Thoughts on an E46 vs E90?

[6spdmanual]

Hi All. Quick one? Would an E46 320d Sport be a good buy over an E90 320d non-Sport? Both in decent condition and mileage about the same.

What I’m basically trying to ask is whether an E46 is still worth buying.

Thanks.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

The E90 320d all day everyday over the e46 320d

 

[Schalk94]

The E90 320d all day everyday over the e46 320d

I agree with the above. My E46 320d had constant boost issues that took forever to resolve and it was mostly caused by vacuum issues. I would much rather skip those headaches by buying an E90

 

[MR_Y]

Back in 2003, Jake Venter at Car Magazine did an article called 'Pop Goes the Turbo'. The E46 320d was shown as a case study of a car that failed at Highveld altitudes due to its original turbo design. The E46 facelift must have remedied these issues. Though, an E90 is the logical choice here given it being a newer model

 

[Solo Man]

My personal believe is that the turbos on the first 3 series cars (like the E46) were due to the oil separator filter not being changed at regular intervals like at every oil change which caused them to be left alone for long periods. This caused the loo type filter to become hard with crud and clog the oil feeding the turbo which led to turbo failure. The E90 is in my opinion a better buy for many reasons although i still think a well kept E46 is still a beautiful car!! I would buy the E90 any day though! On the suspension the E90 is much longer lasting than the E46, the car is bigger inside and i am sure handles better. Rides quite well as well. I would however try and get a face lift model E90 as they are much better than the pre face lift E90's. The steering is lighter and the car is livelier than the pre face lift. There is just some thing about a face lift E90 that seperates it from the pre face lift which i like especially the motorsport ones. Just my 2c's.

 

[6spdmanual]

Thanks All.