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Thread: E30 325i vs E46 330 ci

  1. #1
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    E30 325i vs E46 330 ci

    Good afternoon,
    I hesitate between e30 325i and e46 330 ci.

    Based on technical data it seems that 330 ci is a better car than 325i. In addition it is probably a safer car.

    My questionning comes from the fact that in France the 325i purchasing cost is at least two times more expensive than 330 ci.

    Do you know If there is a logical reason to explain this difference ?

    Or it is because there are less 325i compared to 330 ci ?

    Or it is due to the better driving experience on e30 ?

    Thank you


  2. #2
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    Are you a technical or emotional decision maker?

  3. #3
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    No e30s, again :(
    My son has an e30 325i and an e46 330i. Both are very nice but more people offer to buy the e30 because they are getting rare
    No e30s again.

  4. #4
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    88 325 vert
    Have you driven both cars? The driving experience is not the same. The pricing probably has to do with supply and demand. Here in the USA e46 cars are everywhere and getting to the age where they need a lot of upkeep. E30s are hard to find due to rust and abuse a good example is very hard to find and driving prices up.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by somecarguy View Post
    Are you a technical or emotional decision maker?
    It depends .
    Because of the speed limits, I would say that emotion coming from driving experience are more important.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by vertbmw View Post
    Have you driven both cars? The driving experience is not the same. The pricing probably has to do with supply and demand. Here in the USA e46 cars are everywhere and getting to the age where they need a lot of upkeep. E30s are hard to find due to rust and abuse a good example is very hard to find and driving prices up.
    unfortunately I don’t have any driving experience with those cars.
    what are the differences?

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Plutarque View Post

    unfortunately I don’t have any driving experience with those cars.
    what are the differences?
    I mean, the differences are night and day. You are comparing a car that started it's design in the mid 70s and was put in production in 1982 (E30) to a car that started being designed in the mid 90s and put into production right before the new millennium. Of course pretty much every E46 you're going to look at will be much faster, more economical, safer, more comfortable for daily driving use, much more modern technological features, etc.

    If you're going to get an E30 you get it for the passion you have for the car. I believe that first of all, it's a much better looking car than the E46. I also prefer the driving dynamics in the E30, feels more mechanical, although the E46 is a great platform as well. Then there are the intangibles, that time capsule feel when you step into a well preserved E30 interior, the great visibility due to the slim pillars and large windows, the interior space which feels so large for a small car, and overall the smile it puts on your face driving a modern classic.

    So if you want the better car on paper, you should most definitely go with the E46. If you are a fan of the E30, then you will go with that. But that's only if you are a true enthusiast, don't really see the point in getting one over the E46 if you're just looking for a car to do daily driving duties and don't care about those intangibles I mentioned.
    My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7l...rJvxZHr_00nuhA

    Current cars: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E, 1991 BMW 320i M-Tech II, 1991 Mitsubish Galant AMG Type II, 1992 Nissan Figaro, 1993 Toyota Chaser Tourer V

  7. #7
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    No e30s, again :(
    they are both fun cars to drive, though. either one you pick, if its just for daily driving, will be enjoyable. just a heads up though, there are no usb ports or cup holders in an e30 so you will have to add them, or hold your drink between your legs, like in the old days
    No e30s again.

  8. #8
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    ^Or just don't drink and drive, haha.
    My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7l...rJvxZHr_00nuhA

    Current cars: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E, 1991 BMW 320i M-Tech II, 1991 Mitsubish Galant AMG Type II, 1992 Nissan Figaro, 1993 Toyota Chaser Tourer V

  9. #9
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    No e30s, again :(
    ha ha ha, yup, that will also work.

    the e46 330i is a blast to drive though. driving it really reminded me of the e30 in how fun it is. it accelerates very quickly, it turns sharply, and it gets good gas mileage for being so fun. my son's has the m appearance package on it, so it has the wide wheels and the sport seats and all that kind of stuff. I don't know if the regular 330i have anything like his does but if they all ride and drive like his, it is a fun car.
    No e30s again.

  10. #10
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    The real answer is get both, not one or the other

  11. #11
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    1990 E30 325i 4 Door
    E46 330s in good condition are around €5K here, full history, well cared for etc. Mileage can push the price to maybe €2K-€3K more, it is a VERY nice car with lots of support for track/aftermarket be it street or track car.

    E30s are very nice and boxy, parts are still widely available and very light for a street car. Tires and insurance are dirt cheap, at least cheaper than the E46.

    Reliability can be either E30 or E46, since how the car was taken care of and some luck plays a role. Performance the E46 is definitely better, but i still think the E30 can hold its ground in corners with simpler mods.

    Rarity yes, every where i go i get thumbs up or people looking, even a few people asked me if i wanted to sell my E30. Some people i know are pissed off at me, since i drive it in winter and they want me to garage it (it is my daily here in Germany).

    Go drive both, extensively if you can, and choose what you feel more comfortable with. The E21 and the E46 are the only two 3 series BMWs no one owned in my family, be it new or used ironically.

  12. #12
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    Thank you very much.

  13. #13
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    Thank you.

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