TD said:Is there a question in here anywhere?
But beyond those two elements, what are the differences? I definately prefer the front bumper of the Ci, and it does seem much sleeker.
I can't really find a real reason why the 330ci costs over a grand more than the 330i... what am i overlooking?
TD said:
You should have been a lawyer.
LMC said:The coupe costs more due to 3 factors: Sport steering wheel standard, split folding rear seat standard and, most importantly, because they can! They can charge a little more for the coupe and get it, so they do.
I've gone through this decision twice when buying a 3er. The first time I was surprised to have USAA tell me that the insurance rate on a sedan and coupe was the same (this is in 1994, mind you; have no idea now.) For me the choice was easier because I so rarely have anyone in back; if I did carry passengers I would go for the sedan.
The rest is looks and personal choice.
Mark49 said:One other factor that you might want to consider that hasn't been mentioned is that the sedan has a little more headroom. I'm 6'4" and didn't fit comfortably in the coupe so I opted for the sedan. BTW, I too thought I liked the front bumper of the coupe better than the 2002 sedan until I saw the sedan with the sport package. The 330i SP comes with the M aero package which gives it a much nicer looking bumper than the sedan without the sport package, IMHO, especially if you don't have to have a front license plate.
LMC said:The coupe costs more due to 3 factors: Sport steering wheel standard, split folding rear seat standard and, most importantly, because they can! They can charge a little more for the coupe and get it, so they do.
I've gone through this decision twice when buying a 3er. The first time I was surprised to have USAA tell me that the insurance rate on a sedan and coupe was the same (this is in 1994, mind you; have no idea now.) For me the choice was easier because I so rarely have anyone in back; if I did carry passengers I would go for the sedan.
The rest is looks and personal choice.
LMC said:Excellent point! Sport suspension is a must!
The original query was 330Ci vs 330i and don't they both have the sport suspension standard?
Larry
drpahjee said:"I have never owned a 2-door car, and have always avoided them because I do drive other folks around.. but I've come to the conclusion that it isn't that inconvenient to fold a seat forward to get in back.. its not like its uncomfortable for me."
You also have to take into account the fact that due to the sports suspension the coupe sits a little lower than other cars, so much so that it can be awkward/painful for some people to get out of the back sear.
I bought a 2001 325Ci last year thinking the same thing, but I've gotten so many wise___ remarks from friends/others who hate having to climb into the back seat. I have since moved back closer to home & my family absolutely hates the 2-door so much that I am now thinking about buying a 330i. I would advise you to buy a sedan if you are going to be using the back seat.