I recently took my car to BM for a service and I was given the new e46 to drive while my 318is was being serviced. I have had my car from new for almost 3 years and have been very impressed with the car overall.
I was considering upgrading to the newer model but have now had to think twice as I was not to impressed by what I experienced. If you are after a car that is all about comfort and a nice drive than the e46 is the car for you. But if you are after a car that offers you a comfortable drive and the ability to totally thrash your car then the e36 wins everytime. The e36 has a more aggresive look to it were as the e46 tells you in it's appearnce that it is a cruising car. There is nothing I like better than approaching a bend and throwing the car into it and then pulling it back in line once I have taken the corner-it does not matter how fast the car behind you is-beacuse if he can not corner like you and your e36 then he is not going to keep up.
I felt that the e46 had taken that away from the driver, the ability to loose the tail of the car and pull it in, you can still do this but not to the affect of the e36. Given the choice I'd take a Porsche Turbo anyday but for now I'm more than happy with my 3 series. So if you are thinking of buying a e46 then please bare my thoughts in mind as they are from expereince.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 130 mph - 143 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 140, 143 mph - 163, 177 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
BMW 1 Series - Hatchback - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Automatic, 6 Speed Manual - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 127 mph - 122 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
Not bad intro, but info on what the car has to offer would have resulted in a higher rating (eg comfort, ride, equipment, insurance costs etc.). If you ever redo this op, please let me know and I'll reread it and review my rating :)
Mazboy 22.03.2001 09:35
Interesting opinion, i will definetly keep it in mind if i ever consider buying one. Definetly not one for all the boy racers out there!!!