whats special about the e46 330?

Cerezo · 11-03-2011, 03:51 PM

I had a loaner once. It was more nimble, more raw, and more responsive throttle than the E90. Of course that was compared to the first year E90 when they still had E46 loaners.

Brentster · 11-03-2011, 04:20 PM

They're also good for parking!! We take the e46 when we're gonna be parking in tight spots, like at most restaraunts, because it has the old school side moldings.

hypnotiq · 11-03-2011, 04:24 PM

I owned one a 2001 330i and purchased it used in 2004 and it was my car up until getting the 335i this past summer. Honestly it was the car that got me hooked to BMW. Even the past couple of years it has always been a pleasure to drive despite being a decade old. Very balanced, smooth ride and truly an ultimate driving machine. It certainly does not compare to the 335i today but for its time it was a notable machine. I enjoyed my years of owning and driving that car, that is, until I got the 335i.

Tallest · 11-03-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark1996

E46 330i or 330ci with ZHP package: how about classic BMW styling both inside and out? how about the imola red paint with the black alcantara interior? how about better fit and finish than the e90?

how about inherently worse reliability?...i rest my case unless you got a 335 with numerous hpfp replacements.

daixloxbmw · 11-03-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmsent

Had an 02 330i sedan 5 MT. Lots of niggling problems. Window regulators, front suspension parts, water pump, rear shock mounts, differential whine etc. Other than HPFP issues, my 335 has been much more reliable so far, and a lot more fun to drive.

I had a 2001 330i with ZPP, ZSP, Steptronic, M-Sport body kit and a few other options. I traded it in with about 60k miles and have had issues with every one of those parts you mentioned. Had 6 window regulators replaced (cheap plastic gears), 2 bent control arms along with corroded bushings replaced (small price to pay for lightweight aluminum suspension bits), cracked expansion tank (part coolant system), moonroof regulator and even a side mirror motor.

All that said, I still loved that car. It was relatively small and lightweight, very tossable in corners, decent power for its time, very communicative steering and awesome brakes. With the M-Sport body kit, it looked very sporty.

What I really miss about that E46 is the driver oriented dash and the center mounted window switches. When I got my 2008 E92 335i, I really missed the compact size and light weight compared to my old 2001 E46 330i. Now I have a 2011 E82 135i so I have the best of both worlds!!! Now just bring back the driver oriented dash and center mounted window switches!!!

ahendy · 11-27-2011, 10:23 PM

I had a 2004 330Ci ZHP. One of my favorite cars of all time. Imola Red/Black Interior. Lots of fun to drive, and timelessly good looking. I love my 1, but the ZHP will always have a spot in my heart.

M3Bahn · 12-02-2011, 07:50 PM

All I can say is test drive one with the sport pack, I think it's one of the best used cars out there period.

ZZZZ · 12-02-2011, 11:14 PM

Have a 330i, absolutely no mechanical problems at all. No window regulars or thermostats or anything. Only wear and tear. Replaced front pads, front control arm bushings, and one of the tail light bulbs was going dim (bmw has since provided a warranty on fixing this). Sounds MUCH better than the e90, body has more flex. The e36 is much more fun to drive hands down than both e46 and e90, but less features, more shake on bumpy roads. Would love e90 technology with e46 chassis with the handling and light spirit of an e36.

11-03-2011, 03:51 PM	#23
Cerezo Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 254 Posts Drives: 08 TL Type-S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	I had a loaner once. It was more nimble, more raw, and more responsive throttle than the E90. Of course that was compared to the first year E90 when they still had E46 loaners.
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11-03-2011, 04:20 PM	#24
Brentster Banned 37 Rep 359 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 (his) 2011 e90 (hers) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston, TX (Galleria) iTrader: (2)	They're also good for parking!! We take the e46 when we're gonna be parking in tight spots, like at most restaraunts, because it has the old school side moldings.
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11-03-2011, 04:24 PM	#25
hypnotiq Excited New 335i Owner 4 Rep 17 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I owned one a 2001 330i and purchased it used in 2004 and it was my car up until getting the 335i this past summer. Honestly it was the car that got me hooked to BMW. Even the past couple of years it has always been a pleasure to drive despite being a decade old. Very balanced, smooth ride and truly an ultimate driving machine. It certainly does not compare to the 335i today but for its time it was a notable machine. I enjoyed my years of owning and driving that car, that is, until I got the 335i. __________________ 2008 335i Sedan AT - Dinan Stage 2 Software - Injen DCI - Vanguard Catback Exhaust - Nitto 555's
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11-27-2011, 10:23 PM	#28
ahendy New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 128i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	I had a 2004 330Ci ZHP. One of my favorite cars of all time. Imola Red/Black Interior. Lots of fun to drive, and timelessly good looking. I love my 1, but the ZHP will always have a spot in my heart.
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12-02-2011, 07:50 PM	#29
M3Bahn Lieutenant 343 Rep 483 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	All I can say is test drive one with the sport pack, I think it's one of the best used cars out there period. __________________ The journey is the reward.
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12-02-2011, 11:14 PM	#30
ZZZZ Captain 54 Rep 754 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i winterbeater Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (1)	Have a 330i, absolutely no mechanical problems at all. No window regulars or thermostats or anything. Only wear and tear. Replaced front pads, front control arm bushings, and one of the tail light bulbs was going dim (bmw has since provided a warranty on fixing this). Sounds MUCH better than the e90, body has more flex. The e36 is much more fun to drive hands down than both e46 and e90, but less features, more shake on bumpy roads. Would love e90 technology with e46 chassis with the handling and light spirit of an e36.
	Appreciate 0 Quote