E36 328 versus E46 330

[Busa_Rush]

I need a new commuter car and I think I'll go back to a BMW. Not going to spend too much as it'll be parked under trees, gets sap and bird sh*t all over it and I commute on country lanes full of gravel, pot holes etc so something older will be fine.

Just wondering what the main differences are between the E36 328 coupe and E46 330 coupe, both petrol. Is it advisable to get the E46, better build quality maybe ? Or is a well looked after E36 328 just as good ?

Anybody point me in the direction of a buyers guide ?

Are there any major issues to look out for ?

[Shropshiremike]

Busa_Rush said:

I need a new commuter car and I think I'll go back to a BMW. Not going to spend too much as it'll be parked under trees, gets sap and bird sh*t all over it and I commute on country lanes full of gravel, pot holes etc so something older will be fine.

Just wondering what the main differences are between the E36 328 coupe and E46 330 coupe, both petrol. Is it advisable to get the E46, better build quality maybe ? Or is a well looked after E36 328 just as good ?

Anybody point me in the direction of a buyers guide ?

Are there any major issues to look out for ?

I've had saloon versions of both and in my opinion you only really notice the extra power of the 330 at high speeds ( above 70 ), partly down to the heavier weight of the E46.
I think the E46 had better steering as standard ( although a chunkier steering wheel was partly to account for that on the cars I had ...plus I've changed the rack/geo on the E36 now to turn the tables ).
Petrol consumption was broadly similar - could get 35-36mpg out of both on a long motorway run.
Currently have a 328 - they're a good car for not much cash at present

[varsas]

There's a big price difference, a decent e36 328 is £2k, a decent 330 is more like £5k+. Test drive both, and if you aren't bothered get the 328 and save the cash. 328's (even pretty much standard) make alright track cars too...a 330 would be a bit expensive (for me, anyway).

I have a 328 as a commuter/track day car and it's great, nice power, handles well and it's cheap enough that I don't need to worry about it.

Edited by varsas on Wednesday 9th September 11:33

[Busa_Rush]

Thanks, having trouble finding a E36 328 that's not been chavved up or done a million miles. Much more success finding straight and clean E46's so looks like that'll be it.

[Buzzkill]

They do come up you just have to wait around. I'd be more inclined to say 2-2.5k for a decent one though.

[sniff diesel]

jz325i said:

Note, it's an early 328 so it's got the M52 engine which might have the nikasil problem.

All 328's have the M52 engine.