Differnt BMW models

[civicrider]

So i dont know much about BMW's but right now im looking at buying a 2000 + 3 series but i need to know the differnce between these models

323

325

328

330


i know i want to go four door so i need for EX. 330i or 323i correct. and i also need one that has sport package if that makes a differnce. any help would be great.

[JordanEG6]

1st number in the numbers is the class:

3- compact
5- midsize
7- fullsize

the last 2 numbers are the displacement of the motor:

23- 2.3L
25- 2.5L
30- 3.0 L

so id you were to buy a 745Li you'd be getting a fullsize 4.5L sedan.

also the higher you go, usualy more standard features are available.


oh also, the 330i has an awesome sport package. its FULLY loaded plus 18" M series wheels and a M suede steering wheel :D :thumbsup:

[civicrider]

well i know i want to stick with the 3 series, whats the hp/tourque differnce between them all?

[Goblin]

Sorry Jordan, but you are incorrect about the 323.

The new 3 series debuted in 1999.

Sedan:
1999-2001 (pre-facelift)
323 - This is actually a 2.5 litre engine, not a 2.3L.
328

2002-2005 (facelifted)
320 - 2.0L
325 - 2.5L
330 - 3.0L

+ all the X versions, same with below.
Coupe
1999-2000
323ci
328ci

2001-2005
325ci
330ci

The facelifted models have the indicator lights slanting upwards with a more random pattern, the pre-facelift is slanting downwards with a more regular pattern.

Here is an explanation to the lights:
Note, you can change all the yellow to clears if you would like with aftermarket/oem parts.

The cars other than the lights have minor differences, small interior changes. Check out www.e46fanatics.com for further clarification. e46 = 1999-2005 3 series.

[Chrisw]

Well something no one has mentioned yet is that both 330's and 328's are very similar and 325's and 323's are similar.

I would narrow it down to these on of these sets, than go from there. If you can afford and 328/330 model, go for it, you'll be happier with the power and extra little things that come with them. Oce you've decided that, go for what you can get the best deal on....

Either way, make sure you get it checked by a DEALER! It will cost you, but it will be worth it in the end. The BMW computer records EVERYTHING (even how many times you have floored your car, although I dont think the dealer readily admits that anymore).

[SwitchBlade]

i= fuel injection
s=sports suspension
x= awd
c=coupe

[C4S]

323 is actually a 2.5L model, 320 was 2.0L , and 2.2L now.

318i was 1.8L, then 1.9L and 2.0L now.

316i (newer one) is actually 1.8L now.



and the newest 325 is actually a 3.0L model .. BMW marketing likes to do that way ... ( benz is doing the other way, 1.8L--> C230 something like that )

I is actually mean International ... mean and usually mean higher performance models from the 80's ( there was 325I and 325E -- > Economic model, cheaper on gas )

iS model in North American stands for Coupe .. weird ..

X --> AWD just like any other cars

Ci --> coupe, iC--> Convertiable.

M--> Motor Sport department.

CSL --> Club Sport & Light weight.

:burnout:

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by C4S
I is actually mean International ... mean and usually mean higher performance models from the 80's ( there was 325I and 325E --> Economic model, cheaper on gas )

I thought "i" is for "injected" back when injection wasn't common, and they just kept the designation up to now. :dunno:

The "e" is eta, the Greek letter for efficiency in engineering terms. The eta engines were designed to provide high torque at low rpm to enhance fuel efficiency.

[JordanEG6]

Originally posted by Goblin
Sorry Jordan, but you are incorrect about the 323.

The new 3 series debuted in 1999.

Sedan:
1999-2001 (pre-facelift)
323 - This is actually a 2.5 litre engine, not a 2.3L.
328


w00ps, my mistake...what do you expect? im all honda :D :rofl:

[three.eighteen.]

Originally posted by SwitchBlade
i= fuel injection
s=sports suspension
x= awd
c=coupe
there are no S's in the e46 range, 3xxis and 3xxi were the coupe and sedan of the e36 range, respectively

[Goblin]

no prob jordan,
I have a 323, I would know about that :rofl:

something on a forum somewhere,

"The only thing "BMW" on a 320 is the BMW badges" :rofl:

but hey, its still a bimmer, :guns:

[/////AMG]

Mercedes-Benz












:D

[Goblin]

You possibly cant afford a mb if you live in the U-K.

Well, I guess we had a 745 when we lived there...

[lastprodigy]

320 is weak....go with the 2.5L engine at least!....