E30 vs E46. Help?

[QUKBMER]

Driving a e46 = fat pig,on the other hand...........driving an e30 = priceless !

[mcaden]

I own both - E30 325is and E46 ZHP. Both are great cars - but I only own the ZHP because I have kids and needed a four door car with air bags. I also need the ZHP with snow tires to get through winter storms. However, if snow or road salt isn't much off a factor and you are young (e.g., no kids)... I would select the E30 (notwithstanding a 6 speed ZHP drops 0-60 in 5.6-5.9).

The E30 is so much more engaging to drive. Lighter, more feedback, no electronic nanny, parts cheap, easy to work on, etc. You are driving all aspects of the car and it gives you feedback your brain/body can understand. It is much more fun to drive, and I like being anonymous. The E46 can still make you seem like a monied BMW driver when you pull up somewhere. However, most people think you are driving an E30 because you have to... when it reality you are driving it because you want to.

I also think now happens to be the time to get into the E30 game as prices are going up steadily. In ten years, these cars and prices will be in a place that will be unreachable for many. Just look at how much 2002s were going for about 10-12 years ago.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Marc

PS - You really need to drive a well sorted E30 located in your area.

[E30stan]

Ive daily driven both models,
the e46 is the hot chick you want to be seen taking out to nice places,
the e30 is the fun chick you can do anything with!

[slammin.e28]

One big factor.....

e46 never came with LSD unless M3.

SO that basically, IMO, delegates it to DD/street duties and nothing more.

Although I seriously suggest e36 M3.



I bought mine because I can do the same mods to my e46 330i, but get more out of the car.

E46 M3s are disconnected anyways (IMO). Sure, they're quick, but I really don't like how they feel. Give me the raw feel of my e36 any day. It's got plenty to put a smile on my face and get me tickets around every turn.

[redsubdivisions]

Ive daily driven both models,
the e46 is the hot chick you want to be seen taking out to nice places,
the e30 is the fun chick you can do anything with!

lol excellent comparison.

[mcr_driver]

I know there's been threads like this before but I want more input (so don't flame me for "not searching"). Currently I own a 2003 E46 325xi 5 speed that I bought 2 years ago for $4,000. Yeah, it had A LOT of problems. The previous owner had beaten the shit out of it. I've replaced the entire cooling system, rebuilt the suspension, European catless tune, CV axels, headers, M54b30cams, manual trans swap ect ect ect... In total I've probably dropped 3k in it.

I've always been a car freak but mostly older American Muscle cars because that's what I've grown up around. My E46 is responsible for getting me into BMWs and its also my first car. Ever since I really got interested in BMWs I've had a thing for E30s because of the driving experience (I drove my buddies 88 hennerot red 325is with poly bushings and a Schrick 288 cam. It was a revelation) and now I'm at the point where I'm hell bent on getting one.


SOOO, now that you know my life story :P has anyone made the switch from E46 to E30 or vise versa? I'm young and I don't really care about amenities but what's it like to live with a 20+ year old car? Ease of maintenance (Its gotta be easier than my AWD E46) and part cost? and the big question. should I keep my E46 or trade for an E30?

I should have no problem getting AT LEAST $4,500 for my E46. I can get a pretty nice E30 325i or 318is for that much.

Keep the e46 and get an e30. You will always need a second vehicle when owning an e30 it might as well be one you are familiar with. Also I originally had an e46 as well (supercharged 330i) then got an e30 (87 325is) and have been hooked since. There are times when I wouldn't mind another e46 (nice 5 speed wagon or a ZHP) as a comfy car so the e30 can go a different route, but would never not want to have an e30 in the stable.

[dishwab]

I really like my 330ci, I think it's a great combination of speed, comfort, looks, and fun. I'm right around 100k miles on it and haven't had any major issues - just the usual wear items and preventative cooling system stuff.

As others have said, they are totally different cars - the E30 always puts a smile on my face, but sometimes the creature comforts of the newer car are nice to have. Do what I do - daily the E46 and drive the E30 when it's running!

[QUKBMER]

:up:

Do what I do - daily the E30 and drive the E46 when it's running!

LOL FIXED !!!!

[agent]

...most people think you are driving an E30 because you have to... when in reality you are driving it because you want to.

I like this.

[Nick_S]

Never owned, but driven a few E46's. For everyday use and comfort they are fantastic cars. Like about everyone has said, they don't give you the same joy of driving that an E30 does. There is just something about these cars that you can't help but make you smile.

[Gregs///M]

I own the E46 M3 and it is still my favorite car to drive. However, the E30 is still fantastic. It is so nimble, well balanced, and fun to drive. However, my M3 definitely turns heads anytime I drive it and puts a smile on my face when I floor the 333 ponies. BUT WE'RE TALKING APPLIES AND ORANGES.

The E30 is truly one of the greatest cars ever made in my opinion. Parts are cheap, well designed, very functional, well built, reliable just to name a few. I consider it a vintage BMW and I've owned others...E28, E34 and I've worked on about every BMW from the 70's and 80's. E30 is without a doubt, the best in those years. If my E30 was totaled, I would certainly buy another. It is a great daily driver too.

[totheredline]

Alright. Its safe to say I'm for sure getting an E30. Found a couple nice examples locally. I'm really excited.

[XW70]

Alright. Its safe to say I'm for sure getting an E30. Found a couple nice examples locally. I'm really excited.

Good choice sir! Gonna keep the e46 then? It would make the ultimate e30 parts hauler

[Freakshow]

I own both - E30 325is and E46 ZHP. Both are great cars - but I only own the ZHP because I have kids and needed a four door car with air bags. I also need the ZHP with snow tires to get through winter storms. However, if snow or road salt isn't much off a factor and you are young (e.g., no kids)... I would select the E30 (notwithstanding a 6 speed ZHP drops 0-60 in 5.6-5.9).

The E30 is so much more engaging to drive. Lighter, more feedback, no electronic nanny, parts cheap, easy to work on, etc. You are driving all aspects of the car and it gives you feedback your brain/body can understand. It is much more fun to drive, and I like being anonymous. The E46 can still make you seem like a monied BMW driver when you pull up somewhere. However, most people think you are driving an E30 because you have to... when it reality you are driving it because you want to.

I also think now happens to be the time to get into the E30 game as prices are going up steadily. In ten years, these cars and prices will be in a place that will be unreachable for many. Just look at how much 2002s were going for about 10-12 years ago.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Marc

PS - You really need to drive a well sorted E30 located in your area.

Couldn't agree more with this post especially if your looking to buy a e30. I also own both my 328ci sits while i drive the e30 daily!

[totheredline]

I could probably keep the E46 but I think I'm just going to get rid of it. that way I can devote more $$ to the E30. I will hopefully have enough money leftover after buying an E30 to do some maintenance on it and build up the suspension.