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The way BMW numbers generally work.
The first number is the "Type." Like 3 series, etc.
The next two numbers are (theoretically) the displacement. So a 330 would be a 3.0 liter 3 series.
They used to be fairly accurate on the displacement, but of course over time, marketing needs start to come into play, and some accuracy is lost.
The generation of the chassis is the "e" number - the current one is called the "e46" I believe. Although the new model is just coming out.
I assume you are looking at 99 or newer, which is the e46 chassis. They are all very good cars. Like most cars, over the 7 or year so life of the model, they tend to get little upgrades, a mid-run minor facelift at around the 4 year mark, and some bugs worked out. But the e46 has never been known as a troublesome car, right out of the box.
Like most cars, I'd prefer a documented, unmodified car with a clean history owned by an adult.
The 330 was also quite a bit more than the 323/325 when new, but doesn't seem that much more when used. I'd really look for a nice 330. The extra engine size is nice to have, and the car is outfitted with nicer standard options. A 330 manual trans car is a ton of fun to drive.
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