330i or 328i

CarForHire · 01-03-2011, 10:06 PM

I know there are many threads on this topic but I wanted to get some opinions.

Both cars would have a 6MT, ZSP and would be RWD. The 330i will have around 40k miles. From what I've gathered it seems the 328i seems like it's had less issues than the 330i. My only problem is I won't be able to see these cars in person when making the purchase, so do I take the risk of getting a 330i with the ticking sound coming from the N52 and use the couple grand I save fixing any issues, or look for an 07 or 08 328i with a little warranty left. I understand they're both very reliable, I have a 328i now so I would know but I would much rather have the 330i so I don't have to worry about finding a 328i with upgraded sound and xenon. Plus I like how the 330i is more exclusive and in my opinion sounds better. So pretty much I'm just curious to the reliability between the two. By the way the only reason why I'm not keeping my car now is because I regret not getting the 6MT in the first place. Thank you.

arctic330i · 01-03-2011, 10:09 PM

I have never really heard of a 328 being more reliable than a 330, but I'm fairly new to BMW. The 328 has the same n52 engine I thought, so as far as reliability you should see the same. I have (knock on wood) been lucky in terms of reliability.

CarForHire · 01-03-2011, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arctic330i

I have never really heard of a 328 being more reliable than a 330, but I'm fairly new to BMW. The 328 has the same n52 engine I thought, so as far as reliability you should see the same. I have (knock on wood) been lucky in terms of reliability.

Yup, same engine. I figured they were about the same but you know how it is with first year products.

CarForHire · 01-04-2011, 04:40 PM

Bump.

ArabianSensation · 01-04-2011, 04:42 PM

330 has more power stock than the 328, I'd go 330.

Kroy · 01-04-2011, 04:47 PM

i vote 330i. reliable. more power. quality parts.

CarForHire · 01-04-2011, 05:02 PM

I'm leaning more towards it too. Even if it means getting a car that's a couple years older.

Ink330 · 01-04-2011, 05:19 PM

OP, I chose my 330 over a 328. Test drove both and the 328 was newer, but the 330 just felt more alive.

CarForHire · 01-04-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ink330

OP, I chose my 330 over a 328. Test drove both and the 328 was newer, but the 330 just felt more alive.

Did you notice a difference in the braking?

Outlaw 06 · 01-04-2011, 05:52 PM

OP, I’m assuming you’re comparing the E9x 330i vs. the E9x 328i. Have you driven both cars to compare them yet?

When I was looking for a CPO late last year, I test drove and considered three different 3-Series BMW sedans with 6MT and ZSP (a 2006 330i, a 2007 328i, and a 2007 335i).

While the E9x 330i and 328i both have N52B30 engines, the 330i produces more power due to its better intake manifold and other subtle differences. The 330i was also the top-of-the-line (non-M) 3-Series in 2006, so it came with better standard features than the 2007/2008 328i (such as power front seats, Xenon HIDs, Logic 7, etc.).

All other things being equal (base mileage, maintenance history, etc.), the E9x 330i is the better car IMO.

fnckr · 01-04-2011, 05:58 PM

330i all the way. Also, regarding the ticking, somewhere on E90post is a thread describing the reason for the ticking being the typically low rev shifts of the automatic cars in the U.S. Manual cars tended not to have the problem. The reasoning was that the certain hydraulics within the top-end would develop air-bubbles with such mild use.

If you're going with the MT you shouldn't have to worry about it.

CarForHire · 01-04-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fnckr

330i all the way. Also, regarding the ticking. Somewhere on E90post is a thread describing the reason for the ticking being the typically low rev shifts of the automatic cars in the U.S. Manual cars tended not to have the problem. The reasoning was that the certain hydraulics within the top-end would develop air-bubbles with such mild use.

If you're going with the MT you shouldn't have to worry about it.

I'm currently reading through that thread but I never did get far enough to hear that. I do notice on the automatics shifts at 1900 rpm. Did it mention anything about cruising at a specific gear at 1500 rpm? Hmm. I'll continue reading. Thank you.

wrickem · 01-04-2011, 06:32 PM

I vote for the 330 too. I really wish the E92 UK 330 was available here. I like the NA engine and it has about the right amount of HP for my daily driving.

MazdaFan · 01-04-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fnckr

330i all the way. Also, regarding the ticking, somewhere on E90post is a thread describing the reason for the ticking being the typically low rev shifts of the automatic cars in the U.S. Manual cars tended not to have the problem. The reasoning was that the certain hydraulics within the top-end would develop air-bubbles with such mild use.

If you're going with the MT you shouldn't have to worry about it.

Interesting, i am thinking about starting a new auto vs. manual thread!

My concern with 330i is that it is a first model year car (although in Europe they came out earlier than US). The engine should be fine but small things here and there might be more reliable in a 328.

SpeedBuggy · 01-04-2011, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarForHire

Did you notice a difference in the braking?

330i is a little more hotrod for the money. As far as the braking, a 330i with sports package gets you larger brakes. Compared to our 325i (basically same as a newer 328i) braking is much more noticeable,

The 330i would be a great choice

hipnotic · 01-04-2011, 07:19 PM

330 all the way

JulieDriving · 01-04-2011, 07:28 PM

330i. Heard it was pretty reliable, despite being a first year car. I would take it over the 328i. Unless I was comparing it to a 2009+ 328i (facelifted model, with new iDrive, etc.)

Saintor · 01-04-2011, 07:36 PM

The 2006 seems to be plagued with head leaking issues/broken bolts. 2007 engines were revised and have the latest OBD ports. I would avoid the 2006.

GreenThree · 01-04-2011, 07:36 PM

LCI is out of the picture for the years your looking at. In that case, I would go with the 330. Dont think you can go wrong with either on reliability or overall. Keep us posted

Chriztofor · 01-04-2011, 07:37 PM

How many miles on the 328 and what is the difference in price?

SnowhitE92 · 01-04-2011, 07:39 PM

I had a 06 330i. Excellent excellent car. I loved it a lot till the day I returned it after the lease was up. It never gave a even one problem, and was powerful enough.
I had a 328 as loner and just didn't like it. Wasn't the same. Also, I see tons of 328 on the road every day, but very rarely I see the 330 which adds uniqueness to it.
I vote 330 hands down.

Trojan4evr · 01-04-2011, 07:41 PM

330 all the way. Love that car.

01-03-2011, 10:06 PM	#1
CarForHire Major 29 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: Slow in the left lane. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 328i [0.00]	330i or 328i I know there are many threads on this topic but I wanted to get some opinions. Both cars would have a 6MT, ZSP and would be RWD. The 330i will have around 40k miles. From what I've gathered it seems the 328i seems like it's had less issues than the 330i. My only problem is I won't be able to see these cars in person when making the purchase, so do I take the risk of getting a 330i with the ticking sound coming from the N52 and use the couple grand I save fixing any issues, or look for an 07 or 08 328i with a little warranty left. I understand they're both very reliable, I have a 328i now so I would know but I would much rather have the 330i so I don't have to worry about finding a 328i with upgraded sound and xenon. Plus I like how the 330i is more exclusive and in my opinion sounds better. So pretty much I'm just curious to the reliability between the two. By the way the only reason why I'm not keeping my car now is because I regret not getting the 6MT in the first place. Thank you. __________________ Race car driving is like sex...all men think they are good at it. - Jay Leno
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01-03-2011, 10:09 PM	#2
arctic330i Lieutenant Colonel 126 Rep 1,984 Posts Drives: F15 35i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Gainesville, Fl iTrader: (8) Garage List 2014 BMW X5 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [8.08] 2013 BMW 335is [10.00]	I have never really heard of a 328 being more reliable than a 330, but I'm fairly new to BMW. The 328 has the same n52 engine I thought, so as far as reliability you should see the same. I have (knock on wood) been lucky in terms of reliability. __________________ See my full mod list in my garage
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01-04-2011, 04:40 PM	#4
CarForHire Major 29 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: Slow in the left lane. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 328i [0.00]	Bump. __________________ Race car driving is like sex...all men think they are good at it. - Jay Leno
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01-04-2011, 04:42 PM	#5
ArabianSensation Lieutenant 38 Rep 475 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	330 has more power stock than the 328, I'd go 330. __________________
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01-04-2011, 04:47 PM	#6
Kroy Brigadier General 173 Rep 3,032 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	i vote 330i. reliable. more power. quality parts.
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01-04-2011, 05:02 PM	#7
CarForHire Major 29 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: Slow in the left lane. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 328i [0.00]	I'm leaning more towards it too. Even if it means getting a car that's a couple years older. __________________ Race car driving is like sex...all men think they are good at it. - Jay Leno
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01-04-2011, 05:19 PM	#8
Ink330 Private First Class 3 Rep 154 Posts Drives: E90 330xi Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	OP, I chose my 330 over a 328. Test drove both and the 328 was newer, but the 330 just felt more alive.
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01-04-2011, 05:52 PM	#10
Outlaw 06 Major 212 Rep 1,071 Posts Drives: M240i (daily driver) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	OP, I’m assuming you’re comparing the E9x 330i vs. the E9x 328i. Have you driven both cars to compare them yet? When I was looking for a CPO late last year, I test drove and considered three different 3-Series BMW sedans with 6MT and ZSP (a 2006 330i, a 2007 328i, and a 2007 335i). While the E9x 330i and 328i both have N52B30 engines, the 330i produces more power due to its better intake manifold and other subtle differences. The 330i was also the top-of-the-line (non-M) 3-Series in 2006, so it came with better standard features than the 2007/2008 328i (such as power front seats, Xenon HIDs, Logic 7, etc.). All other things being equal (base mileage, maintenance history, etc.), the E9x 330i is the better car IMO. __________________
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01-04-2011, 05:58 PM	#11
fnckr Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 247 Posts Drives: 2006 330i 6mt Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Boonton Twp, NJ iTrader: (0)	330i all the way. Also, regarding the ticking, somewhere on E90post is a thread describing the reason for the ticking being the typically low rev shifts of the automatic cars in the U.S. Manual cars tended not to have the problem. The reasoning was that the certain hydraulics within the top-end would develop air-bubbles with such mild use. If you're going with the MT you shouldn't have to worry about it. __________________ It's Funseeker! I'm all about the good times! Last edited by fnckr; 01-04-2011 at 06:04 PM..
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01-04-2011, 06:32 PM	#13
wrickem Big Beaver Smile 2101 Rep 3,791 Posts Drives: What he wants to Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: lambertville nj iTrader: (0)	I vote for the 330 too. I really wish the E92 UK 330 was available here. I like the NA engine and it has about the right amount of HP for my daily driving. __________________ ______________________________________________ Current- '21 430 , '19 911, 07 M6 ,'17 Jeep Wrangler, "23 Bronco OBXluxsquatch
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01-04-2011, 07:19 PM	#16
hipnotic Major General 149 Rep 6,604 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 335i coupe [7.00]	330 all the way
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01-04-2011, 07:28 PM	#17
JulieDriving Female driving enthusiast :P 76 Rep 2,308 Posts Drives: Bimmer Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [10.00]	330i. Heard it was pretty reliable, despite being a first year car. I would take it over the 328i. Unless I was comparing it to a 2009+ 328i (facelifted model, with new iDrive, etc.) __________________ 2013 M3 coupe (Azurite Black, Black, Piano Black) + miata nut (2 miatas) + Mk6 GTI 5-door hatch (our mini-SUV )
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01-04-2011, 07:36 PM	#18
Saintor Banned 79 Rep 2,446 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MTL, Canada iTrader: (1)	The 2006 seems to be plagued with head leaking issues/broken bolts. 2007 engines were revised and have the latest OBD ports. I would avoid the 2006.
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01-04-2011, 07:36 PM	#19
GreenThree Colonel 210 Rep 2,110 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	LCI is out of the picture for the years your looking at. In that case, I would go with the 330. Dont think you can go wrong with either on reliability or overall. Keep us posted __________________ 2015 335xi \| Mineral Grey Metallic \| Black Dakota Leather \| NAV \| SportLine \| ZPP \| ZDA \| ZCW \| Munich Build Retired: 2008, 2011, 2013 328xi
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01-04-2011, 07:37 PM	#20
Chriztofor Colonel 103 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	How many miles on the 328 and what is the difference in price? __________________ If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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01-04-2011, 07:39 PM	#21
SnowhitE92 New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 08335I Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I had a 06 330i. Excellent excellent car. I loved it a lot till the day I returned it after the lease was up. It never gave a even one problem, and was powerful enough. I had a 328 as loner and just didn't like it. Wasn't the same. Also, I see tons of 328 on the road every day, but very rarely I see the 330 which adds uniqueness to it. I vote 330 hands down. Last edited by SnowhitE92; 01-04-2011 at 07:44 PM..
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01-04-2011, 07:41 PM	#22
Trojan4evr Lieutenant Colonel 494 Rep 1,922 Posts Drives: 2021 G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW/ E82 135i [1.00] 2007 BMW/ E90 335i [5.50]	330 all the way. Love that car.
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