330 Performance Specifications

[twestrope]

Can anyone tell me what the 0-60 specs are for the diffent 330 models? I am looking at getting a used 2002/2003 3 series. The xi would be more practical since I live in Colorado but I wonder what performance I am giving up. Thanks.

[Gulelin]

The only actual test numbers(not estimates) for the Xi i've ever seen make it actually faster than the 330i(Car&Driver from 2001). The thing about that though, is that it was done with a drop-clutch start from about 4k; you DON'T want to do that with your car unless you have money for a new clutch on a regular basis. In dailey driver and most situations the 330i handles and accelerates better than the 330xi. Believe me i've read coutless articles on both from when I was deciding which to buy.

I think after doing all the reading that a 330i is prolly OK in the winter if you get snow tires, it just depends on how bad your winters are. I drove my xi in some pretty bad weather last winter and it was awesome, even with all-seasons on it. I would test drive them both if I were you, I never test drove the 330i and I kind of regret it.

EDIT:Oh I forgot abou the times.

330xi was tested as 5.8 to 60 by both Car and Driver and Motor Trend, although those were 2001 models. Not sure if the new ones are different.

330i's do in the 6.1 range to 60. Both those times are manual tranny.

[doughboyea]

Now I would assume the Xi to be a bit slower, only because the weight of the all wheel drive system. The Ci, IMO with a 5 speed should be able to beat the Xi in speed under normal conditons, ie. no drop clutch.

Dough

[Gulelin]

Originally posted by KMP@Oct 26 2004, 08:03 AM
I recently bought a new 2004 325xi and I'm looking forward to the winter weather here in the Washington, DC area which can be rain, sleet, snow, and ice all in the same storm. I've been very impressed with the all-wheel drive capabilities of the xi in rainy weather. No slipping or sliding whatsoever in the corners of turns. I've tried to get it to slide but the car just refuses to play along with me.

I've also got a Ford Explorer Sport with all-wheel drive and it handles well in winter weather but since it's an SUV it's top heavy and slides a bit.

Enjoy the 330xi and all the skiing this season. I'm planning on coming to Vancouver in early April 2005 for a conference. I'm planning to extend my stay so I can ski Whistler/Blackcomb a few days.

[snapback]218795[/snapback]

Absolutely right. The extra weight and the torque lost in the translation to all 4 wheels makes the Xi a little slower under normal conditions. The Xi's final drive ratio is geared more aggressively to try to make up for those factors, which is prolly why it does the sub 6.0 0-60 with a drop clutch.