BMW 328i VS 330iBMW 328i VS 330i

Last updated on October 12th, 2023 at 08:17 am

The BMW 3-series, known as the best-selling BMW model, was introduced in 1975, offering futuristic features while also giving utmost importance to luxury and comfort. 

A BMW 3-Series car can last up to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance and cautious driving. If miles driven per year are 15,000, the car may last 13-17 years before needing expensive repairs. 

BMW 328i VS 330i are two engines that belong to the BMW 3-series and both have been around since 1999.

Have you always dreamt of owning a BMW and have your eye on these models but can’t decide which one to choose? Then keep reading the article to find out more about these two models and how they differ.

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BMW 328I VS 330i

Both were manufactured around 1999, but 330i was a newer and upgraded version of the 328i engine. 

It’s hard to decide which one is the ultimate best because that solely depends on the user. These two models don’t differ by much, but you might come to a decision more easily with the help of this article.

BMW E46 328I VS 330i (4th Generation)

Comparison by Model, Specs, Year, and Performance

Important specs328i 5AT (193 HP)1998 – 2002330i 5AT (231 HP)1998-2002
CylindersL6L6
Displacement2793 cm32979 cm3
Torque280/3500 Nm/RPM300/3500 Nm/RPM
Power142(193)/5500 KW(hp)/RPM170(231)/5900 KW(hp)/RPM
Top Speed235 km/h246 km/h
Acceleration8.1 s7 s
Fuel SystemMultipoint InjectionMultipoint Injection

According to user reviews, 330is is better than 328i models from 2003; however, most models before 2003 have heavily over boosted steering and don’t do justice to the driving experience.

Users have also mentioned that the 328i has a better throttle feel and a better steering boost level than the 330i models before 2003. 

So if you are looking to buy an older model, buy a 328i from a year before 2003 instead of 330i. If you want to pick 330i, then find one that was manufactured after 2003.

BMW E90 328i vs 330i (5th Generation)

The E90 3-series offers a more comfortable and spacious feel and better handling. It is also known as the most reliable engine made by BMW, according to Bimmer Life.

The 330i has a better intake system than 328i, with not much difference in the exterior, and if you prefer higher power, it would be better for you to go for the 330i.

Also, the 328i or 325i model will be less expensive, but both the 325i and 328i are degraded versions of the 330i; the 330i model has 30 more HP than the 328i.

Based on online reviews, a 2006 330i model is much cheaper and more reliable than a 2007 328i. So if you are going to go for an E90 model, the 330i model will be a better choice. 

Users have also mentioned that people tend to go for models from 2006 to 2011 as they are cheap and very reliable.

More to explore – BMW X2 Reliability: How Long Does BMW X2 Last?

BMW F30 328I VS 330i (6th Generation)

Comparison by Model, Specs, Year, and Performance

Important specs 328i 8AT (245 HP)2012-2016330i 8AT (252 HP)2016-2018
CylindersL4L4
Displacement1997 cm31998 cm3
Torque350/1250-4800 Nm/RPM350/1250-4800 Nm/RPM
Power180(245)/5000-6500 KW(hp)/RPM185(252)/5200-6000 KW(hp)/RPM
Top Speed250 km/h249 km/h
Acceleration5.9 s5.8 s
Fuel SystemTurbocharged Direct InjectionTurbocharged Direct Injection

Here we see that the 328i model only has 7 HP more than the 330i model, which means that there won’t be a big difference in speed.

Overall, there isn’t much difference; however, it’s important to note that some specs of the 328i model are slightly better, e.g. the top speed.

The best decision, in this case, would be to go for a 328i as it is cheaper, and you’ll also get almost all the specs you’d see in a 330i.

If you have a low budget, rather than buying a 2016 model, it would be ideal for getting a 2014 or 2015 model as they are technically the same with only a few minor changes.

Another important thing to note is that, although the F-30 models had smaller-sized 2.0 liters turbocharged four-cylinder, it only increased the fuel efficiency by a small amount, according to some reports online.

 There were also some reports that the E-90 series was, in fact, better than the F-30 series as the E-90 series models were much more roomy and comfortable. This will also depend solely on the driver as you might have different preferences.

Read this to learn – Reliability of BMW X1: How Long Do BMW X1 Last?

BMW G20/G21 328I VS 330i (6th Generation)

Comparison by Model, Specs, Year, and Performance

Important specs 328i 8AT (245 HP)2012-2016330i 8AT (258 HP)2018-present
CylindersL4L4
Displacement1997 cm31998 cm3
Torque350/1250-4800 Nm/RPM400/1550-4400 Nm/RPM
Power180(245)/5000-6500 KW(hp)/RPM189.8(252)/5200-6000 KW(hp)/RPM
Top Speed250 km/h249 km/h
Acceleration5.9 s5.8 s
Fuel SystemTurbocharged Direct InjectionTurbocharged Direct Injection

The 330i (2017-2018) engine doesn’t differ by much from the 328i sedan (2012-2016) except that the HP is increased by 13 and a few other things; however, it’s much more expensive with only a few more features installed. 

Overall Comparison

BMW stopped manufacturing the 328i engine in 2018, and it got replaced by the 330i; however, some versions still got released after 2018. 

According to various news reports, the newest 2021 BMW 330i model is the most luxurious sports sedan, which a much higher HP and a more roomy and modern feel to it. If you’re looking for a stylish, luxury sports sedan, you should definitely go for the 2021 BMW 330i. 

BMW CostBMW 328i (2016-present)BMW 330i (2018-present)
PriceStarts from around $18,000Starts from around $30,000
Average Annual Maintenance Cost$773$748

Pricings depend on the age of the car, mileage, and the location you are.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, If you want a good, reliable, comfortable, and daily use car with modern features, go for the 2016 328i as it is known as one of the most reliable engines ever made by BMW even if it is not as powerful as the recent ones. It will be much cheaper as it is sold as a used car now. 

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