E36 328 sport coupe vs E46 330ci sport
Discussion
Currently looking at E36 328 coupe's and am wondering should I save up for a bit longer and go for a 330ci sport? I drive hard generally and tend to chuck my cars around (when it's safe), so which one is the better handler and won't fall apart when push comes to shove? Is the 330 also noticeably quicker? Not just in a straight line, but around a track?
I don't know which is better. I like my 330ci Sport. And I've driven an E36 328 sport, which was good too. Very different cars though. The E46 for example is leagues ahead in ride comfort, build quality and interior. The E36 might feel more 'alive' in your hands, even if the E46 is likely to be quicker and ultimately have more grip.
Or, you could wait for RobM77 to turn up and tell you what a death trap the 330 is..
Or, you could wait for RobM77 to turn up and tell you what a death trap the 330 is..
I haven't driven an E46 of any flavour, but I can tell you that I've been very pleased indeed with my 328iSC. Built very well, goes very well when you want it to, relaxed and civilised otherwise. No complaints about handling either.
I know it's subjective, but I also much prefer the look of the MTec kit on the E36 than the E46 - somehow more purposeful.
I know it's subjective, but I also much prefer the look of the MTec kit on the E36 than the E46 - somehow more purposeful.
evenflow said:
I haven't driven an E46 of any flavour, but I can tell you that I've been very pleased indeed with my 328iSC. Built very well, goes very well when you want it to, relaxed and civilised otherwise. No complaints about handling either.
I know it's subjective, but I also much prefer the look of the MTec kit on the E36 than the E46 - somehow more purposeful.
My bold, I can sort that out for you Evenflow.I know it's subjective, but I also much prefer the look of the MTec kit on the E36 than the E46 - somehow more purposeful.
In my opinion, having owned both (though my 330 wasn't a sport). The E46 has a better chassis than the E36. By that I mean the wheel and body control are better. True, it does weigh more (200kg more), and you can feel that when you're driving it, but it is the E46 that has the more capable chassis. I think (check me on this), the fundamental difference is the lack of trailing arm rear suspension. In real terms though, the E46 just feels more planted with better judged springs and dampers. Once you get to the limit it's far less snappy than the E36 as well. 
One caveat to that is that the 330 is sitting on the standard 15 inch wheels. The larger wheels that my 330 had ruined the ride, and a friend's 15 inch equipped car (otherwise identical) was noticeably better in that department.
The reason that I've just chosen an E36 328i sport over the E46 330ci I used to have can be found in my thread history or on my profile. I daren't mention it again in case I get shouted and sworn at like before!
If you're spending the money though, have a look.
My best advice is read everyone's opinions on this profile, then get a decent test drive in both down a variety of roads and decide! If you can't get in an E36 (tricky in dealers nowadays) and you're in the Reading/Basingstoke area I'm more than happy to take you out as a passenger on a variety of roads in my E36 328i so that you can compare the pros and cons with the E46 and make the right choice.
One caveat to that is that the 330 is sitting on the standard 15 inch wheels. The larger wheels that my 330 had ruined the ride, and a friend's 15 inch equipped car (otherwise identical) was noticeably better in that department.
The reason that I've just chosen an E36 328i sport over the E46 330ci I used to have can be found in my thread history or on my profile. I daren't mention it again in case I get shouted and sworn at like before!
If you're spending the money though, have a look.My best advice is read everyone's opinions on this profile, then get a decent test drive in both down a variety of roads and decide! If you can't get in an E36 (tricky in dealers nowadays) and you're in the Reading/Basingstoke area I'm more than happy to take you out as a passenger on a variety of roads in my E36 328i so that you can compare the pros and cons with the E46 and make the right choice.
Edited by RobM77 on Wednesday 23 January 20:30
ive owned both an e36 328 sport (1997) 8 years ago,and also 2003 facelift 330ci sport (more recent),both manuals,although i wouldnt choose an e36 sport over a e46 sport nowadays,they are getting a bit long in the tooth,i would say the e36 is a nicer drive,mainly due to the sensible size rims and the cable throt.....no i dare'nt mention it! you could try an SE Model,but they dont look half as good as a sport.
No axe to grind here, I've got a E36 328 coupe but easily could have bought the 330. I think the E46 looks better and by all accounts it's a better built car. I wouldn't choose the 330 on the strength of it's power output alone though, the 328 with a modded 325 manifold and some minor tweeks should match the 330 near enough on the road. What's more important is the condition of the whole car, and if the newer car is worth the extra few grand to you. It wasn't to me.
RobM77 said:
One caveat to that is that the 330 is sitting on the standard 15 inch wheels. The larger wheels that my 330 had ruined the ride, and a friend's 15 inch equipped car (otherwise identical) was noticeably better in that department.
I thought all the E46 330s had at least 17" rims to clear the brakes? E46 328s had to have at least 16" rims.E36 328s had smaller discs and could run 15" rims though
Shropshiremike said:
RobM77 said:
One caveat to that is that the 330 is sitting on the standard 15 inch wheels. The larger wheels that my 330 had ruined the ride, and a friend's 15 inch equipped car (otherwise identical) was noticeably better in that department.
I thought all the E46 330s had at least 17" rims to clear the brakes? E46 328s had to have at least 16" rims.E36 328s had smaller discs and could run 15" rims though
RobM77 said:
Shropshiremike said:
RobM77 said:
One caveat to that is that the 330 is sitting on the standard 15 inch wheels. The larger wheels that my 330 had ruined the ride, and a friend's 15 inch equipped car (otherwise identical) was noticeably better in that department.
I thought all the E46 330s had at least 17" rims to clear the brakes? E46 328s had to have at least 16" rims.E36 328s had smaller discs and could run 15" rims though
I think both the E36 and the E46 have fundamentally the same design suspension set-up as well although BMW constantly tweaked it throughout its life - I think the E46 uses more components made in alloy. The Sport springs and dampers on the E46 seem a lot stiffer than anything standard on the E36s though - partly necessitated by the bigger wheels and tyres - more grip otherwise means more roll
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Yes, you're right - I just checked myself in Autocar (you can see I was unsure above!).I haven't driven an E36 M3, but from what I've heard I think you're right, I think it would be preferably to a 330. I think it depends how much that steering and throttle bother you on the E46.
Thinking of suspension, I just got a quote for new BMW OE springs and dampers on my E36 328i sport and it was £1150 for the parts alone
Any recommendations? I'm just after a refresh as mine are a bit tired.[quote=caboosemoose The E46 has shite steering, whereas the the E36 has merely mediocre steering.
[/quote]
Hmm, never found the steering too bad at all on our E46s - but then we had the later Compact-style which had a bit more weight and speed. The earlier sort was a bit vague though.
Generally I found the steering on my E36 too slow compared to other cars I've had so I fixed that and it's now just right for me
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Hmm, never found the steering too bad at all on our E46s - but then we had the later Compact-style which had a bit more weight and speed. The earlier sort was a bit vague though.
Generally I found the steering on my E36 too slow compared to other cars I've had so I fixed that and it's now just right for me
Thanks for the input folks, I'm only 24 so insurance is mighty expensive for any M badge derivative. What about the e46 328ci? I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on this model as it is also within my immediate price range.
Another question; don't all 330's, sport pack or otherwise, have a sport suspension fitted?
Another question; don't all 330's, sport pack or otherwise, have a sport suspension fitted?
Big difference in price so not a good comparison really, you could go for an early E46 328 in which case prices closer but a 328 E46 is not available in sport version just Ci so not as good to drive as a E36 328 Sport.
E46 feels much newer/nicer inside, and looks less dated, wouldnt say they are built any better, but they do drive in a very similar fashion, however - an E36 328 Sport is still a desirable model, comes with bilsteins and slightly better steering than other E36's hence still good to drive.
E46 feels much newer/nicer inside, and looks less dated, wouldnt say they are built any better, but they do drive in a very similar fashion, however - an E36 328 Sport is still a desirable model, comes with bilsteins and slightly better steering than other E36's hence still good to drive.
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