e90 vs. e46

Wildcat Jon · 08-15-2005, 08:26 PM

I am not writing the following to flame anyone who has had or currently has an e46. Let me first say that it is an AWESOME vehicle, but. . . .

My e90 (specs below) is at the dealer today and tomorrow to fix my am radio/logic 7 reception (see other thread). Anyway, I got a 330xi, 2005 pretty well loaded as a loaner car. I have only driven one other BMW before buying my e90, and I've had Honda, Ford, Lexus, etc. Anyway, I can't believe they held the line on pricing on the e90 vs. the e46 given what the e90 has option wise, quality of materials wise, and performance wise. My e90 is larger, has more technology, is more aggressive looking (I think the e46, although a beautiful car, does look at bit dated now), has better ergonomics, has a higher quality interior (seats, leather, dash, radio), has better suspension, bigger trunk, more leg room, better acceleration, . . . . . and on and on.

Driving an e46 just makes me want my e90 back, and now. Way to go bmw!

peakpro · 08-15-2005, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildcat Jon

I am not writing the following to flame anyone who has had or currently has an e46. Let me first say that it is an AWESOME vehicle, but. . . .

My e90 (specs below) is at the dealer today and tomorrow to fix my am radio/logic 7 reception (see other thread). Anyway, I got a 330xi, 2005 pretty well loaded as a loaner car. I have only driven one other BMW before buying my e90, and I've had Honda, Ford, Lexus, etc. Anyway, I can't believe they held the line on pricing on the e90 vs. the e46 given what the e90 has option wise, quality of materials wise, and performance wise. My e90 is larger, has more technology, is more aggressive looking (I think the e46, although a beautiful car, does look at bit dated now), has better ergonomics, has a higher quality interior (seats, leather, dash, radio), has better suspension, bigger trunk, more leg room, better acceleration, . . . . . and on and on.

Driving an e46 just makes me want my e90 back, and now. Way to go bmw!

I drive an e46. My partner at work just got an e90. I have had a few chances to drive it.

I can't believe how bloated looking the e90 is. Also I am dissappointed in the low end torque. The extra technology seems to have taken away some of the driving feel.

I am waiting for the new porsche 4 door to come out. Or maybe an M version of the E90...or the 335i...but not he E90...it's just not that much an improvement over the e46.

ag · 08-15-2005, 08:57 PM

I think wildcat jon pressed the wrong button. Dude, good luck! This is going to flame all the e46 lovers. But tell me e46 owners, if you dont like e90 then why are hanging out in an e90 forum??

RichReg · 08-15-2005, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peakpro

I drive an e46. My partner at work just got an e90. I have had a few chances to drive it.

I can't believe how bloated looking the e90 is. Also I am dissappointed in the low end torque. The extra technology seems to have taken away some of the driving feel.

I've heard this before...what does that mean 'bloated'?
Doesn't the term bloated refer to a living thing, like something that's inflamed or infected?
How do you apply this description to something carved out of sheet metal?

stressdoc · 08-15-2005, 09:14 PM

Brothers fighting? This is senseless.

Mark · 08-15-2005, 09:17 PM

No question the E90 looks bigger then the e46, thats because it is bigger.. but after having driving the E90, I do think it is an improvement over the E46... and believe me I love my e46 more then anything, but u do have to admit when there is an advancement... somehow BMW made the E90 a dynamic improvement over the e46 even tho its a bit bigger.. I dont ask how its done

peakpro · 08-15-2005, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ag

I think wildcat jon pressed the wrong button. Dude, good luck! This is going to flame all the e46 lovers. But tell me e46 owners, if you dont like e90 then why are hanging out in an e90 forum??

I check out the e90 forums looking for info on the a possible M series and the possible intro of the 335i.

I am a big fan of BMW; I am just dissappointed in the E90.

David328M-Sport · 08-15-2005, 09:46 PM

The difference in how each of us percieve a car's characteristics is amazing. Perhaps the jump from my old manual e46 323i to the auto/steptronic e90 325 is much bigger than from the e46 325i to the e90 325 because based on my experience with the 323 & my new e90, the difference is HUGE. I mean MASSIVE HUGE. From the seats to the low down torque to the ride/road holding to the steering wheel. I fact virtually everything is so much better in my e90 compared to my old 323. "Chalk and cheese" as the saying goes. Technology has certainly not dampened my percieved driving feel.

The low down torque on my e90 is magnificent compared to the 323. I have only travelled some 600 kms since I took delivery and already I can feel a huge difference in torque after turning slowly from one street to the next and ramping the speed up again. I am very happy with the low down torque and that is driving easily in D mode. I haven't yet tried out DS or manual modes yet. I am looking forward to that though once I have put a few more kms on the clock. There is no comparison with starting off from traffic lights changing to green. The e90 is a clear winner over the 323 every time.

There is a much, much better driving feel but, I will say that at the end of last year, I had to replace the tyres on my outgoing 323 due to wear and I deliberately chose the cheapest set of 4 I could find knowing I was going to be replacing the vehicle with the e90 soon afterwards. The cheap tyres certainly had a negative impact on driving feel of the e46 but I drove it with that restriction in mind. So the change for me personally has been very dramatic.

As you can guage by now, I am so very happy with my e90 325i.

Happy motoring, no matter what car you settle with.

peakpro · 08-15-2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichReg

I've heard this before...what does that mean 'bloated'?
Doesn't the term bloated refer to a living thing, like something that's inflamed or infected?
How do you apply this description to something carved out of sheet metal?

I think the lines of the E90 do not flow well. I think from certain angles they look like they flair out and it gives the car a bloated look.

Also I find the rear end has a half moon bloated shape.

For example; go to bmwusa.com and scroll down the list of cars under "vehicles". Go slowly and look at the pics of each car. Look at the sides of the e90 vs the 5 series or 6 series. The e90 sides flair out and give the car a bloated look.

HRC · 08-15-2005, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peakpro

I check out the e90 forums looking for info on the a possible M series and the possible intro of the 335i.

I am a big fan of BMW; I am just dissappointed in the E90.

If you don't like the lines of the e90, I doubt you will like the 335, the M3 may be even more "bloated" looking.

Danny

I'm no expert, but if y

JVFan · 08-15-2005, 09:55 PM

Any authoratative critic...and I actually mean EVERYONE I have read, or watched or heard have all agreed the E90 is a much better car in many many senses than the E46...in fact almost every sense. Critics don't often agree on many things but it is pretty unanimous on this one. Also, the E46 was not always rated the best sports sedan at it's prime; I have yet to read a review that doesn't say the E90 isn't the best.

peakpro · 08-15-2005, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRC

If you don't like the lines of the e90, I doubt you will like the 335, the M3 may be even more "bloated" looking.

Danny

I'm no expert, but if y

I agree witht he 335i...not so sure with the M series....

Time will tell....

peakpro · 08-15-2005, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JVFan

Any authoratative critic...and I actually mean EVERYONE I have read, or watched or heard have all agreed the E90 is a much better car in many many senses than the E46...in fact almost every sense. Critics don't often agree on many things but it is pretty unanimous on this one. Also, the E46 was not always rated the best sports sedan at it's prime; I have yet to read a review that doesn't say the E90 isn't the best.

I have read some reviews that have called it "fugly" and claimed it had a "sour view".

I have read several reviews that complain about the lose of driver feel and over technology.

Other have stated that while the e90 is a great car it was hard to improve on the perfection of the e46.

And I have read many reviews that claim it is the best new car on the market.

Take what you want....and leave the rest.

I prefer to make up my own mind.

JVFan · 08-15-2005, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peakpro

I have read some reviews that have called it "fugly" and claimed it had a "sour view".

I have read several reviews that complain about the lose of driver feel and over technology.

Other have stated that while the e90 is a great car it was hard to improve on the perfection of the e46.

And I have read many reviews that claim it is the best new car on the market.

Take what you want....and leave the rest.

I prefer to make up my own mind.

We obviously don't read/watch/listen to the same things. Regardless, I know there is a good E46 forum at www.bimmerfest.com. As for making up our own minds...couldn't agree more... my E90 will be here in two weeks!

peakpro · 08-15-2005, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JVFan

We obviously don't read/watch/listen to the same things. Regardless, I know there is a good E46 forum at www.bimmerfest.com. As for making up our own minds...couldn't agree more... my E90 will be here in two weeks!

Best of luck with your new E90.

JVFan · 08-15-2005, 10:16 PM

Thanks Peak.

RICH2005 · 08-16-2005, 12:13 AM

I traded in my 2002 330xi 5 speed manual for my 2006 330i 6 speed manual. My 2002 330xi was a great car but the 2006 330i is better in every way including ride, suspension, power, gas mileage, refinement, safety, interior room, and quality of build.

The difference after trade in of my 2002 330xi for me was $17,000 Canadian and now I have 4 years warranty and 4 years maintenance. I have a hard time understanding why the potential buyer of my old 2002 330xi wouldn't just pay the extra $17,000 to $20,000 to buy a brand new 2006 330i. After driving my 330xi for 3 years and 59,000 km and then test driving the 2006 330i for one hour the decision to trade in my car was ridiculously easy.

Wildcat Jon · 08-16-2005, 05:32 AM

The car definitely doesn't look "bloated", especially with 17 and 18 inch wheels. I admit the 16 inch wheels on the 325 make the car look less aggressive and not as well balanced, probably because the car is a bit bigger. But, the 330xi sitting in my garage (loaner) right now looks small and a bit staid vs. the e90 330i that will be sitting there later today. Plus, the size increase to me is perfect. The car is more nimble in the twisties but has more rear leg room and seems much wider inside. The car is about the same size as the old e39, and no one thought that car was "bloated". If you want to look at a bloated car, go to www.e60.net. Just my two cents (which is what this board is for).

Heartware · 08-16-2005, 07:45 AM

Hi,

I just got back from the BMW 20th anniversary meet at
knutstorp Sweden.

Me and my friend had a go on the technical track challenge.
The result is: E46 330i all Ac-schnitzer setup plus chip tuned.
Result: 65.3s
E90 325i Tenzo R exhaust H&R height adjustable coilovers
Result: 61.4s

We did drive each others car around the track and notice that the E90 Handel better.
But it does lack low end torque. I do have a video from the actual run. If only some one can help me upload them to the forum.

F32Fleet · 08-16-2005, 08:07 AM

There is a much larger difference between the E46 325 and the E90 325 than between the E46 330 and the E90 330.

I think it's the E46 330 owners who aren't foaming at the mouth for the E90 330. If you look at the numbers you see the E90 330 has just a little more TQ, but it weighs more than the E46 330. Yes the car has 255 hp, but then again like all BMW's it really doesn't show itself until you're up in the rpm range. E90 Leather is nicer than E46, E46 interior has a lower less imposing dashboard unlike the E90 which is much taller. E90 has a cheaper feeling steering wheel than E46.

Here's my forecast. Once/If a 335i is released E46 330 owners will be jumping for joy.

stressdoc · 08-16-2005, 04:57 PM

Once a 335i is released we will ALL be jumping for joy, not just E46 330 owners!

RichReg · 08-16-2005, 06:33 PM

I think of a lot of what is considered as 'loss of feel' can definitely be attributed to the increase in size. You have to figure that the momentum needed to move a heavier and wider car forward is going to have to increase enough so that the 'light on its feet' feeling is just not the same. Not saying its completely gone, just re-engineered in a way to accomodate the fact that this car is now much more like the E39:more luxury, slightly less sport.
I still love it 'cause its fast in my book & hasn't lost that 3 Series rabbit-like groove!

As far as 330 owners go, yeah I guess they're not that impressed, but I'm pretty sure BMW was aiming for a good chunk of the E46 325 market with the E90 330. But those wanting a 335 better get prepared for some SERIOUS sticker shock.

08-15-2005, 08:26 PM	#1
Wildcat Jon Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	e90 vs. e46 I am not writing the following to flame anyone who has had or currently has an e46. Let me first say that it is an AWESOME vehicle, but. . . . My e90 (specs below) is at the dealer today and tomorrow to fix my am radio/logic 7 reception (see other thread). Anyway, I got a 330xi, 2005 pretty well loaded as a loaner car. I have only driven one other BMW before buying my e90, and I've had Honda, Ford, Lexus, etc. Anyway, I can't believe they held the line on pricing on the e90 vs. the e46 given what the e90 has option wise, quality of materials wise, and performance wise. My e90 is larger, has more technology, is more aggressive looking (I think the e46, although a beautiful car, does look at bit dated now), has better ergonomics, has a higher quality interior (seats, leather, dash, radio), has better suspension, bigger trunk, more leg room, better acceleration, . . . . . and on and on. Driving an e46 just makes me want my e90 back, and now. Way to go bmw! __________________ 330i/TiSilver/Black Leather/Step/Poplar/Prem/Sport/Cold Weather/Navi-Idrive/Sirius
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08-15-2005, 08:57 PM	#3
ag Private 0 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 325i SB Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	I think wildcat jon pressed the wrong button. Dude, good luck! This is going to flame all the e46 lovers. But tell me e46 owners, if you dont like e90 then why are hanging out in an e90 forum??
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08-15-2005, 09:14 PM	#5
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Brothers fighting? This is senseless.
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08-15-2005, 09:17 PM	#6
Mark Administrator 6724 Rep 4,201 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [8.34]	No question the E90 looks bigger then the e46, thats because it is bigger.. but after having driving the E90, I do think it is an improvement over the E46... and believe me I love my e46 more then anything, but u do have to admit when there is an advancement... somehow BMW made the E90 a dynamic improvement over the e46 even tho its a bit bigger.. I dont ask how its done __________________ BMW 1M. BMW M2. BMW M2.
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08-15-2005, 09:46 PM	#8
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	The difference in how each of us percieve a car's characteristics is amazing. Perhaps the jump from my old manual e46 323i to the auto/steptronic e90 325 is much bigger than from the e46 325i to the e90 325 because based on my experience with the 323 & my new e90, the difference is HUGE. I mean MASSIVE HUGE. From the seats to the low down torque to the ride/road holding to the steering wheel. I fact virtually everything is so much better in my e90 compared to my old 323. "Chalk and cheese" as the saying goes. Technology has certainly not dampened my percieved driving feel. The low down torque on my e90 is magnificent compared to the 323. I have only travelled some 600 kms since I took delivery and already I can feel a huge difference in torque after turning slowly from one street to the next and ramping the speed up again. I am very happy with the low down torque and that is driving easily in D mode. I haven't yet tried out DS or manual modes yet. I am looking forward to that though once I have put a few more kms on the clock. There is no comparison with starting off from traffic lights changing to green. The e90 is a clear winner over the 323 every time. There is a much, much better driving feel but, I will say that at the end of last year, I had to replace the tyres on my outgoing 323 due to wear and I deliberately chose the cheapest set of 4 I could find knowing I was going to be replacing the vehicle with the e90 soon afterwards. The cheap tyres certainly had a negative impact on driving feel of the e46 but I drove it with that restriction in mind. So the change for me personally has been very dramatic. As you can guage by now, I am so very happy with my e90 325i. Happy motoring, no matter what car you settle with. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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08-15-2005, 09:55 PM	#11
JVFan Lieutenant 36 Rep 515 Posts Drives: Very Well Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lloydminster, AB CANADA iTrader: (1)	Any authoratative critic...and I actually mean EVERYONE I have read, or watched or heard have all agreed the E90 is a much better car in many many senses than the E46...in fact almost every sense. Critics don't often agree on many things but it is pretty unanimous on this one. Also, the E46 was not always rated the best sports sedan at it's prime; I have yet to read a review that doesn't say the E90 isn't the best.
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08-15-2005, 10:16 PM	#16
JVFan Lieutenant 36 Rep 515 Posts Drives: Very Well Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lloydminster, AB CANADA iTrader: (1)	Thanks Peak.
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08-16-2005, 12:13 AM	#17
RICH2005 Private 1 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: VANCOUVER iTrader: (0)	I traded in my 2002 330xi 5 speed manual for my 2006 330i 6 speed manual. My 2002 330xi was a great car but the 2006 330i is better in every way including ride, suspension, power, gas mileage, refinement, safety, interior room, and quality of build. The difference after trade in of my 2002 330xi for me was $17,000 Canadian and now I have 4 years warranty and 4 years maintenance. I have a hard time understanding why the potential buyer of my old 2002 330xi wouldn't just pay the extra $17,000 to $20,000 to buy a brand new 2006 330i. After driving my 330xi for 3 years and 59,000 km and then test driving the 2006 330i for one hour the decision to trade in my car was ridiculously easy.
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08-16-2005, 05:32 AM	#18
Wildcat Jon Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	The car definitely doesn't look "bloated", especially with 17 and 18 inch wheels. I admit the 16 inch wheels on the 325 make the car look less aggressive and not as well balanced, probably because the car is a bit bigger. But, the 330xi sitting in my garage (loaner) right now looks small and a bit staid vs. the e90 330i that will be sitting there later today. Plus, the size increase to me is perfect. The car is more nimble in the twisties but has more rear leg room and seems much wider inside. The car is about the same size as the old e39, and no one thought that car was "bloated". If you want to look at a bloated car, go to www.e60.net. Just my two cents (which is what this board is for). __________________ 330i/TiSilver/Black Leather/Step/Poplar/Prem/Sport/Cold Weather/Navi-Idrive/Sirius
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08-16-2005, 07:45 AM	#19
Heartware First Lieutenant 34 Rep 324 Posts Drives: E90 335i AW Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i E90 [0.00] 2005 325i EURO Ed [0.00]	Technical track run. Hi, I just got back from the BMW 20th anniversary meet at knutstorp Sweden. Me and my friend had a go on the technical track challenge. The result is: E46 330i all Ac-schnitzer setup plus chip tuned. Result: 65.3s E90 325i Tenzo R exhaust H&R height adjustable coilovers Result: 61.4s We did drive each others car around the track and notice that the E90 Handel better. But it does lack low end torque. I do have a video from the actual run. If only some one can help me upload them to the forum.
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08-16-2005, 08:07 AM	#20
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3570 Rep 10,351 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	There is a much larger difference between the E46 325 and the E90 325 than between the E46 330 and the E90 330. I think it's the E46 330 owners who aren't foaming at the mouth for the E90 330. If you look at the numbers you see the E90 330 has just a little more TQ, but it weighs more than the E46 330. Yes the car has 255 hp, but then again like all BMW's it really doesn't show itself until you're up in the rpm range. E90 Leather is nicer than E46, E46 interior has a lower less imposing dashboard unlike the E90 which is much taller. E90 has a cheaper feeling steering wheel than E46. Here's my forecast. Once/If a 335i is released E46 330 owners will be jumping for joy.
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08-16-2005, 04:57 PM	#21
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Once a 335i is released we will ALL be jumping for joy, not just E46 330 owners!
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08-16-2005, 06:33 PM	#22
RichReg Colonel 121 Rep 2,099 Posts Drives: 2015 435Xi GC & 2000 323Ci. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I think of a lot of what is considered as 'loss of feel' can definitely be attributed to the increase in size. You have to figure that the momentum needed to move a heavier and wider car forward is going to have to increase enough so that the 'light on its feet' feeling is just not the same. Not saying its completely gone, just re-engineered in a way to accomodate the fact that this car is now much more like the E39:more luxury, slightly less sport. I still love it 'cause its fast in my book & hasn't lost that 3 Series rabbit-like groove! As far as 330 owners go, yeah I guess they're not that impressed, but I'm pretty sure BMW was aiming for a good chunk of the E46 325 market with the E90 330. But those wanting a 335 better get prepared for some SERIOUS sticker shock.
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