

 

Yeah, when it is cold and for long distance, the Maxima is my preferred ride.

 

nice vert!

sim simma who got the keys to my bimma!

 

They are in your own hands!

I have been wanting a sporty convertible for so long and finally decided to get it.

Life is too short to linger. But be sensible and spend/splurge within your means.

 

Welcome to the club.... I actually bought my 01 GLE as an add-on to my 01 330ci 5spd... I wud actually say get something checked in the bimmer... my 330 can easily get ahead of the 3.0 maxs and most 3.5s!

oops.. nevermind.. i see you have the auto trans its a great ride ... i have been constantly trying to tweak the max's suspension to come close to the bmw... with H&R's n illuminas ... SE sway bar... it seems to come close unless hard cornering.

 

The BMW steptronic 5-speed has a split second of delay before it launches. I haven't tried the S (sport) mode yet.

The Sport suspense is cool - making the car low to the ground with an aggressive stance. But the tires are a hell of $$$ to replace, 225-45-17 in Front and 245-40-17 in Back, and they last about 15-20k miles with a tread wear of 200.

 

Yep the sports pkg gives the bmw a whole different character than the standard 330

Tires are a huge expense compared to the max.. I learnt driving on the track with my 330ci and went through my 1st set of pilots within 6K miles.. out the door with installation was about $950. I'm currently at about 32K miles and my second set is all set for replacement. Probably next yr.

The best thing I love about it is doing oil changes every 7.5K miles. I use the Pela oil extractor and it just sucks out the 7 quarts and the filter being right up behind the radiator... you dont even need to jack up the car for oil changes. Use Mobil 1 0W-40 and not 5W-30.

Also make sure you get your trans fluid done... the auto trans is a touchy item on the bmw's.. use e46fanatics and roadfly for any reference .. they are just like the org here!

 

- Xenon Headlights with Auto-Leveling Adaptive Headlights

Does the auto-leveling work pretty good or what?

 

Yeah, I think I am due for the BMW inspection II (the bigger service). On-board computer says 200 miles left. I heard dealer charges anywhere from $1000 to $3000 for the service.

I will do the oil change myself. The owner manual calls for Mobil 1 5W30. Is that ok? Do I have to use 0W30? It is never below 45F here in the bay area.

Also, what transmission fluid should I use? No mention in the owner manual. And how much do I need? Thanks! Guess I need to post in the BMW forum instead.

The Xenon lights work well and I have startled people in underground garages with auto feature brightens up suddenly. Haven't tried the adaptive feature yet - the headlights swivel when you turn.

 

Inspection II is a big service... not! The inspections are really a full check of the car.

Its like jacking up the car and then systematically checking all components from suspension to drivetrain and replacing things as needed. If you know of a good mechanic you can get the actual inspection checklist from the internet and simply pay someone an hour or two of labor to get the inspection done

The owner manual calls for 5W-30 with a spec of A3/B3 i.e. compatible with BMW long life oil requirement spec. If you goto the Mobil1 website, you can plug in your yr and make to see what oils you can use. For our 330's the only Mobil1 oil to be used is the 0W-40. If you goto an autoparts store, pick up the 0W-40 bottle and see behind it will actually mention BMW-LL01 as the compatible type. The other Mobil1 oils dont say this.

Lookup information on e46fanatics.com and roadfly.com under the e46 section. I dont know the specs of the auto trans fluid so cant help you out there.

You might also want to drain the diff and change over to Redline brand oil.

Good luck... your addiction has just started !

 

Wow nice car!! I got to drive a 325Cic for a few days (while I decided whether I wanted to buy it) and I really liked the car but it felt like it had no power....The 330Cic is a lot faster though!

Here's the one i had

 

I would say the opposite as most 3.5's would easily get away from the 330 in accelleration of that generation 3 series. Never had a prob with any of them in my Max or my wifes G, in the Z walked my friends/co workers 03 ZXP 330i (he wanted to run).

 

325 is definitely under powered for such a heavy car. The 330 got more mid-top end power than the Maxima but lacks a bit in the low end. It could be my Maxima is 5-speed and 330ci has a Steptronic.

 

Yeah, the 325 was definately the underpowered younger brother.

It is also true the manual G with 280+ hp would walk it... if it couldnt LOL I would not have words... same for the Z... the 5.5 gen on the other hand is very close.. IIRC the 0-60 times are within .1 sec for 0-60 so the better driver takes it... now if the curves come in... the stakes change considerably.... I am talking stock here.. I really dont care what mods would do. At the end both are fine machines for a different purpose.. it feels good that a max can keep up with it... and in cases get ahead.

Unfortunately, while you can get most of the performance pkg mods done to the 330's motor, it isint much like what you can do with the max... it was already tuned from factory

However, it has always put a smile on my face as it sings to redline even in 5th gear, that 1:1 ratio in 5th gives it an authorative pull at higher speeds. Not to mention when the twisties come on... the car literally feels it is on rails and that steering wheel communicates exactly what the front wheels are doing... and all this from a bone stock car!

 

Hallaeluyeah too ya....congrats! If i ever upgrade it'll be that 335 twin turbo rocket sled....

 

The 335i is awesome... I test drove it a few months back

Recently, I test drove the 335d and boy does that puppy feel like a torque monster... 420+lb/ft at like 1500rpm... and driven with a light foot 38mpg hwy!!

 

I plan on doing this same thing and have thought it about everyday for months. I will buy a 335i and keep my 2001 maxima.

 

I hear ya on keeping a good car even when you get another one. Should have kept my old Accord when I got my 626 POS edition.

Congrats on the purchase, E46 330i's are pretty good cars. Amazing how BMW has figured out how to make their cars handle well and not pound the crap out of you over bad roads.

 

I test drove MB CLK320 and Audi A4 before buying the BMW 330. All convertibles.

The MB got a nice ride but lacking on handling and sportiness. The Audi is not in the same league, perhaps due to it being a 1.8T - grossly underpowered in my view. I am so amazed Audi can get away with 170hp. Felt like my previous '99 Accord 2.3L could out run it. LOL

The BMW is true to The Driving Machine claim. I instantly felt I was driving a race car, much like those go-karts that you race on a track for $5.

With that being said, I found my 2001 Maxima 5-speed is quite good in terms of power and handling after I added FTSB and RSB. It corners well, just not like on rails as the BMW.

 

I'm jealous!! Wish I can have both!! Nice RIde!!

 

nice car lookin good