[jhc]

Hi-

Thank you so much for all the insights and experiences shared on this board. I'm about to commit to my first BMW at the dealership, but I need to resolve 1 final issue. I prefer quiet interiors, since I really enjoy listening to music while driving. Is the engine noise/music much louder in the 330ci vs. the 325ci? Is it very noticeable. I test drove both, but my salesperson wouldn't stop talking, so I couldn't really tell. It's something one notices after driving it in the middle of the night on an empty road, I think. I really admire the beautiful interior of the 3 series, and it's exceptional handling, so I'm sure about the E46. Please any advice regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff

 

[Chris330Ci]

Get either one and you may find yourself turning off your music to listen to the engine! I think your question is kind of amusing though '...should I get the lesser of the two cars because it is not as noisy... ' :lmao:

 

[nate]

I've never driven the 325, but the 330 has very nice, deep growl. I've ridden in the 325, nice noises, less exhaust noise.

Both make more noises than the M52TUs

 

[dredmo]

my brother has a 323i and i have a 330 ci, if i had to put myself in your shoes i would consider a fewthings


1,,, can i afford either, or will a 330 stretch my budget
2,,, do i want some balls, or SOME BALLS!!
3,,, do i want a slightly noisy car and pay extra for a very decent system or do i want a ever so slightly more noisy car that sounds very good with a deep tone and get a standard 12 speaker hk system


i think it boils down to money


bottom line if all you want is performance + quiet + system get the 325 and save some money, but the 330 is better all the way around, better stereo, better performance, and the little more noisy aspect isnt going to bother you since the extra decibles is 225 horsepower growling and not rice cooking

bimmer= vroom vroom
rice = wheeeee wheeee

ps with my 330ci i crank the volume get crystal sound (after i had dealer add stripping in between hatshelf and fram due to rattle)even with all windows and sun roof open i can hear very well at 80mph

with everything closed its a dream soooo....

 

[jhc]

Great comments...

Chris and Nate-

Thank you for your comments. It's nice getting feedback from the veterans on the board. Given the configurations I've chosen, the difference between a 330ci and 325ci is just $3200. I think I can manage the difference if it's worth it. The engine growl is nice, and perhaps I'll get addicted to it. But, since I'll be driving the commute in Boston, I won't get to hear it much. I guess that's the main problem...

Anyway, more comments regarding the interior noise between a 325ci vs 330ci would be great. Thank you again. This is an awesome board. I assure you I'll actually begin contributing, and not just asking silly questions, after I join the "family". :angel:

Jeff

 

[jhc]

Dredmo...

Thanks for the insight. I live in Boston, so I won't be driving very fast. :yikes: But I will be getting the HK system either way. :thumb: The extra few thousand isn't going to stretch my budget too much... I'm just wondering if I'll ever get to use the extra 40 thoroughbreds in the hood in a city... While I would notice the quieter interior everyday. Your comments were really appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to answer.

Jeff

 

[dredmo]

well keep in mind, i dont know what your other vehicles are, but once your ass sits in the leather seats of a bimmer, you will quickly learn to burn hours on the weekend taking the car on the backroads which you always wondered went to. for commuting only id say 325, but guess what, ill put 1g down now says youll be doing more than commuting once you feel this car giddy up and go + handle the curves hehe

 

[geomax]

If you are expecting the quiet interior of a Mercedes or Cadillac, you may be dissapointed. While I don't consider either car "loud" they aren't quiet either - there's a lot of engine noise, especially between 70-80mph as the VANOS kicks in. To many, the sound of a BMW engine is all the music they need - and I agree But one things for sure - the 330 makes a bit more noise.

And this has been beaten to a pulp, but if $$$ is a major consideration, is 40 extra ponies worth thousands more (if I got a 330 with the same options, it would cost $6000 more)? 40 ponies isn't a lot, despite all the opinions here. A lot of people here will tell you the 325 isn't a "performance" car like the 330. Thats BS. The 330 is 1 sec faster 0-60 - OH BOY!! Like you'd ever really notice that in everyday driving.

 

[WRS]

If your concerned about a DROANing exhaust sound from the 330I at highway cruising, then the answer is NO. If you are talking about Sweet Music while accelerating towards redline, Hell YES.:thumb:

 

[jhc]

geomax and wrs...

You guys are great. Thanks for the response. :thumb: I'll keep mulling it over. This is my first "new" car, so I want it to be special. I don't mind paying $3300 more... if it's worth it. I'm going Step... so I may need the extra horses. I know what you guys are going to say... :dunno: But I live in Boston, and I'd like the convenience during stop and go traffic. I really liked the Step during test drives anyway. Besides, my girlfriend is going to drive it too, so it'll be easier for both of us.

Please keep the comments coming. It's helping me a great deal in making a decision.

Jeff

 

[Chris330Ci]

Re: geomax and wrs...

I'm going Step... so I may need the extra horses. I know what you guys are going to say... :dunno: But I live in Boston, and I'd like the convenience during stop and go traffic. I really liked the Step during test drives anyway. Besides, my girlfriend is going to drive it too, so it'll be easier for both of us.

But you'll be missing out on all the fun on any weekend trips out of town! I don't think I could ever trade my manual for step though. If that's what you are definitely going with, I'd say you just ruled out the 325 if you aren't worried about the extra cash involved. Both are great cars, but you'll have more fun in the 330. By the way, my girlfriend can't drive my car for the very fact it is stick. I think I kind of like it that way!

 

[JPinTO]

Get the 323 or 328... they are virtually silent.

 

[Emission]

A lot of people here will tell you the 325 isn't a "performance" car like the 330. Thats BS. The 330 is 1 sec faster 0-60 - OH BOY!! Like you'd ever really notice that in everyday driving.

The 323i and 325i are just as much fun as the 328i and 330i. In fact, one can argue they are even MORE FUN to drive (better balance of horsepower, chassis, and braking).

The extra horsepower and torque of the 2.8 and 3.0 engines are immediately more noticable when you get behind the wheel. A one second difference in 0-60 is huge when you consider a Porsche 996 (Standard 911) is only about one second faster to 60 than the 330i. You feel it all the way across the power band.

Keep in mind, however, you will not make up the difference in price (between the 325i and 330i) when it comes time to sell.

 

[alanra]

quiet ride?

i wonder if you should be looking at a lexus or an infiniti or an acura. all those cars have a quieter interior than the 3-series; i read some consumer reports thing where the acura TL or CL (i can't remember which) had the quietest interior of any car tested.

dunno about the 330ci, but the 330i is definitely louder than the 325i, but it's mostly in the bass register, very little whine or straining. it doesn't sound panicked like some engines do when you push them.

i think you could easily make it part of the deal that you have to ride alone in the cars to figure this out. just talk to the sales guy, make it clear you're going to walk if you can't figure this out.

 

[Kaz]

Re: quiet ride?

i wonder if you should be looking at a lexus or an infiniti or an acura. all those cars have a quieter interior than the 3-series; i read some consumer reports thing where the acura TL or CL (i can't remember which) had the quietest interior of any car tested.

If you don't want a Japanese car, get a VAG product. Jettas, Passats and A4s are all WAY quieter inside than any E46. Every time I ride in one I wonder where the engine went. :dunno:

I never noticed much of a difference between a 325 and 330, with both being stock, at least.

 

[jhc]

Great advice...

Hey-

Thank you for all the great advice everyone. :thumb: Please keep them coming. Although, you really don't have to steer me away from a BMW to a Lexus, Acura, or Honda. I already know BMW is the best in this segment. I test drove two of them already. :thumb: I drive an LS430 when I'm visiting my parents, and I really enjoy that too... the power is really awesome for such a big car... and so is the Mark Levinson stereo. I actually recommended the LS430 to my parents. But I'm pretty set on the 3 series coupe for my driving purposes... I have to admit I was thinking about the Acura CL/TL Type S for a bit. But I really like the BMW interior, and the driving dynamics is simply awesome. The interior noise/sound was my main concern. I'm glad the various members have brought up the difference between the road, exhaust noise, versus the engine noise. They are very different. I don't think I'll mind a nice growl... very cool, actually. Maybe I failed to distinguish those different factors in my head.

You guys are great.

Jeff