1300 mile review 325xiT

Glad I got grey green, glad I skipped leather, wish my wife would/could drive manual.

As far as driving, two snows and no problems getting around or coming to a stop. Was able to engage DSC a few times while not trying. TD is right, it's more fun with it off.

It's been a pleasure to drive but I agree with most of the other touring owners, we could use the 330 version. The 325 is adequate at cruising speeds and handles the bending roads well, but more hp/torque would be nice .

Tonight on the way home I sucked in behind a 740 and cruised with him up to 110. It seems that between 70 and 100 the 325 responds similar to the bigger engines. It seemed like no time to make the 30 mph jump. I just wish the same could be said for off the line acceleration. Although it gets moving fairly quickly, you don't get that thrown back in the seat type feeling. I describe it as a quiet acceleration. You get there but it doesn't seem like it.

Bottom line for me is the flexibility of the wagon and AWD make it easy for me to forgo the speed factor. I knew going into it that I was not getting a race car so I'm not in any way dissappointed . But I could easily see this (325 xiT) eventually as my other BMW. But for now if you see me driving I will be ing.

edit -- forgot to mention 2 trips in to get HK rattle fixed. It was a plastic piece on the door panel

If you look hard enough you can find the S54 M3 engine to drop in your engine bay.

*drool*

Wasn't there some guy ages ago on .org who claimed that he was going to do that on his 330i?
Since there was no follow-up, I imagine it never happened.
Nick

Originally posted by Nick325xiT
Wasn't there some guy ages ago on .org who claimed that he was going to do that on his 330i?
Since there was no follow-up, I imagine it never happened.
Nick

Probably found out how much it would cost him and went ahead and got the real deal instead.

He *claimed* 12K... And he said that his engine had been waterlocked, or something, so the insurance was kicking in 7K.

Hmm...

1. first there's the issue of BMW and the EPA and the AWD mechanicals. the rear end is 3.23 compared with the more aggressive 3.46 of the non-XI 325. if you were really looking for power in the low end and didn't mind higher rpms ont he highway, the 3.46 is nice.

2. lightening up some rotational mass and unsprung weight on the car. i.e. flywheel, clutch (lighter) and lighter wheels.

i've decided since my wife needs reliability at the utmost, but will track this car at bmw driver's schools, i'll spend $2300 for the flywheel and clutch (includes labor), $1200 or so for lighter wheels and be happy.

i'm shocked at how well the car comports itself. i'm used to driving my wife's 9-5 5 speed 2.3lpt wagon. that was rated at 170hp and 207ft#'s; i feel like this car has more get up and go.