[zot09]

So at the local dealership, they have a 2004 CPO 330i(black on black w/ CF trim; 28k miles) with ZSP, ZPP, Step, Nav, & Performance Package for 34k. I will not be purchasing my next car for a few months, but I know when that time comes I will probably have a spending limit around 35k. So looking at the E46 got me thinking, what would be a better purchase? The E46 that I talked about above(of course it wouldn't be the same exact one, it will probably be sold by the time I purchase my vehicle), or a brand new 325i(Either ZPP, 6MT, & Xenons or ZSP, 6MT, Power Seats, Xenons, and Assist)?

Oh, and one more question that doesn't have much to do with this. This is going to be my first MT car, and I really haven't had that much seat time behind a MT car(probably only about 10 min). Lets say you were driving on the highway, and you were in gear, and decided to let go of the gas to cruise, would you stall? I know you would stall if you were on the side of the road, had the car in first, and then let go of the clutch. Thanks everyone!

[DC52E55]

I'd take E46 with ZPP. it's just me. I love the look of ZPP E46 so much.

[shimshimhada]

You can't have both ZSP (Sport Package) AND ZHP (Performance package), it would be a waste with step anyway. If you decide to go the E46 route, there should be plenty of ZHPs on the market, and I'm sure you can find the perfect one if you look hard enough.

In response to your second question, no, you can't stall. The reason you stall is because when the clutch is engaged and the wheels stop, your engine stops with it. As long as your wheels are moving, you won't stall.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I love the E46 in ZPP form and still take two or three looks at them, especially the 330Ci ZPP's, but now that I own an E90 I would say go with the E90. The improvements over the E46 in all areas are so good. The E90 is quite possibly the best 3er ever.

[Pretender]

Originally Posted by DC52E55

I'd take E46 with ZPP. it's just me. I love the look of ZPP E46 so much.

Do that and he will have the huge depreciation on a 12-year-old body design when he'll pay off the car. Think smart.
I would definitely go for E90 325i with ZPP,ZSP, MT for easily below $35k. Xenon can be upgraded later thru ebay (Euro style too) if he doesn't want a little over $35k (~$35.5k). No brainer.
BTW, after sitting in a e90 for a while, people hate sitting in the e46 again.

[Asiann]

325 if I were in your shoes. New car and design and better bang for your money!

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by Pretender

BTW, after sitting in a e90 for a while, people hate sitting in the e46 again.

do they?

[MoreCowbell]

Get the e90.

Personal Pref though.

[John]

i had similar dilema. after a few year. you will see e90's as the standard. your car may become a little boring for you. i would def. go for the e90. (plus residual value much much higher).

but in the end, get the car you really love. be it old or new

[Hunter399]

E90 for sure

[Hawkshaw]

I say go with the e90 - I just think that the e46, although a great car in it's own right, is really starting to look dated. A few years down the road will only make it worse.

And no, you won't stall the car when it's in motion.

[Dukenole]

e90-- better, updated looks, and noticable improvement in the suspension.

[e902cool]

e90...

[Redguy]

I had the choice of a '46 or a '90 - I went for a 'lesser' E90 because of the residual/shape factor.

Put them side to side (I think this has been done somewhere on the E90 Post) and see how dated the E46 looks already.

It is a lovely shape, but as has been said, the E90 has taken things up quite a notch, in my opinion the biggest '3' shake up since the E36 replaced the E30.

I love all the Bangle styling, and would go for the E90 every time. I may be biased, but what a great looking car. I've had mine since March, and still give it the look-back every time I get out!

[tl_boy]

Lol. E90 325i is about as fast as the 330i, it is brand new, new engine, better resale, etc. etc. etc..... No comparison.

[Pretender]

Originally Posted by 325er

I love the E46 but agree it is a little dated now. Is it just me or does it look really really small compared to an E90? I know the E90 is not that much bigger, but it looks way more substantial especially with big rims (not the 16" crappers on the base 325i). The E46 looks stubby.

It is small. I just sat back into an E46 325 a few weeks ago and felt so tight inside. I realize that the steering wheel radio control buttons, the console set up and the seat orientation in the e46 are quite unbalanced compared to the e90.

[BMW F22]

yeah the E46 sedan is really starting to look dated now. Even the E46 coupe, which was still lookin good a few weeks ago, is looking pretty dated as well. DO ED for the E90!!!

[e46e90]

I had a 2000 E46 and loved it and gave the car to my mom. I now have a E90 325xi and love it! Both are outstanding cars, but the E90 is a definite improvement. The safety improvements in the E90 are definitely worth the choice, alone. See www.hwysafety.org Power is the E90 325 is really nice.

[E90Fleet]

E90

I drive a family E46 at least once a week, and it cannot compare to the E90

[Keith]

I would definately take the E90...

I had a E46 320d (without sport package) and my current 325i (with sport package) is not only sportier drive, but is actually a more luxurious and refined drive.

I've gone through similar scenarios before I bought mine and in hindsight I should have converted to an E90 long ago...