How much better is the E46 vs the E36?
Discussion
Following the 'I want a touring' thread, I feel I'm starting to discount the E39 on account of the size. As such I'm shortlisting the E46 and E36.
Of course the E46 is the newer/more modern example. However, having had a couple of E36s they are familiar and 'feel like home'.
I'm assuming for the cash (1.5-2k) you could get a more decent E36 compared to a more leggy E46. Is the E46 worthwhile? I know the tailgate is a better/more convenient design, plus it'll come with the later double vanos 2.8.
Opinions?
Of course the E46 is the newer/more modern example. However, having had a couple of E36s they are familiar and 'feel like home'.
I'm assuming for the cash (1.5-2k) you could get a more decent E36 compared to a more leggy E46. Is the E46 worthwhile? I know the tailgate is a better/more convenient design, plus it'll come with the later double vanos 2.8.
Opinions?
Think the E36 is more of a drivers car, the E46 more refined. The E46 is a great car; the inside of mine is a much nicer place to be than a friends (albeit lower spec) E90.
There is a reasonable opportunity for both cars to throw up bills, I would keep your options open and when you find a decent car of either version that you like buy it...
There is a reasonable opportunity for both cars to throw up bills, I would keep your options open and when you find a decent car of either version that you like buy it...
For a couple of grand I would be looking at a really tidy e36 you will get a 1999 last of line one with a/c ect.
The e46 is a nice car but I don't think it's bmw's finest, they seem to rust all over and have a fair share of issues that shouldn't happen like tears in the boot floor. If I had to get one I would look for a very late one, for less than 3 grand it will be a bit of a dog.
I would choose an e39 over e46 any day.
The e46 is a nice car but I don't think it's bmw's finest, they seem to rust all over and have a fair share of issues that shouldn't happen like tears in the boot floor. If I had to get one I would look for a very late one, for less than 3 grand it will be a bit of a dog.
I would choose an e39 over e46 any day.
Ive owned a E36 328i coupe and a E46 330ci, the 330 is the better car in everyway, handles better, brakes better and is alot more modern to drive, the 328 was more enjoyable on a hoon, you felt like your driving it, the 330 is too competent, it does everything very well nothing outstanding, the 328 was a very old fashioned to dry compared, your real choice is fun verses competence, the 328 has alot of cheap performance gains as well, E30 lower arms, manifold conversion, z3 gearstick, personnely id have the 330 anyday of the week, but if on a budget id rather a nice e36 rather than a rough e46, some very very nive e36 328is's out there.
The E46 is a better, 'nicer' car but it has more scope for going wrong. Various sensors, door handles, front wings rotting etc, plus repairs always cost more. You can't replace front balljoints - it's a complete alloy arm. Diesels can just be a whole world of pain and expense.
I would say the E36 makes a better cheap car, but there are now so few nice ones left. Most of them are baggy 130'000 mile 14 year old cars unfortunately but if you can find a really nice example with way under 100'000 miles and lots of history, it will probably be a better bet that you typical cheap and nasty E46.
If you're stuck on an E46, I'd be looking at manual 330i Tourings. They're a fantastic thing and you might find a decent one for your budget.
I would say the E36 makes a better cheap car, but there are now so few nice ones left. Most of them are baggy 130'000 mile 14 year old cars unfortunately but if you can find a really nice example with way under 100'000 miles and lots of history, it will probably be a better bet that you typical cheap and nasty E46.
If you're stuck on an E46, I'd be looking at manual 330i Tourings. They're a fantastic thing and you might find a decent one for your budget.
+1 for an E46.
I have a late 320d 150 6-speed. Nice to drive, torquey and economical, well screwed together with no rattles at 162k. I'm pretty sure an E36 would be on its knees at this mileage. I also just picked up an early 330i auto with 94k, and I'm really pleased with it. It drives far better than much newer car I've driven, and steady motorway driving will see 32 mpg, not outrageous for a 230 odd bhp car.
I have a late 320d 150 6-speed. Nice to drive, torquey and economical, well screwed together with no rattles at 162k. I'm pretty sure an E36 would be on its knees at this mileage. I also just picked up an early 330i auto with 94k, and I'm really pleased with it. It drives far better than much newer car I've driven, and steady motorway driving will see 32 mpg, not outrageous for a 230 odd bhp car.
80quattro said:
+1 for an E46.
I have a late 320d 150 6-speed. Nice to drive, torquey and economical, well screwed together with no rattles at 162k. I'm pretty sure an E36 would be on its knees at this mileage.
Not really. My E36 323 Touring had 170k when I sold it. Apart from a suspension refresh, it still ran beautifully. The engine used negligible oil and was whisper quiet, and everything worked. I did look after it though, and it was one of the later models - these had better build quality. The E46 is basically an E36 underneath except for more soundproofing, alloy instead of steel suspension components and more electronics.I have a late 320d 150 6-speed. Nice to drive, torquey and economical, well screwed together with no rattles at 162k. I'm pretty sure an E36 would be on its knees at this mileage.
80quattro said:
+1 for an E46.
I have a late 320d 150 6-speed. Nice to drive, torquey and economical, well screwed together with no rattles at 162k. I'm pretty sure an E36 would be on its knees at this mileage....
A looked after E36 is easily capable of seeing 250,000 miles +, it's just dependant on whether the owner is prepared to spend the money.I have a late 320d 150 6-speed. Nice to drive, torquey and economical, well screwed together with no rattles at 162k. I'm pretty sure an E36 would be on its knees at this mileage....
(And plenty of E46 320d's have gone to the scrapyard already with 80,000 miles or less due to destroyed engines caused by turbo failures and swirl flap ingestion!)
My E36 328i Sport has got 148,000 miles on the clock, drinks oil faster than Olly Reed could drink Vodka (no leaks - no smoke, go figure!), her rear arches are rusting and yes, she's got more rattles than the rattle section of Mothercares website!, but she still pulls well, and doesn't feel as if she's on her knees!
In fact, she pulls so well that last year she was commended by Warwickshire's finest patrolling in their Volvo as to how well she came off a roundabout in the early hours of the morning.
(The drivers exact words were: "That pulls well for a 14year old!, coming off that roundabout you actually had the legs on Me and you were pulling away!, that's why I had to put the blue lights on!").
They even allowed Me to pay £60 to have some bonus points put on My license to show that I make an effort not to hold people up when I'm driving!
4rephill said:
They even allowed Me to pay £60 to have some bonus points put on My license to show that I make an effort not to hold people up when I'm driving!
Last winter I was sitting at a wet roundabout when a black 328i came flying around sideways and then blasted through the chosen exit. Wasn't you by any chance was it? If so, then good driving
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