Interior E46 vs E82

[Nemax]

Im just wondering what you people think about the interior in the 1 series compaired to the E46 interior. I will be buying a new 1 series coupe soon and im really excited about that car. Currently I have a 01 320Ci conv, ok not a big engine but atleast a nice sound due to the K&N open intake i got on it. Anyways I was just wondering what you Ex-E46 people think about your 1 series interior. For me the nicest thing about the E46 is the interior. I love it soo much im having problems think of any other car that has as nice as interior as the E46. Soo the question is do you guys miss the old e46 interior?
And also can i hear som Cons/pros? (im afraid im gonna miss my e46 badly)
I dont just mean, windows control and stuff like that. I mean design and beauty.

My car:






I know this isnt a E46 forum but just had to.

[Mad Dragon]

there's nothing like gigantic, grainy pics...

[ben14142001]

To answer your question, I think it is a step-up, but not a huge step. Everything seems a bit more modern compared to our '99 328. Gauges look better, and the AC/radio controls. I think they improved on a lot of small things.

[1speedbike]

In my personal opinion, the 1 series (E82/88/etc) beats the E46 in terms of EVERYTHING! WHile the E46 M3 might beat the 1er in terms of performance (in my opinion it does) the 82/88) beats it in terms of interior feel and comfort and everything else! I've seen some reviews knock the 1 serious and say it doesn't offer the same luxury and comfort of the 3 series, but I believe they're on par, And though the 1er is smaller but still uses the same trim pieces, I'd still take it over almost anything!

[moveswiftly]

I'd say it'll be an improvement in the interior especially the dashboard. Compared to the e90/ e92 it's almost the same except 3 series uses more leather.

[x5mad]

I think the e82/88 is a step up with regards to the interior. However, the E46 coupe even after 10 years still looks good, especially with M Sport Kit. They were bang on with the styling of the E46 coupe, my sister has a 2003 model and it still looks better than most cars on the road today.

[Harry135]

I miss my E46 interior, in my opinion it is one of BMW's best, build quality being one of its best points. The current 1 interior isn't as nice or as good quality wise.

[M3R1]

Originally Posted by Mad Dragon

there's nothing like gigantic, grainy pics...

[IndyMike]

I owned 3 E46's (cab, sedan, wagon), and still have 1 in the stable (Touring).

And there is no question in my mind the E46 interior is superior overall to the E82.

The E82 may have more and better gadgets, but I don't necessarily equate that to an enhanced driving experience.

The E46 is supremely ergonomically layed out in that the dash is canted towards the driver. I love it's driver centric design.

Also, the power window switches are where God intended them to be for the true enthusiast; right behind the stick.

The E82 cockpit certainly doesn't reek, and is a demonstrably better than the E90 Buick interior which is an abomination in my mind, but it could learn a thing or two from the masterful E46 greenhouse.

[ChrisK]

The only item my e46 330ci had over the 135i was the soft touch dash.

...but that's it - and it's minor.

I think BMW has done an exceptional job of reducing costs and weight of interior components while continuing to maintain their fit and finish.

BMW interiors are spartan, they will never look like AUDI. - Thank GOD!

[otterdoc]

I've really come to love my 135's interior, but it took some time to adjust.

I think that the e46 was elegant, simple, and very driver-centric. That being said, my e46 had less options in it than you have on yours.

I think that the quality is pretty much the same overall. There are definitely things that are better on one vs. the other, though. (The MSport steering wheel in my 135 is sooooooo much better than my e46, for example.)

[sparoz]

The E46 interior is a classic, but I think the E82 just does everything a bit better. I do feel the E82 is really the spiritual successor to the E46 coupe.

The seats are much better in the E82, and the new iDrive is a gem, and the shortcut button is so useful. I still like driver's bias of the E46, but I was really surprised how well the E82 interior's put together. I still prefer the windows operation and door lock in the E46 - who would ever look for the door lock near the vents? and I certainly prefer the cruise on the steering. However, I don't miss anything from the E46. I am out of the car for two months, and I barely remember what it was like .

If anything it would be the lack of comfort windscreen option in the 1er, as it really cut down the rays in the Australian Sun.

Overall, big thumbs up for the E82 interior.

[Nemax]

Thanks for the quick replies guys, Its prob me just geting sentimental about my e46. It is my first car after all. oh sry for the bad pics, even a 8.2mpx mobile with cam cant do the job.

[xbook]

I really like the interior on the E82/88. The only thing that it lacks, is the window controls in the center console. Sure wish it still had that.

[BlueC]

Originally Posted by chesterfan1230

I'd say it'll be an improvement in the interior especially the dashboard. Compared to the e90/ e92 it's almost the same except 3 series uses more leather.

Basically. From the B-pillar back you'll notice the difference almost instantly. Up in the driver seat, however, the differences in quality and attention to detail are not too great.

[pit1]

I have to disagree with the majority of respondents. I think the E46 interior was superior in nearly every way to the E28. The dash of the E82 is simply a covered hard plastic, the seamed cover to the instrument cluster screams economy, the hard plastic of the lower dash is an extreme disappointment, the leather isn't nearly as supple. The only improvement I see is the steering wheel and shifter.

I could tell immediately, just by the number of creeks and rattles. my 1er rattled more in the first month than my E30 did @ 260K miles, my E36 at 150K miles or my E46 at 125K miles.

It's still a great bargain, and I'd still take it over another 3er, but they certainly cut corners in terms of fit and finish in the 1-series.

[BrokenVert]

The buttons dont bother me. I actually hate them being behind the stick. I grew up with my american SUVs (all with driver door buttons) and thats what I prefer.

[Endre]

I think it is a great step up!

[Harry135]

Originally Posted by pit1

I have to disagree with the majority of respondents. I think the E46 interior was superior in nearly every way to the E28. The dash of the E82 is simply a covered hard plastic, the seamed cover to the instrument cluster screams economy, the hard plastic of the lower dash is an extreme disappointment, the leather isn't nearly as supple. The only improvement I see is the steering wheel and shifter.

I could tell immediately, just by the number of creeks and rattles. my 1er rattled more in the first month than my E30 did @ 260K miles, my E36 at 150K miles or my E46 at 125K miles.

It's still a great bargain, and I'd still take it over another 3er, but they certainly cut corners in terms of fit and finish in the 1-series.

Yep! agreed

[slog]

I had an e46 before my 1. It's a upgrade, not that big, but an upgrade. Everything is very similar and it was easy to adjust. My back always would hurt if i drove over an hour in my e46. But not anymore

The quality in the leather is the biggest difference. The leather in my 135 rocks.

However, I miss the window buttons in the center

[jkp1187]

I can't speak to the quality of the E46, as I've never been in one. But I can say that window switches on the center console = FTL. That was the arrangement on my 1995 econobox POS Chevy Beretta. Hated it then; hate it now.

[dbtheo]

To me, my e46 had a nicer overall layout of the dash & trim, & some items seemed to better in quality, but the functionality of the e82 is much improved in my opinion