[innes]

Hello everyone! As you can tell I'm a newb, but after years of waiting and scouring through this forum I'm finally in a position where I'm comfortable enough to purchase a new (to me) Bimmer! However I've been having a dilemma on which model year I should look for.

330i:
Pros
-more standard features that are getting hard to find on newer models (Logic7 and xenons)
-More fun/powerful; uniqueness from being produced for only one model year a plus
-Cheaper (obviously)
Cons
-comes with the older iDrive
-older; potentially more problems and would most likely be out of warranty
-not as attractive looking

328i:
Pros
-updated styling
-newer iDrive
-newer and would have a longer warranty; (more reliable?)
Cons
-virtually impossible to find one with Logic7/HK upgrade
-slower/not as fun
-would be more expensive

If you were in my position which one would you try to go for? Thanks everyone!

And P.S. Why the fluff is it so hard to find one with a manual

[Omaha E90]

I was in your EXACT same position when I found my car. I wanted something a bit newer but overall when I saw the 2006 330i with the 18" 162's it was love.

I think its smart to keep your payment down thus going with the 2006. It is always good to have some extra money as something can go wrong at any time. New or old.

I suppose it also depends on trim options and what is included with each model. For me the 2006 with the 162's, manual and black interior was a no brainer. I do lack idrive but I'm pretty simple when it comes to what I like about cars. The ride height and feel from the sport suspension is just amazing!

[MonsterM]

Originally Posted by Omaha E90

I was in your EXACT same position when I found my car. I wanted something a bit newer but overall when I saw the 2006 330i with the 18" 162's it was love.

I think its smart to keep your payment down thus going with the 2006. It is always good to have some extra money as something can go wrong at any time. New or old.

I suppose it also depends on trim options and what is included with each model. For me the 2006 with the 162's, manual and black interior was a no brainer. I do lack idrive but I'm pretty simple when it comes to what I like about cars. The ride height and feel from the sport suspension is just amazing!

I was in the same position. I really wanted a 06 330 but it was very difficult to find one with low miles and optioned the way I wanted it. Most dealers tried really hard to sell me CPO 335's but I had zero interest in those. I then came across my current car which is a 09 328 optioned the way I wanted it. I got an amazing deal on the car that I just could not pass. I still prefer the 330 but I couldn't let this 328i go.

[Route 16]

Originally Posted by MonsterM

I was in the same position. I really wanted a 06 330 but it was very difficult to find one with low miles and optioned the way I wanted it. Most dealers tried really hard to sell me CPO 335's but I had zero interest in those. I then came across my current car which is a 09 328 optioned the way I wanted it. I got an amazing deal on the car that I just could not pass. I still prefer the 330 but I couldn't let this 328i go.

I think take the 09 328i. Just get the payments to as low as you can make it and still be happy. Along the way you can always put the 3stage intake manifold, flash tune and upgrade the speakers better than OEM.

[BAL278]

I say newer styling.. older e90's look terrible

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by innes

Hello everyone! As you can tell I'm a newb, but after years of waiting and scouring through this forum I'm finally in a position where I'm comfortable enough to purchase a new (to me) Bimmer! However I've been having a dilemma on which model year I should look for.

330i:
Pros
-more standard features that are getting hard to find on newer models (Logic7 and xenons)
-More fun/powerful; uniqueness from being produced for only one model year a plus
-Cheaper (obviously)
Cons
-comes with the older iDrive
-older; potentially more problems and would most likely be out of warranty
-not as attractive looking

328i:
Pros
-updated styling
-newer iDrive
-newer and would have a longer warranty; (more reliable?)
Cons
-virtually impossible to find one with Logic7/HK upgrade
-slower/not as fun
-would be more expensive

If you were in my position which one would you try to go for? Thanks everyone!

And P.S. Why the fluff is it so hard to find one with a manual

328's are too girly for my choice, they are too flimsy but cute.

Nothing personal of course...

[smass]

Can you fix your own car? If so, the 330i is the logical choice.

[JDane07]

330i

Small modding can fix almost all problems people had with them to begin with.

[BenTrovato]

Originally Posted by BAL278

I say newer styling.. older e90's look terrible

+1. If I could agree more, I would.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

+1. If I could agree more, I would.

To all e90s fellas out there...please help!

[arctic330i]

All I can say is I love my 330i! until the started died an hour ago...

[adubey]

I was in the same position and what I figured was the 330i gives me a little bit more power and "fun" that I was looking for. At the same time it really just came down to which one I found optioned the way I wanted. Luckily I found a black 330i with Sport Suspension, Premium Package and Cold Weather Package so it was a no brainer. Otherwise its a lot easier to find the options you want on a 328 and you can tune it to the same type of power as a 328.

[BenTrovato]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

To all e90s fellas out there...please help!

Why did you quote me with an absolutely ridiculous comment to follow?

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

Why did you quote me with an absolutely ridiculous comment to follow?

Sorry bro, did not mean to hurt your feelings...

[CoconutPete]

I love my 330, but then again I think I'm one of 11 people out there who actually like the Gen I iDrive.

[JimVR4]

Originally Posted by adubey

I was in the same position and what I figured was the 330i gives me a little bit more power and "fun" that I was looking for. At the same time it really just came down to which one I found optioned the way I wanted. Luckily I found a black 330i with Sport Suspension, Premium Package and Cold Weather Package so it was a no brainer. Otherwise its a lot easier to find the options you want on a 328 and you can tune it to the same type of power as a 330.

FIFY. I do like my 328i M-Sport but it would be nice to have the 3 stage and an AA tune.

[Delta0311]

If the 330 comes with an extended warranty then get it. If it's no longer under warranty and you suck at fixing cars then go for the 328.

Perfromace wise the 330 is a quicker car when compared to a stock 328. Although I drove a stock 330 for almost 2 weeks and couldn't wait to get back to my moded 328. It felt like it had to mash the pedal to get the car to move and the tranny felt sluggish.

[innes]

Originally Posted by MonsterM

I was in the same position. I really wanted a 06 330 but it was very difficult to find one with low miles and optioned the way I wanted it. Most dealers tried really hard to sell me CPO 335's but I had zero interest in those. I then came across my current car which is a 09 328 optioned the way I wanted it. I got an amazing deal on the car that I just could not pass. I still prefer the 330 but I couldn't let this 328i go.

How's the base stereo on your 328i? If I recall correctly, the 2009 model year was right before they put in the crappy 6 speaker setup so it should have the 10 speaker HIFI setup.

[RingBredE90]

330i hands down. I dont know what everyone is talking about. The 2006 3 series looks so much nicer than 2009.

[smellthebeans]

330i also has larger brakes.

[bob.g]

the mspport bumper/hood/blacklines u can get on for 330 will make the car looks nicer then the facelifted 328. would set u back about 1500, but it can always be added later. lower milage 330s are getting hard to come by.

[M340i Pride]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

To all e90s fellas out there...please help!

here i am! i still think pre lci e90 looks classy and well made. to me lci doesnt do much more. more creases and some touch ups here and there but i like mine better.

anyways lol

OP what are the prices you are looking at and options ect? if you actually put up the examples you are looking at i think more people can accurately suggest better. milege, price, color, options, ect ect.

however, I believe 330i is one heck of a car with one heck of an engine. even though it isnt turbo'ed and all it is still fast and its NA. Instant response with speed that will satisfy just about most enthusiast. it will handle the same as our 335i and because of non turbo engine it will be more durable. remember, more parts, more to break down. i would say 330i. its better car than 328 if you are not into techs all that much.