e46 to e90 upgrade... are you happy?

[poynter]

Ive had a couple e46's and am looking at a couple options for my next bmw. One of them is an 06 328i. Just wondering if you guys that had e46s and upgraded are you happy? Hows the maintenance cost compared to e46?
Are parts and mods about the same? Are the subframes and window regulators still crap or is it something else this time around?
I am also looking at an 05 530 which I think is an e60?

[toddkageals]

I had 3 E46 cars including a 2002 M3 and like my 2008 335i better than all of them (an I REALLY liked the e46). I'd get a 335 though....the power is just awesome! Oh....it's VERY complicated so I am concerned about maintenance costs!

[poynter]

I dont really know much about turbo cars so I gotta stick with what I know. Is the N52 much different then the M54 that was in the e46 330?

[mastamind518]

if you go for a 335, be sure to ask about hpfp issue (high pressure fuel pump). i went with 07 328 cuz i didnt want to deal with hpfp problem since i drive 50+ miles a day. love it so far. its more electronic than id like tho (no oil dipstick) so more expensive parts to replace if electronics malfunction. but overall im happy.

[poynter]

335 is out of my price range. No dipstick is not something I want to hear. Is that the case even on the 06's?

[E90_fan]

Originally Posted by poynter

335 is out of my price range. No dipstick is not something I want to hear. Is that the case even on the 06's?

Yes, all E90 cars (and all newer BMW's for that matter) have no dipstick. I hated it at first, but now I am used to just hitting the button on the stalk to get my oil info.

I also did not want the problems that come along with a turbo car. So I went with an 06 330 sedan. Looks just like a 335 but no turbo. Plus 2006 was the only year for the E90 330 sedan so they are a bit rare. I like that kind of thing.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by E90_fan

Yes, all E90 cars (and all newer BMW's for that matter) have no dipstick. I hated it at first, but now I am used to just hitting the button on the stalk to get my oil info.

I also did not want the problems that come along with a turbo car. So I went with an 06 330 sedan. Looks just like a 335 but no turbo. Plus 2006 was the only year for the E90 330 sedan so they are a bit rare. I like that kind of thing.

Same here! Love my N52 powered car!

[60NickH]

I also went with the 06 330 sport and 6 speed. I love it!!!

[kyled]

Go with the 06 328i, it's the bee knees. The fifth generation BMW has a sleeker, more spacious body then the e46, and you gotta love that 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 engine. Stick with the BMW 3-series.

[cisco661]

if you can i would try and find an 06 330i. mine is great and very reliable. i also like it that it is rare. look for a lower mileage one. preferably one with sports package, premium package, and i-drive. they got more horsepower than 328 but not as much as a 335

[tedfredrick]

Run flat tire suck. I have never had so many flats in one car in my life and they are as hard as rocks. My e46 rides ten times as smooth as my e90

[kermitthefloer]

IN 2006 they only made 325s and 330s. 07-present were 328s and 335.

I think you should def get the 330 if possibly ... I want a 335 but thats because its so much that can be done with it. With that said I am terrified of the possible issues with turbos and hpfp. So I wouldnt get one without a warranty, or atleast the hpfp issue resolved.

Also I think a 335 has enough power for me to take the leap to getting awd and not care about weight-power loss

[poynter]

I think Im gonna stick with old school bimmers and just get more of them. e30, e28 and another e36 or e46 for a daily.
Ive never had an e28 so thats high on my list.

[E90_fan]

Originally Posted by tedfredrick

Run flat tire suck. I have never had so many flats in one car in my life and they are as hard as rocks. My e46 rides ten times as smooth as my e90

You can get rid of the runflats........

[RHLP3]

Originally Posted by poynter

I think Im gonna stick with old school bimmers and just get more of them. e30, e28 and another e36 or e46 for a daily.
Ive never had an e28 so thats high on my list.

E28 is a lot of fun about the same amount of room as the E46 but they seem a lot more nimble on the road.

[60NickH]

I haven't had any problem with the run flats at all, although, this is my first 3 series so I don't have anything other than my 1998 528. So, not much. How much of a difference are we talking about?

[poynter]

I found an e60 that I like. Its 2004 525 6MT so it has the m54 motor still which I would own but then reading about all the electrical problems that require dealership visits are scaring me away. That and the iDrive.

[kastegir]

Previously had a 2005 330xi, just got a 2008 335xi coupe. Major difference in performance (obviously). Some of the ergonomics that I thought BMW got right in the e46 are a little off in the e90. The driver door armrest isn't quite right for me in the new one, for example.

That said, the 6-speed auto is a vast improvement over the old 5-speed in the e46, especially at highway speed. With iDrive you have a lot of flexibility in settings that you previously had to get programmed (like unlock remote unlock settings, etc).

Overall, it's a major upgrade, IMHO.

[BMWorNOTHING]

I'm actually looking to go backwards from my E92 to an E46. I love my E92 335i but I want an E46 M3

[poynter]

Im still torn on the 2004 525i. I really like it and its black on black 6MT but it has 136K miles on it.
If I could find the same combo in a 330i with the sport pkg I would get it but I cant find one without it being 150k+ miles.