e46 330d & e90/91 320d
e46 330d & e90/91 320d
Author
Discussion

Hell27

Original Poster:

1,564 posts

220 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all
Anyone out there driven both cars?

If so, how do they compare? I need a touring diesel as a family car, but am torn between the 2. I note the performance figures for the e90 320d aren't that different from the e46 330d in 180bhp tune - was wondering if anyone has driven both and could give me a comparison.

Tempted by the 320d as the missus has to drive it (when she passes her test), and so would get more reasonable insurance offers. Also costs less in tax, and bigger inside.

But the e46 far better looking, quicker, and has the six cylinder engine.

Cheers to all people who respond.

gizlaroc

17,251 posts

253 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all
Better looking??!! Arguable, I thought the same but the E91 has grown on me, I'm on my second now and just love it. Sold my 335i and got a 320d, it is tuned to around 210bhp and is plenty quick enough, quicker than a superchipped 330d E46 that a mate has, plus it is a lot lighter and feels better balanced.

Still like the E46 though, so you will have to decide.





jamoor

14,506 posts

244 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all



This looks better than e90 IMO,
6cyl engine is miles better too, and the car will be cheaper to boot.

carl_w

10,745 posts

287 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all
Interior quality is better in the E46 than the E90 IMHO

[TW]Fox

13,575 posts

275 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all
I agree on the looks - I cant get used to the way the E90 looks whereas the E46 is very agreeable and looks pretty sleek, it's just a shame it never got modern features like LED lights except on the Coupe.

Interior wise though I think the E90 has the edge, but to say the E90 is better looking... cannot agree.

Hell27

Original Poster:

1,564 posts

220 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all
gizlaroc said:
Better looking??!! Arguable, I thought the same but the E91 has grown on me, I'm on my second now and just love it. Sold my 335i and got a 320d, it is tuned to around 210bhp and is plenty quick enough, quicker than a superchipped 330d E46 that a mate has, plus it is a lot lighter and feels better balanced.

Still like the E46 though, so you will have to decide.




OMG! That is one fine looking motor! Nice set of wheels!

Just goes to show what a few personal touches can add to a car!

Hell27

Original Poster:

1,564 posts

220 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all
jamoor said:



This looks better than e90 IMO,
6cyl engine is miles better too, and the car will be cheaper to boot.
This is also a great looking car!

This just makes the choice more difficult!

Obviously will have to test drive both types!

ism123

373 posts

239 months

Saturday 16th August 2008
quotequote all
I ran an E46 330d tourer 184bhp for a few months last year and did a lot of miles in it. I really liked it and regret having to sell it (for a company car - e91 320d).

I liked the 6cyl engine and the interior quality, which is better than the E91 IMO. The upside of the E91 is that it has a bit more space, a more modern feel and the looks and interior grew on me. Am now looking for a tourer for the wife and tbh find the E46 interior a bit dated now (SE spec especially).


If I could find a decent 6 cyl engine one though that may swing it for her smile


Edited by ism123 on Saturday 16th August 21:26


Edited by ism123 on Saturday 16th August 21:29