Re: I need help deciding between 325 and ? (long) (archive)

I really want to get the 325 but it seems like every review I read of the 3 series, they always praise the 328/330 and say the 323 is underpowered, I have to get Step since my fiancee cant drive stick, for the ppl who have the 323, does it have adequate power? (ppl with the step)

My first experience driving a BMW was a 330i at one of the Denver dealerships. I got to take it around town (and had a cop on my tail part of the time!) and it was quick, but I couldn't tell just how quick in that type of driving.

Next, I returned to my home (Fort Collins) dealership and told them I wanted to try a 323/325 to see how the power compared. They gave me the keys to a 2000 323i (South African test car) Steptronic/SP and said, "take it up to Horsetooth and let it rip." (Horsetooth is a large resevoir right outside of town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains)

I had myself (obviously), a friend, and his girlfriend in the car. We shot up to the foothills with the air conditioner running and proceeded to put the car through its paces. The car handled like it was on rails, and the Steptronic (in Sport mode) did exactly what I wanted it to -- I didn't have to punch it to force a downshift or anything. As an example of the power, we hit a *steep* hill from a 15mph hairpin turn and got up to 70+MPH going up the hill (remember, that's 3 people and the A/C running). That was probably what made me finalize my choice.

Going into the test drive, I was considering the 330i, even though I didn't want to spend quite that much (Colorado weather patterns can be very hard on cars). After driving the 323, though, both my friend and I were in agreement that the 323 wasn't noticeably different than the 330.

Before all the hardcore people flame me, keep in mind that I'm not a race-driver and I don't plan to drive my personal car (bought with my hard-earned $$$) at redline everywhere I go. I like spirited driving, but I'm also respectful of my investment. With those considerations, the 323/325 is more powerful than I'll probably need and is a huge step-up from the Mitsubishi Diamante I'm driving now (a largish car, V6 ~190HP).

So, to answer your question, I was so pleased with the performance of the 323/325, I actually ordered one (week 38) and am expecting it sometime in November. That's about the best recommendation I can give a car (spending money on it) because I don't seem to have the mass quantities of cash that most people on this board do.

You may get taken off the line by one of your buddy's cheezy Integra's, but ask him to take it to the mountains where a vehicle requires not just straight-line speed, but handling, and you'll probably smoke him. Remember, if you just want straight-line performance off-the-line, you can get a trashy Trans-Am/Camaro for a lot less money!

Mike

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E46) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.