BMW 3
28 July 2003, 01:31 PM
#3
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Had a 330ci now got an Alpina B3 3.3.
I would say go for the 330 over the 325. Much more torque and hence doesn't really use any more petrol than the 325. Running costs (mpg and insurance) are 206 like in comparison with my Alpina.
Am selling the B3 at the moment for something cheaper to run, am looking for a 330d but may end up with another 330ci as running costs are that reasonable for what it is.
I would say go for the 330 over the 325. Much more torque and hence doesn't really use any more petrol than the 325. Running costs (mpg and insurance) are 206 like in comparison with my Alpina.
Am selling the B3 at the moment for something cheaper to run, am looking for a 330d but may end up with another 330ci as running costs are that reasonable for what it is.
28 July 2003, 05:08 PM
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Had a 328Saloon, then a 330Cab.
Excellent engines, Super silky smooth all the way to the red line, almost linear power from low down and whilst being very quiet on the motorway and round town, they make a nice growl when extended, never harsh. Effortless cruising.
The 328 had 192bhp (same as 325) and was auto, farily quick, got much better fuel consumption on runs, the auto boxes are really good, very smooth and have a higher top gear for more relaxed cruising and thier over ride facility works well giving resonable control on the twisties with little delay in the changes, sport mode is good as well holds the gears to give gearbox braking in corners. Great kickdown, at 50 press lightly will change down once to forth, press a little harder will drop to third, slam it down will go straight from 5th to 2nd and hold each gear right to the red line as it changes up. Avg mpg 26.5, over 35mpg at 70 would still get 30ish at the ton.
The manual box in the 330 was good as well, but fuel consumption was worse ? particualrly on long trips, nice clutch,good ratios to match engine power but could have done with the sixth gear, missed the lazy fith gear of the auto 328 and I think that and the aero dynamics is why the fuel economy was worse . Avg 24mpg, 27.5 mpg on long trips
Great engines, I had a 325 SSG saloon as a loaner, good engine super smooth seemed almost as powerful as the old 328, but the ssg is quite slow and less user friendly than the SMG.
All great engines,manuals are great, but worth considering the auto on the 330 as it is almost as quick (sometimes quicker in real world situations) and keeps nearly all the sportiness but adds some real luxury.
Running costs not too bad.
Servicing is 15000ish miles about £90-110 for your oil service, £200+ at 30000 (normally I think) I needed new brake discs for the 328 which pushed one bill up to £500 but they coughed up half (only 30000 miles). The servicing is now not far off non premium brand costs. Still pretty well built cars (328 had better paint) buyt I'd try and get one with still a bit of warrenty as these are extendable and although it costs a few bob to extend them its always worth it just in case.
[Edited by Mmmmm - 7/28/2003 5:14:20 PM]
Excellent engines, Super silky smooth all the way to the red line, almost linear power from low down and whilst being very quiet on the motorway and round town, they make a nice growl when extended, never harsh. Effortless cruising.
The 328 had 192bhp (same as 325) and was auto, farily quick, got much better fuel consumption on runs, the auto boxes are really good, very smooth and have a higher top gear for more relaxed cruising and thier over ride facility works well giving resonable control on the twisties with little delay in the changes, sport mode is good as well holds the gears to give gearbox braking in corners. Great kickdown, at 50 press lightly will change down once to forth, press a little harder will drop to third, slam it down will go straight from 5th to 2nd and hold each gear right to the red line as it changes up. Avg mpg 26.5, over 35mpg at 70 would still get 30ish at the ton.
The manual box in the 330 was good as well, but fuel consumption was worse ? particualrly on long trips, nice clutch,good ratios to match engine power but could have done with the sixth gear, missed the lazy fith gear of the auto 328 and I think that and the aero dynamics is why the fuel economy was worse . Avg 24mpg, 27.5 mpg on long trips
Great engines, I had a 325 SSG saloon as a loaner, good engine super smooth seemed almost as powerful as the old 328, but the ssg is quite slow and less user friendly than the SMG.
All great engines,manuals are great, but worth considering the auto on the 330 as it is almost as quick (sometimes quicker in real world situations) and keeps nearly all the sportiness but adds some real luxury.
Running costs not too bad.
Servicing is 15000ish miles about £90-110 for your oil service, £200+ at 30000 (normally I think) I needed new brake discs for the 328 which pushed one bill up to £500 but they coughed up half (only 30000 miles). The servicing is now not far off non premium brand costs. Still pretty well built cars (328 had better paint) buyt I'd try and get one with still a bit of warrenty as these are extendable and although it costs a few bob to extend them its always worth it just in case.
[Edited by Mmmmm - 7/28/2003 5:14:20 PM]
28 July 2003, 06:22 PM
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Cheers guys.
The 325 is listed as 0-60 7.1, so thought it would have felt pretty rapid. Is it actually slower than this in your opinions?
[Edited by BigJim - 7/28/2003 6:23:27 PM]
The 325 is listed as 0-60 7.1, so thought it would have felt pretty rapid. Is it actually slower than this in your opinions?
[Edited by BigJim - 7/28/2003 6:23:27 PM]
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