e30 vs e46

[clydesdale]

You are absolutely right about the fear of braking. Maybe I just haven't had enough time in the seat, but I don't want to break the e46 because I am sure it will cost a lot to fix. With the e30, I can just drive and if it breaks, I know it ain't bad.

[Dirtboy]

I've got both an e30 and e46 and I gotta say that the e30 is alot more fun to drive (and my e46 is supercharged). Now if I could ever get a z3 rack in the e30, it would be even more fun!;)

[takashi]

if it's any consolation i have an e30 and a e92 and the e30 >>> e92

the e92 is going in for a 1M so hopefully they will be close to equal.

[txtorquemade]

Let me preface by saying Ive owned 18 e30's, the first being brand new in 1985. (yeah, well, it was an eta, but still...)

The e46, when released in 99 was a remarkable car. A lot of the e36 problems remained however, and now with my 2002 330i approaching 135k miles, it shows.

I have owned every model of e30 except a M3 over the years and have found them consistently to be solid, connected, spirited...if not especially fast in a straight line and managable as a DD.

The e46 vs e30 comparison is not really fair though, we ARE talking about two different eras of BMW.

Maintainance concerns, the e46 is a money pit to keep driving and running in factory condition. Cooling system, subframe, no reverse failure in the autos, window regulators, vanos, etc, and so forth. Adds up!!

e30 maintainence...not much a person cant do DIY if they are inclined. Indy shops are cheaper too for similar work on the e30 vs e46.

So in the balance of which is preferable? Depends on the application.

As a Daily driver... the e46. As a track beast or weekend fun car the e30.

Solution to this dilemma? I'll take both!! Actually, I keep at least 2 e30s in the garage, or driveway, and a e46 which the wife drives most of the time. I guess, that might sum up the entire debate, huh?

[The Dough]

I've had my E46 M3 since 2006 and have been tracking and modding it heavily (mainly suspension) since then. It is an amazing looking and driving car and is a great value considering its performance... but I must say, the S54 is really what brings the fun out in an E46 chassis. The non Ms are also great cars but the S54 really make its outstanding in my opinion.

I decided to turn the e46 back into a comfortable DD because I don't want to wreck it at the track so I just picked up my e30 and have been preparing it for the track... probably put about 500 miles on it since I got it and I am loving it.. even though its no where near as luxurious and powerful as the M3 is, its still a blast to drive. I was concerned that I wouldn't like the huge decrease in power but the feedback you get from the car is fantastic.. First track outing with the car is at Lime Rock April 2nd and Im pumped!

[nando]

I don't get why the E30 can't be a daily driver. How is it any different than using it as a daily 10 years ago? Why are your cars such piles of shit? Mine isn't perfect, but it's every bit as reliable as any other car. I suppose I could drive my wife's car but I've never had a second car in the many years I've owned the E30.

E46 - 330 ZHP is sorta interesting. Everything else - meh.

[Nic01101011]

The e30 is plenty civilized enough to be a DD. It has AC, decent heater, radio, light steering...

[Fusion]

I wouldn't mind DDing the e30 but my business requires a van. Whenever I have boring days, I take the e30 to town and love every minute of it.
I've done some 7K on it and the only non-upgrade maintenance I've had to do was the fuel pump. That was during one of those city drives, but it didn't give up and got me home after a slight bang.

[QUKBMER]

I have been driving my e30 for 10 years now as a daily driver. Bought it with 118k and now has 281k. I have owned 4e36's and 3 e30's along with many other model BMW's. I have been managing a a euro repair shop now for 16 years mainly BMW AND MBZ. I will tell you with all the problems that e46's have i will not buy one,but only to fix and flip it. E30's can be daily drivers,track and show with no problem. Cheaper to fix and maintain also.

[alpinee30m50]

I get bored driving my grandmas e46 m3 (fuck smg) but i will NEVER grow tired of the e30. I think the fact that these 2 cars can even be compared 25 years later is a testament to the e30, just my opinion. As someone said, both good cars, the e30 is just plain and simple a better bmw.

[clydesdale]

You guys make me nervous to own the e46 that my wife drives. What reliablility issues are you talking about? I am aware of the cooling system, but I thought after that, it was a reliable car. I have solid FCABs, which solves one problem.

[bmwstephen]

You guys make me nervous to own the e46 that my wife drives. What reliablility issues are you talking about? I am aware of the cooling system, but I thought after that, it was a reliable car. I have solid FCABs, which solves one problem.

vanos seals, vanos rattle, no reverse (if you are autotragic), crayon smell, strut tower mushrooming, pulleys, water pump, windshield wiper fluid leak, sagging interior cloth, inferior leather material, rear differential mount, oil burning, rear subframe failure, mold in the ventilation, the stupid multi-setting HVAC system.... just to name a few

if you own an awd then ur even uber effed: cv boots, output shafts

factor in the cost of regular maintenance compared to an e30 ie. control arms, rear subframe bushings, oil change, coolant overhaul. you have to multiply that figure by 3 or 4 because of the unusual configuration BMW decided to evolve with.

co-owned an e46 for 6 years with my cousin before buying it from him and handing it over to my brother as a gift (since he makes more money than me anyway and could afford the repairs). now I'm driving an e30 an living within my means. Then again, my problems only occurred as soon as I started to mod it after I purchased it new. As soon as I brought it to Ryan G. to have the car restored to stock its been running fine. ever since knock on wood

[tjts1]

I would jump on the E46 if I could get an iron block wagon in this country. All the plastic bits on the alloy block engines scares me. Plastic valve cover, plastic thermostat housing, plastic pulleys, plastic hose connectors... the list goes on. And if you ever overheat that thing even for a second, you're buying a new engine.

[Nairb]

I don't get why the E30 can't be a daily driver. How is it any different than using it as a daily 10 years ago? Why are your cars such piles of shit? Mine isn't perfect, but it's every bit as reliable as any other car. I suppose I could drive my wife's car but I've never had a second car in the many years I've owned the E30.

E46 - 330 ZHP is sorta interesting. Everything else - meh.

I daily drive the shit out of my 318is, and it's pretty immaculate. It's not show car quality, but with a good wash and wax it'll give any local car show car's a run for their money. Plus, the e30 is just so goddamn pretty.

[brian52555]

I daily drive my e46 because if some asshole rear ends me in it I won't care 1% as much as if they'd totaled my e30...

Honestly though, this is apples to oranges. I prefer the looks and 'rawness' of my e30 but there is no denying that for 99% of the population the e46 (330 coupe) is the better car. More refined, more mechanical grip, less buzzy and torquier engine, and the list goes on and on.

But for a track/auto X car and a car to live out my '80s DTM dreams... e30 all the way. I guess I need to upgrade to an s14 car then to properly live out the dreams...