We are considering buying our first 3 series BMW. We have test driven the new 3, manual in both 325 and 330. We do primarily city driving in a large city - lots of go ten blocks and stop at a red light - go three blocks stop at a stop sign - and so forth. Also being in a major city, plenty of police around so watching speed laws is a must.
The 330 i manual has a lot of quick acceleration in first gear - it can be almost a bit jerky and not a smooty even start unless you are very very careful with the clutch. On the other hand, the 325 i manual is more forgiving and you get a smoother start and more comfortable for the passenger with the smaller engine.
Question: Will the hard start forward of the 330i go away over time? Do you agree because of the gear ratios and the torque that the 330i start requires more attention for it to be comfortable for passengers in every day driving? Of course, you can make the 330 start more smoothly if you pay attention to disengaging the clutch, but there are so many stops and start in the city I like the ease with which I can get a smooth start in the 325i. Will the 330i start get smoother over time? Do you agree the 330i start is less smooth than the 325I start (both manuals)?
One last question, do you think the 330i actually will get better mileage than the 325 in city driving at speeds of 0-40? With accelerating all the time from the 0-35 mph you do not take the RPMs as high with the 330 to get up to say 35 mph. Over time will the mpg be higher in the 330?
Thanks for your thoughts. Much appreciated.
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| Reply » 330i Manual for City Driving |
Hard start? I'm not quite sure what you mean by a hard start--was it just brisk off the line? Was it just from N-->1 or 1-->2? 1-->2 was difficult for me to get used. Over time you'll get used to used to it and driving the car will be smoother.
Not sure about the gas mileage though.
HTH
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| Reply » 330i Manual for City Driving |
Thanks HTH
Primarily from N - 1, brisk off the line is a good way to describe it - and for just a regular day-to-day driving with my wife to the grocery store - feels a bit like we are in a racing car and she finds it a jerky start and not a smooth ride. N - 1 on the 325 is smooth and quite forgiving no matter the rate of clutch pedal release. Any thoughts?
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| Reply » 330i Manual for City Driving |
The usual rule is that the more powerfull the engine the more attention you will need to pay to first gear. What you are describing is not the car but your driving style (which you will adjust if you are driving the 330i on a daily basis). When I had my 330i I found that at certain times it was smoother to start in second gear instead of first. In fact, when I activate the "sport" mode in my M3 now I always start in second (since first is way to short).
As for the question of picking the 325 or 330....
If you are planning to only drive in the city then pick the 325. You will benefit from the slightly better mileage and won't miss the extra power of the larger engine.
However, if you plan to go driving in the country then pick the 330. The rush of the bigger six as you run the twisties will definitly put a smile on your face.
Good luck in your choice...
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| Reply » 330i Manual for City Driving |
I launch mine usually in 2nd gear. Less shifting, and more relaxed and smoother driving that way. Yeah, I give up a jack rabbit start, but I still end up pulling ahead of traffic anyway without even really trying. Plus, I can wind it up all the way to 60 without shifting (when the mood strikes).
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| Reply » 330i Manual for City Driving |
Quote: As for the question of picking the 325 or 330....
If you are planning to only drive in the city then pick the 325. You will benefit from the slightly better mileage and won't miss the extra power of the larger engine.
However, if you plan to go driving in the country then pick the 330. The rush of the bigger six as you run the twisties will definitly put a smile on your face.
Good luck in your choice... | Don't mean to be a pest, but I thought the the '05 325 and 330's actually have the same engine (just tuned differently)?
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330i Manual for City Driving