E36 vs E46 vs E90

MotorenWerkeN52 · 12-14-2011, 06:51 PM

This has been an ongoing topic between my friends and myself so we have decided to reach out and see how every one else feels about each 3er generation. Please give your personal experience and opinions about each generation and how you guys feel each one ranks against the other.

E36:

We believe this 3er to be the most reliable considering its age. In three years two of us have driven the E36 with barely any issues. One guy spent $300 over the three years which included his water pump and alternator. The other spent $500 doing a lot of preventive maintenance such as pulleys, belts, shocks, bushings and oil changes.

When it comes to the drive of the car we feel that the E36 is closest to the E30, which btw we consider to be the true bmw ultimate driving experience. Anyways back to the topic, we feel that in the E36 has more road feel and the car just feels raw compared to E46 and E90 (keep in mind we are not talking about the M's here). Over all most of us rank the E36 a very close tie to E90.

E46:

I dont even know where to start with the E46... As I say to my friends "if I had a list of 1000 cars I would consider buying, E46 would not be one of them." With that being said, here are our reasons why. IT HAS TOO MANY PROBLEMS! out of all the people we know who own an E46, all of them spend nearly 2k a year on repairs/maintenance. From things such as control arms, oil leaks, oil burning and cooling issues, just to name a few. Now we know most of these things can go wrong in any car and wear/tear is a huge factor but for some reason it seems like they break down much sooner on the E46. How is that some people have driven their E36 up to 150k without any issues but we have never heard of an E46 making it that high without issues.

Now getting to the feel of the car; with most of us having an E46 in our group and having driven all of them we feel that the E46 (non M) really takes away the feel of the ultimate driving machine which E30 set the standard for. The steering is all over the place and the car feels sloppy compared to the E36. However, the ci does have a lot better feel compared to the i and xi but still not as raw as E30 and E36. We rank E46 last on our list for these and many other reason.

E9X:

Well when it comes to the reliability we can't say much since it is still relatively new and the age factor has prob not affect the parts as much but when it comes to short term reliability for the 328i and the 330i it has been relativity better then the E46 for the first 100k. Clearly there have been a lot more issues with the 335i which includes the HPFP and Turbo's blowing out but still the engine has not been too bad. We will surely learn more in the long run as the parts get older.

We believe the feel of the E9X is much improved compared to the E46, the steering is more direct, the handling feels better and the power is greatly improved. We feel that the E9X brings some of the E30/E36 feel back in a modern way. E90 is prob 1st or tied to the E36 on our list.

bumere90 · 12-14-2011, 06:56 PM

Agree
I had all three
The E36 and E46 were the most problematic. E90 knock on the wood had no problems whatsoever besides the ac clutch.

queensfield · 12-14-2011, 07:03 PM

Had E36, but not E46, and now E90. Agree- tie between E36 and E90. No personal experience with E46.

TaTaToothy · 12-14-2011, 07:17 PM

I own an E90 and an E46 M3, but don't have much experience with non-M E46s or E36s. With that in mind, allow me to introduce a consideration nobody has discussed in this thread (perhaps wisely, but hey): aesthetics.

For my money the E46 is the nicest-looking of all 3 series in sedan form. It combines sophistication, simplicity, and, well, BMW-ness in the most satisfying way of any modern BMW in my view (though I also love the E39 M5). I rank it first in looks of these three. I would put the E36 second - it's a little bland but has a purity of design that the E90 lacks. I think the E90 is a fabulous overall package as a car and I love driving mine, but in terms of looks, it was a material step down from the E46 and ranks in third place.

In coupe form, I'd go E46, then E92, then E36.

ctuna · 12-14-2011, 07:23 PM

One door seal three sensors regular oil changes .
The biggest complaint I used to see was window regulators but that
was only on the sedan.
I had a full size spare and I could change the battery myself and not need to
register it. 70k miles pretty close to trouble free miles.
I thing the e90 front end looks better but the sides and the tail could be better
though it kind of grew on me. I sure didn't like the look of the 5 series when it
changed and still think its a little fugly.

3_runner · 12-14-2011, 07:51 PM

...E90, but I do have a soft spot for the e36.

be1ieve1111 · 12-14-2011, 07:55 PM

Don't look for much of a surprise for the poll, as this is the e9x forum. No experience with e46 or e36 but e46 m3 is very pleasing to the eye.

alarroyo · 12-14-2011, 08:06 PM

No experience with any of them, but i love the original my E30 M3

TaTaToothy · 12-14-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alarroyo

No experience with any of them, but i love the original my E30 M3

I love it too! Never seen one in that color that I can recall. Stunning car.

alarroyo · 12-14-2011, 08:28 PM

I think is unique, is a GM/Saturn color "Cosmo Gray"

ZZZZ · 12-14-2011, 08:34 PM

I currently own them all. (E36, E46, and now E90). Also an e39. And recently lost an e85 (RIP).

To me, the biggest surprise is how little BMW has really progressed in 20 years. In terms of features, the e36 vs e90 really aren't that much different on the surface. Yes the e90 has some new tech in it, direct injection (N52), brake drying, etc. etc. But the things you notice as a driver (cruise control, power windows, dual climate control, steering feel, clutch feel, shifter, etc.)---all changed very little.

e46 definitely has the best quality interior... no squeaks or rattles after years of abuse. My stock e90 sport sounds like mice are living in every panel and crevice. e36 interior also rattled like crazy.

E36 is definitely the most fun car and with the fewest problems. I haven't had any major issues in 10 years and over 110,000km put on the car. The car is now 19 years old (1992) and I have all the service history. Still the original engine, original clutch, original water pump, original radiator. The biggest thing to go on the car was the alternator which was rebuilt for $80. It has been tracked, winter driven, and beat on like crazy and keeps coming back for more. If it wasn't for the frame rust from 19 Canadian winters, and that I feel like a punk kid driving it unfortunately because of the other modded e36s on the roads now---I'd probably not have purchased the e90. It was an extremely reliable and extremely fun car to drive. Keep in mind, it also was not fully original so this is somewhat biased. (lowered, short shifter, clutch stop, cdv delete, etc.etc.)

e46 (2 of them, both 2002's) have had absolutely no problems. Both kept completely stock. The 330i ZHP I had up to 110,000km before I sold it. The passenger window regular went, I repaired it (not replaced, it was an easy fix). Other than that, all original. The other 2002 325i is still in my name, but driven by my brother, it is now up to 310,000km. It has had some minor work done in the past 5 years. Coolant expansion tank developed a leak, one of the brake carriers seized, control arm bushings needed replacing, and headlight lens cracked twice. Other than that it's been oil changes and brake pads. Interior wise, the volume knob on the radio got loose and difficult to adjust (have to use steering wheel volume controls). That's it though. I'd say around $600 a year in maintenance + repairs. (plus tires)

The e90 I've only had a month, so far the only issue was my passenger angel eye died. Then came back from the dead the next day. Currently with 129k on the clock. I don't know how well it will hold up, but to be honest I'm not expecting it to do too well in the long run.

4DRSpeed · 12-14-2011, 09:00 PM

All 3 are great. All 3 have problems.

E36 is definitely a more raw machine compared to the E46 and E90. But my god the interior. E46 made huge progress in that department.
Door panels coming apart. Just ancient looking in there. My 96 Maxima has a nicer interior IMO.
IMO E36 has as many oil leaks, cooling issues as the E46.
Only E36 I'd own is the M3.

E46.
Interior quality is way better.
Definitely not as raw as the E36, but the sport package 330i and ZHP models are still right on par in driving experience for me. ZHP is a new E36 95 M3 with better materials just not quite as raw feeling.

Start planning between 80-100k to do, thrust rod bushings, oil seperator, oil filter stand gasket, possible valve cover gasket if the oil seperator let go early, sway bar links, and a washer pump. At 100k-110k start planning on doing an overhaul on the cooling system (which every BMW at 100k you start thinking about).

If you stage them and don't have bad luck of cooling system failing while planning to do the other stuff thats about $1k a year paying a shop.

That is really all that fails on an E46. Of course an occasional window regulator here or there on the sedans. Bolts on the coupes need to be tightened up. And the blower final stage taking a dump. Other than that those cars are solid. This is daily routine stuff in the shop on an E46.

E90s.
I love how they drive. I really like the interiors and most E90s I have been in are very quiet and solid.

Obviously 335s, HPFP, wastegate rattle, p/s pulley & motor mount TSB.

Early E90s with headbolts popping. N52s come in regularly with Vanos solenoid faults. 9 times out of 10 cleaning them never takes care of the issue. Occasionally they need exhaust cam and bearing ledge.

Water pumps and thermostats failing. Electric water pumps seem to be fragile to drastic weather temperature changes. What we have seen this year from warm to cold temps over night. 6 E90s came in over a course of 4 days with water pump failures at our shop.

That being said. I love the E90, the N54 and N52. The motors are silky smooth and strong. The cars handle very well and just feel great to me.

Every BMW and each generation has its quirks. One thing that remains the same is the cooling system is gonna fail, lol. They all have a different character. I'm not really a fan of the E30, but I know its god's chariot right next to the MKIV Supra and the E30 was WAY WAY WAY better than the E21.

For me at this point E90 335 is the ticket. Nowhere near as raw as an E36, but the 335 mixes a great blend of everything that BMW stands for.

krhodes1 · 12-15-2011, 12:35 AM

What, no love for the e30??

I still to this day kick myself for selling my second '91 318is. It was just amazing to drive, and bulletproof. And cheap and easy to fix.

But the best BMW is pretty much always the latest one. Time marches on, despite the rose-tinted glasses we sometimes wear looking back.

Titanium3Series · 12-15-2011, 12:38 AM

had e46 and how e90, and i must say there are alot of things i miss about my e46, it had more character. E90 is more fun to drive though in my opinion

phistyle · 12-15-2011, 01:47 AM

as the poll shows...newer always means BETTER ...same will go for the F3X

Falafel Combo · 12-15-2011, 06:35 AM

I truly believe the e90 to be BMW's "lost generation". In my opinion history will forget this car rather quick. The upcoming f30 sure does not help the e90's case either.

I voted for e46, although I really liked the e36 as well. I can only say that I "like" my e90. Not crazy about it, as a car. It doesn't do any one thing particularly well. It llooks OK, drives well, but so does my wife's car.

Overall, I would rate it as having a low "BMW pixie dust" and high "mehh" factor. The e90 will mainly register with BMW newcomers, and will impress those who do not really know any better (BMW history wise).

I love it merely because it is MY car, MY BMW, and I love and get attached to all my cars.

bmwm3redblack · 12-15-2011, 07:20 AM

I ve owmed all of them,i can say that my e36 was quiet tired after previous owner,so i have to replace clutch,steering column etc... But the car is very nice to drive and is very good-looking!!!

I got e 46 m3 smg,i can say it's a very special,and reliable car when i sold it it has more than 110k and i miss it very much!!!

Now i own an 335xi e92 and i'm very happy with it(knock on the wood)
What i want to say they are all great bmws, and problems depend on age,mileage, and previous owners!!!

ZZZZ · 12-15-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shicobico

I truly believe the e90 to be BMW's "lost generation". In my opinion history will forget this car rather quick. The upcoming f30 sure does not help the e90's case either.

I voted for e46, although I really liked the e36 as well. I can only say that I "like" my e90. Not crazy about it, as a car. It doesn't do any one thing particularly well. It llooks OK, drives well, but so does my wife's car.

Overall, I would rate it as having a low "BMW pixie dust" and high "mehh" factor. The e90 will mainly register with BMW newcomers, and will impress those who do not really know any better (BMW history wise).

I love it merely because it is MY car, MY BMW, and I love and get attached to all my cars.

Fully agree with everything you said.

apc3libras · 12-15-2011, 09:55 AM

E30 was the first BMW I remember as a kid. I think I was 5 when I first rode in a BMW and knew from that day I wanted one. I would still love to get one of those.

Syndicategt · 12-15-2011, 10:36 AM

E30

/thread

chromisdesigns · 12-15-2011, 02:31 PM

I'd buy another E36 M3 in an instant, if I could. (new, that is, not clapped out, don't msg me with all your old beaters...

)

My main gripe is the continuing bloat in 3-series size -- every new model is bigger than the last.

Edward · 12-15-2011, 02:45 PM

Owned all three and I like the e92 the best. Then the E36, then the E46. Both the E36 and E46 will be remembered more than any E9X from a design standpoint.

Driving fun, the sub 200 hp E36 was as fun as my 335is. the E92 is only more fun because of the extra power. From a handling perspective, I think the older cars outhandle my current car.

The E46 was a nightmare in terms of reliability. That is all I can say there. The E36 went just as far with less problems and dollars. I have yet to see with my new car.

View Poll Results: E36 vs E46 vs E90
E36	13	13.98%
E46	22	23.66%
E9X	58	62.37%
Voters: 93. You may not vote on this poll

12-14-2011, 06:51 PM	#1
MotorenWerkeN52 Second Lieutenant 157 Rep 276 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i (Phytonic Blue) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Stamford, CT iTrader: (1)	E36 vs E46 vs E90 This has been an ongoing topic between my friends and myself so we have decided to reach out and see how every one else feels about each 3er generation. Please give your personal experience and opinions about each generation and how you guys feel each one ranks against the other. E36: We believe this 3er to be the most reliable considering its age. In three years two of us have driven the E36 with barely any issues. One guy spent $300 over the three years which included his water pump and alternator. The other spent $500 doing a lot of preventive maintenance such as pulleys, belts, shocks, bushings and oil changes. When it comes to the drive of the car we feel that the E36 is closest to the E30, which btw we consider to be the true bmw ultimate driving experience. Anyways back to the topic, we feel that in the E36 has more road feel and the car just feels raw compared to E46 and E90 (keep in mind we are not talking about the M's here). Over all most of us rank the E36 a very close tie to E90. E46: I dont even know where to start with the E46... As I say to my friends "if I had a list of 1000 cars I would consider buying, E46 would not be one of them." With that being said, here are our reasons why. IT HAS TOO MANY PROBLEMS! out of all the people we know who own an E46, all of them spend nearly 2k a year on repairs/maintenance. From things such as control arms, oil leaks, oil burning and cooling issues, just to name a few. Now we know most of these things can go wrong in any car and wear/tear is a huge factor but for some reason it seems like they break down much sooner on the E46. How is that some people have driven their E36 up to 150k without any issues but we have never heard of an E46 making it that high without issues. Now getting to the feel of the car; with most of us having an E46 in our group and having driven all of them we feel that the E46 (non M) really takes away the feel of the ultimate driving machine which E30 set the standard for. The steering is all over the place and the car feels sloppy compared to the E36. However, the ci does have a lot better feel compared to the i and xi but still not as raw as E30 and E36. We rank E46 last on our list for these and many other reason. E9X: Well when it comes to the reliability we can't say much since it is still relatively new and the age factor has prob not affect the parts as much but when it comes to short term reliability for the 328i and the 330i it has been relativity better then the E46 for the first 100k. Clearly there have been a lot more issues with the 335i which includes the HPFP and Turbo's blowing out but still the engine has not been too bad. We will surely learn more in the long run as the parts get older. We believe the feel of the E9X is much improved compared to the E46, the steering is more direct, the handling feels better and the power is greatly improved. We feel that the E9X brings some of the E30/E36 feel back in a modern way. E90 is prob 1st or tied to the E36 on our list.
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12-14-2011, 06:56 PM	#2
bumere90 Grozniy 177 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: Carless Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: FL iTrader: (12)	Agree I had all three The E36 and E46 were the most problematic. E90 knock on the wood had no problems whatsoever besides the ac clutch. __________________ -fatman
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12-14-2011, 07:03 PM	#3
queensfield First Lieutenant 21 Rep 364 Posts Drives: 2006 330i E90 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	Had E36, but not E46, and now E90. Agree- tie between E36 and E90. No personal experience with E46.
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12-14-2011, 07:17 PM	#4
TaTaToothy First Lieutenant 11 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 2006 330i and 2002 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (1)	I own an E90 and an E46 M3, but don't have much experience with non-M E46s or E36s. With that in mind, allow me to introduce a consideration nobody has discussed in this thread (perhaps wisely, but hey): aesthetics. For my money the E46 is the nicest-looking of all 3 series in sedan form. It combines sophistication, simplicity, and, well, BMW-ness in the most satisfying way of any modern BMW in my view (though I also love the E39 M5). I rank it first in looks of these three. I would put the E36 second - it's a little bland but has a purity of design that the E90 lacks. I think the E90 is a fabulous overall package as a car and I love driving mine, but in terms of looks, it was a material step down from the E46 and ranks in third place. In coupe form, I'd go E46, then E92, then E36. __________________ 2006 330i - 6MT - Monaco Blue over black and burl walnut - Sport, Premium and Cold Weather packages and Comfort Access 2002 M3 - 6MT - Jet Black over black leather - Xenon, power seats and H/K - no sunroof Last edited by TaTaToothy; 12-14-2011 at 08:25 PM..
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12-14-2011, 07:23 PM	#5
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Never had any major and few minor problems with e46 One door seal three sensors regular oil changes . The biggest complaint I used to see was window regulators but that was only on the sedan. I had a full size spare and I could change the battery myself and not need to register it. 70k miles pretty close to trouble free miles. I thing the e90 front end looks better but the sides and the tail could be better though it kind of grew on me. I sure didn't like the look of the 5 series when it changed and still think its a little fugly.
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12-14-2011, 07:51 PM	#6
3_runner Private First Class 4 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cape Cod iTrader: (1)	...E90, but I do have a soft spot for the e36.
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12-14-2011, 07:55 PM	#7
be1ieve1111 Thread Killer 20 Rep 930 Posts Drives: 2014 EB M235i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana iTrader: (9)	Don't look for much of a surprise for the poll, as this is the e9x forum. No experience with e46 or e36 but e46 m3 is very pleasing to the eye.
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12-14-2011, 08:06 PM	#8
alarroyo Private 3 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 1988 E30 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (0)	No experience with any of them, but i love the original my E30 M3 Attached Images
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12-14-2011, 08:28 PM	#10
alarroyo Private 3 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 1988 E30 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (0)	I think is unique, is a GM/Saturn color "Cosmo Gray"
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12-14-2011, 08:34 PM	#11
ZZZZ Captain 50 Rep 753 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i winterbeater Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (1)	I currently own them all. (E36, E46, and now E90). Also an e39. And recently lost an e85 (RIP). To me, the biggest surprise is how little BMW has really progressed in 20 years. In terms of features, the e36 vs e90 really aren't that much different on the surface. Yes the e90 has some new tech in it, direct injection (N52), brake drying, etc. etc. But the things you notice as a driver (cruise control, power windows, dual climate control, steering feel, clutch feel, shifter, etc.)---all changed very little. e46 definitely has the best quality interior... no squeaks or rattles after years of abuse. My stock e90 sport sounds like mice are living in every panel and crevice. e36 interior also rattled like crazy. E36 is definitely the most fun car and with the fewest problems. I haven't had any major issues in 10 years and over 110,000km put on the car. The car is now 19 years old (1992) and I have all the service history. Still the original engine, original clutch, original water pump, original radiator. The biggest thing to go on the car was the alternator which was rebuilt for $80. It has been tracked, winter driven, and beat on like crazy and keeps coming back for more. If it wasn't for the frame rust from 19 Canadian winters, and that I feel like a punk kid driving it unfortunately because of the other modded e36s on the roads now---I'd probably not have purchased the e90. It was an extremely reliable and extremely fun car to drive. Keep in mind, it also was not fully original so this is somewhat biased. (lowered, short shifter, clutch stop, cdv delete, etc.etc.) e46 (2 of them, both 2002's) have had absolutely no problems. Both kept completely stock. The 330i ZHP I had up to 110,000km before I sold it. The passenger window regular went, I repaired it (not replaced, it was an easy fix). Other than that, all original. The other 2002 325i is still in my name, but driven by my brother, it is now up to 310,000km. It has had some minor work done in the past 5 years. Coolant expansion tank developed a leak, one of the brake carriers seized, control arm bushings needed replacing, and headlight lens cracked twice. Other than that it's been oil changes and brake pads. Interior wise, the volume knob on the radio got loose and difficult to adjust (have to use steering wheel volume controls). That's it though. I'd say around $600 a year in maintenance + repairs. (plus tires) The e90 I've only had a month, so far the only issue was my passenger angel eye died. Then came back from the dead the next day. Currently with 129k on the clock. I don't know how well it will hold up, but to be honest I'm not expecting it to do too well in the long run.
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12-14-2011, 09:00 PM	#12
4DRSpeed TWNEGOS 11 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 07 335i 6spd White/Red Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Knoxville, TN iTrader: (0)	All 3 are great. All 3 have problems. E36 is definitely a more raw machine compared to the E46 and E90. But my god the interior. E46 made huge progress in that department. Door panels coming apart. Just ancient looking in there. My 96 Maxima has a nicer interior IMO. IMO E36 has as many oil leaks, cooling issues as the E46. Only E36 I'd own is the M3. E46. Interior quality is way better. Definitely not as raw as the E36, but the sport package 330i and ZHP models are still right on par in driving experience for me. ZHP is a new E36 95 M3 with better materials just not quite as raw feeling. Start planning between 80-100k to do, thrust rod bushings, oil seperator, oil filter stand gasket, possible valve cover gasket if the oil seperator let go early, sway bar links, and a washer pump. At 100k-110k start planning on doing an overhaul on the cooling system (which every BMW at 100k you start thinking about). If you stage them and don't have bad luck of cooling system failing while planning to do the other stuff thats about $1k a year paying a shop. That is really all that fails on an E46. Of course an occasional window regulator here or there on the sedans. Bolts on the coupes need to be tightened up. And the blower final stage taking a dump. Other than that those cars are solid. This is daily routine stuff in the shop on an E46. E90s. I love how they drive. I really like the interiors and most E90s I have been in are very quiet and solid. Obviously 335s, HPFP, wastegate rattle, p/s pulley & motor mount TSB. Early E90s with headbolts popping. N52s come in regularly with Vanos solenoid faults. 9 times out of 10 cleaning them never takes care of the issue. Occasionally they need exhaust cam and bearing ledge. Water pumps and thermostats failing. Electric water pumps seem to be fragile to drastic weather temperature changes. What we have seen this year from warm to cold temps over night. 6 E90s came in over a course of 4 days with water pump failures at our shop. That being said. I love the E90, the N54 and N52. The motors are silky smooth and strong. The cars handle very well and just feel great to me. Every BMW and each generation has its quirks. One thing that remains the same is the cooling system is gonna fail, lol. They all have a different character. I'm not really a fan of the E30, but I know its god's chariot right next to the MKIV Supra and the E30 was WAY WAY WAY better than the E21. For me at this point E90 335 is the ticket. Nowhere near as raw as an E36, but the 335 mixes a great blend of everything that BMW stands for.
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12-15-2011, 12:35 AM	#13
krhodes1 Colonel 1436 Rep 2,526 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Wagon Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Westbrook, Maine, Port Charlotte, Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 128i [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i Touring [10.00]	What, no love for the e30?? I still to this day kick myself for selling my second '91 318is. It was just amazing to drive, and bulletproof. And cheap and easy to fix. But the best BMW is pretty much always the latest one. Time marches on, despite the rose-tinted glasses we sometimes wear looking back. __________________ '11 328! Touring - Tasman on Chestnut, 6spd manual, factory upside-down "i" option '11 128i Convertible - Space Gray on Savannah Beige, 6spd manual, also '14 Mercedes-Benz E350 wagon, '95 Land Rover Discovery, '74 Triumph Spitfire
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12-15-2011, 12:38 AM	#14
Titanium3Series Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (3)	had e46 and how e90, and i must say there are alot of things i miss about my e46, it had more character. E90 is more fun to drive though in my opinion __________________
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12-15-2011, 01:47 AM	#15
phistyle Lieutenant 19 Rep 562 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	as the poll shows...newer always means BETTER ...same will go for the F3X
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12-15-2011, 06:35 AM	#16
Falafel Combo Banned 3773 Rep 6,673 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	I truly believe the e90 to be BMW's "lost generation". In my opinion history will forget this car rather quick. The upcoming f30 sure does not help the e90's case either. I voted for e46, although I really liked the e36 as well. I can only say that I "like" my e90. Not crazy about it, as a car. It doesn't do any one thing particularly well. It llooks OK, drives well, but so does my wife's car. Overall, I would rate it as having a low "BMW pixie dust" and high "mehh" factor. The e90 will mainly register with BMW newcomers, and will impress those who do not really know any better (BMW history wise). I love it merely because it is MY car, MY BMW, and I love and get attached to all my cars. Last edited by Falafel Combo; 12-15-2011 at 06:43 AM..
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12-15-2011, 07:20 AM	#17
bmwm3redblack Captain 59 Rep 886 Posts Drives: BMW ///M3 E46, BMW E92 335Xi Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: e13 osl iTrader: (0)	I ve owmed all of them,i can say that my e36 was quiet tired after previous owner,so i have to replace clutch,steering column etc... But the car is very nice to drive and is very good-looking!!! I got e 46 m3 smg,i can say it's a very special,and reliable car when i sold it it has more than 110k and i miss it very much!!! Now i own an 335xi e92 and i'm very happy with it(knock on the wood) What i want to say they are all great bmws, and problems depend on age,mileage, and previous owners!!!
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12-15-2011, 09:55 AM	#19
apc3libras Lieutenant Colonel 35 Rep 1,691 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UTAH iTrader: (3) Garage List 1999 BMW M3 [4.00]	E30 was the first BMW I remember as a kid. I think I was 5 when I first rode in a BMW and knew from that day I wanted one. I would still love to get one of those. __________________ 2007 BMW 328I Monaco Blue /// 1999 BMW M3 Titanium Silver /// 2007 BMW 328I Sparkling Graphite (sold)
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12-15-2011, 10:36 AM	#20
Syndicategt Brigadier General 153 Rep 3,730 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (11)	E30 /thread __________________ 2008 BMW 335i e90 - Sold - Rob Beck Turbos / PROcede V5 / Aquamist HFS-4 / AR Downpipes / AE Exhaust / ER Comp FMIC / ER CP / TiAL BOV / Custom Intake / RPI Scoops / Quaife LSD / Swift-Koni Coilovers / DSS HS / Morr VS8.2 Sig Black / Michelin PSS / P3 Boost Guage / M3 body / M3 steering wheel / Adam's Rotors / Hawk HPS / SS lines /
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12-15-2011, 02:31 PM	#21
chromisdesigns Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,754 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i sedan Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	I'd buy another E36 M3 in an instant, if I could. (new, that is, not clapped out, don't msg me with all your old beaters...) My main gripe is the continuing bloat in 3-series size -- every new model is bigger than the last.
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12-15-2011, 02:45 PM	#22
Edward Colonel 377 Rep 2,982 Posts Drives: 2013.9999 E92 Jerez ZCP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	Owned all three and I like the e92 the best. Then the E36, then the E46. Both the E36 and E46 will be remembered more than any E9X from a design standpoint. Driving fun, the sub 200 hp E36 was as fun as my 335is. the E92 is only more fun because of the extra power. From a handling perspective, I think the older cars outhandle my current car. The E46 was a nightmare in terms of reliability. That is all I can say there. The E36 went just as far with less problems and dollars. I have yet to see with my new car.
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