Newbie Question re 330i Sedan

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Palmer

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#1
Hello everyone!

I am new to the forum and have found a lot of useful info here. My question is... I want to buy a 330i sedan but can't decide between the 330i w/ the sports package vs. the 330i w/ performance package. I LOVE the rims and the looks of the performance package (I know, not a reason to buy this car) but am worried that the stiffer suspension will make for a much bumpier ride. I'm looking for a car that is sporty yet one that is pleasant to ride in if that makes any sense. I have test driven both cars and I don't know if it's our bad roads here in California but I can't tell that much of a difference between the sports package vs. the performance package. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

Diane Palmer
 
MrElussive

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HornyHornet said:
Personally, I would get the performace pkg. I like more power, better handling and a step closer to the venerable M3.
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[werd]

As for being worried about the car and crappy roads, I think you'll be fine. I see M3's in NYC and I take my car in NYC every week-end and no matter how bad the roads get, I've never ever had a problem (in case you didn't know, Manhattan doesn't even dream of the roads CA has). Just take it slow when the roads get bad, and everything will be fine.
 
Nataku

Nataku

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I too drive in the NYC. Yes, as Mr Elussive says take it slow on the bad roads and you'll be fine. Love the sporty look of the ZHP. Much more unique looking than a plain old 325/330.
 
Average Jae

Average Jae

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welcome Diane,
Palmer said:
I LOVE the rims and the looks of the performance package (I know, not a reason to buy this car)
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ahem, why not? the perf package MAKES the car! it transforms the plain jane 330i sedan into a total looker. esp in imola red or mystic blue? (i wish the front dam was more agressive, but they had to draw the line somewhere..) the 18 inch rims are one of the best looking rims on the road imo, and i just got my winter tires and the moment the rims came off, i started missing it. when i was out in sf, i saw that the city roads/ parking etc will chew up your rims no matter what you do.

the ride might be a tad bit stiffer than the sports package, but i think having 18s adds to the harshness more so than the actual setup. you get 10 more horses, 8 or so lb of torque. for under 3 grand more than the sports package, you get a completely new look to the car, bigger rims, more power, shorter throw shifter (altho i'm not sure if yer going stock or the step tro, or god forbid the smg1.) not to mention the cooler showdow line trim. to me the ride is a bit rough, but is not harsh. def not a sports car ride. and if you can't discern the difference, it shouldn't be a big deal at all.

i know the bay area is the second home of bmws, and are a dime a dozen, but i doubt there are many zhp (perf package) sedans rolling around out there. i only saw another zhp on only two occasions, and they may have been the same car, in over a year of having the car. sure i'm biased because i love my car, but i think it's money well spent. (even if the payments are killing me. [:(] but that's a bmw thing, not the package upgrade thing..)

i'm all for the perf package, but even if you just go w/ the 330i, well, let's just say you drove the car around, you should know.
 
codex57

codex57

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I don't recall the roads in San Jose being all that bad. Still, if you're choosing btw the Sport Package and the Performance Package and worrying about ride quality, it's a moot point. Both are bumpy. I don't think it's that bad though. Just get the Performance Package if you can afford it.
 
Average Jae

Average Jae

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P

Palmer

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Thanks for the input

Thanks for all the great input! I think I'm really leaning towards the performance package. Now if I can get a good price I'll be home free! And, the roads here really do suck. There are bumps and potholes all over the freeways and throughout town. You know, California budget cuts...ughhh!

Thanks again!

Diane
 
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rockout

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Is the performance package available on the 325? and is it available on either the 325 or 330 xi? Or does the AWD negate that option?
 
Nataku

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rockout said:
Is the performance package available on the 325? and is it available on either the 325 or 330 xi? Or does the AWD negate that option?
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Only available for 330i (sedan) or 330ci ( coupe ). cic ( convertible). Saw one about a month ago. RWD only
 
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