2000 323Ci

[d-ViL]

test drove a used one today,, was real comfortable, but i was somewhat let down.. the accelerator pedal was so numb, i had to push it almost half way for it to get moving, and then it would just rocket off.. also easily lost the back around a corner, and i wasn't even doing anything stupid.. didn't feel as sharp as i expected either, more like a saloon feel rather than a coupe, maybe cos it was on 16s with high profile rubber? or maybe i just had a bad sample.. for some reason i still really liked it.. is it any better on 17s or 18s??

[tazza0712]

17s gives it greater handling and control without a doubt. That throttle response seems to be universal E46 from my experience. The torque converter is at about 1100rpm on my Mum's 330ci so you always get that oomph effect, my car is very similar, you need to push the pedal before you get moving, but then it just responds so quickly. When I first drove my car from the dealer I almost had an accident because I wasn't used to it, but now I love it! I don't know how much pause there was in between you pressing the accelerator and actual movement, but seems normal to me.

[r6p0wer]

d-vile go for a 325ci instead.
I was origionaly looking for a 323ci but was disapointed when i test drove it. I found a big difference in performance in the 325ci.
i think the figures are 120kw vs 140kw

[tripl37]

Yep r6p0wer is right.... I did the same and the cost difference between the 323 and 325 is not much and its a much better drive.

[mantronic]

What r6 said - the 325ci on 17s is a good package (esp manual).

[ChrisE46]

BMW 323i/Ci:
2.5l I6 -M52TU engine (cable throttle)
130 kW / 170 bhp @5500rpm
254 Nm @3500rpm
0-100 km/h w/5spd manual = 7.46s

BMW 325i/Ci:
2.5l I6 - M54 engine (drive by wire throttle)
141 kW / 184 bhp @6000rpm
245 Nm @3500rpm
0-100 km/h w/5spd manual= 7.3s

So basically the 323 has more torque, but less power, whereas the 325 has more power, but slightly less torque.

[d-ViL]

nice, ok i'll go test a 325ci,, they came out in 2001 yeh? the dealer was tryin to trick me or somethin, was saying 325's are 50k minimum,, but the only ones he had were the 03+ ones with the facelift..

[d-ViL]

Originally Posted by ChrisE46

BMW 323i/Ci:
2.5l I6 -M52TU engine (cable throttle)
130 kW / 170 bhp @5500rpm
254 Nm @3500rpm
0-100 km/h w/5spd manual = 7.46s

BMW 325i/Ci:
2.5l I6 - M54 engine (drive by wire throttle)
141 kW / 184 bhp @6000rpm
245 Nm @3500rpm
0-100 km/h w/5spd manual= 7.3s

So basically the 323 has more torque, but less power, whereas the 325 has more power, but slightly less torque.

i could feel that torque,, especially around corners it was a bit uncomfortable

[ChrisE46]

Yep, you're right - 323Ci's are MY99 and MY00 models. It was replaced with the 325Ci in late 2000 and was facelifted in late 2003. A convertible 325Ci was introduced in early 2005.

Non-facelifted 325Ci's go for approximately anywhere between $35K - $55K at BMW stealerships.

Facelifted 325Ci's go for approximately anywhere between $55K - $90K (non-convertible) at BMW stealerships.

[Pegus]

Test driving a 325 vs 323 will also be a totally different experience for another reason - the electronic fly-by-wire throttle. The 323 employs a regular throttle cable, as you will find in any other older BMWs.

But the update models with the later engines (320, 325, 330) employ the electronic throttle. Gives a much more responsive touch, although the situation seems to be reversed. Heaps of power comes in with minimal accelerator, but after half-way there's not too much else left!

Same applies for the E39.

[Pegus]

Oh another thing, the suspension in the facelifted models was tuned considerably sportier compared to the pre-facelift. Test drive both and you'll know what I mean.

Given that it's a 2000 model 323ci, perhaps the shocks are due for changing? Just a thought.

[d-ViL]

35-40 is the price range i'm lookin at,, with like, no more than 70k's on the clock.. still looking tho not gonna sell up any time soon.. hopefully when the e91? comes out prices will drop more,, and maybe a late model pre-facelift would be mid 30s.. not too fond of the facelift, altho i love the LED tails..

[tazza0712]

e92

[mantronic]

Ive got a 2000 model 325ci - just done 90,000 titanium silver, black leather sunroof, type 44 17s, New M3 steering wheel .... I should be selling mine when the new one drops.

Dunno how much they are a stealerships but mine will be cheaper

[d-ViL]

PM me when ur thinking of selling