1st time bmw buyer

[DrMooCow]

Hey Guys,

Just did a search and found this forum from google.

I'm interested in buying a 330. Probably an used 330i. But I have some questions hopefully someone can answer.

I'm not even going to compare it to a Infiniti car because I used to have a 03 maxima and i've had it with nissan cars.

I've been curious if anyone has compared the 330 to the Acura TL?
Anyone know the quarter mile time for the 330i automatic? I was going to get a 2001 GS430 but couldn't find any with low milage that I wanted, so figure I would settle for a 2003 330.

Are there any major differences between the 03 and the 04? I was also wondering if it's possible to get a loaded 330i auto for under 34k. Oh and also, does the 2003 model have teleaid/sos feature like mercedes?

Thanks for the input.

[Garfield]

-The Nissan Maxima is not in the same class as any BMW. If you want to compare the 330i to any Nissan, take a look at the 350Z and the G35, both of which are excellent performance vehicles with 40-60 more horsepower than the 330i, and better 0-60 & 1/4 mile times. Some reasons for the extra price of the 330i include the prestige of owning a BMW, and the handling.

-The Acura TL is an excellent vehicle, but again, in a different class. The Acura TL offers a more comfortable/smooth ride, is much more quiet inside, offers many more standard luxury options, offers Honda reliability, is exponentially more affordable to repair and maintain after the warranty period, has nearly 50 more horsepower, faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile times, and is a larger vehicle.

-Considering it a "settlement" to purchase a 2002 BMW 330i because you couldn't find a 2001 GS430 with the correct mileage, combined with your comparisons, tells me that you should do your research and test-drive these vehicles. None of them can be accurately compared to the BMW 330i.

[GnnSk8]

agreed. But a manuel is gonna have a great advantage to automatic in anycar including BMW 330i.

[leftone]

whoa whoa whoa!!!! dont consider ANY car you get a "settlement" purchase what you want or dont buy anything. second. nissan and acura in no way compare to bmw. Give you and idea where i came from. test drove the following. (price was no object mind you) nissan 350z, maxima, acura tl, honda s2000, mercedes c230 kompressor and c240, lexus is300, ford f 150 (dont ask!! LOL) and mazda rx8. Went through all of that over the course of a year..... last car i drove was the bmw 325i 2004. one turn of the key, one corner at 80, one brake test is all it took. Sure theres cars that are faster, more luxurious, handle better, but nothing puts it in one package like BMW. Luxury cars are not supposed to sound, handle, and cost like that. I was awestruck by the total package. again dont settle on anything, but u get in one and drive it, and if you still have quams about owning one then its not for you. and no i dont think ur finding a loaded 2004 330i for under 34k and yes they do have the bmw assist option like onstar. good luck cheers mate

[DrMooCow]

Thanks for the inputs.

Yeah I think I need to go test drive a 3 series. One thing I hate so much about dealers is that they bug the heck out of you. It's like whenever I want to go buy a car and when I do need help, no one ever helps me. But when I'm just browsing around, they annoy the heck out of me.

I've owned a Honda Accord, two maximas, and a C230. Bought the last maxima mainly for the speed and value. After driving on the highway everyday, safety became an issue lol, which i know the 3 series is very safe.

Stupid question, does the 3 series have a temperature reader for outside? Also, is it hard to take out the oem head unit and replace it with another one and the steering wheel control fuctions will still work?

[Silver4evr]

Firstly, to the forum. Glad you dropped in.

Secondly, here's a link to 500 330i's for sale for $35k and under and between 2000 and 2003.

If you modify the search for your area, you can see what's going on in your area as far as pricing. You won't have any trouble find a loaded, low mileage car in your price range.

I test drove a 2004 330i before buying my 530i. The 330i is an awesome car, I just needed more room. You definitely won't be settling if you get one. If you do see if there's an extended warranty available or may a CPO.

You might do a post in the Audio forum regarding the head unit.
Don't know about the temp. gauge.

Whatever you find, keep us updated. There's no shortage of educated, helpful opinions here.

Good luck.

[DrMooCow]

Hey Silver,
Do you know the differences between the 2003 and 2004 330i? I think i've seen some 2004 with led brake lights and I love it!!! But don't think I would be able to find a 2004 in my price range with the options i want. Also, is it possible for a 2004 brake lights to fit a 2003?

Thanks

Oh also, is there not a factory security system for the car??

[Silver4evr]

Click here for 2004 updates to the 330 (and other models, too).

Click here for options for the 330i. It seems the alarm is a dealer installed item.

Maybe call the dealer regarding the swapping of tail lights. I don't think so because of the adaptive brake light technology (lights get brighter the harder you press the pedal).

[cakman2]

My car has an outdoor temperature display on the dash when you cycle through the computer