e46 330 / 325 or e36 328?

[Heathwood]

First of all, apologies if these questions have been asked / answered previously, but the more I read while searching for answers, the more confused I'm getting.

So, first things first. An early E46 330, on the face of it, seemed to be just what I was looking for with a budget of, say £6 to £7k. However, I have some concerns over reports of throttle delays and poor steering. Was this ever corrected in later E46's? Most reports of these problems appear to be on early '00 and '01 cars.

I gather the (non M) 6 cylinder cars cost very similar amounts to run (fuel and servicing) so didn't seem much point in looking at 320 or 325. However, 325's are quite a bit cheaper, so are the 330's really worth the extra money?

Finally, although I'm looking for a car thats comfortable, solid and reliable, I also want a car that is good fun to drive. Would I therefore be better off with a later E36 328? Perhaps a Sport?

Any opinions and comments much appreciated.

[chewy 17]

I have not long bought a 330i Touring (2000). Very happy, the only fault I have is slight hesitation when pulling away in 1st and on the change to 2nd. (M.A.F) ??
Just got back from a trip to the Nurburgring and it did me proud, nice cruiser on the motorways there, more than enough fun on a flying lap, then comfy cruise home plenty of room even with my brothers bags and lid (he has a 7 not much carrying space).
Anyway would reccomend the 330i.

[Shropshiremike]

Heathwood said:

First of all, apologies if these questions have been asked / answered previously, but the more I read while searching for answers, the more confused I'm getting.

So, first things first. An early E46 330, on the face of it, seemed to be just what I was looking for with a budget of, say £6 to £7k. However, I have some concerns over reports of throttle delays and poor steering. Was this ever corrected in later E46's?

The later E46s ( i.e. after the Compact E46 was launched ) adopted the Compact steering. More feelsome and quicker responses. The early E46 328s certainly feel a lot different to the 330 we had - in fact I think I preferred the standard steering feel on my E36 328......although the E36 can be quickened up by using a non-M Z3 rack if you still find it a bit slow-witted. I'm sure you could fit the later rack/pump to an early E46 though.

[pstruck]

Just in the process of buying a 330Ci Sport, so can report back in a while. From the test drive though I was impressed (obviously, as I committed to buy). It is a later car (53 facelift) though, so not sure about differences between early and late models.

Re the throttle delay, I have heard of issues, but understand there is a fix. Get yourself over to BMWland.co.uk forums and read all about it.