Advise on E46

[wglee]

Actually some pre FL E46 328s have DSC
I reccomend a CBU unit.
Also, while the 325 has only 1 HP less than a 328, the torque is much less, and coming from a 328/36 you will feel the loss of pull at the low end of things. The 328 torque is closer to the 330s

As far as I'm aware, all CKD pre-FL E46s only had ASC+T. The few CBUs brought in by AB also had ASC+T only. Some UK-spec pre-FL E46s had DSC whilst some only had ASC+T. According to the international brochures for the pre-FL E46s, DSC was an option (which unfortunately was not available for CKD pre-FL E46s). DSC became standard on FL E46s (reference: the international brochure for the FL E46) although strangely I saw a few pre-registered FL E46 330is sold by AB Sg. Besi being equipped with ASC+T only.

You have to test drive both the E46 328i and E46 325i. The gap between the 2 cars (and certainly between the E36 328i and the E46 325i) in terms of pick-up has to a significant extent been narrowed by the drive-by-wire system in the E46 325i. Do also compare the on-paper acceleration figures provided by BMW in the imported brochures for the E46 328i and 325i. I remember that the differences were minimal.

 

[rubes72]

Thanks guys esp wglee! very informative and useful.

Vanquish, I did have a look at the e39 as well, it seems to make me feel old... seen vid clips of it's performance great car, but also, my greatest concern is that I might not be able to afford it. I'm averaging about 1k a month on maintenance right now, and i do not want to spend more than that, plus it would be a 8 - 10 year car. Yes your suggestion is much enticing, unless my boss is in a good mood and gives me a raise this year... he..he..