F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > whats special about the e46 330?
Extreme Powerhouse
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-03-2011, 02:51 PM   #23
Cerezo
Second Lieutenant
6
Rep
254
Posts

Drives: 08 TL Type-S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

I had a loaner once. It was more nimble, more raw, and more responsive throttle than the E90. Of course that was compared to the first year E90 when they still had E46 loaners.
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 03:20 PM   #24
Brentster
Banned
United_States
37
Rep
359
Posts

Drives: 2011 e92 (his) 2011 e90 (hers)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Houston, TX (Galleria)

iTrader: (2)

They're also good for parking!! We take the e46 when we're gonna be parking in tight spots, like at most restaraunts, because it has the old school side moldings.
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 03:24 PM   #25
hypnotiq
Excited New 335i Owner
United_States
4
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: E90 335i
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

I owned one a 2001 330i and purchased it used in 2004 and it was my car up until getting the 335i this past summer. Honestly it was the car that got me hooked to BMW. Even the past couple of years it has always been a pleasure to drive despite being a decade old. Very balanced, smooth ride and truly an ultimate driving machine. It certainly does not compare to the 335i today but for its time it was a notable machine. I enjoyed my years of owning and driving that car, that is, until I got the 335i.
__________________
2008 335i Sedan AT
- Dinan Stage 2 Software
- Injen DCI
- Vanguard Catback Exhaust
- Nitto 555's
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 03:42 PM   #26
Tallest
Major General
Tallest's Avatar
1279
Rep
6,303
Posts

Drives: 911
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 911  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1996 View Post
E46 330i or 330ci with ZHP package: how about classic BMW styling both inside and out? how about the imola red paint with the black alcantara interior? how about better fit and finish than the e90?
how about inherently worse reliability?...i rest my case unless you got a 335 with numerous hpfp replacements.
__________________
997.2
F30.F11.E86.E90.E90.E36
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 04:02 PM   #27
daixloxbmw
Lieutenant
141
Rep
571
Posts

Drives: Corvette Grand Sport
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmsent View Post
Had an 02 330i sedan 5 MT. Lots of niggling problems. Window regulators, front suspension parts, water pump, rear shock mounts, differential whine etc. Other than HPFP issues, my 335 has been much more reliable so far, and a lot more fun to drive.
I had a 2001 330i with ZPP, ZSP, Steptronic, M-Sport body kit and a few other options. I traded it in with about 60k miles and have had issues with every one of those parts you mentioned. Had 6 window regulators replaced (cheap plastic gears), 2 bent control arms along with corroded bushings replaced (small price to pay for lightweight aluminum suspension bits), cracked expansion tank (part coolant system), moonroof regulator and even a side mirror motor.

All that said, I still loved that car. It was relatively small and lightweight, very tossable in corners, decent power for its time, very communicative steering and awesome brakes. With the M-Sport body kit, it looked very sporty.

What I really miss about that E46 is the driver oriented dash and the center mounted window switches. When I got my 2008 E92 335i, I really missed the compact size and light weight compared to my old 2001 E46 330i. Now I have a 2011 E82 135i so I have the best of both worlds!!! Now just bring back the driver oriented dash and center mounted window switches!!!
Appreciate 0
      11-27-2011, 09:23 PM   #28
ahendy
New Member
0
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

I had a 2004 330Ci ZHP. One of my favorite cars of all time. Imola Red/Black Interior. Lots of fun to drive, and timelessly good looking. I love my 1, but the ZHP will always have a spot in my heart.
Appreciate 0
      12-02-2011, 06:50 PM   #29
M3Bahn
Lieutenant
M3Bahn's Avatar
321
Rep
483
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: ATL

iTrader: (0)

All I can say is test drive one with the sport pack, I think it's one of the best used cars out there period.
__________________
The journey is the reward.
Appreciate 0
      12-02-2011, 10:14 PM   #30
ZZZZ
Captain
50
Rep
753
Posts

Drives: Z4 3.0i winterbeater
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Have a 330i, absolutely no mechanical problems at all. No window regulars or thermostats or anything. Only wear and tear. Replaced front pads, front control arm bushings, and one of the tail light bulbs was going dim (bmw has since provided a warranty on fixing this). Sounds MUCH better than the e90, body has more flex. The e36 is much more fun to drive hands down than both e46 and e90, but less features, more shake on bumpy roads. Would love e90 technology with e46 chassis with the handling and light spirit of an e36.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:42 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST