[abdul14]

I am faced with a really difficult choice here a 2006 330xi vs 2008 328xi

First the 330xi 57k miles for about 17k
-fully loaded 6mt, navi, sport, premium, xenon, park sensor, active cruise, logic 7, CDV delete
Just recently the head bolts, gasket etc replaced on it by reputable indy...
It does have a steering column problem, as reported by the PPI but not currently showing any problems.
No warranty
Buying from private seller seems honest and on the up and up


The 328xi 52k miles, about 18500
6mt, navi, sport, premium , NO XENON, sun shades it has better wheels
It has CPO warranty and maintenance till end of 2013 or 100k

Please help me decide I NEED YOUR HELP!

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by abdul14

I am faced with a really difficult choice here a 2006 330xi vs 2008 328xi

First the 330xi 57k miles for about 17k
-fully loaded 6mt, navi, sport, premium, xenon, park sensor, active cruise, logic 7
Just recently the head bolts were replaced on it
It does have a steering column problem,
No warranty


The 328xi 52k miles, about 18500
6mt, navi, sport, premium , NO XENON, it has better wheels
It has CPO warranty and maintenance till end of 2013 or 100k

Please help me decide I NEED YOUR HELP!

I'd get the 328xi for sure..

-Newer
-Similar performance to the 330, an AA tune should make them even more similar
- Warranty for more than a year ( although BMW's CPO is lame)

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by Vegetables

I'd get the 328xi for sure..

-Newer
-Similar performance to the 330, an AA tune should make them even more similar
- Warranty for more than a year ( although BMW's CPO is lame)

More power is more power

Cheaper outright, tune is even more on top
Xenons are a must

Almost no need for a warranty anyway

[abdul14]

The logical side of me wants to buy the 328xi but the 330xi with all the options is just soooo damn tempting love to hear from people who were in the same predicament.

[Johnny D]

To me both are still to expensive. There are better cars out there...I'd keep looking.

[abdul14]

Originally Posted by jntar

To me both are still to expensive. There are better cars out there...I'd keep looking.

Really? I thought atleast the 328xi is actually pretty reasonable considering its got navi, sport and premium pack, and with a warranty. The 330xi is priced in its range... I have been looking for almost 2 months now. What do you reckon these are worth? Its not east finding low milage 330i's out there.

[QUiKSR20]

I would go with the 328i and I think the price is good, I just paid 22k for an 08 RWD 6MT Sport w/HID w/warranty till 7/13 but no NAV....

HID's is the only thing that would attract me to the 330i over the 328.

The 328 and 330 HP diff isn't that noticeable and you can always add a tune + 3 stage manifold and your at 330HP with a newer car.

[abdul14]

Originally Posted by QUiKSR20

I would go with the 328i and I think the price is good, I just paid 22k for an 08 RWD 6MT Sport w/HID w/warranty till 7/13 but no NAV....

HID's is the only thing that would attract me to the 330i over the 328.

The 328 and 330 HP diff isn't that noticeable and you can always add a tune + 3 stage manifold and your at 330HP with a newer car.

Yea not too worried about the HP....is the warranty the only reason why anyone would pick the 328 over the 330 cuz I know a great indy near me and I can purchase a 3rd party warranty (route 66) for 1900 and be at about the same price between them.

[Hooy]

Bro, get the 330. I have a 328, and the transmission/brakes suck compared to the 330's.

Sport is a must, Xenons are a must, parking sensors are a must, Logic 7 is far superior to the base (which I have), and active cruise is a must if you have highways that with tons of up/downhills. The steering column issue might be a BIG pain though, so look into that before you buy. Other than that, I would get the 330.

[abdul14]

Originally Posted by Hooy

Bro, get the 330. I have a 328, and the transmission/brakes suck compared to the 330's.

Sport is a must, Xenons are a must, parking sensors are a must, Logic 7 is far superior to the base (which I have), and active cruise is a must if you have highways that with tons of up/downhills. The steering column issue might be a BIG pain though, so look into that before you buy. Other than that, I would get the 330.

the steering column issue f'in sucks, the transmission should be the same between the two right? I think 330 has the bigger brakes


Also 330 gets better gas mileage?

[Patmos330]

Never heard of the steering column issue. But I'd get the 330. It is a noticeable difference, thats why the 3 stage conversion exists. Also the transmission IS better in the 330. I dont have an xi, but I've had absolutely 0 maintenance on my 330 since I bought it (minus oil changes, tires, things like that). Also while the headlights seem like a minor things, they're worth it as well. Personally I think Nav in a car is pointless, who doesnt have a cell phone or a tomtom(garmin) these days?

[abdul14]

Originally Posted by Patmos330

Never heard of the steering column issue. But I'd get the 330. It is a noticeable difference, thats why the 3 stage conversion exists. Also the transmission IS better in the 330. I dont have an xi, but I've had absolutely 0 maintenance on my 330 since I bought it (minus oil changes, tires, things like that). Also while the headlights seem like a minor things, they're worth it as well. Personally I think Nav in a car is pointless, who doesnt have a cell phone or a tomtom(garmin) these days?

The steering column issue is somewhat common in these cars... dont know much about it but it has something to do with steering angle sensor (bolts) etc...requires new steering column + reprogramming could cost upwards of 1500 ouch. I honestly dont think this car has that issue I think he had an aftermarket battery out in which is potentially giving the code i'll have to check it out more closely when I inspect it again.

[abdul14]

so right now it stands as
328 - 2
330 - 3

Lets get some more feedback please.

[flinchy]

Every time i see a bmw without xenons, i just instantly think they're a relatively poor person who bought a bmw for the badge.. Niceness be damned... It's like.. The most basic option, one of the most defining features that bmw has had since the e46. Plus they illuminate better lol

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by abdul14

I am faced with a really difficult choice here a 2006 330xi vs 2008 328xi

First the 330xi 57k miles for about 17k
-fully loaded 6mt, navi, sport, premium, xenon, park sensor, active cruise, logic 7, CDV delete
Just recently the head bolts, gasket etc replaced on it by reputable indy...
It does have a steering column problem, as reported by the PPI but not currently showing any problems.
No warranty
Buying from private seller seems honest and on the up and up


The 328xi 52k miles, about 18500
6mt, navi, sport, premium , NO XENON, sun shades it has better wheels
It has CPO warranty and maintenance till end of 2013 or 100k

Please help me decide I NEED YOUR HELP!

I bough my 330i last year. When I compared it to 328i there was no question it is a better machine...stronger engine, ZF transmission, bigger brakes, Logic 7, xenons (awesome) ... more/better features. 330xi was a top of the line model loaded with the best options. Wheels and other cosmetics can be easily fixed/replaced but the guts can't. If you get 330xi upgrade it w/AA tune, CAI and performance exhaust and you transform the vehicle for $2500. Just my 2c...

[Donia330i]

330 for sure

[AlanAZ]

330. For the 3-stage intake, Logic 7 and xenons.

EVERY time I drive my car, I thank God I have the Logic 7 (I had the base stereo in my E46 - it sucked.)

[abdul14]

the forum has spoken 330xi it is...should have it by sometime next week will post pics. Thanks for all your help.

[QUiKSR20]

Originally Posted by Hooy

Bro, get the 330. I have a 328, and the transmission/brakes suck compared to the 330's.

Sport is a must, Xenons are a must, parking sensors are a must, Logic 7 is far superior to the base (which I have), and active cruise is a must if you have highways that with tons of up/downhills. The steering column issue might be a BIG pain though, so look into that before you buy. Other than that, I would get the 330.

• Logic 7 = Not a big diff, Add a JBL MS8 PLUG N PLAY gives you way better sound.
  
  
• Sport & Xenon def is a must if you ask me ( seats are way better )
  
  
• Parking Sensors ? Just another gadget to break, not needed IMHO
  
  
• Brakes - Not a huge diff you can add 335 calipers for dirt cheap a normal driver isnt going to notice the diff at all.
  
  
• Transmission = If 6MT there the same transmission I believe ( AUTO = DIFF )

There both good cars but most drivers will not notice the transmission / brake differences. If 6MT there the same transmission.
If you dont plan to mod anything most likely go for the 330 if its in great shape but the differences are very minor just choose
the car in the best shape with the best maintenance history. N52's are pretty reliable.

[abdul14]

Originally Posted by QUiKSR20

• Logic 7 = Not a big diff, Add a JBL MS8 PLUG N PLAY gives you way better sound.
  
• Sport & Xenon def is a must if you ask me ( seats are way better )
  
• Parking Sensors ? Just another gadget, not needed IMHO
  
• Brakes - Not a huge diff you can add 335 calipers for dirt cheap a normal driver isnt going to notice the diff at all.
  
• Transmission = If 6MT there the same transmission I believe ( AUTO = DIFF )

There both good cars but most drivers will not notice the transmission / brake differences. If 6MT there the same transmission.

are you sure the 6mt is the same because i've heard otherwise...thanks

[QUiKSR20]

Originally Posted by abdul14

are you sure the 6mt is the same because i've heard otherwise...thanks

I could be wrong but never heard the 328/330's have a different transmission ( MANUAL ) I know the Auto is diff, GM for 328's ZF for 335's not sure about 330's

[abdul14]

Originally Posted by QUiKSR20

I could be wrong but never heard the 328/330's have a different transmission ( MANUAL ) I know the Auto is diff, GM for 328's ZF for 335's not sure about 330's

If you don't mind me asking why did you go with the 328i over the 330i...im sure you atleast considered it right?