E36 vs E46

TuffGuy

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2000
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I know the exterior/engine/weight(!) differences, but are there any other platform differences? Are there any suspension, chassis, or structural rigidity differences?

Or any other that you can think of that might affect performance?

TIA :beer:
 

maziwanka

Lifer
Jul 4, 2000
10,415
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i would think everything about those two cars are completely different - but then i dont know about the intricacies of each
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
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e46 is slighty bigger

people say that e36 is a truer sportscar. It seems that bmw is veering away from a sports car to a more luxury car with the 3 series.

IMO the coupe e46 is pure sex, especially the M3 (DROOOLLL))
 

Confused

Elite Member
Nov 13, 2000
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IMO, the E36 is the newest 3 series I would buy. They have become too "luxury" and less of a driver's car.

My boss has an E30 325i, and he had an E36 325i Alpina (had to get rid of the E36 to pay for a 4 door Golf when his baby came along last year) and they are both brilliant. Much better styling, and driving experience, than the E46


Confused
 

CtK

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2001
5,135
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the new 4-series(3 series coupe) should be bad ass!!
too bad its coming after my lease is over :(
ill just have to settle for a 2K5 G35 Coupe :D
 

Gravity

Diamond Member
Mar 21, 2003
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I owned a 1998 328ia (E36) for nearly 4 years. It was an awesome car. I never drove the e46 so I can't compare for you. I had a chip and cold air intake in mine and it was about 212 hp.

I miss that car *sniff!

Either way, the driving machine is hard to beat. Feel free to pm me if you have specific questions.
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
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I heard the earlier e46s had some handling characteristics that weren't appealing that were corrected in the newer models.

I've got an E36 while my sister has an E46. I think her car is slower than mine and not as nimble either since it weighs a bit more.
 

Descartes

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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The only thing I remember is that a low of people complained about the steering of the E46 relative to the E36. There were a lot of references to the steering being more suitable for parking than enthusiastic driving. I don't recall if there were any changes to ameliorate that or not. Most of the people that complained had taken delivery of the E46 before driving it, so this was when they were first introduced.
 

CtK

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2001
5,135
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Originally posted by: Descartes
The only thing I remember is that a low of people complained about the steering of the E46 relative to the E36. There were a lot of references to the steering being more suitable for parking than enthusiastic driving. I don't recall if there were any changes to ameliorate that or not. Most of the people that complained had taken delivery of the E46 before driving it, so this was when they were first introduced.

for the first couple of years the E46 had very light steering they fixed that in '02 which is what i have and it feels much heavier than before
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
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Originally posted by: CtK
Originally posted by: Descartes
The only thing I remember is that a low of people complained about the steering of the E46 relative to the E36. There were a lot of references to the steering being more suitable for parking than enthusiastic driving. I don't recall if there were any changes to ameliorate that or not. Most of the people that complained had taken delivery of the E46 before driving it, so this was when they were first introduced.

for the first couple of years the E46 had very light steering they fixed that in '02 which is what i have and it feels much heavier than before

yes this is true.

they fixed this in the 2002 and after model..

and actually you can go to a dealer, and they can do a steering retrofit for free (if ur car is still under warranty I think)
 

TuffGuy

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2000
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Thanks guys.

As far as I can figure, there's no drastic changes to the platform. Just small improvements, no drastic redesigns, right?