[ItsHectic]

Looking at a car for a family member, we test drove an E46 330ci 2004 model and the accelerator peddle was really responsive, very fun car to drive.

Then we test drove an E90 325i and it was better in a lot of ways but not very responsive in acceleration. If you tap the accelerator quickly it would hesitate while it downshifts. The 330ci did not do this.

So we are gonna hopefully test drive a 330i E90. I am sure it will be better than the E46.

[E46driver]

I went from 2006 e46 325ci to 2009 e92 328i and i guess thats pretty close to what your looking for. The e46 felt like it handled much better than my e92, The car felt more nimble and more of a sports car than my e92. As for the throttle response, both cars had the same delay when you give it some gas, the only difference was once i got the e92 moving it would accelerate at a faster pace than the e46. Interior of e92 just KILLS the e46 in my opinion, coral red leather, Navi, Updated instrument cluster, quieter cabin, smoother ride, and a bit more roomy. All in all I still miss my e46 from time to time but once i get into my e92 i really dont think about getting any other car.

Hope this helps you if you need anything else answered ill be glad to assist you.

[roundle]

The E46 has a lovely M54 (the last of the M5x series). The pedal is actually connected to the motor via linkage. The E90 has an N52 which is better in many ways but is drive-by-wire--the gas pedal's connected to a computer--which explains why the throttle pedal feels like its connected to the motor via a 3-mile-long cable.

If the car's going to be a daily driver, buy the newest model that you can afford. LCI 328 are probably going to last a bit longer than the 330i--BMW did not have all the kinks ironed out of the N52 until 2009+.

[ItsHectic]

Ah I thought the CI was not drive by wire, gee I hate drive by wire.

So we have narrowed it down to 2 cars.

2004 E46 330ci 74000KMs $20,000
2006 E90 330i 30,000KMs $30,000
These cars were 100k new here before options.

[RoamPT]

Well i went from a e46 323i to a e90 323i, love the e90, but yes e46 did feel more like a car sport car than the e90, but the e90 has so much better confort, handling and brake power. The only thing that they had in common was the steering wheel, the e90 it's as heavier as the e46 so when i drove the e90 it felt so good.

[DEZ1]

Went form a E46 330i, to a LS1 GTO, and now back in a E90 335i. The E90 seems to have more of a luxury feel, while the E46 had more of a enthusiasts feel, however, the steering feels more responsive on the E90. My brother and I also rebuilt a E30 325i, that car was fun, felt like driving a go-cart. Overall I have to say I'm very impressed with my current E90, VERY!

[ItsHectic]

We are liking the E46 over the E90, I guess cause my family member is only 21 and prob doesnt appreciate the extra luxury and we like the look of the E46 much more.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by roundle

The E46 has a lovely M54 (the last of the M5x series). The pedal is actually connected to the motor via linkage. The E90 has an N52 which is better in many ways but is drive-by-wire--the gas pedal's connected to a computer--which explains why the throttle pedal feels like its connected to the motor via a 3-mile-long cable.

If the car's going to be a daily driver, buy the newest model that you can afford. LCI 328 are probably going to last a bit longer than the 330i--BMW did not have all the kinks ironed out of the N52 until 2009+.

You are incorrect. The M52 in the early (1999-2000) E46 model years were the last non-electronic throttle cars. The M54 (I had a 2001 330xi with the M54B30) were all electronic throttle.

The "lag" is more likely due to the interaction with the automatic transmission.

My brother-in-law has a '06 330xi; it's a fine car with an engine that is probably the best mass production small I6 ever made. He hasn't had any problems with it, but it was the first year of production. As stated, the '07 and later 328i is probably a better choice for reliability.

[Austin 1439]

Try with it in Sport shift mode. Its only like this probably from the previous owner driving like a grandma

[spencers]

I went from a 2001 325Ci to a 2006 330i.

Can't comment on automatic transmission as I haven't owned one with that inferior gearbox since my first car.

[Roowah]

I had a '03 325i before ordering (and still driving) my '06 330i. They really are 2 very different cars. The E46 was smaller and I thought more nimble, with a more driver focused dashboard. I really have many fond memories of that car. My E90 is larger and much more powerful (184 vs. 255 HP), but in some ways it leans more towards the luxury side than the sporty side. Both have been very reliable, and I plan on keeping my E90 for at least a few more years. Plus I like to say that I have the last high output naturally aspirated 3 series I6.

Overall, I'm glad I have the E90 330i. It really is a blast to drive (especially since I have a 6MT) and is everything I could possibly want. I've driven the new turbo 4 cylinder on a number of occasions, and I find it disappointing.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!