[jmvzhp]

Originally Posted by slashmatt

Car and Driver 2006 330i

Zero to 60 mph: 5.6 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.0 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.3 sec @98 mph

Car and Driver ZHP E46 330

Zero to 60 mph: 5.6 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.4 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.3 sec @97 mph

Now, can people please stop arguing this topic? The ZHP was meant to increase the sales of the E46 by giving it more modern performance. It was meant as a stop-gap between the model changes. That doesn't make it a bad car, it's just that that was something BMW could do to make the car move on and handle a little better than the base E46. BMW knew what they had coming in the E90.

Personally, I'll be happy when Dinan starts pumping out the performance parts for the E90. I had them on my Z3, and I'll be happy to have them on my E90 as well. You can do the same with your E46.

It was pointed out that you didn't start the post, sorry about that.

Also wanted to let you guys know that my post wasn't in anger either. Just some simple discussion while bored at work.

[Robin_NL]

Well in 2002 I owned a E46 330i 5(five)speed manual with MTechnik II sportspackage(spoilers + interior stuff) and 225-18F 255-18R M wheels. Half a year later there was also the 6 speed manual available.

ZHP was only US wasn't it?(like 10SAE HP more? shorter diff ratios etc?)

OK, it was a rather fast car, but not really fast like the M3 E46 I had as well: Entering the Autobahn with 190kmh(120mph) at some point was ok in the 330i whilst the M3 at that same point was doing almost 230kmh(140mph), so that's a bloody great difference isn't it?

The new R6 engine is faster, more torquey at lower revs and with bigger wheels(225-18f and 255-18r too) and the sports suspension it's 20% better in the handling than my E46 330i was. That's logical. It's the new(1 series)chassis and the body is 25% more rigid(strong?)
Even my 120DIESEL with'normal' 205 17 wheels + sports suspension is way better in the handling than the good old E46(on par with the 330i which has bigger rubber!) It's about weight too you know.


Nonetheless the E46s I owned were great!

[ogrady]

They may be similar in performance but the e46 starting to look older to me now (well, cuz it is ). It will always be a classic but the E90 just looks sharper/more modern.

[HumblePie]

You had to go and post the side-by-side shot, didn't ya... I definitely agree that while the E46 has a classic look, the E90 appears more dynamic.

[mfstout]

HumblePie: I am facing the same dilemma. You can't lose either way. My big decision is going to be based solely on which car moves me more, which car I will love. I've seen the e90 twice, driven it, it's very good. Very nice. But do I LOVE it? My problem is, I already know I love the e46 zhp. My only hesitation is giving the e90 a fair chance. But, and I hope this helps, in the end, I'm going to follow my heart when I decide. (assuming there are any good zhps left). I already know both cars are great. And to tell you the truth, I still think the e46 zhp looks better than the e90. More refined, smarter, trying less hard to be cool.

I wish you luck. Don't let anyone talk you out of going classic if that's what your heart tells you. I'd still buy a 67 Mustang Fastback because it's still a great car, modern technology be damned.

Drive fast.

sparky

[yetdog]

Originally Posted by HumblePie

You had to go and post the side-by-side shot, didn't ya... I definitely agree that while the E46 has a classic look, the E90 appears more dynamic.

However, he posted a Coupe compared to a Sedan. I have always preferred the sedan to the coupe on BMW's, so YMMV in your opinions. I LOVE the E46, but the E90 is what I'm getting - I still think it's a head turner.

[bimmernut]

Originally Posted by HumblePie

If I consider going with the E46, I could save about $6k off of MSRP. The E90 (at least from this dealer) is firmly set at MSRP and I would not be able to pick it up until May 6th.

I'd consider checking on prices from another dealer. There are lots of posts on this site as well as bimmerfest with people getting $1600-2000 off MSRP on the e90. I ordered my e90 2 weeks ago and got $2000 off MSRP so it is possible.