Statistically, coupes are considered to be more sporty.  The people who
buy them tend to be more aggressive drivers who get into accidents more
often.  In addition, due to the specific coupe construction, some parts
are more expensive and more expensive to repair.

Pete

More loaded????

The 330 is better equipped from the outset, so it would need fewer "options"
to keep up with the fully loaded 325.

I have had a 4-door and a 2-door (convertible) 3 Series, and the 4-door is
by far a more functional car. I would not have a 2-door without the folding
top -- I like my convertible, but I would not like the door limitation in a
hardtop car. I find the doors of my convertible to be very heavy, and on
occasion they take quite a bit of room. My 4-door 3 Series was far more
functional for several reasons.

The 330 has cooler looking wheel packages than the 325. I live in a
warm-weather climate, and I would take the 330 convertible in a heartbeat,
or the 330 sedan. I'd have to pass on the 330 coupe, but that's just me I
suppose.

Have you priced insurance on the sedan vs. the coupe? I once had an Accord
coupe, and the liability insurance cost hundreds of dollars more per year
than the same car with 4 doors. I can't explain why. If your a price
sensitive buyer, you should look at the insurance cost relative to the same
car with 2- or 4-doors. Since I got you started onthe convertible, you may
as well check the insurance costs for that model too.

Thanks John..thats what I thought.  Before I buy, I'll definitely get a
CARFAX done..I know thats not 100%, but better than nothing.  And, with a
relatively low-mileage model, I "should" be ok for awhile.  I had my heart
set on the 330CI  but its looking more like a 325CI.  5 or 6k in my pocket
to boot. I may be able to get a 325 more loaded as well.

J

There are minor variations in what's available, or not, on the option
packages.  The base 325 will have less feature content than the base 330.
Wheels will be different, even with sport package.

OTOH, except for the power differential, the cars possess the same "soul."

R / John

Since I got so much good info on the "leather vs vinyl" post, my next one is
325 vs 330.
I'm looking at an 05 or 06 3 series.  Is there any other "real" differences
between them except the engines ??
Not that it matters, but I'm looking for a coupe.  The plan is to head down
to Florida in a few months and bring one back north.
Something with under 35k miles.