E46 330i 04 E90 330i (N52)

[GreenArrow]

..just wondering (not having driven the E90) whether it is considered a decent step up from the E46 330i....I've always loved the E46 330i, nearly bought one a few years ago and even now lowish mileage 2003/4 cars appeal greatly. However the E90 330i is now fairly affordable and I do remember the great reviews this rare car got when new. However, none of the UK mags ever performance tested one as they were into the 330d by then. So, would you go E46 or E90, given the choice? I am talking about the earlier N52 engine 330i)

[GreenArrow]

Smuler said:

GreenArrow said:

..just wondering (not having driven the E90) whether it is considered a decent step up from the E46 330i....I've always loved the E46 330i, nearly bought one a few years ago and even now lowish mileage 2003/4 cars appeal greatly. However the E90 330i is now fairly affordable and I do remember the great reviews this rare car got when new. However, none of the UK mags ever performance tested one as they were into the 330d by then. So, would you go E46 or E90, given the choice? I am talking about the earlier N52 engine 330i)

Only E90 series I would chose over E46 330i would be a 335i, I have the E92 335i Coupe and came from a E46. The immense performance of 335i plus how the car handles are sufficient positives to compensate for the loss of some of the raw connection with the road which the E46 provides more of.

Ahh, the 335i. Yes indeed I would love one of those! However, they seem to cost £2-3K more than a 330i and isn't that engine known for problems? As far as I know the N52 engine 330i is a fairly sturdy and problem free unit....

Comparing a 330ci (e46) to a 330i (E9X), I would chose the E46 as I'd put the greater connection with the road as more important than the better handling and as for the performance the advantage of the E90 in this case, is not going be as great.

Might be of use?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/3-series/f...


https://youtu.be/U6VIqlyiwek

[GreenArrow]

Smuler said:

Approaching 70k I've had no problems with mine; wood touched at this point 2-3k is a fair difference, but otherwise I wouldn't be swayed away and toward N52 which has a very good reputation, although even better is the reputation of M54 in E46; that would be my choice of the 330s.

hmm, worth bearing in mind. The 335i is a lovely thing. A guy at our rowing club has a coupe and when it burbled past yesterday I thought it sounded great. I'd need £8-9£K to buy a decent one though and its more than I would want to spend -probably.

However I agree with you re the E46 330i, for me the E46 has a classic BMW look, that I just don't see in the E90 so much. I think BMW tend to nail the styling every other generation. Personal opinion obviously, but I feel that the E30, E46 and current F30 or whatever it is called are sharper styled than the E36 and E90. I am sure others will disagree vehemently! The E46 330i is holding onto its value keenly too. £3-£4K for a below 100K mileage 11-12 year old car is pretty good going I think.