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#1
04-16-2006, 04:13 AM
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New 3 series confusion!
 I have been reading about potential changes in the 3ers lineup for the coming model year. It has been confirmed that there will be a 335 twin turbo engine introduced. It is less clear whether that will be offered in only a coupe or also in a sedan. All the press has been focused on the upcoming coupe that should be going into production this June. The current lineup offers a 325 and a 330. Both are 3.0L engines despite the badging. There is a 40 HP difference between the two. This is not the first time in BMW history that this has been done. Just a few years ago there were E46 323's with 2.5L engines. Anyway, a rumor is around that with the introduction of the 335 there will be too many offerings in the range with the 325, 330, and 335 so there will be some major changes. There are many opinions out there as to what will shake out in the end. Will it be 325/335? 323/330/335? 328/335?  I am concerned because I could wind up with a 330 that is a white elephant being only produced for one model year. That would be strange. It might not matter that much since I'm leasing but I'm still concerned. There might even be some changes in what options are included or whether there will be other upgrades to the existing models. This too has happened in the past when the 323 was rebadged to the more accurate 325 and got more power and options for not much more money. Any of you have opinions or better yet, reliable insight?
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#2
04-16-2006, 05:02 AM
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My opinion doesn't mean anything, but I'm pretty sure they'll have three models 325/330/335.
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2001 Topaz Blue X5 3.0i Current 2017-
Aftermarket: Dinan Tunes/Camber Plates/Strutbar, KW coilovers, 22" ACS wheels, Eibach F+R swaybars, Thayer Camber+Toe bars, Stoptech F+R BBK, Audison/JL Audio/Critical Mass Audio, Eisenmann Exhaust OEM: LCI Conversion, Running Boards, Euro Headlights, Lemans flares, 4.8IS F+R bumpers w/ flares, 20" Style 214 wheels, Imola Red interior retrofit, LCI Heated Wheel 2002 Topaz Blue X5 3.0i Retired 2002-2010 
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#3
04-16-2006, 05:10 AM
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Jury is still out whether or not the sedan will get the 335i for the 2007 model year. BMW might keep it an exclusive for the coupe (most likely). No doubt, eventually the series sedan will get the 335i motor (probably an 08 model). BMW might however, decide to start the 08 model years early (March 2007) - BMW keeps doing this (starting the model year early) when they transition new engines into the line-up (E60 engine changeover comes to mind).
The 330i motor isn't going away. It's either going to become the mid-range model or the low range model. The N52 engine is here to stay. The next revision will have fuel injection - thats a couple years away. Due to emission laws, the 2006 U.S. 3 series all share the same 3.0L engine. The 325i has different software combined with a single stage intake manifold and a couple minor hardware changes which reduce the power by 40hp. Therefore, they are essentially the exact same engine. In europe, the 325i is actually a 2.5l (which is able to pass emission tests i guess)... Rumors do point however, that the current range will eventually end up with a 328i/335i. My guess is that will happen at the mid-cycle refresh point, where we will see the new N52 (N54 i believe, I'm not sure on the codename) based direct injection engines. Optionwise, the 330i will eventually get nightvision, automatic headlights, etc... You won't be missing much, and these additions probably won't come until the E90 mid-cycle refresh at the earliest (again MY08 or 09). So, I say go with the 330i. Unless you find that underpowered. In the worst case, the 335i will come out, and you'll be missing out on a new faster, albeit unreliable motor (BMW is going to take a while working out the kinks on this one).
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#4
04-16-2006, 05:28 AM
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Quote:
 I personally believe that BMW will not want to have more than two engine offerings for the 3er, notwithstanding the E90 M3. You are astute in suggesting that the 330 will still have some life in it and should not be rendered obsolete or undesireable anytime soon. One major thing you hit on is the untested reliability of the new 335 twin turbo engine. BMW hasn't produced a turbo engine since, what an ancient 7er? (I'm not counting turbo diesels.) I think the general rule that first generation anythings aren't good and add to that the introduction of turbos and there could be major problemos. It brings the early S54 engine failures to mind.Speaking of S54 engines, I'm having 2:30 am Internet surfing ideas about leasing a CPO E46 M3. There are some good looking ones for much less than a new E90. Hmmmm.
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#5
04-16-2006, 05:42 AM
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Quote:
Quote:
 ). Having been in the new E90's, I'd still say go with the E90. The M3 is a great beast, no doubt about it. But there is something about owning a new and cutting edge vehicle - now especially that the E90 is still cutting edge, but old enough to have the major kinks worked out... Not only that but you are getting a 330i, which is going to look oodles better then the run of the mill 325i's (bigger spokes that fill the wheel wheels, chrome grills, etc...) But if you do go the CPO route, with all the recent hassle others have experienced on the board with CPO cars, I would just say, make sure you find and get to know good dealer (intimately  )...Dunno if this is an option, but why not wait for an 07' 3 Series? By then ALL the first model year kinks will be worked out, and you'll know ahead of time (a couple months before they arrive at dealers) what the engine choices will be available by then.
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#6
04-16-2006, 06:45 AM
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Kevin - Check out this Bimmerfest thread.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=142429 Somebody posted BMW's 2007 CARB certifications. No 325i and 330i submitted for 2007, but 2 new models - 323i and 328i. The 335i is a sure thing as per BMW's announcement, but was probably a separate CARB submission. Anyways, all very confusing and full of speculation. I'm not sure it's going to help you, but it sheds light on the upcoming model line. Seems to be a consensus that the 2007 model line is 323/328/335. One thing caught my eye - a 2007 328ix sports wagon with a reputated 235 HP - a possible wish list car when gas goes to $4.00.
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#7
04-16-2006, 08:29 AM
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i say wait a little for the new bi-turbo engine (virtually no lag thats what they say) and get 335
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#8
04-16-2006, 09:40 AM
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I would say wait too if you don't really need the car right now even though the 330i is really nice itself. Only one thing i don't like about the new 3-series are the little amount of leg room in the back.
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-Amit  2006 BMW X5 3.0i -Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Truffle Brown Leather and Dark Poplar Wood -Sport, Automatic, Xenon, BMW Assist, Premium, Cold Weather, Rear Climate, Panaroma, Nav, Heated Steering Wheel, Heated Rear Seats, and more mods to come. 2005 BMW 325i -Black on Black, Loaded
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#9
04-16-2006, 10:35 AM
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Guys there's nothing new about the 323i.
We have it here in Canada. It uses a 2.5L I6 making 174 horses at @ 5800rpm and 170 torque @ 3500rpm. It does 100km/h in 8.9 with Steptronic and 8.0 with a stick. It's $5000 cheaper than the 325i, and I guess it's a good deal. It only comes with leatherette interior.  I think the most probable lineup is 323i / 330i / 335i I think that the 325i "deserves" to get killed most because it's just too close to the 330i in terms of power and features. The horsepower "space" between the models would be more appropriate. 323i = 174hp 330i = 255hp 335i = 300hp M3 = 400hp You see here, that with my schematic, we would be getting a linear 50 horse increase with every normal model. The M3, of course, is much more powerful, as M cars should be.
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#10
04-16-2006, 11:29 PM
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I read a lot of E90post today...
I must say that now I am more confused then I ever was... I say, wait for the 07' model if you can. No-one is really sure what is happening, and its hard to sift all the B.S. floating around...
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