E46 330i/6 VS E46 330i ZHP VS E90 328i VS E90 330i

[NJDD]

It's time for me to upgrade to something a bit more modern.

In terms of reliability, total cost of ownership, performance, fuel economy, etc. which do you think offers the best overall value?

[slides]

i love the looks and reliability of e46, i will be switching from my 335i back to e46 m3 most likely.

always a 330 never a 328

[TonyAngel]

You didn't ask any question regarding how they feel and handle. I (actually bought it for my son) an '01 E46 325i and an '06 E90 325i. I find the E46 to be more of a driver's car. Better road feel and more nimble. The E90 is a bit of a bigger car.

As for power, I believe the last model year of the 330i in the E46 line put out around 220hp. For 2006, BMW started putting the same engine in the 325i, 328i and 330i with the major differences being in the intake and exhaust with the engines putting out around 215, 230 and 250 hp. There are also mods available to up the 325i and 328i hp numbers up to equal those of the 330i.

In terms of reliability, assuming cars of similar shape, I'd have to say that the E46 is more reliable with a lower cost of ownership. The E90s just plain out perform the E46s in straight line speed, but in overall feel, I prefer the E46.

My E90 has been buggy. Even my son described it as being twitchy.