E46 - 330 Sport or SE for the wife?

E46 - 330 Sport or SE for the wife?

Author
Discussion

Renn Sport

Original Poster:

2,761 posts

210 months

Saturday 1st November 2008
quotequote all
I'm going to replace the Mrs old E46 328i which I sold with another E46.. I have decided that a 330i is what she really needs.

Now my wife will use the car around town, ferrying the infants, dealing with pot holes and the like. We are going for the auto for sure...

Do you think the Sport will be too uncomfortable for these tasks? Will the M-Sport suspension be to hard to make it comfy??

Personally i'd like the Sport but.. I have a 911 and a daily hack and really this is her car so should suit her and kids not me so much.

What are the comfort differences between the SE and Sport? opinions appreciated.



pstruck

3,518 posts

250 months

Saturday 1st November 2008
quotequote all
A lot depends on just how bad your local roads are and how sensitive to ride quality your Mrs is (that may sound a bit oo-er!).

I have a sport and it is very firm, but I actually enjoy the ride. Admittedly if you hit a big pothole it jars a bit and can make you wince, but other than that I have no problem with Devon B roads.

However, there are those who really cannot get on with the ride of the sport and have called it harsh, amongst other things.

Only way is for your wife to test drive both and form her won opinion.

blackburnbmw

2,336 posts

199 months

Saturday 1st November 2008
quotequote all
Hi. I own a 330ci Sport, on 18" wheels. It's a lovely car, but boy it's harsh on poor surfaces. I've driven a 320ci on 17" wheels around our local roads and the difference in comfort was quite noticeably better - it was all town speed stuff so I can't comment on the higher speed handling. If out and out handling performance isn't the main focus of the purchase I would definitely recommend driving both before spending your money.

I may be biased, but I do think the sport model looks way better than the SE... that doesn't help much though does it!

Fox-

13,251 posts

247 months

Saturday 1st November 2008
quotequote all
The Sport is obviously the better car, looks better, handles better, etc etc but the SE can be had for considerably less money as everyone wants a Sport. If she doesnt care which she has I would take advantage of this as you'll get a better/newer SE for your money.

pgilc1

35,927 posts

198 months

Saturday 1st November 2008
quotequote all
Renn Sport said:
I'm going to replace the Mrs old E46 328i which I sold with another E46.. I have decided that a 330i is what she really needs.

Now my wife will use the car around town, ferrying the infants, dealing with pot holes and the like. We are going for the auto for sure...

Do you think the Sport will be too uncomfortable for these tasks? Will the M-Sport suspension be to hard to make it comfy??

Personally i'd like the Sport but.. I have a 911 and a daily hack and really this is her car so should suit her and kids not me so much.

What are the comfort differences between the SE and Sport? opinions appreciated.
Why not let her drive both and see which she prefers?

Or have you decided that isnt necessary?

Renn Sport

Original Poster:

2,761 posts

210 months

Monday 3rd November 2008
quotequote all
Hi guys... many thanks for the responses.

We have just had a baby and she isn't up for chasing around for cars. She just wants a nice E46 with leather.

I think that she wants more comfort than anything else.

I may go for the SE as again I could get a newer lower mileage car for the money.

I also think the Sport looks better and I would like the M suspension really. However it would be a disaster if I got a Sport and get found it too harsh.

SE it it me thinks unless the right Sport comes along, which makes too much sense not to buy.

Can't wait to get another Beemer..


DaveR

1,209 posts

285 months

Monday 3rd November 2008
quotequote all
Renn,

Not sure about the Coupe's version of sport suspension (harder than saloon or Touring sport suspension?)

I have a 330i SE Touring that was specced with sports suspension and 18" wheels by the original owner. Neither I (nor the familty) find it hard at all. It is a yr2000 E46 though (nice low tax too!) and a lot of the comments about BMW ride quality being too hard seem to centre on newer cars (even before Runflats were standard fit).

Good luck.

Dave.

chewy 17

230 posts

251 months

Monday 3rd November 2008
quotequote all
Hi,
My wife runs a 330i Touring SE but with the M Sport 18" Alloys, she says it is fine to and from Asda and shopping trips !!
But still handles well enough when I take it to the Ring.

jonny996

2,622 posts

218 months

Monday 3rd November 2008
quotequote all
I feel my sport is some time to hard for the 1 year old. I would go SE touring

Renn Sport

Original Poster:

2,761 posts

210 months

Tuesday 4th November 2008
quotequote all
The wife says no to the Touring... its got to be a saloon.

Anyway better get shopping.