Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Which is better a e36 328i or e46 330i ?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Sacramento California
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    330i 328i

    Which is better a e36 328i or e46 330i ?

    So I just bought a 96 BMW e36 328i about 2 months ago and I like it a lot but I want something newer and I don't want lose power and I've been leaning towards an e46 330i 2001 I just don't know which is better , I am 17 turning 18 next month I want a one I can keep for years to come oh and both are automatic

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Metairie, LA
    Posts
    596
    My Cars
    2001 325i; 2006 325i
    Drive the 330i and see which one you like better.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    25,402
    My Cars
    F90 M5; E36 M3 Turbo
    I would take the E46 330i. Newer, more powerful.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Fresno, CA
    Posts
    1,244
    My Cars
    2002 330i, 2000 528iT
    I have both. I love my E46 330i. The M54B30 is a much more powerful motor compared to the M52B28 is my E36. The E46 is also a more modern and refined version of the E36. Both of my cars are manual transmission, so I can't tell you how each compare with automatics.

    Each car has its merits. Since you are young, I would stick with the E36. E46's are a little bit more complicated mechanically and more complicated electronically.

    Whatever you end up doing, make sure you knock out all the maintenance on your car. The E36 will be a very reliable car. I've had mine for 13 years.
    Last edited by shoman24v; 08-13-2017 at 09:39 AM.
    | 2002 330i 5-SPD - 101k | 2000 528iT - 146k |
    My E46 Maintenance Thread http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1124584



  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Metairie, LA
    Posts
    596
    My Cars
    2001 325i; 2006 325i
    From a maintenance perspective, the E36 is likely going to be quite a bit less expensive to keep up, although the E46 is not stupid expensive. As mentioned, the E46 is newer and more refined. The E36 is going to be more raw, in terms of feel.

    Of course, if straight line going fast is what you want, the the 330i is going to give you more of that, at a price.

    I bought my son an '01 325i about six months ago. I paid $1700 for it and it NEEDED about another $1k worth of DIY work. The clear coat is screwed, but it's otherwise in decent shape. He loves it. When we bought the car, the first thing we did was change the oil and refresh the cooling system. He just hit over 5k miles on it, so we're getting ready to change the oil again and it hasn't lost a drop since the last oil change.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Northern Virginia
    Posts
    1,997
    My Cars
    2020 Mercedes S560
    What is your definition of the word "better"?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,933
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    The issue with the E36 is the electronix. BMW started shifting to greater reliance on electronix with the E36. That transistion created issues.

Similar Threads

  1. Which is more reliable? e36 M3 or E46 330i?
    By ICD in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 12-15-2012, 09:30 PM
  2. which is better on E36 m3 for auto-x? neg. camber or wider tires.
    By Coucoui 6 in forum Track, Auto-X & Drag Racing sponsored by Bimmerparts.com
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 10-31-2007, 04:59 PM
  3. Which is faster? E36 328is, or E46 330Ci?
    By HOOJ in forum Kill Stories
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 05-01-2006, 10:43 AM
  4. E36 328i or E46 328Ci
    By Bayerisch_323 in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 09-21-2003, 11:18 PM
  5. Which is better A/C Schnitzer, or Dinan?
    By asif2002 in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 02-27-2003, 12:03 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •