E46 330xi or e36 328is

[cldemarty]

So I currently own a 2002 330xi with about 155k miles. Recently I saw a 1999 328is for sale for a pretty good price. Owner claims it has about 103k miles. I’d like to own both cars but don’t have the space. Should I buy the 328 if it’s in good condition and sell the xi? Or should I just stick with the xi? Just want some opinions. Thanks!

[jclausen]

I would just stick with the xi

[Mless5]

How much do you really need AWD of the xi? e46 would be a more comfortable daily driver and long distance travel vehicle, but e36 is more fun to hoot around in especially if your driving lies through canyon roads - must be 5 speed though. e46 is heavier and awd is clunky IMO, it becomes less of a "driver" car when wrapped together with autotragic transmission. I've had both and still have my zhp with 6 speed, but I also have e36 m3 with 3 pedals as a weekender. e46 wins for daily driving.

[cldemarty]

Thanks for the reply. Yea I do use it as a daily but I want something fun to drive. I drive through a canyon that I live close to sometimes but the xi does feel pretty heavy in the corners. I live in California so no snow here and I rarely go to the snow. I was wondering if the e36 would be better at taking corners than the xi?

[GIJF430]

Seems like two pretty different cars. The Xi is a sedan, the 328is is a coupe (or convertible?). At that age, the Xi system would be more costly to maintain than a regular RWD if parts start to fail... I guess you have to consider which one do you like better? Unless you are tracking it and focused on mere seconds of time, either car is a pleasure and joy to drive.

Do you want a 4 door car or a two door car, and do you like the E36 style or prefer the rounder e46?