320i (with Sports) vs. 325i (without)

I forgot about the excellent sport seats. They are worth the money.

I'd forget every option available (get a stick) and try to get the sport pkg.

320i Base:$34,500
Sport Pkg: $3,900
-----------------
$38,400


325i Base:$38,900
Sport Pkg: $2,900
----------------------
$41,800

$3,500 difference.

What about a low mileage 2001 325i with SP and a few extra options for the same money?

I agree with JP -- go for a 325i slightly used and get it with sport, if you can live with a used car that's not exactly to your specs. I was at a BMW dealer, and I sat in a 320i -- much of the car is decontented from the 325i. You're not only getting a little less motor, but you weren't (at least for 2001) getting xenons, fogs, map lights.

On the other hand, as JP noted, you're looking at a $3,500 difference -- which over the life of the car really isn't a whole lot of money (especially in C$....). The seats in the sport are worth the price of admission themselves.

However, just to confuse you even further, if you really can't bear the thought of a used BMW, and you really can't come up with the extra $3,500, the 320i with sport probably won't kill you. Everyone talks about how much faster the 330i is than the 325i, and there's about one second difference between the two to 100km/h. I have the 325i and it's just fine to me. Let's face it, these cars aren't drag strip kings, but where they really shine is carving up the twisties. For me, I'd give up the second to 100km/h (which can often be compensated for by driving skill), and keep the better handling and seats.

I've been living in Europe for the past year and a half (I did ED on my 325i, and it frankly was one of the faster cars on the road). There are lots of 320i's and 320d's which are even slower, and I don't think a lot of people here (where gas is double what you're paying in Canada) sweat over the loss of one second to 100 km/h.

Good luck!

I agree w/ what Steve said. I lived in Germany for a year and rented various BMWs. On several occasions I drove 320s and 520s. I even drove a 520 touring. You'd expect that this car would be a hopeless pig-- but it was able to keep up just fine on the autobahn. It provided steady smooth acceleration. The 320i's I drove felt even zipper of course. Usually I got a 318 or even 316 and was still able to manage fine and enjoy the great feel and handling of the e46 platform. With this background, it was easy for me to buy a 325 (the lowest model in the US) and not feel slighed. If I could've gotten a 320i and save a few thousand, I'd have been very tempted.

In the US, we require llots of torque (and generally bigger engines) because of all the stop and go (cut and thrust) driving we do. If you don't tend to do this kind of driving, then you'll be fine w/ the 320. My 325 doesn't exactly push me back into my seat w/ its acceleration, so you won't miss much from that perspective. If there is any way you can take an hour long drive of a 320, I'd highly recommend that. You'll probably get a feel for whether the car is too slow for your needs vvery quickly. Of course, other here do have a very good point that you can easily upgrade the suspension, buts its much harder to upgrade your engine.

Thanks!

Many thanks to all who posted - your suggestions, comments, etc. were quite helpful and much appreciated!!

For all those who recommended going with a 325i with sports pacakge, I indeed wish I could. Unfortunately, the price point I want to be at, and that I can get away with with my better half, is basically a 320i with sports or 325 without

I had indeed contemplated getting a stripped 325i, but while I could give up some of the options, I really, really don't want to do without heated seats, DSC, & pass through. However, it is a valid choice I should perhaps reconsider.

I also looked over all sorts of used 325i's and even 328i's. Unfortunately, BMW (and other dealers) want *WAY* too much for them - ludicrous amounts! It's as if the car's never depreciate..... Bizzarely enough, I even had one BMW used salesmen acknowledge that the prices were nuts.

Thanks again,

Mike