Exterior Differences 2002 - 2005

[BIMMER_DREAMER]

I LOOKING TO PURCHASE A 325CI OR 330CI BEFORE THE NEW 2006 3 SERIES BODY CHANGES, AND I REALLY LIKE THE 2004 BODY. HOWEVER I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YEAR THAT BODY CAME OUT. I THINK IT'S 2002 BUT I COULD BE WRONG. BUT IF RIGHT ARE THERE ANY MAJOR CHANGES FROM 2002-2005?

[h_curtis]

1999-2005 = e46.

I think you are making a smart choice. I went to the NYC autoshow just to see the new 3-series and I decided to buy the e46. I feel it is a nicer car and looks more european. I don't care for the new interior and the back of the new 3 looks like a Camery.

Curt

[kid667]

I posted this in another thread - but I believe this is what you're looking for:

I've been debating this for a while, here's what I've found as far as LOOKs go (i've also included the i and ci models):

(#1) 04 325ci & 04 330ci <= These have the face-lifted look and are the best looking 3-series coupes (except the M3 of course)

(#2) 02 - 05 325i & 02 - 05 330i <= These have the face-lifted look and are the best looking 3-series sedans (except the M3 of course)

(#3) 01 - 03 325ci & 01 - 03 330ci <= Very cool looking, looks a lot like the M3 but I still like the facelifted look slightly better.

(#4) 01 325i & 01 330i <= These have the original e46 ugly sedan look, you'll notice the headlight corners are faced downwards, the front looks shorter, I don't know i just don't really like the way the cars as a whole look.

The way I've been handling this is that the more money I have the better model I'll get as long as I have the following:

> Must have a 100,000 mile warranty
> Must have 30,000 miles or less
> Black on Black
> Manual

Hope that helps good luck man.