328 - E36 or E46?

[pstruck]

I've been toying with the idea of getting an E36 328i Sport for a while now. The lack of clean, original, low(ish) mileage ones, as well as the premium price they seem to attract got me thinking whether an early E46 is a better option.

I'm sure both models have their issues, but on balance which would you go for and why?

I have to say, the ripping rear subframe mounts thing scares me a bit on early E46's, but then it is a much more modern styling and interior. What else should be considered when comparing the two?

[V8P0W3R]

depends if you want to look like a chav in a wannabe m3 or a nice guy in a newish looking bmw. its amazing what a pair of led tail lights can do.

[pstruck]

To be honest, I don't think a well looked after, original E36 328 Sport looks chav. Tint the windows and add a few stick on styling mods and crappy chrome angel eyes and yes, they can look very boy racer.

[forsure]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Agreed. Few years ago I had an e36 325i Coupe and loved it.
Just sold an e46 328i coupe after four month's ownership, because I was disappointed with it.
Friend lent me his '94 e36 325tds over the weekend - it's a shed, but I really enjoyed driving it. As you say - more involving.

[andy665]

E36 seems to have been developed by engineers and put on sale, E46 developed by engineers and then passed through marketing deptartment before going on sale.

Owned E46's and now have an E36 328i Sport - much prefer the E36, less refined but prettier and more fun to drive

[pstruck]

andy665 said:

Owned E46's and now have an E36 328i Sport - much prefer the E36, less refined but prettier and more fun to drive

This is what I was thinking. Also, with all the hideously modifiedE36's out there, it would be quite satisfying to own and drive a mint, standard car.

I have owned an E36 before, albeit a lowly 318 Touring. I have also owned an E46 330Ci Sport and although a very nice car, it did not light my fire. I am wondering then if the 328 will be sufficiently more involving to keep my interest, where the 330 didn't.

[andy665]

My E36 is not standard, more sensibly upgraded in terms of brakes, suspension etc and it provides a great compromise between fun and practicality.

Its definitely twitchier / edgier than the admittedly standard E46's I've owned but I feel much more conected to the E36, I'm controlling it rather than the E46 smothering me in wooliness / electronics

[griffter]

I've never driven an E46. I sought and bought an E36 because I've always wanted one. I think that's the point. There is an element that buys a "B-EM" then mods it to da max in attempt to outdo the local Corsas and Saxos. As yet E46s are generally out of reach of this sort of activity - but don't let that put you off an E36. In a sense it makes a clean, tasteful E36 all the more distinctive.

Mine is exactly as it came from the dealer, complete with Alpina front spoiler, wheels and (controversially) boot badge. It's not an Alpina of course, but it's a nice straight manual 328 coupe and ticks every box IMHO. As others have said it's an affordable compromise between driving engagement and comfort. The E30 probably does the driving bit better, the E46 the comfort better, but the E36 strikes the right balance for me.

Try both - then hold out til the right car comes along.

[andy665]

There is a lovely Atlantis Blue 328i Sport for sale on the e36 forum - done less than 80k miles, pity its an auto but at least its a decvent auto box

[pstruck]

andy665 said:

There is a lovely Atlantis Blue 328i Sport for sale on the e36 forum - done less than 80k miles, pity its an auto but at least its a decvent auto box

I saw that one. Looks lovely, but I want a manual. Advertised at a fairly hefty price too.... well into E46 territory.

[The Lukas]

e36

If I was going e46, I'd go 330! No question about it. And I just love original clean 328i sports

[a_bread]

andy665 said:

My E36 is not standard, more sensibly upgraded in terms of brakes, suspension etc and it provides a great compromise between fun and practicality.

Its definitely twitchier / edgier than the admittedly standard E46's I've owned but I feel much more conected to the E36, I'm controlling it rather than the E46 smothering me in wooliness / electronics

I found the reverse. To me, the steering on E36 inspires less confidence than (post-2001) E46s. Admittedly the only E46s that I've driven are Sport models so i can't comment on the SE versions.

The E46 has a knack of producing an impression of luxury and almost waftiness when you drive it gently (the E36 doesn't) which allows you to drive it in a very laid back way and it will respond by feeling quite laid back (other than the very hard ride), but once you scratch beneath the surface and push on aggressively, a whole reservoir of sharper responses opens up.