Hmm... E46 330ci Sport, E90 330 SE or 130i?

[Pulse]

I'm looking at all three of these cars at the moment as possible replacements for the Z4. I know they are very different, but I'm wondering what others would buy, and why.

I'm on the long road of a search for a car to replace a Z4 that I loved, so please be patient!

[Vee]

I doubt you'd be happy with an E46 330 after a Z4. I loved mine but they're a dated design.
The newer engines are much better imo . . . . trade off against the money you'll save on the older car.

[Pulse]

Vee said:

I doubt you'd be happy with an E46 330 after a Z4. I loved mine but they're a dated design.
The newer engines are much better imo . . . . trade off against the money you'll save on the older car.

I think you may be right. It's just whether the SE 5-door model is a bit... Saleman. The one I've seen is pretty nice though, with decent wheels, pro nav, but no leather.

[rich85uk]

i have an e46 330ci facelift and it always gets the 'nice car' comments, quick and with a peach of an engine.

i wouldnt mind a 130i m sport though, abit quicker and better handling than what i have already

i guess if you want something thats more of a drivers car (130) or something thats better looking (e46 facelift coupe)

[roofer]

I went from an E46 330 to a 130....no comparison.

[ghibbett]

roofer said:

I went from an E46 330 to a 130....no comparison.

I've gone the other way (with a Z3 M-Coupe in between) and Roofer is right. For driving, I'd pick a 130i over a 330i (E46) any day of the week.

[Pulse]

Well that settles the engine. Looking at a 3 though as I'm not as keen on the 1 looks. Is the e90 3 significantly worse?

[roofer]

Pulse said:

Well that settles the engine. Looking at a 3 though as I'm not as keen on the 1 looks. Is the e90 3 significantly worse?

I went from a 130 to a 335d....no comparison, the 130 was a better drivers car from a fun element, and was better across country than my previous E39 M5.

[martin mrt]

I have never driven a 130i but have a 118d MSport, and owned a 335d previously.

The 1 series is a far better drivers car than the 3 series IMO, I find our 118d short on power (after a 335d it's hardly surprising) but it has a fabulous chassis

Like you I wasn't too keen on the looks to begin with but a 1 series M Sport with optional 18" wheels is a fine looking car IMO