E46, Which One?

[jpr_bimmer]

Well it comes down to the chocies. I have tested a basic 2000 323i automatic and liked it. It was too basic though. Then tested a 2002 325i automatic and liked it more because of the premium features. Then tested a 2002 530i auto and truly loved the feel of this motor and especially its shifts. I also learned that the transmission is adaptive and will learn how you typically drive and run that way.

The 330i has the same motor and I would assume the same transmission correct? Is it adaptive as well. I truly liked the smoothness of this motor but the size and price of the 3 series.

I'd love an M3 but would like a great all around 3 series and would like to know which package, if any, to avoid or to get.

Thanks,

WALTER

[zibby]

Originally posted by jpr_bimmer@Jul 7 2005, 09:01 PM
Well it comes down to the chocies. I have tested a basic 2000 323i automatic and liked it. It was too basic though. Then tested a 2002 325i automatic and liked it more because of the premium features. Then tested a 2002 530i auto and truly loved the feel of this motor and especially its shifts. I also learned that the transmission is adaptive and will learn how you typically drive and run that way.

The 330i has the same motor and I would assume the same transmission correct? Is it adaptive as well. I truly liked the smoothness of this motor but the size and price of the 3 series.

I'd love an M3 but would like a great all around 3 series and would like to know which package, if any, to avoid or to get.

Thanks,

WALTER

[snapback]360555[/snapback]

All 3 series E46 1999 and up have adaptive transmissions. My advice- stay away from 2000 323i with auto tranny ! they suck and cost a big trouble.

[red330Iperfpkg]

if i was you id go with the 330i perf package...might be a little more pricey than what your lookin at but its well worth it!

i love my car

[FL325i]

New to the board. Picking up the 325i auto with the premium package for the wife tomorrow. Liked the 330 as well, but we figured we didn't need the extra horses. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[boneycat]

I'm also new to the board. I like you was unsure about which model to get as well. I started off looking only at the 330i prem/sport package. A friend let me driver his 325i and I was pretty impressed. So I ended up finding a great 325i prem at a great price and saved $6-7k. But either way you go, you can't go wrong.

[BMWLotAttendant]

If you need room, then get the 530i. It has pleanty of power...and room. I love it, even the e39s.

Now, e46 3-series. I personally like these better than the new e90s. Yes, I'd go with either the sport package, or performance package. Those both give power and looks.

Have you tried the xi(s)-AWD 3-series? They are awesome! More response and you can tell a difference between them and normal 325i(s).

Good luck!

[Jim Clark]

The picture in my sig is what I just bought. LOL, Ive never even driven an e46 but I've had two other BMW's, the last being a mid '80's 325e, before that was an early 530i. I'm not concerned, I know I'll love the car when it arrives by shipper next week (the wait is killing me).

I'm a believer in going with as much power as you can afford. It'll have better low end torque and won't have to work as hard in everyday driving, having the upper end power on tap is also nice. I would have liked an M3 convertible but I already busted the budget with the 330. If I were looking for a 5 series, I might try to stretch the budget for a 540.