2nd gear goes to 62 MPH.

The gauges are not as cool as the 4th gens. Now there is a titanium{maybe it's aluminum?} backround behind the speedometer and tachomer, the temp and gas gaugees are just black. The gauges still turn from black to white but is much less dramatic. BTW the speedo on 5th gen's goes up to 160 MPH.

I don't have the bose stereo, I am going to put a little system in..in a few weeks. However the bose sounds great in my 95, it's probably even better in the 02.

 

Make sure you alteast get the angel eyes headlights.

 

They are standard on any 01+ 5-series. Oh, the only thing I MUST have is the sport package.

 

I see the 5 series with the "Angel eyes" just about everyday over here. They look great. And yes, I've driven the 5 series with the sports package and without. Just like you said, it is a must have option.

What I like about the 3 series with the sport package are the front seats. Nicely bolstered and very comfortable.

But then again, I like what I have been reading about the 2K2 six speed. I can't wait till March to drive one.

 

We have both the Maxima (4th gen) and the 330i. The 330 is definately the better car. You can see it in the way it's built. The Germans put a lot of time in engineering the car mechanically. I still think they could do a bit more interrior wise. The 330 rides quieter then the Maxima, out handles it and pulls harder. I guess it all depends on what you want. Comfort and convience or performance and durability.

 

I just bought my 2k2 Maxima and I love it. However, if I had the 46k to drop on a 330 believe me I would buy it without even thinking about it. The Trainny is probably the strongerst one out there the handling is much tighter and it rides silky smooth for a sport tuned car. no doubt in my mind what my choice would be. Overall it's probably the nicest driver out there for the best amount of money.

 

46K for a 3 series! wow i will never buy one of those.....seems so overpriced but if you can get a good discount like you said you should getit

 

$46K for a 330i??? Where do you live?

 

but this is with the option he has mentioned

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2002 BMW 3-Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Color: Titanium Silver
Zip: 75035



See Glossary of Terms



Options Selected Invoice MSRP TMV®
18" M Alloy Wheels with Upgraded Tires $$900
Heated Front Seats $500
Leather Upholstery $$1,450
On-board Navigation System $$1,800
Power Glass Moonroof $1,050
STEPTRONIC 5-Speed Automatic Transmission $$1,275
Xenon Headlights $$700

Total Options $7,675





Invoice MSRP TMV®
Regional Base Price $30,750 $33,990 $34,354
Color Adjustment - - $116
Optional Equipment $ 6,655 $7,675 $7,675
Destination Charge $ 645 $645 $645

Total $38,050 $42,310 42790




42790

43k without upgraded stereo

 

Do you really need 18" wheels and Navi? Better spend that money on Harman Kardon stereo system.

 

the 18" wheels are a want I won't sacrifice not even on my maxima when I decide to get them and the navi is a must for ME because I'm in sales and knowing where I'm going is very important.

 

get the bimmer =X

 

Well I am seling my BMW 325 and have bought a Max SE '01. I like the Max better myself. Why? Several reasons, first is comfort. The max gives me more interior, cargo and passenger room. It is quite and comfortable where the BMW tended to be noisy, bumpy and cramped. Second was all the electrical problems BMW's are noted for. Everday it was something new which was very annoying. When these things start to fail you are talking about lots of jack to replace sensors and computer chips. The costs of the parts are high enough but the labor will eat you up. Currently there are 3 beemers in my driveway and what car do we use everyday? The max. As for resell value, maybe the Beemers are better but trade in value bites just like ever other car. And trying to sell a BMW is not that easy. Say you drive the car 6-7 years and go to resell it, not that many folks can just fork out that money without the ability to finance and just try to get a loan from a bank for a 6 year old car with 80k miles on it. If people do have the money they are new not pre-owned. so it is a catch 22 on resale for higher end cars. Okay just my .02 plus some. Hey and remember, its only my opinion.

Joann

 

The 330 comes with the Harmon Kardon system stock. It sounds really good.

A 330 the way I would spec it out will be around 34K. But I have to ask if it is that much nicer than the Maxima I figure I can get for 22K-24K or less, the way I would like it.

I will still wait until March when I am back in the states and drive a 2K2 six-speed before I decide. Thanks for everyone's help.

And speaking of the navigation systems, does anyone have one in the 2K2? Is it anygood?

 

And when you mod the Max with Eibach/Tokico, etc so it can handle alsmost as well as a stock BMW, how does it ride?

 

Honestly not sure I am not that aggressive of a driver so I don't miss anyhting about the BMW. If I was more performance oriented then my opinion might be different. All I know is the Max is 10x's smoother, quieter & more comfy then the Beemer. From what I have read here on this forum it seems like after modding the Max is not as quiet or smooth (am I right/wrong??) so I probably won't mod. I live on a very curvy road and my max handles as well as my bmw (with my driving ability..or lack there of )


*geez...did I just type that?....boy I must be getting old....

 

This so true. The market for cheaper used cars is always hot where I live, simply because there are more people that can afford a car in the $3K to $7.5K range than in the $15K+ range.

I've always managed to sell my cars in less than a week, usually in a few days.

With more expensive cars you may have to trade in if you need the $$ quick, simply because there are fewer qualified buyers in the market. Plus people usually want the option of extended warranties on a used car, if they're spending that kind of dough for a used car.