E46 3 series: besides an M3...

gravyface · 11-13-2011, 07:57 AM

What models are most desirable in terms of performance, reliability, and fuel economy?

**EMPOWERD** · 11-13-2011, 08:35 AM

In terms of performance... the 330i with the "ZHP" M-Performance Package (not M-Sport). Numerous factory installed goodies to make it quicker including cams, higher rev-limiter, LSD cooled diff, suspension mods, etc. I've got a mint one for sale this week (PM me for details). For more info click here.

R1200RT · 11-13-2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMPOWERD

In terms of performance... the 330i with the "ZHP" M-Performance Package (not M-Sport). Numerous factory installed goodies to make it quicker including cams, higher rev-limiter, LSD cooled diff, suspension mods, etc. I've got a mint one for sale this week (PM me for details). For more info click here.

I believe only the M3's came with a LSD.

They are nice cars though detailed info can be found here,
http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116547

gravyface · 11-13-2011, 12:32 PM

Thanks guys. Thoughts on the 325xi? Wondering about power/performance with the extra weight. Does it still feel like a BMW?

Blades · 11-13-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gravyface

Thanks guys. Thoughts on the 325xi? Wondering about power/performance with the extra weight. Does it still feel like a BMW?

Sure it still feels like a bmw but not easy to break the back end. you would want to get the 330xi for more power. Its amazing in the winter to top it off and you will never get stuck anywhere.

1bmw1 · 11-13-2011, 09:27 PM

As some already mentioned, the 330's are great cars next to an M3. I would definitely consider one if i didnt find the M3 right for me or was out of my price range. If you're into tuning and adding performance upgrades, then you can easily make a 330 out-take an E46 M3 in many ways. *cough* forced induction *cough*

blakneto · 11-14-2011, 12:16 AM

330i/xi are top of the tree...
But for the price/power 325i/xi are pretty good. They share alot more "common" parts... where teh 330i/xi have a few more exotic parts.

The xi cars sit a lil higher because of the AWD suspension.

Go based on your budget...

Expectations:

$75 - $90 to fill a gas tank. (89 and 91 Octane)
$100 per oil change.
$2000 yearly maintenance for my 325i.
$3000 for yearly maintenance on a 330i/xi should be safe? (what do you think guys?)

Thats just for a 325i. (not saying its always gonna be those $$$, but you never know)

thats just my 2 cents.

If i had a choice, and found a good price... i would have probably got a 330i or 330xi personally. Knowing what i know now. :p

gravyface · 11-14-2011, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakneto

330i/xi are top of the tree...
But for the price/power 325i/xi are pretty good. They share alot more "common" parts... where teh 330i/xi have a few more exotic parts.

The xi cars sit a lil higher because of the AWD suspension.

Go based on your budget...

Expectations:

$75 - $90 to fill a gas tank. (89 and 91 Octane)
$100 per oil change.
$2000 yearly maintenance for my 325i.
$3000 for yearly maintenance on a 330i/xi should be safe? (what do you think guys?)

Thats just for a 325i. (not saying its always gonna be those $$$, but you never know)

thats just my 2 cents.

If i had a choice, and found a good price... i would have probably got a 330i or 330xi personally. Knowing what i know now. :p

$2000 yearly? I'm assuming that's dealer/shop serviced?

I think I'm spending $500 to $1000 on my e30 318iS, but alot of the work has been done already (has 642K on it

).

R1200RT · 11-14-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gravyface

$2000 yearly? I'm assuming that's dealer/shop serviced?

I think I'm spending $500 to $1000 on my e30 318iS, but alot of the work has been done already (has 642K on it

).

Why are you looking at other models the 318 is just broke in?

blakneto · 11-14-2011, 11:42 AM

yah those are shop prices, and the WTF moments you'll have with an E46 car. :p
I don't go to the dealership, unless i wanna brag about how much money i have to waste or feel like being poor!

Going to the BMW dealership is like going to the nudie bar... when you are there you wanna pay $$$ for as much as you can get from a stripper... then at the end of the night, you leave with a woody... No stripper... Lose all your cash... And wonder how cold you be so stupid!

:p only go to the dealerships when they have SALES on inspections and tune ups and stuff like that.