handling in a E46 323

[phoenixblend]

Can anyone tell me about their experience with 323 E46 (the 2.5 one)?

I bought one recently an upgrade from a M reg 318 (E36 I think) and though I'm enjoying it allot I find the handling not as great as I was expecting. I know its quite allot heavier but could this more be a problem with the car itself.

It feels like the tires are under pressured but I've checked them and even over inflated as an experiment.

How has you experiences been?

Also the drive by wire throttle is annoying the hell out of me!

PB

[phelix]

In genral the E46 is considered softer than the E36. Was your E36 a sport and now your E46 is an SE or ES?

There are some common wear points on the E46 suspension - the rear bushes on the front control arms and rear trailing arm bushes.

[phoenixblend]

Thanks for your reply

No the E36 was a basic 318i

The bushes were replaced just after I picked it up maybe the fact I know that it has had problems is just making me paranoid?

[8Tech]

How many miles on it? The suspension could just be getting tired.

[DaveR]

There might be nothing wrong with it. (Not sure if that's a good or a bad answer if you were hoping to "fix" something and improve matters).

A few years ago, my last company car was an E46 323 Saloon. When I opted out and took the cash allowance, I bought a 323 E36 Coupe. Although the E36 was on the standard small rims and 60-section tyres, it was a firmer set-up much better suited to enthusiastic driving. The E46 4-door was too soft and had too much body roll.

The 2000 vintage E46 Touring I have now that was specced with sports suspension option and 18" rims is the best of all worlds. Not as hard as some of BMW's more recent suspension set-ups and no runflats either of course.

[PJR]

I used to drive an E46 323i auto. It was a good car, but with standard wheels and suspension it was quite a soft ride by BMW standards. Dare I say, almost Jag like? Good if you like that kind of ride, but its not very sporting.

Conversely, the 325i E46 compact that replaced it had an extremely firm ride. But then all the sports options were ticked. Regrettably.

P,