[BMW0]

Here's the break down straight from the source at BMW AG.

In the 325i, the new inline six-cylinder engine produces 215 hp, and propels the new 3 from 0-60 in a swift 6.7 seconds. A three-stage induction system, different exhaust, and powertrain software results in a 255 hp output from this same engine in the 330i, which launches the car from 0-60 in a mere 6.1 seconds.

According to the information by BMW it seems that 325i owners would have to change out these items below to transform his/her car into a 330i powerplant.

*A three-stage induction system

*330i exhaust

*powertrain software

Surely this is not everything, but in general terms it seems possible. I believe cost is on top of everyone's mind when it comes to a big project like this. Yet depending on the cost, it might not be possible or even a waste time and funds. Be careful what you wish for and happy driving. I hope this thread has helped those new to the forum and those who required a refresher course. Thanks for stopping by.

[lux.sh]

Cost to get those 3 items, get 'em installed and run properly, total cost will probably exceed the price of 330i.

[LOLrance]

not to mention the 162 rims and tires (i think 325 dont come with pirellis right???) and the chrome trim.

[cdheaven]

im sure this has been asked before. so i hope i dont get to flamed.
To buy a 325. spend a stupid amount of money for these 3 oem parts and pertend you have a 330 would be stupid.
buuttt.
what if you bought a 325, are there aftermarket companies that make these 3 parts ,that in essence could give you MORE HP and/or tourque then a stock 330?
I know people with 330s are already startign to upgrade THEIR exhaust, i guess there are some sort of chips coming out. the only major componet would be the intake system. any thoughts?

[lux.sh]

Originally Posted by cdheaven

im sure this has been asked before. so i hope i dont get to flamed.
To buy a 325. spend a stupid amount of money for these 3 oem parts and pertend you have a 330 would be stupid.
buuttt.
what if you bought a 325, are there aftermarket companies that make these 3 parts ,that in essence could give you MORE HP and/or tourque then a stock 330?
I know people with 330s are already startign to upgrade THEIR exhaust, i guess there are some sort of chips coming out. the only major componet would be the intake system. any thoughts?

The people who got their exhaust are just axle-back exhaust.
Not a full cat-back exhaust.

As for the intake system, I think the 3-stage induction system is related to intake manifold. Which will be pretty tough, and will take quite a while to R&D and come out as a product. Not to mention it won't be cheap at all.

[Tierfreund]

Other differences between the US 325 and 330 that make up the price:

Equipment:
- bigger wheels
- Logic 7
- Xenon
- Crome trim

what else?

Oh, and on the technical side (besides the differences in the engine):

The 325 has
- different gearbox (specd for less torque)
- smaller clutch (specd for less torque)
- (slightly) different exhaust
- smaller brakes (by quite a margin)
- different gearing ?

So even if you manage to convert your engine to 330 specs, you´ll have a clutch and a gearbox that are not meant to handle the additional torque and power.
And brakes that are not as fade-resistant as the 330 brakes.

IMHO Upgrading a 325 to 330 only makes sense if you allready have a 325 and for some reason are very much attached to it. Otherwise going for the 330 in the first place makes a lot more sense.

Unless all you really want is the bragging rights that come with claimed bigger hp numbers but have no intention of using them.

Then it´s fine to just slap on a CAI and a big exhaust, get some kind of chip and say "I smoke 330s for breakfast"

[E90Fleet]

Only difference in exhaust is the flap the 330i has

[Tierfreund]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Only difference in exhaust is the flap the 330i has

and the Chrome tips of course

[Tierfreund]

But here´s a question for you fleet:

As far as I understand the flap in the 330 muffler is there to make the ehaust quieter at certain rev/load conditions. So if the flap is not there / open all the time, the exhaust would be louder.

So if the 325 does not have the flap, is it actually louder than the 330?

Or might the 325 exhaust be more subdued in the first place and therefore not need the flap

Somehow I can´t see the 330s different engine configuration making it´s exhaust note so much louder that it needs the flap if the rest of the exhaust system is exactly the same as on the 325.

Any ideas?

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by Tierfreund

But here´s a question for you fleet:

As far as I understand the flap in the 330 muffler is there to make the ehaust quieter at certain rev/load conditions. So if the flap is not there / open all the time, the exhaust would be louder.

So if the 325 does not have the flap, is it actually louder than the 330?

Or might the 325 exhaust be more subdued in the first place and therefore not need the flap

Somehow I can´t see the 330s different engine configuration making it´s exhaust note so much louder that it needs the flap if the rest of the exhaust system is exactly the same as on the 325.

Any ideas?

You can appreciate a difference in the Euro models ( 2.5L vs 3.0L ), but it becomes more difficult with the USA version, especially since the flap is just really for low throtte openings.

im shure ive read here that some USA members think the 325i sounds better, which could mean they say it sounds louder/deeper at low throttle openings ( the 330i being different due to the closed flap )

BMW also sells the 330i as a "high class" vehicle, and probably say their flagship 3 Series should be the quitest of them all

[Tierfreund]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

BMW also sells the 330i as a "high class" vehicle, and probably say their flagship 3 Series should be the quitest of them all

I have a bit of a problem believing that. I think the 330 is beeing marketed as the more sporty version of the 3series.

Certainly with the E46 the (Euro) 330 had a way more agressive exhaust note than the (Euro) 325 despite the flap (I believe , but am not sure that both had the flap).

Well

What makes you sure btw. that the only difference in the US 325 exhaust to the US 330 is the flap? Is it obvious from the parts numbers?

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Tierfreund

Then it´s fine to just slap on a CAI and a big exhaust, get some kind of chip and say "I smoke 330s for breakfast"

You forgot to add "AND I VOIDED MY WARRANTY !! "

[LOLrance]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

im shure ive read here that some USA members think the 325i sounds better, which could mean they say it sounds louder/deeper at low throttle openings ( the 330i being different due to the closed flap

i hate to say it but the 325 has practically no exhaust tone at all. when your in the car, all you hear is engine sound. the 330 on the other hand has a very nice low growl to it when at low rpms (1000-2000rpm range)

[ed328ci]

Originally Posted by Socom

You forgot to add "AND I VOIDED MY WARRANTY !! "

Only for the parts that had been changed. That's the law.

Ed

[ACZakka325i]

i wish my 325i sounded a bit deeper. The e36 had a stock exhaust that sounded like a tuned one. Or mabey thats because it needed to be replaced?!