Just got my Aug 05' Road & Track Magazine and I wasn't really impressed with the performace number on the new 330i. I was actually disapointed.

Here is the summary.
3.0 liter w/255hp 10.3 compression ratio
Curb weight: 3460lb Test weight: 3640lb

0-60 mph @ 6.2 sec
0-100 mph @ 16.9 sec
1/4 miles: 14.9 sec @ 94.1 mph.

Lateral Acceleration
200ft skidpad: 0.83g

Here are previous 330i numbers,
3.0 liter w/225hp

0-60mph @ 6.1 sec
0-100mph @ 15.9 sec
1/4 miles: 14.7 sec @ 96.3 mph
Lateral Acceleration
200ft skidpad: 0.86g

Here are the numbers for Z4
3.0 liter w/225hp

0-60mph @ 5.5 sec
0-100mph @ 14.5 sec
1/4miles: 14.1 sec @ 98.8 mph
Lateral Acceration
200ft skidpad: 0.92g

Looking at these number, it seems like previous 330i has a better performace.

I would have thought with extra 30hp, the new 330i would have performed better. Where did the extra 30hp go?

(Information from Aug 2005 Road & Track Magazine)

 

I've also seen the new 3 series on the road and have not been impressed. I used to love BMW designs but thought they were overpriced. You had to spend close to $40k to get some respectable performance. Now, they are ugly and overpriced. The new 3 is the best looking BWM in the new design lineup but that is not saying much.

 

Actually, the 6 series is the best looking IMO.

The rear of the 3 series is just not done right.

 

Are those performance numbers reversed for the 325 and 330?

 

Isn't that what I said-don't own a BMW out of warranty and if you understood my post you would have realized that I had out of warranty problems starting when the car was 6 yrs old not 10 yrs old.

 

Numbers for a 325 aren't shown there. The first set of numbers is for the new 330 and the second is for the old 330.

 

So, I get to dish out some of my new-found BMW knowledge on ya...

For those that haven't seen me here before, I'm a *gasp*..."car salesman"...previously for Infiniti of Montclair (Southern CA), and just 3 days ago moved to Shelly BMW in Buena Park (Southern CA).

Anyways...although still called 325i, the new car uses a 3.0L engine...but only puts out 215hp vs the 330i's 255hp.

HOWEVER, BMW rates their engines' output as mearsured AT THE WHEELS...vs just about everyone else (including Infiniti) which rates as measured at the flywheel. So, technically, 330i has just about the same HP as G35.

And, despite early rumours & plans...the coupes will still retain the "3" moniker & not change to "4". In other words, a 330Ci will still be called 330Ci...and not 430Ci.

Don't get me wrong, folks, I still absolutely LOVE my G & won't be trading it in for a 3-series. However, after having driven a few of these "overpriced" Bavarian machinery...I now see where some of that extra money goes...particularly at high speeds. I'll tell ya...at speeds above 100mph, a "3" feels MUCH more stable than my G35. Honest.

Anyways...just my 2-cents...hope it shed a little light. ^-^

 

I believe you're mistaken.

BMW rates their engines at the crank, just like everyone else. Most car-guys will agree, however, that their numbers are usually understated.

I invite you to prove your statement with documentation. I'm not buying it - BMW's performance numbers don't weigh out your claim. See numbers above for the new 6 speed:

3.0 liter w/255hp 10.3 compression ratio
Curb weight: 3460lb Test weight: 3640lb

0-60 mph @ 6.2 sec
0-100 mph @ 16.9 sec
1/4 miles: 14.9 sec @ 94.1 mph.

Lateral Acceleration
200ft skidpad: 0.83g

My 5AT can better these numbers and it's not making 255 at the rears.

All it takes is a little reading over at Bimmerfest (or any other BWM site) WRT to real dyno numbers to see that what you're saying isn't quite accurate.

 

Another one read the latest Yahoo/Forbes news about the most "UNRELIABLE" cars in 2004?

1. BMW 5 series
2. BMW 7 series
The rest are MBZ, Ford products, VW, Volvo and Porsche.

The 3 is a nice looking car (except the rear, seems like the designers ran out of time), but it is not worth the $$$.

Also, I've noticed nowaday, only women drive Bimmers. I hated to follow them because 99% of Bimmers drivers don't know how to handle their cars thru corners.
They drive Bimmers because they like a status symbols, that's all.

 

Even if the new look is unspectacular, at least they didn't ruin it, and the new 3 is definitely better in just about every category from the outgoing model. Great driving experience, but unless you're willing to spend $40K+ on the 330 with the right options, you'll be rolling in a 325i that is sliding dangerously close to 'chic car' status here in SoCal.

Fun to see the G vs 3 series debate warming up again ... let's try to keep it above the belt

 

I went to the BMW site and did a 330/G35 comparison. The G seems just as well equipped as the BMW and offers more power.