[NotQuickEnough]

OP get an e92 335i with Nav, much better car. I can see how you'd be disappointed with a e90 328 but the 335i is a completely different beast

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by NotQuickEnough

OP get an e92 335i with Nav, much better car. I can see how you'd be disappointed with a e90 328 but the 335i is a completely different beast

If BJ reads this, he'll have your guts for garters!

Anyway, you're wrong. The F30 series is a much better car. I'll have no arguments as I am unanimous in my opinion.

[matt_335Ci]

Originally Posted by E46toF30

Lol, thanks and so do the Cards but even they beat the Eagles

i have only been out here for 3yrs, from NJ - lets go G-Men!

[ZMM_OMG]

Originally Posted by ric124

I'm running a 335i sport with H&R Sports and I've been to two different Autocross events so far.

My first one was setup on a gokart track and the car handled amazing. I was doing around the same times as Mazda Miata's and an 2011 M3 ran 55.0 and I did 55.7 so pretty close.

2nd run was a bit more difficult at an AutoX that was setup in a parking lot but it was last Sunday where Hurricane Sandy had left the area well very sandy. They brought in a street sweeper but did not help me as I was sliding around the place a lot. My times weren't too bad but the all wheel drives owned that day for sure. I am not sure about the results as yet because it hasn't been posted as yet.

That's pretty impressive as Miatas routinely to run circles around cars costing 2 - 3 times as much.

At our last autox, a guy with a bone stock e46 330xi was absolutely slaying folks with full track setups. There's definitely something to be said for AWD.

Originally Posted by NotQuickEnough

OP get an e92 335i with Nav, much better car. I can see how you'd be disappointed with a e90 328 but the 335i is a completely different beast

Whilst I do like the exterior of the e92, the interior is the regrettably the same ergonomic mess as the e90. Thanks, though.

[dd1981]

Hmmm, I dont know how to really help in your situation as far as concerns go for the German electronics.

You sound like you really love the F30 design, so Ill put it this way. Build an F335i M sport with a 6 speed manual, dont get all the options or bells or whistles. Do the m adaptive suspension and steering for track purposes. Do a basic build that way youre not too worried about all the technology go wrong. Im not sure about your saddle brown interior if its available with M sport, I know those packages can get stupid with whats available with what.

I think sticking to the m sport the car will definetely age better, because you plan on keeping it for a long time.

Good luck with your decision.

[dd1981]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Buy an F30 as your current everyday driver.

Keep the E46 as your weekend fun car.

If you can afford a $50,000 German luxury car, you certainly can afford to keep an old used one that's only worth $8,000. The decision is not about emotion it's all about money. You have it, spend it, problem solved.

BJ

I agree.

Originally Posted by mdsbuc

Agreed. I hope that BMW is listening to us about this. There certainly is plenty of complaining about this for them to see. I'd like Imperial Blue available on the M Sport package, along with the Saddle Brown sport seats that you want. How difficult is that?????


.

I know this is such bull shit. If BMW can paint a 1M coupe wich only comes in 3 factory colors, frozen orange and bronze for the "SPECIAL" customers they can put friggin saddle brown interior for a regular custormer for a few more dollars if they choose to do so in any damn line! I dont care if its an Msport or whatever! If you want it you should be able to pay and get it period.

Originally Posted by E46toF30

OK...I'm going to preface by saying you're probably not going to find a bigger E46 lover than me so I think what I have to say will be of importance to you. E46 generation will always be my favorite because of it's design, drive, sound, and performance combination. The ZHP is the best non-M I've driven to date and I consider the best non-m BMW has ever made in terms of pure driving experience.

I contemplated for months between getting a low-mileage ZHP or the 335i. I still miss my E46 from time to time that is...until I see the F30. It's front fascia just stares at you in anger wondering why the F aren't you driving me right now? As many people have said to me, "It's a beauty and a beast".

Advantages of the E46 over the F30.

1. Hydraulic steering: Yes, the EPS does not have as much feedback as the hydraulics but it still is fantastic. You don't get as much road feel but it's super responsive, direct, stiff in sport mode and accurate. You still feel the road and the wheels turning but not as much. As others have said, once you put in higher performing tires and a lower suspension, it would feel a lot closer to the E90s and older 3ers.

2. Size/Weight: Yes, the F30 335i is a little on the heavy side being roughly 280 lbs heavier than an E46 330i. Me being a stickler about car weight can feel every pound difference. I wish it was a tad lighter but I don't mind it because I know and feel what's under the hood. The weight is still evenly distributed as always and the car does not feel that heavy. As for the size, it's definitely a pretty big mid-size sedan but you get used to it very quickly and it's not a big deal. It still drives like a sports car.

3. Suspension: Yes, the F30 has the softest sports suspension in a 3 series to date. Has little more wheel gap than normal and could be lower/stiffer. Body roll is a bit more than previous 3'ers with sports suspension. This however can easily be rectified with the H&R or the upcoming M-performance suspension. This does not mean the F30 is a "soft" car like some people think. It's still stiff and solid as hell. The chassis is 30% stiffer than the E90 and you feel it.

Those are the 3 main advantages of the E46 over the F30 but two of them will be canceled by spending a little more $.

Advantages of the F30 over the E46.

Everything else.

The E46 is a timeless classic design but the F30 is a modern marvel especially in M-Sport which I will always recommend to anyone thinking about which line to get. The interior and exterior is drop-dead gorgeous. The wide...low stance with the staggered tires and dual exhausts The E46 ZHP and M3 although still make my head turn every time I see one. The interior cockpit feeling is back which was lacking in the E90. It's even more driver focused than ever. The sport seats are amazing and the ride is much smoother. The tech of course is great. The N55 engine is awesome and this is coming from a person that only loved N/A cars. N55 is the closest to N/A you can get while having that low-end torque. The sound at higher RPM is eargasmic. It roars. My car just passed 2700 miles and is just fully opening up. Every time my head hits against the headrest, it puts a smile on my face. One of my favorite things about the car is also it's efficiency. It's a 300 hp/tq beast yet I average 23 mpg when I managed 20 mpg under the same driving style in my 184 hp 2.5L E46. 36 mpg in ECO on the highway. It's a terrific daily driver yet it's got the power to burn vast majority of cars on the street.

Adding up everything the E46 has to offer vs the F30 equals out to the 335i being the "better" car at least for me. It's got a more aggressive and beautiful exterior. A better driver focused interior w/ useful Tech and more comfortable. It handles better(more body roll doesn't mean worse handling). It feels more solidly built. More advanced and powerful engine. More fuel efficient. With the enhancements like the better tires and lower suspension will make it perfect to me. The E46 is a rawer car and a little more of a driver's car than the F30 but it does not measure up to the overall package the 335i delivers.

Get the 335i in M-Sport and if you can...in 6MT for a better driving experience



^ The only day the two cars were together. I made the buyer wait till the next day just so I can have both cars together for 1 day. The first thing I'm going to get after I pay off the 335i is an E46 M3 ZCP for my weekend car

Nice. I want an e46 m3 for a weekend toy and to enjoy on the track from time to time.

Originally Posted by NotQuickEnough

OP get an e92 335i with Nav, much better car. I can see how you'd be disappointed with a e90 328 but the 335i is a completely different beast

OP stated he doesn't like the e90/92, the interior and overall design of the car was what kept him in his e46.

[boltjames]

Originally Posted by NotQuickEnough

OP get an e92 335i with Nav, much better car. I can see how you'd be disappointed with a e90 328 but the 335i is a completely different beast

Telling another poster to get a 6-year old car design when it's shiny new replacement is only months away is criminal.

The E90 is merely the mistake between the E46 and the F30.

BJ

[NotQuickEnough]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Telling another poster to get a 6-year old car design when it's shiny new replacement is only months away is criminal.

The E90 is merely the mistake between the E46 and the F30.

BJ

lol hows the 4 banger

[ZMM_OMG]

Originally Posted by dd1981

I know this is such bull shit. If BMW can paint a 1M coupe wich only comes in 3 factory colors, frozen orange and bronze for the "SPECIAL" customers they can put friggin saddle brown interior for a regular custormer for a few more dollars if they choose to do so in any damn line! I dont care if its an Msport or whatever! If you want it you should be able to pay and get it period.

I'm hopeful that they'll change the color palette around and/or start taking Individual orders around the March Start of Production.

Originally Posted by boltjames

Telling another poster to get a 6-year old car design when it's shiny new replacement is only months away is criminal. The E90 is merely the mistake between the E46 and the F30.

[DarkTrigger]

My mom has an e90 335i, my friend has an e46 M3, and I have an f30 335i.

The e90 and e46 are so much harsher compared to my f30. Yes, they are probably a little sharper around the curves, but not by much. I think the f30 is the best all-around car.

Both my mom and friend agree, after driving in my car, that they would trade theirs for mine in a heartbeat. And that's coming from a guy with an M3! He hates how he has no low end torque...

[boltjames]

Originally Posted by NotQuickEnough

lol hows the 4 banger

You mean the engine that propels my F30 Luxury faster than my E90 M-Sport?

Just fine, thank you. Only enthusiasts care about cylinders. Eliteists don't even know what they are. I learned about them last year while watching the British guys on Wheeler Dealers who buy used and out-of-style cars like the E92 from old guys for £7,000 and sell them to teenagers for £7,250.

BJ

[boltjames]

Originally Posted by DarkTrigger

My mom has an e90 335i,

Most E92 335i's are owned by mom's.

BJ

[DarkTrigger]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Most E92 335i's are owned by mom's.

BJ

My mom's not THAT old!

[NotQuickEnough]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Most E92 335i's are owned by mom's.

BJ

And the F30 328i Lexus line is owned by who? Middle aged men with ED most likely. Anyways don't want to fight. I want to thank you kind sir. BMW depend on customers like you to buy lots of their average cars so that they can keep developing great machines for the enthusiasts

[dd1981]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Most E92 335i's are owned by mom's.

BJ

You have to start getting some new pics BJ I mean I chuckled the 1st time I saw one but you keep throwing up the same pic. Is it saved to your comp at just a copy and paste with the mouse right click left lick action or what? lol

Originally Posted by NotQuickEnough

And the F30 328i Lexus line is owned by who? Middle aged men with ED most likely. Anyways don't want to fight. I want to thank you kind sir. BMW depend on customers like you to buy lots of their average cars so that they can keep developing great machines for the enthusiasts

Oh god dont start with him again it just ends up being the same stuff and evenually a thread being locked....

[dd1981]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Telling another poster to get a 6-year old car design when it's shiny new replacement is only months away is criminal.

The E90 is merely the mistake between the E46 and the F30.
BJ

It wasn't a mistake it was merely an evolution process, besides you owned one so you made the same mistake with the rest of us then.

[MaestroAl]

No. His Mum owned one You're forgetting that BJ is actually a 13yr old kid who thinks he rules the school corridor, using his Mum's computer to troll the internet

[Jackson743]

Originally Posted by ZMM_OMG

So this really isn't meant to be a "Down with the F30!" post. Nor am I interested in a penis-waving contest about "X is better! Y is teh sux!"; I wanted to provide some context on what's causing my 2nd thoughts. I'd be very interested in hearing from board members who have made the switch and comparisons between these 2 generations... especially anybody who tracks/autocrosses their car.

Thanks!

I wouldn't drop $50k+ on a car unless I loved it. You love your old BMW and want to keep it. Why would you buy another 4 door sedan?

[Reznick]

Originally Posted by MaestroAl

No. His Mum owned one You're forgetting that BJ is actually a 13yr old kid who thinks he rules the school corridor, using his Mum's computer to troll the internet

His Mum? My mistake,,,thought that was his Trophy wife

[Reznick]

Originally Posted by ZMM_OMG

When the F30 debuted I thought, "FINALLY... a good replacement for my e46!" as multiple aspects of the e9x left me pretty cold. I didn't care for the exterior design, absolutely loathed the interior aesthetic, and the time I spent behind the wheel of an e90 328 loaner had me going fetal and crying in the corner.

During the Olympic Drive event, I quickly became convinced that a 335 Sport Line would be the way to go. Whilst the N20 is an absolutely amazing engine, I find the character and soundtrack of the N55 much more fun and the MPG difference isn't a big factor since I don't commute by car. I planned to do ED around May of 2013 (happy b-day to me!)

Now, as the time is drawing nearer and I've read through the magazine reviews and insightful write-ups here, I find myself having some serious 2nd thoughts on making the switch. In order of personal importance, here's why:

Driving Dynamics
Let's be clear... the F30 is the hands-down winner in a contest of ride comfort. However... F30's, size, weight, and suspension tuning mean that this car rolls around quite a bit. By comparison, my e46 is great fun to toss into corners and the predictable and neutral chassis is a total hoot at autocross. Lastly, there's just no substitute for hydraulic steering.

Design
This one is actually more of a draw. The F30 is modern, aggressive, and full of interesting complexities. The e46 is a timeless beauty. Both will age very well. The only reason I mention it is because I'm so enamored with the e46's design that I'm having a hard time seeing a day when I don't own one. See my "garage" for pics.

Vehicle Configuration
If I'm gonna shell out $50k for a car, I want saddle brown interior and sport seats, dammit!!! BMW's arbitrary configuration limitations are a real turnoff.

Technology
The F30's tech bits (e.g. NAV/HUD, Comfort Access, smart phone integration) are simultaneously nice to have and a huge area of concern. I tend to own cars for a long time, and German manufacturers just haven't nailed down reliable electronics the way the Japanese have. I'm concerned about owning an F30 outside the warranty period.

So this really isn't meant to be a "Down with the F30!" post. Nor am I interested in a penis-waving contest about "X is better! Y is teh sux!"; I wanted to provide some context on what's causing my 2nd thoughts. I'd be very interested in hearing from board members who have made the switch and comparisons between these 2 generations... especially anybody who tracks/autocrosses their car.

Thanks!

I track & autocross. If you're gonna still plan on tracking the car I'd go with an e9x , hell even a CPO. You'll love it , especially if you are setting it up for autocrossing. There's so much in the way of aftermarket. I'm by no means saying the F30 is a bad car, but its a new platform, there's gonna be some bugs to work out. I still have my E46 ( & you're right,,its timeless. Please don't sell yours if you can avoid it) I think you'd like the feel if the e9x better since you like you E46 so much. But when it comes down to it, go drive both of them again for a while . You won't be unhappy with either car . Above was just my opinion and you know what they say about those. Good luck

[wayman519]

Most of the electronics in the F30 are Japanese. I know for sure that the Nav and Stereo(uk base and us base) are japanese. Alpine - Luxman produces them. If you look in your BMW manual pouch theres a bunch of Alpine Electronics disclaimers for FCC radio stuff and more.

[seis-speed]

Man,
I had an e36 M3, now I am on my second e90, IMO the brand has gotten a bit soft, but I have learned to love my e90. I will probably get the F30 in the spring, but going straight from an e46 the F30 will feel like a boat.

Seems like you are a driver, and you love to feel the road and the dynamics of the road/car, some of the hesitation you have is completely legit, the experience you have will be different in the new car. "Not all bad" when I drive our new X5 it puts a smile on my face, very smooth, great feel, very fun, but I need a planted car with a manual as my DD.

I think if I were you, and I knew that the e46 was going to last and not need major repair work, I would keep it, and wait to see what else BMW has to offer.

I am really hoping this M2 is going to happen, I would buy one yesterday if that were the case.....have you seen the renders?