whats special about the e46 330?

335 oClock · 10-30-2011, 11:37 AM

Ive read numerous times how amazing the e46 330 is, and its about time I understand why

Express · 10-30-2011, 11:40 AM

i wasn't impressed by it when i had the chance to drive one, so i guess im curious to know as well

e92LuNaTiC · 10-30-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335 oClock

Ive read numerous times how amazing the e46 330 is, and its about time I understand why

+1

Coolieman1220 · 10-30-2011, 01:10 PM

with a sports package it sounds great

M340i Pride · 10-30-2011, 01:11 PM

great classical body in e46 / long lasting smooth and powerful engine without much trouble...

thats all i know...

Q4P · 10-30-2011, 01:15 PM

E46 M3 absolutely, E46 330

, never heard that one.

Trojan4evr · 10-30-2011, 01:28 PM

I think you are referring to the Zhp. A classic in my opinion.

Tom K. · 10-30-2011, 02:02 PM

The ZHP option made it the most powerful BMW NA 6 available in the US at the time. Since then, a more highly tuned version has been available - but not in the 1 or 3 series in North America.

Tom

BMWM3DREAM · 10-30-2011, 03:12 PM

I would love to buy one. I think they are pretty good cars. No 335i, but theyre nice

Numark318i · 10-30-2011, 03:27 PM

I had one. Drove it like I stole it on a daily basis. Had 160k miles on it when I got rid of it. Only issue was the auto tranny.

It sounded amazing. Was moderately fast for the year is was built and looked sexy as hell in stock form IMO.

hipnotic · 10-30-2011, 03:27 PM

i have an e46 330ci and i enjoy it. But not as much as the 335.

jmsent · 10-30-2011, 04:05 PM

Had an 02 330i sedan 5 MT. Lots of niggling problems. Window regulators, front suspension parts, water pump, rear shock mounts, differential whine etc. Other than HPFP issues, my 335 has been much more reliable so far, and a lot more fun to drive.

Saintor · 10-30-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

The ZHP option made it the most powerful BMW NA 6 available in the US at the time. Since then, a more highly tuned version has been available - but not in the 1 or 3 series in North America.

Just for E46 and not mentioning the M3.

The 2006 330i had a 255HP NA I6 in the US.

Tom K. · 10-30-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintor

Just for E46 and not mentioning the M3.

The 2006 330i had a 255HP NA I6 in the US.

Correct, I should have specified "non - M" NA6.

Tom

mark1996 · 10-30-2011, 05:18 PM

E46 330i or 330ci with ZHP package: how about classic BMW styling both inside and out? how about the imola red paint with the black alcantara interior? how about better fit and finish than the e90?

BruceJ · 10-30-2011, 05:44 PM

Own a 2003 330i sedan - It's my DD and I like it lots. Looks great, drives well, a little PM and it keeps on going. It doesnt drive like my Z but its a sedan...... Think E46's were one of the most bought BMWs. Right price, sporty, practical, not to hard to work on...... Still a popular car, E46 fanatics.com. Tons of mods, DIY's, meets etc.

335 oClock · 10-30-2011, 06:21 PM

too bad.. my cousin has a really nice one and keeps it like sh*t.

e92ben · 10-30-2011, 08:37 PM

Had e46 330ci 6-speed. From 30k to 120k of non stop beating it lasted with out any problems at all. Winter
Summer car. Loved it.

Brentster · 10-30-2011, 10:30 PM

My wife has an 04. They're a blast to throw around and the automatic shifts much more seamlesly than my e90. It almost feels like a CVT transmission. She's at about 97k miles and we've been through three window regulators, a leaking oil filter fitting, front bushings, and a power steering pump. Replaced the waterpump, thermostat, and coolant reservoir as preventative maintenance.

I will say the e90 is much better on the highway. The 46 is a bit loud, with lots of road and wind noise and is missing a 6th gear.

Penso di no · 10-31-2011, 12:02 AM

Loved my '02 e46 330xi; wish I'd bought it at lease-end. Sounded awesome, was completely reliable, and was much more fun to drive, better looking, and more engaging than the '06 e90 330xi I had later (first year e90, pre-335). The e90 just felt bigger and less connected to me.

username604 · 10-31-2011, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmsent

Had an 02 330i sedan 5 MT. Lots of niggling problems. Window regulators, front suspension parts, water pump, rear shock mounts, differential whine etc. Other than HPFP issues, my 335 has been much more reliable so far, and a lot more fun to drive.

that's what a like to hear! it' not like the e46 cooling issues were covered under a 10 year recall now were they? n54 for life

Falafel Combo · 11-03-2011, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335 oClock

Ive read numerous times how amazing the e46 330 is, and its about time I understand why

That's such a loaded question, I don't even know how to begin to answer it. This is akin to a chick coming up to me and asking "so, what's so special about BMWs, huh? It's just a car!". How do you respond to that?

I'll start by saying that I STILL miss my e46 330. It was plainly an extremely rewarding driving experience. When compared to an e90 it felt better, sounded much better (in stock), felt less plasticky, tighter, quicker, is smaller (more fits-like-a-freakin'-glove-on wheels points) and just very solid all around.

The e90's are nice and all, but I still stand by my statement that the e90s will mostly impress/please those of us who do not know much better (have not experienced e46, e36, e30 and so forth).

.

10-30-2011, 11:37 AM	#1
335 oClock MOE 230 Rep 2,530 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (13)	whats special about the e46 330? Ive read numerous times how amazing the e46 330 is, and its about time I understand why __________________ Duke Dynamics//Evolution Racewerks//LTBMW *335 oClocks Project Build//Photo Shoot*
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10-30-2011, 11:40 AM	#2
Express Major General 393 Rep 8,688 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Promise Land iTrader: (17) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.30]	i wasn't impressed by it when i had the chance to drive one, so i guess im curious to know as well
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10-30-2011, 01:10 PM	#4
Coolieman1220 Banned 76 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	with a sports package it sounds great
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10-30-2011, 01:11 PM	#5
M340i Pride Lieutenant Colonel 219 Rep 1,714 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M340i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	great classical body in e46 / long lasting smooth and powerful engine without much trouble... thats all i know...
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10-30-2011, 01:15 PM	#6
Q4P Colonel 88 Rep 2,291 Posts Drives: Too Much Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: World iTrader: (0)	E46 M3 absolutely, E46 330 , never heard that one. __________________ 2jZ + RB26 + 4G63 + LS9 + N54 =
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10-30-2011, 01:28 PM	#7
Trojan4evr Lieutenant Colonel 521 Rep 1,927 Posts Drives: 2021 G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW/ E82 135i [1.00] 2007 BMW/ E90 335i [5.50]	I think you are referring to the Zhp. A classic in my opinion. __________________ '21 G80 M3 '11 E82 135i DCT (Gone but not forgotten) '08 E90 335i (Gone but not forgotten)
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10-30-2011, 02:02 PM	#8
Tom K. Major General 125 Rep 5,626 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	The ZHP option made it the most powerful BMW NA 6 available in the US at the time. Since then, a more highly tuned version has been available - but not in the 1 or 3 series in North America. Tom
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10-30-2011, 03:12 PM	#9
BMWM3DREAM Captain 207 Rep 908 Posts Drives: 2016 535i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California iTrader: (0)	I would love to buy one. I think they are pretty good cars. No 335i, but theyre nice
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10-30-2011, 03:27 PM	#10
Numark318i Second Lieutenant 58 Rep 224 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cotati CA iTrader: (0)	I had one. Drove it like I stole it on a daily basis. Had 160k miles on it when I got rid of it. Only issue was the auto tranny. It sounded amazing. Was moderately fast for the year is was built and looked sexy as hell in stock form IMO. __________________ Monaco Blue 2008 328i/Sports/6 Speed
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10-30-2011, 03:27 PM	#11
hipnotic Major General 153 Rep 6,603 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 335i coupe [7.00]	i have an e46 330ci and i enjoy it. But not as much as the 335. __________________
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10-30-2011, 04:05 PM	#12
jmsent First Lieutenant 12 Rep 301 Posts Drives: VW GTI Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Had an 02 330i sedan 5 MT. Lots of niggling problems. Window regulators, front suspension parts, water pump, rear shock mounts, differential whine etc. Other than HPFP issues, my 335 has been much more reliable so far, and a lot more fun to drive.
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10-30-2011, 05:18 PM	#15
mark1996 Private First Class 15 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2015 320i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (1)	E46 330i or 330ci with ZHP package: how about classic BMW styling both inside and out? how about the imola red paint with the black alcantara interior? how about better fit and finish than the e90?
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10-30-2011, 05:44 PM	#16
BruceJ 6 of Diamonds (ret) 82 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 335is Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Georgia iTrader: (2)	Own a 2003 330i sedan - It's my DD and I like it lots. Looks great, drives well, a little PM and it keeps on going. It doesnt drive like my Z but its a sedan...... Think E46's were one of the most bought BMWs. Right price, sporty, practical, not to hard to work on...... Still a popular car, E46 fanatics.com. Tons of mods, DIY's, meets etc. __________________ 2007 Z4Si(gone) Couple E30 Verts (DD) 2003 330i 2011 E93 335is - current fav
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10-30-2011, 06:21 PM	#17
335 oClock MOE 230 Rep 2,530 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (13)	too bad.. my cousin has a really nice one and keeps it like sht. __________________ Duke Dynamics//Evolution Racewerks//LTBMW* *335 oClocks Project Build//Photo Shoot*
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10-30-2011, 08:37 PM	#18
e92ben Brigadier General 1083 Rep 3,234 Posts Drives: BMW M3 BMW 635csi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kenosha Wi iTrader: (7)	Had e46 330ci 6-speed. From 30k to 120k of non stop beating it lasted with out any problems at all. Winter Summer car. Loved it. __________________ e92 ///M3
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10-30-2011, 10:30 PM	#19
Brentster Banned 37 Rep 359 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 (his) 2011 e90 (hers) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston, TX (Galleria) iTrader: (2)	My wife has an 04. They're a blast to throw around and the automatic shifts much more seamlesly than my e90. It almost feels like a CVT transmission. She's at about 97k miles and we've been through three window regulators, a leaking oil filter fitting, front bushings, and a power steering pump. Replaced the waterpump, thermostat, and coolant reservoir as preventative maintenance. I will say the e90 is much better on the highway. The 46 is a bit loud, with lots of road and wind noise and is missing a 6th gear.
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10-31-2011, 12:02 AM	#20
Penso di no lapsed 4 Rep 238 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Loved my '02 e46 330xi; wish I'd bought it at lease-end. Sounded awesome, was completely reliable, and was much more fun to drive, better looking, and more engaging than the '06 e90 330xi I had later (first year e90, pre-335). The e90 just felt bigger and less connected to me.
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