Differences between E46 models

Wolf13 · 03-10-2010, 09:35 PM

Can someone school me on the differences between the E46. 3 series models. What the I for? I think the 325 has the 2.5 engine while the 330 has the 3.0

My internet is down and researching on the Droid is difficult.

Thanks in advance!

***Mike*** · 03-10-2010, 09:45 PM

The one you want to buy begins with M, and ends with 3.

Lesson over. Post up with smiles for the first few weeks, and then inevitable regrets about not buying a c5z instead

BTM · 03-10-2010, 10:13 PM

they go from 323, 328, 325, 330. depending on the years. you are right about the displacement. i would stay in the 325/330 range because they made slight changed all around that make it nicer and updated. im an e46 fan, and i have a 02 325i. if you get a crappy one i can fix it for you.

JuicedH22 · 03-10-2010, 10:27 PM

^^ wut he said, but slight correction. The 323i was actually a 2.5 ltr, but they called the car 323 as to not confuse the e46 2.5 ltr with the e36 2.5 ltr.

Zerolift01 · 03-10-2010, 11:14 PM

E46 323 and 328 were the earliest models of the E46.
I would consider one of the mid year 325 or 330 models 2002+, many of the issues the earlier cars had were worked out.
You'll want to find out what the service history has been, cooling system, front control arms, bushings etc are all common E46 problems.
Feel free to give me a call if you need any help.
Good luck with your search.
Robert

BTM · 03-10-2010, 11:16 PM

usually nothing is too bad to fix on the e46, but parts can be expensive. in good shape the drive nice though.

altima3.5se · 03-11-2010, 06:08 AM

I would like an E46 M3 they seem like nice cars

TheDatsunKid · 03-11-2010, 07:47 AM

^^^ he gets it

Wolf13 · 03-11-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

The one you want to buy begins with M, and ends with 3.

Lesson over. Post up with smiles for the first few weeks, and then inevitable regrets about not buying a c5z instead

This will be the mommy mobile and pimp highway cruiser. . . just want something nice. They are pretty inexpensive when doing a comparison on what I can buy on Craigslist in the 8K - 13K range.

I'm looking at BMWs, Audi A4s, Lexus IS300s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTM

they go from 323, 328, 325, 330. depending on the years. you are right about the displacement. i would stay in the 325/330 range because they made slight changed all around that make it nicer and updated. im an e46 fan, and i have a 02 325i. if you get a crappy one i can fix it for you.

I think I've heard that you worked at BMW . . good to know that I have an offer to fix something crappy!

Thanks!

Tuned200 · 03-11-2010, 09:12 AM

Good thread. Not to jack it but I'm thinking about a 95 325 myself. Sedan, 5 speed higher mileage but runs good.

Funkmaster · 03-11-2010, 09:55 AM

How about an 07 Lexus ES350?

Wolf13 · 03-12-2010, 12:14 PM

How about the awd system? Solid or should I shy away?

BTM · 03-12-2010, 05:46 PM

the bmw awd system? they are very solid as far as drivetrain goes. front axle boots are common, but they are on every cv axle. now if you plan to beat the car up you might have problems.

Wolf13 · 03-12-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTM

the bmw awd system? they are very solid as far as drivetrain goes. front axle boots are common, but they are on every cv axle. now if you plan to beat the car up you might have problems.

What about mpgs? Is the AWD a mpg killer?

BTM · 03-12-2010, 09:24 PM

google that, i have no idea.