Why is the E46 compact so overlooked?
Discussion
davepoth said:
If I remember correctly there's something especially horrific about these - I think the rear suspension came from an E30?
The have the semi-trailing arm suspension instead of the z-axle, iirc because it didn't take up as much room under the floor. Unfortunately, it wasn't such a good design; my recollections of it in the E12 and E30 involve sudden and lurid oversteer that you had to be quick to catch. 
I tested a 325ti before buying my curretn car. Fun, RWD, great engine and had all the toys.
I backed away as primarily that one was a dog cosmetically and had some dubious history. Going from an E34 it was a bit jittery handling and not as quiet in terms of road and wind noise - so I went barking mad and bought an X-type 3.0
I still like them though. Underrated by people who talk cobblers. The loks I will admit can be devisive but hey if you like it buy one!
I backed away as primarily that one was a dog cosmetically and had some dubious history. Going from an E34 it was a bit jittery handling and not as quiet in terms of road and wind noise - so I went barking mad and bought an X-type 3.0
I still like them though. Underrated by people who talk cobblers. The loks I will admit can be devisive but hey if you like it buy one!
My problem, apart from the looks as that's a personal thing, is that this car was a cynical exercise by BMW.
I can imagine the scene in Munich as sales of the Golf, Focus and similar started to take a real bite into sales of the 3er. They rushed this car to market without doing a proper job of making a proper car, for that reason alone I can dislike it, the fact that it's a munter (in my eyes) just makes it easier.
The 1 series on the other hand I have no particular problem with, it looks a bit like a shoe but who's perfect.
I can imagine the scene in Munich as sales of the Golf, Focus and similar started to take a real bite into sales of the 3er. They rushed this car to market without doing a proper job of making a proper car, for that reason alone I can dislike it, the fact that it's a munter (in my eyes) just makes it easier.
The 1 series on the other hand I have no particular problem with, it looks a bit like a shoe but who's perfect.
Eggman said:
he have the semi-trailing arm suspension instead of the z-axle, iirc because it didn't take up as much room under the floor. Unfortunately, it wasn't such a good design; my recollections of it in the E12 and E30 involve sudden and lurid oversteer that you had to be quick to catch.
Yes, indeed they do. even the 90hp carbed 316 will go really rather sideways without much provocation. So I'm told...;)
grenpayne said:
I read the same thing re the rear suspension from being from an E30 which apparently made them quite tail happy? No idea if it's true but if so then for £3k then why not!?
davepoth said:
I think it's more E36 based than E46 based, but I couldn't be sure.
NO NO NO!The E36 Compact used E30 rear suspension. The E46 compact uses E46 rear suspension - in fact you can swap E46 M3 bits in there.
Well thanks everyone for confirming the only reason is that they are an ugly duckling compared with the E46 saloon/coupe.
It seems to me they are bit of a performance bargain. If they E46 saloon/coupe didn't appear first then I bet we would all love them
On my shirt list of cars for the end of this year. I'm not keen on the front end, but certain colours look better than others. Late spec rear lights can be swapped in and look a little better.
I do like the e36 compact too, however it is very much a cut price e36. The e46 is just a shortened e46 so far as I can tell.
I do like the e36 compact too, however it is very much a cut price e36. The e46 is just a shortened e46 so far as I can tell.
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