E46 vs E90

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 12:32 AM

I know this has been debated since 2006 but I thought I'd offer my opinion for what whatever that's worth. I owned an e90 330i for about a year and a half. Since my friend has had extensive seat time behind the wheel of the e46, we thought it would be cool to make a video sharing both our experiences.

This is part one of two (soon to come) predominantly outlining the pro's and cons of the e90 with respect to its older sibling.

Hope you enjoy it, and any feedback is appreciated!

Amini77 · 07-11-2013, 12:35 AM

Cool video dude. I don't know about the e46 sedan but the e46 couple handels superbly. My sister has a convertible e46 325ci and its a blast to drive around corners compared to my e90 even with KWV1's.

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 12:41 AM

Thanks Amini77! While I haven't driven an e46 coupe (apart from an M3) I have driven the e90 coupe. Considering that handled better than the e90 sedan, as it should, I assume the same would go for the e46 coupe/sedan. Either way, they are all fun!

E90Flossin · 07-11-2013, 12:43 AM

Great video! I haven't driven the e46 or the older pre-lci e90, but the Lci e90 with sport suspension is pretty awesome and fun to drive

E90Flossin · 07-11-2013, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnirenstein

Thanks Amini77! While I haven't driven an e46 coupe (apart from an M3) I have driven the e90 coupe. Considering that handled better than the e90 sedan, as it should, I assume the same would go for the e46 coupe/sedan. Either way, they are all fun!

Before you get flamed for sayin the e90 coupe handles better than the e90 sedan....they are exactly I mean specs wise and everything, the same! It maybe a biased opinion by thinking the coupe should handle than the sedan, but the way BMW designed these cars, there are virtually no difference between the two in terms of performance or handling. Just an extra set of doors

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Flossin

Great video! I haven't driven the e46 or the older pre-lci e90, but the Lci e90 with sport suspension is pretty awesome and fun to drive

Thanks e90flossin! The sport suspension and handling of any 3 series (although I haven't driven an f30) is what sets it apart from the C-class and A4.

3000GT MR · 07-11-2013, 03:59 AM

I liked the feel of my old e46 better. The steering wheel and response was better, suspension felt better, and all around it was a true german feeling car. My 335 feels more Mercedes-ish and i hate Mercedes.

135Pats · 07-11-2013, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3000GT MR

I liked the feel of my old e46 better. The steering wheel and response was better, suspension felt better, and all around it was a true german feeling car. My 335 feels more Mercedes-ish and i hate Mercedes.

Agree on the driving dynamics, but the E46 feels quite dated at this point, an E9x doesnt IMO. And while it certainly moved in a more MB direction, the e9x chassis was on another planet in comparison to the W204, which ive driven alot. Now I feel like E9x drivers feel the same way about the f30. I dont blame them this time around.

shata · 07-11-2013, 08:00 AM

Nicely made video, Ive had both myself also. E46 was auto and my E90 is manual with that being said I like my E90 alot better because of that on flip side the E90 has speed adjusting steering system meaning the turn ratio changes based on speed traveled Im not particular happy about that. E90 Also has less road feel in steering wheel. Like they said in video for absolutely pure driving experience E46 will be better the downside is the e46 will take alot more money to maintain then E90 model will.

I spent in ball park of 6-7k during time ive owned e46 is that the norm...Most likely not but 1500-2k yr sounds about right. My E90 im doing less then 1k year in cost.

With everything considered I would recommend E90 330 or below for budget minded person that wants pretty quick reliable sports luxury car, But for pure driving experience and your willing to stick some money into car E46 M3 will be amazing. The E46 and E90's are last great bmw's made.

JAL0988 · 07-11-2013, 09:22 AM

I always thought my e46 had tighter steering/cornered flatter for some reason. It might be the fact that I have an x drive now. I had an e46 M sport 330i which was only available in rwd. Damn I gotta get coilovers for the e92

.

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 02:38 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys! I feel like the suspension option makes all the difference in the world. Surprisingly, my friend who likes the e46 more than the e90 thought the handling of the e90 was better. Both of us going in had pre conceived notions that the e46 would handle better. Granted the zhp probably does.

GoRomeo · 07-11-2013, 02:49 PM

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much GoRomeo! Hopefully I'll have part two out in the near future detailing the e46

GoRomeo · 07-11-2013, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnirenstein

Thanks so much GoRomeo! Hopefully I'll have part two out in the near future detailing the e46

Cool! I really enjoyed this video. Keep them coming...!!

Thanks!

sleepydinosaur · 07-11-2013, 03:41 PM

Great video.

I wonder how non-sport suspensions for both models compare, because when shopping for a used car, you don't always get to cherry pick your options.

My E91 came with standard suspension, and while not Lexus-soft, the handling definitely didn't live up to BMW's reputation. After slapping on a set of ST coil overs it was much better. I always wondered if for the non-sport cars, BMW made E90s much softer.

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Cool! I really enjoyed this video. Keep them coming...!!

Thanks!

Oh they are coming!

Thanks sleepydinosaur. I plan on driving a non sport e46 and hopefully e90 in the near future. I'm too curious not to find out how much of a difference it makes.

Most of the reason why I drive a BMW is because of the road feel. Eliminate that and....it becomes closer to those other german brands. Picked up an M5 over the e55 because it just drove so much better.

GoRomeo · 07-11-2013, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnirenstein

Oh they are coming!

Thanks sleepydinosaur. I plan on driving a non sport e46 and hopefully e90 in the near future. I'm too curious not to find out how much of a difference it makes.

Most of the reason why I drive a BMW is because of the road feel. Eliminate that and....it becomes closer to those other german brands. Picked up an M5 over the e55 because it just drove so much better.

Cool man. You are welcome to drive mine, I am in San Diego. Fully loaded e90 sport, premium you name it.. lol..

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Cool man. You are welcome to drive mine, I am in San Diego. Fully loaded e90 sport, premium you name it.. lol..

I'm up in the San Francisco bay area!

KwlAznKid · 07-11-2013, 06:36 PM

nice video! I thought I recognized some of those roads

ThEnder · 07-11-2013, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnirenstein

I'm up in the San Francisco bay area!

You are welcome to drive my E90 335i M-sport if you want. I'm in SF.

I had an E46 330ci and would agree with everything you have said so far. The E46 had a bit more feel but objectively the E90 is the better car.

pnirenstein · 07-11-2013, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThEnder

You are welcome to drive my E90 335i M-sport if you want. I'm in SF.

I had an E46 330ci and would agree with everything you have said so far. The E46 had a bit more feel but objectively the E90 is the better car.

That would actually be awesome. It would be cool to compare it to the 330i. I've driven a 335is coupe but that was long before I started reviewing cars and totally forget what it was like.

pnirenstein · 07-27-2013, 07:58 PM

Hey guys, finally put together the e46 video! Here is is!

07-11-2013, 12:32 AM	#1
pnirenstein New Member 17 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW M5 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	E46 vs E90 I know this has been debated since 2006 but I thought I'd offer my opinion for what whatever that's worth. I owned an e90 330i for about a year and a half. Since my friend has had extensive seat time behind the wheel of the e46, we thought it would be cool to make a video sharing both our experiences. This is part one of two (soon to come) predominantly outlining the pro's and cons of the e90 with respect to its older sibling. Hope you enjoy it, and any feedback is appreciated!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-11-2013, 12:35 AM	#2
Amini77 Brigadier General 186 Rep 4,732 Posts Drives: Alpine White '13 550i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tarzana, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 550i [0.00]	Cool video dude. I don't know about the e46 sedan but the e46 couple handels superbly. My sister has a convertible e46 325ci and its a blast to drive around corners compared to my e90 even with KWV1's.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 12:41 AM	#3
pnirenstein New Member 17 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW M5 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Thanks Amini77! While I haven't driven an e46 coupe (apart from an M3) I have driven the e90 coupe. Considering that handled better than the e90 sedan, as it should, I assume the same would go for the e46 coupe/sedan. Either way, they are all fun!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 12:43 AM	#4
E90Flossin Vroooomm 23 Rep 352 Posts Drives: Lci 335i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Great video! I haven't driven the e46 or the older pre-lci e90, but the Lci e90 with sport suspension is pretty awesome and fun to drive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 03:59 AM	#7
3000GT MR Major 265 Rep 1,392 Posts Drives: 09 335i/3000gt vr4 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sav GA iTrader: (6)	I liked the feel of my old e46 better. The steering wheel and response was better, suspension felt better, and all around it was a true german feeling car. My 335 feels more Mercedes-ish and i hate Mercedes. __________________ Have a single turbo and/or tired of burning up O2 sensors? Ask me about the new ADV O2 sensor retro kits! 335i 2010 e92 M-sport Mods: VM Top mount 6466, Aquamist HSF4 w/custom direct port. VRSF IC + Exhaust 335i 2009 e90 665RWHP VFF900 ST RIP .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 08:00 AM	#9
shata Captain 38 Rep 823 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT-ZPP/ZSP/ZCW Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: VB, VA iTrader: (0)	Nicely made video, Ive had both myself also. E46 was auto and my E90 is manual with that being said I like my E90 alot better because of that on flip side the E90 has speed adjusting steering system meaning the turn ratio changes based on speed traveled Im not particular happy about that. E90 Also has less road feel in steering wheel. Like they said in video for absolutely pure driving experience E46 will be better the downside is the e46 will take alot more money to maintain then E90 model will. I spent in ball park of 6-7k during time ive owned e46 is that the norm...Most likely not but 1500-2k yr sounds about right. My E90 im doing less then 1k year in cost. With everything considered I would recommend E90 330 or below for budget minded person that wants pretty quick reliable sports luxury car, But for pure driving experience and your willing to stick some money into car E46 M3 will be amazing. The E46 and E90's are last great bmw's made. __________________ /// OEM ///
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 09:22 AM	#10
JAL0988 Lieutenant Colonel 123 Rep 1,503 Posts Drives: 2023 X7 40i, 2022 X5 M50i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	I always thought my e46 had tighter steering/cornered flatter for some reason. It might be the fact that I have an x drive now. I had an e46 M sport 330i which was only available in rwd. Damn I gotta get coilovers for the e92 .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 02:38 PM	#11
pnirenstein New Member 17 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW M5 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the feedback guys! I feel like the suspension option makes all the difference in the world. Surprisingly, my friend who likes the e46 more than the e90 thought the handling of the e90 was better. Both of us going in had pre conceived notions that the e46 would handle better. Granted the zhp probably does.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 02:49 PM	#12
GoRomeo Brigadier General 964 Rep 3,854 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	Great video! Thanks for sharing.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 03:41 PM	#15
sleepydinosaur Private 30 Rep 98 Posts Drives: E91 328i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California iTrader: (1)	Great video. I wonder how non-sport suspensions for both models compare, because when shopping for a used car, you don't always get to cherry pick your options. My E91 came with standard suspension, and while not Lexus-soft, the handling definitely didn't live up to BMW's reputation. After slapping on a set of ST coil overs it was much better. I always wondered if for the non-sport cars, BMW made E90s much softer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-11-2013, 06:36 PM	#19
KwlAznKid Brigadier General 354 Rep 3,036 Posts Drives: BMW/MERCEDES/PORSCHE Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles/Fremont USC/UCSD Alum iTrader: (6)	nice video! I thought I recognized some of those roads __________________ BMW E93 M3 / Mercedes Benz W209 CLK500 BMW E64 650I(sold) / BMW E92 328I(sold) / BMW E46 M3(sold) / BMW E92 335I(sold) Porsche 996 911 C2(sold) / BMW E46 325CI(totaled)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-27-2013, 07:58 PM	#22
pnirenstein New Member 17 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW M5 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Hey guys, finally put together the e46 video! Here is is!
	Appreciate 0 Quote