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      10-30-2011, 11:37 AM   #1
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whats special about the e46 330?

Ive read numerous times how amazing the e46 330 is, and its about time I understand why
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      10-30-2011, 11:40 AM   #2
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i wasn't impressed by it when i had the chance to drive one, so i guess im curious to know as well
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      10-30-2011, 11:41 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335 oClock View Post
Ive read numerous times how amazing the e46 330 is, and its about time I understand why
+1
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      10-30-2011, 01:10 PM   #4
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with a sports package it sounds great
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      10-30-2011, 01:11 PM   #5
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great classical body in e46 / long lasting smooth and powerful engine without much trouble...

thats all i know...
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      10-30-2011, 01:15 PM   #6
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E46 M3 absolutely, E46 330 , never heard that one.
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      10-30-2011, 01:28 PM   #7
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I think you are referring to the Zhp. A classic in my opinion.
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      10-30-2011, 02:02 PM   #8
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The ZHP option made it the most powerful BMW NA 6 available in the US at the time. Since then, a more highly tuned version has been available - but not in the 1 or 3 series in North America.

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      10-30-2011, 03:12 PM   #9
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I would love to buy one. I think they are pretty good cars. No 335i, but theyre nice
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      10-30-2011, 03:27 PM   #10
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I had one. Drove it like I stole it on a daily basis. Had 160k miles on it when I got rid of it. Only issue was the auto tranny.

It sounded amazing. Was moderately fast for the year is was built and looked sexy as hell in stock form IMO.

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      10-30-2011, 03:27 PM   #11
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i have an e46 330ci and i enjoy it. But not as much as the 335.
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      10-30-2011, 04:05 PM   #12
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Had an 02 330i sedan 5 MT. Lots of niggling problems. Window regulators, front suspension parts, water pump, rear shock mounts, differential whine etc. Other than HPFP issues, my 335 has been much more reliable so far, and a lot more fun to drive.
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      10-30-2011, 04:08 PM   #13
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Quote:
The ZHP option made it the most powerful BMW NA 6 available in the US at the time. Since then, a more highly tuned version has been available - but not in the 1 or 3 series in North America.
Just for E46 and not mentioning the M3.

The 2006 330i had a 255HP NA I6 in the US.
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      10-30-2011, 05:08 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Saintor View Post
Just for E46 and not mentioning the M3.

The 2006 330i had a 255HP NA I6 in the US.
Correct, I should have specified "non - M" NA6.

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      10-30-2011, 05:18 PM   #15
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E46 330i or 330ci with ZHP package: how about classic BMW styling both inside and out? how about the imola red paint with the black alcantara interior? how about better fit and finish than the e90?
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      10-30-2011, 05:44 PM   #16
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Own a 2003 330i sedan - It's my DD and I like it lots. Looks great, drives well, a little PM and it keeps on going. It doesnt drive like my Z but its a sedan...... Think E46's were one of the most bought BMWs. Right price, sporty, practical, not to hard to work on...... Still a popular car, E46 fanatics.com. Tons of mods, DIY's, meets etc.
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      10-30-2011, 06:21 PM   #17
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too bad.. my cousin has a really nice one and keeps it like sh*t.
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      10-30-2011, 08:37 PM   #18
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Had e46 330ci 6-speed. From 30k to 120k of non stop beating it lasted with out any problems at all. Winter
Summer car. Loved it.
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      10-30-2011, 10:30 PM   #19
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My wife has an 04. They're a blast to throw around and the automatic shifts much more seamlesly than my e90. It almost feels like a CVT transmission. She's at about 97k miles and we've been through three window regulators, a leaking oil filter fitting, front bushings, and a power steering pump. Replaced the waterpump, thermostat, and coolant reservoir as preventative maintenance.

I will say the e90 is much better on the highway. The 46 is a bit loud, with lots of road and wind noise and is missing a 6th gear.
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      10-31-2011, 12:02 AM   #20
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Loved my '02 e46 330xi; wish I'd bought it at lease-end. Sounded awesome, was completely reliable, and was much more fun to drive, better looking, and more engaging than the '06 e90 330xi I had later (first year e90, pre-335). The e90 just felt bigger and less connected to me.
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      10-31-2011, 12:37 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jmsent View Post
Had an 02 330i sedan 5 MT. Lots of niggling problems. Window regulators, front suspension parts, water pump, rear shock mounts, differential whine etc. Other than HPFP issues, my 335 has been much more reliable so far, and a lot more fun to drive.
that's what a like to hear! it' not like the e46 cooling issues were covered under a 10 year recall now were they? n54 for life
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      11-03-2011, 07:18 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335 oClock View Post
Ive read numerous times how amazing the e46 330 is, and its about time I understand why


That's such a loaded question, I don't even know how to begin to answer it. This is akin to a chick coming up to me and asking "so, what's so special about BMWs, huh? It's just a car!". How do you respond to that?

I'll start by saying that I STILL miss my e46 330. It was plainly an extremely rewarding driving experience. When compared to an e90 it felt better, sounded much better (in stock), felt less plasticky, tighter, quicker, is smaller (more fits-like-a-freakin'-glove-on wheels points) and just very solid all around.

The e90's are nice and all, but I still stand by my statement that the e90s will mostly impress/please those of us who do not know much better (have not experienced e46, e36, e30 and so forth).



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