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which to buy 330ci vs 323ci

15K views 58 replies 35 participants last post by  N-AM 007  
#1 · (Edited)
Hi guys

Im moving away from my Alfa spider and wanting to move into something more reliable.

Ive narrowed it down to a 323ci, 325ci, 328ci or 330ci (all manual)

Also my budget isnt that big ($12k max)

Can anyone mention the Pros and Cons and information on deciding which model?

Thanks

James
 
#2 · (Edited)
The 330ci for sure and you should be able to find a good one in your price range.
Reliability-wise, they are all very similar although the 330 and 325 are newer so should be a bit better just due to age.

Don't spend all $12 k on the car, hold some back for any surprises. Also, get a PPI done

Edit: I just noticed you are in Australia, so my price assumptions are probably inaccurate.

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#6 ·
You just listed all the coupes. So you want a manual coupe. I would stay away from the M52TU25/30 (323/328). Your budget will easily get you a 325/330. I would budget $10K for the car purchase and $2K for restoration work. That'll get you a reliable and great running vehicle. Shoot for a 2002 model year.
 
#9 ·
325 or 330. Try and get something 02-06. 325 will be cheaper insurance. Also have 1-2k of that money saved for maintenance for when you get the car. With every used car ive bought I always have about a grand to put into it to make it perfect and catch up with maintenance the PO neglected.
 
#10 ·
Guys, OP is from Sydney. So, I can guess he is from Sydney, Australia.
Cars there are much more expensive than here in the US.

With that budget, I dont think you will get good late model 330ci in Australia.

I'd say look for a maintained early model 325 or 330. Push for 330.
I'd stay away from 323/328ci unless I have a proof of subframe reinforcement done on them.

Coming from alfa, I can imagine you know how much maintenance it takes.
If you are a DIY person, an e46 is not really hard to work on. Alfa's are much more easy to work on, but the things just keep breaking on them.
 
#17 ·
1)price 2)no drive by wire 3)insurance

but i agree if you can get into a 330Ci then do that before the 323Ci. when all is said and done though it comes down to each individual car's upkeep and quality. i'm sure there are some 323Ci's out that are in much better shape than some 330Ci's. but the subframe issue is hard to not overlook in the 323/328 model line.
 
#38 ·
I took out a 2005? cabrio 330ci Steptronic from dealership last year, jus to see what all the 330 fuss was about. Yuk. That trans was hideous. I only found marginal power increase,..but perhaps I was tainted b/c of my pre-conceived notion of the auto. I was so glad to get back into my 2005 325ci cabrio stick.
 
#30 ·
330ci, without a doubt. You will always wish you had bought the largest engine available, with the largest OEM brakes available. Add in the upgraded interior trim, and the fact that the gas mileage is really not that much better in a 323ci, and it is a no-brainer. A well maintained 330 will get somewhere near 30mpg on the highway. It would also do fairly well in the city if you can resist the urge to floor it at every stoplight (which I can not do).
It is a much better car all around. Sorry, 323ci owners....
 
#34 ·
I would get whatever care you find that:
1. you like
2. fits budget
3. and is in good shape
Everything else being equal of course the 330 would the be obvious choice, but I wouldn't just pass up on a manual coupe in right color combo that's been taken care of because it's a 323/5/8. I'd rather swap a motor down the line and get the color scheme I wanted.