E36 vs E46

[TuffGuy]

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]

i would think everything about those two cars are completely different - but then i dont know about the intricacies of each

 

[z0mb13]

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))

 

[TuffGuy]

I prefer the way the E46 looks too, but looks aren't what I'm really concerned with.

I found some info

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: TuffGuy
I prefer the way the E46 looks too, but looks aren't what I'm really concerned with.

I found some info

yep, the 3 series is getting bigger and bigger with each generation

 

[Confused]

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]

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 😀

 

[Gravity]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Thanks guys.

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