Looking to buy E46 - BMW Forum

moe19x · 11-09-2005, 04:31 PM

Hey guys currently i have a 98 328i 4 door sedan which i love, but i feel around spring time, i wana replace it with a newer model, not that there is anything wrong with the 98 328i, I want something as comfortable or more comfortable, just as fast and powerful. what would you guys recomend?? lol M3 are out of my buget, well the car i can afford, the insurance maybe i cant afford that. im lookin for soemthing around 2001- 2003 range. what models? what problems shall i look for? i was thinking about the 2001 330ci? when did the Xi models come out?? are they worth the price? im in ontario and sometimes i have to take the car out in the winter so maybe Xi would be a good idea?

thanks for any advice

also is trade in a good idea?

Hootie · 11-10-2005, 07:50 AM

Naaa, sell the car privately, you'll make more money. What with autotrader.com and ebay, it's almost impossible to NOT get your money's worth out of your car.

The Xi started in 2001, when they switched the 323/328 to 325/330. Personally, I'd find an iX before an Xi, but that's just cuz I'm old school. Check out a 330Xi, maybe around the 2001-2002 range. Anyone have knowledge of TU of the Xi system from it's inception?

moe19x · 11-10-2005, 11:09 AM

Whats the difference between iX and Xi?? sorry im kinda new to all this

drz · 11-10-2005, 03:40 PM

The iX's were the e30 line of all-wheel drive 3's.

drz · 11-10-2005, 03:41 PM

Get a 330. If you can afford it, get a 2003 330 with the performance package: 235 hp.

RixE46 · 11-10-2005, 04:10 PM

I love my 330ci zhp - last year for the e46 is '05 ... probably not so much in your price range, unfortunately but the '02+ are very nice and still reasonable and also include the newer front end style that I like...

PS: check your sig...it says 329i

moe19x · 11-11-2005, 10:55 AM

Im really leaning towards getting a 2001-2002 330ci, when did the SMG start?? and what exactly is it?

charemyes · 03-20-2006, 07:05 PM

I'm looking to part with my 2003 Topaz Blue/Titanium leather 325ci fully loaded except for navi. 39k miles almost brand new condition. Just got a detail from the dealer as well.

Live_the_Curves · 03-20-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moe19x

Im really leaning towards getting a 2001-2002 330ci, when did the SMG start?? and what exactly is it?

SMG is the paddle shifter transmission, which shifts gears as fast or faster than a human can in a manual. I doubt any SMG e46 (non M3) were made in '01-02. Also the early year SMG was horrible, its been refined now.

325isBaby · 03-21-2006, 04:59 PM

I live in WA and I LOVE my xi, the xi first made it's appearance in 2002. I drove my 330xi all year round (this is the first year I've owned it) and it handled GREAT on all road conditions. Good luck with your purchase.

drz · 03-22-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325isBaby

I live in WA and I LOVE my xi, the xi first made it's appearance in 2002. I drove my 330xi all year round (this is the first year I've owned it) and it handled GREAT on all road conditions. Good luck with your purchase.

First year of the 3--xi was 2001.

I don't think that person is reading this thread anymore anyway. The thread is over four months old.

325isBaby · 03-22-2006, 05:47 PM

I think Charemyes brought this one back from the dead.