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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
e36 M3 sedan or e46 330i
- Thread starter Doomsdaya
- Start date
msm
Well-known member
Interestingly, I had both at one time in my garage (although the M was the coupe). As a daily driver it was always the 330i. Was a bit "softer" to drive. Also, I felt that the 330i had more low down torque so it was a bit more relaxed in normal driving conditions. However, once the roads opened up and you want to see the red line, the M3 is more satisfying.
///M_Diesel
Active member
I remember that ///M 
...
Miss my ///M too...
...Miss my ///M too...
Fordkoppie
///Member
Application??
Frequency of use??
Second car/only car??
DIY or Motor plan minion??
Having said that, if it were the 2dr, i would go for the e36 M3, but if it has to have 4drs then 330i FTW
Frequency of use??
Second car/only car??
DIY or Motor plan minion??
Having said that, if it were the 2dr, i would go for the e36 M3, but if it has to have 4drs then 330i FTW
Doomsdaya
///Member
Fordkoppie said:Application - Family Vehicle
Frequency of use - Everyday
Second car/only car - I got another vehicle
DIY or Motor plan minion - Motor Plan Minion
I see what you guys mean and from personal experience, I only use my 328i on weekends or long distance driving, its too much of an effort to use everyday. The next car is gona be used everyday.
Fordkoppie
///Member
Doomsdaya said:Fordkoppie said:Application - Family Vehicle
Frequency of use - Everyday
Second car/only car - I got another vehicle
DIY or Motor plan minion - Motor Plan Minion
Having said that, if it were the 2dr, i would go for the e36 M3, but if it has to have 4drs then 330i FTW
I see what you guys mean and from personal experience, I only use my 328i on weekends, its too much of a effort to use everyday.
I guess you have just answered the Q yourself
///M_Diesel
Active member
Sankekur said:
I Agree :thumbs:
Or a 330d :joy:
BillyBob
Active member
Depends on the 330i in question...
Tough one - 330i's should be more reliable on account of being less raped in general. And in my opinion, it's the best-sounding of all the non-M 6-cylinder motors. And being an iron-block, makes for a great candidate for future forced induction conversions. Also, it's got traction control, a better air-conditioning system, and a more comfortable suspension.
As a daily, the 330i auto is actually a fantastically driveable car - as much as I intensely dislike automatic cars in principle, I've driven an Individual 330i AT and came away very impressed...
Standard E46 3-series interior is a bit uninspired though - the seats very flat and unsupportive, and I personally dislike the leather texture and the way it wears.. An Individual or Sports pack model would take care of that though.
BUT, if you're a hooligan at heart, find a very clean low mileage model 4-door M3 (easier said than done, I know), and you can afford to keep aside a R20k buffer or so for in case something goes wrong, it throws everything I've just said out the window. Grin and bear the compromises - stuff a comfortable ride, traction control and a more modern look - the E36 M3 is fantastic - a must-own at least once in your life.
Edited to add: Based on you saying you find the 328i taxing to drive and only use it on weekends, I'd say 330i for you.
Tough one - 330i's should be more reliable on account of being less raped in general. And in my opinion, it's the best-sounding of all the non-M 6-cylinder motors. And being an iron-block, makes for a great candidate for future forced induction conversions. Also, it's got traction control, a better air-conditioning system, and a more comfortable suspension.
As a daily, the 330i auto is actually a fantastically driveable car - as much as I intensely dislike automatic cars in principle, I've driven an Individual 330i AT and came away very impressed...
Standard E46 3-series interior is a bit uninspired though - the seats very flat and unsupportive, and I personally dislike the leather texture and the way it wears.. An Individual or Sports pack model would take care of that though.
BUT, if you're a hooligan at heart, find a very clean low mileage model 4-door M3 (easier said than done, I know), and you can afford to keep aside a R20k buffer or so for in case something goes wrong, it throws everything I've just said out the window. Grin and bear the compromises - stuff a comfortable ride, traction control and a more modern look - the E36 M3 is fantastic - a must-own at least once in your life.
Edited to add: Based on you saying you find the 328i taxing to drive and only use it on weekends, I'd say 330i for you.
Doomsdaya
///Member
msm said:
NH 9821 said:
From a maintenance point of view, I aslo see the 330i being the better option. Saw a quote for brake disks for the M3, R10K :yikes:
BillyBob said:
BoB you literally took words out of my mouth, not so long ago I also drove a 330i auto and found it extremely pleasent to drive.
Peejay
Events Organiser
Doomsdaya said:Fordkoppie said:Application - Family Vehicle
Frequency of use - Everyday
Second car/only car - I got another vehicle
DIY or Motor plan minion - Motor Plan Minion
I see what you guys mean and from personal experience, I only use my 328i on weekends or long distance driving, its too much of an effort to use everyday. The next car is gona be used everyday.
M3 dude. Go test drive one and see how you feel afterwards.
I've had both - went from a e46 330i auto to the 4dr e36 M3
think Gizmo said it correctly - have both!
Personally I miss the leisurely drive of the 330i, much better interior and snug feel. In getting the ///M I learnt about myself that I really drive, and prefer driving, like an old man :rollsmile:
think Gizmo said it correctly - have both!
Personally I miss the leisurely drive of the 330i, much better interior and snug feel. In getting the ///M I learnt about myself that I really drive, and prefer driving, like an old man :rollsmile:
