[NewSong]

Okay so I'm thinking of replacing the Ford Focus. She's been reliable, but a bit slow, and starting to smell because of the diaper changing + cloth interior.

I've narrowed it down to 3 cars:
- E46 330ci (coupe)
- 2005 Honda Accord Sedan
- Honda Fit (my wife's choice)

I can get any of the above cars in the same price range, but I really want the 330ci because from everything I've heard, it has comparable performance to the E90 328i (any truth to that?).

I don't want an Accord, but I wouldn't mind the Honda Fit just based on reliability and MPG.

[spacedogg]

Originally Posted by NewSong

Okay so I'm thinking of replacing the Ford Focus. She's been reliable, but a bit slow, and starting to smell because of the diaper changing + cloth interior.

I've narrowed it down to 3 cars:
- E46 330ci (coupe)
- 2005 Honda Accord Sedan
- Honda Fit (my wife's choice)

I can get any of the above cars in the same price range, but I really want the 330ci because from everything I've heard, it has comparable performance to the E90 328i (any truth to that?).

I don't want an Accord, but I wouldn't mind the Honda Fit just based on reliability and MPG.

E46 330ci had what? 225hp. So that's pretty comparable with the E90 328i. See if you can pick up a new model with sports pack (ZHP). That would be a great second car.

I'm a big fan of the new Honda Fit. And if diaper changing continues and cleanup of cloth seats concern you, you could always get aftermarket leather seats.

[NewSong]

Originally Posted by spacedogg

E46 330ci had what? 225hp. So that's pretty comparable with the E90 328i. See if you can pick up a new model with sports pack (ZHP). That would be a great second car.

I'm a big fan of the new Honda Fit. And if diaper changing continues and cleanup of cloth seats concern you, you could always get aftermarket leather seats.

Cool. The the 330ci I'm looking at has Sport and Premium packages for $10k, which I think is a good deal.

[methodtim]

The Accord Sedan is a bullet-proof people mover. You can't go wrong with it and you can pick one up for a (pardon the really bad pun) song.

[NewSong]

Originally Posted by methodtim

The Accord Sedan is a bullet-proof people mover. You can't go wrong with it and you can pick one up for a (pardon the really bad pun) song.

*applause*

[NewSong]

Quick question for the experts, did the 330ci come with angel eyes? Here's a picture of the car I may get:



The outer lights look like they may be angel eye bulbs, but they look different than my old E92...

[spacedogg]

Originally Posted by NewSong

Quick question for the experts, did the 330ci come with angel eyes? Here's a picture of the car I may get:



The outer lights look like they may be angel eye bulbs, but they look different than my old E92...

No they don't. But I believe you can get CCFL angel eye kits which are much brighter than even LUX 5.0. I'm sure you can pick them up for...cheap. Ahem.

Btw...I should add the only downside of the Fit is a slightly choppy ride (especially at highway speed) due to the short wheelbase of that car. Otherwise both Hondas will be bombproof.

[NewSong]

Originally Posted by spacedogg

No they don't. But I believe you can get CCFL angel eye kits which are much brighter than even LUX 5.0. I'm sure you can pick them up for...cheap. Ahem.

Btw...I should add the only downside of the Fit is a slightly choppy ride (especially at highway speed) due to the short wheelbase of that car. Otherwise both Hondas will be bombproof.

You don't think the E46 will be reliable?

[spacedogg]

Originally Posted by NewSong

You don't think the E46 will be reliable?

It's all relative. I would expect going in that I might have some minor issues along the way (minor electronic issues or things like sensors, themorstats or water pump). Any used BMW is susceptible. I would expect that I would also have to do a couple bigger ticket service things on a used BMW (ie brakes, clutch, etc). Cost of garage work is generally tend to be higher on a BMW (ie $20 oil change on the typical JDM yet $100+ oil change on the BMW). Yeah, yeah long life synthetic oil blah blah. Would you DIY? Or typically head to a garage?

I was going to buy a used E46 330Ci ZHP...but the one I wanted got sold minutes before I arrived at the dealership. I ended up getting my E90 325i instead. I was budgeting a couple extra thousand dollars as an "emergency contingency fund" if I were to buy a used E46. Might not be necessary at all...but something to keep in mind.

Lots of previous E46 owners here have mentioned how the build quality on the E90 is better. Having not owned a E46, I don't know what they mean by that.

Having said that, E46 parts are a plenty and relatively cheap (compared to E90 parts). I would find a couple local independent BMW mechanics and see what they charge for labour per hour.

I presume you could get a brand new Honda Fit as it is in your price range. I personally think the new Honda Fit looks better than the previous generation. They have apparently made the ride a little less choppy than the previous generation. I have yet to take it out for real test drive. You can be sure a brand new car like the Fit will provide years of trouble free driving.

Reminds me of Natureboy...he owns both a previous generation Fit and E90 BMW 330i. He was saying how his Fit had 0 problems and his E90 had several issues. I guess it could be luck of the draw too...cuz lots of E90 owners here have no problems.

[epbrown]

I'd go with the Fit. New, reliable, under warranty so no repair bills. The same rationale is why I bought the Smart rather than a used E46 325i, which is what I was originally looking for.

[NewSong]

Thanks for the input guys.

I think I'm just spoiled by BMW. Driving a car that noticeably "pulls" is just in my blood. The Honda Fit probably has the slowest pull out of the 3 cars mentioned.

[rcracer_tx]

I would have to go with the 330ci as long as you can afford to maintain it... It looks so much better, and has an excellent ride for a daily driver...

[Year's_End]

Aftermarket E46 angel eyes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Every angel eye choice for the E9Xs so far

I love the Fit too. The Accord is just too average for me to like it. It's not bad, but it's just too vanilla to me.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by rcracer_tx

I would have to go with the 330ci as long as you can afford to maintain it... It looks so much better, and has an excellent ride for a daily driver...

+1

[OBI_agent]

Maintainance is a big factor....go with the fit !

[UltimateBMW]

I've had my e46 for a long time. Its been a great car, and I've never had any big issues with it. (knock on wood)

It's doing a fine job of holding me over until I get my M3 as well.

[TSM330i]

You said this is for your wife? Her favorite is the Fit? No questions need to be asked. Go with the Fit. MUCH more useable than either of the other two. The hatch and 4-doors have more room than any sedan or coupe. You can fold the split rear seat, have plent of space to put large objects and still carry your little one.
There's something about driving a low performing car at it's limit rather than under-driving a high performance car. It's very rewarding to get it just right in this type of car. The Fit also handles quite well and had a decent chassis. I have a 2000 Golf GL (yes, the base model) and I have so much fun really pushing the car along to get the most out of the driving experience.
Something to consider.