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Gassing StationArchiveGeneral Gassing [Archive] BMW e46 328 v 330? PistonHeads » Gassing Station » Archive » General Gassing [Archive] BMW e46 328 v 330? My ProfileMy PreferencesMy Mates SearchMy StuffWhat's New3122472 Reply OP Posts Only Prev of 22 Next OP Posts Only Reply OP Posts Only Author Discussion 
I quite like the look of the e46 saloons, especially with the 'Sport' pack.Can anyone give a guide to how the 328 compares to the 330 to drive? I'm aware the 330 has 40 more bhp, but figures I can find seem to suggest a very close 0-60 dash. What is the 'real world' difference between the two? Is one seriously better than the other? I have been considering the same and found out something about the pre 2001 E46 where there is a fairly common fault of the rear bulkhead ripping free from the chassis.There is a possibility of getting BMW to pay for the repair but they wont even consider it unless your car has FBMSH.Otherwise you are looking at a bill of £4-5000. Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s In the real world, there is nothing really in it...just a bit more top end than the 328. I found when I was looking that the 330 was more likely to have more options fitted than the 328. Look out for oil leak on the rear exhaust bank, weak spot. The autobox is very weak and fails early ( 70,000 mile ) son 2000-2003 3 and 5 series. See noreverse.org. The suspension needs constant fettling on 3 series....bushes, damper etc all wear fast. I ended up with a Lexus IS300....The box is stronger and more reliable, it comes with a factory fit LSD and has more options standard. The only area the 3 series beats it on is the steering and its a close run thing. I've got no experience of the 328. However, I am a big fan of the 330i. Impressive enough from a standstill and very impressive on the motorway considering its running costs. This applies to the manual version btw.I much prefer the looks and equipment of the 330. I've seen interior shots of the 328 cabin and it looks a bit sparse compared IMO, that rear spoiler dates it a bit too (only on the ci?), but then I am a picky sod.Also, according to t'internet they are as economic as eachother, so surely at the present prices the 330 is a bargain? Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. I looked into the E46 (haven't bought one but a 330ci is on my (not so short) shortlist). They seem to suffer from regular, but not necessarily expensive problems with wishbones, springs and so forth and, as an earlier poster mentioned, there are some scary stories about sections of the rear underside coming adrift.As for 328 vs. 330, my view is that as their fuel economy figures are very similar, you might as well go for the greater power of the 330.Edited by Risotto on Tuesday 9th June 20:55 Risotto said: I looked into the E46 (haven't bought one but a 330ci is on my (not so short) shortlist). They seem to suffer from regular, but not necessarily expensive problems with wishbones, springs and so forth and, as an earlier poster mentioned, there are some scary stories about sections of the rear underside tearing loose.As for 328 vs. 330, my view is that as their fuel economy figures are very similar, you might as well go for the greater power of the 330.I've run a 330 coupe for the past 5 years/50k and also a saloon for the past 14 months.Wishbone bushes and the balljoints themselves are weakpoint - not very expensive though and apply to all E46s, not just the 330.Surprisingly economical for the power and feel like they have a lot more torque than a 328.I think the sub frame tearing was a problem with pre2001 E46 coupes and doesn't apply to 330s at all.All in a nice place to be for he money. They are great cars if you want a capable daily driver. Just remember that it may have a 'sport' pack but they certainly ain't no sports car 
Also, some say the drive by wire throttle on the 330i feels a bit "strange" compared to the conventional cable on the 328i.Never remember noticing much of a difference but soem people have said they have had dead spots and spikes in the travel on a 330i St John Smythe said: They are great cars if you want a capable daily driver. Just remember that it may have a 'sport' pack but they certainly ain't no sports car ...... and there are a lot of them out there advertised as being a "sport" that have just had a set of wheels bolted to them. Shropshiremike said: Also, some say the drive by wire throttle on the 330i feels a bit "strange" compared to the conventional cable on the 328i.Never remember noticing much of a difference but soem people have said they have had dead spots and spikes in the travel on a 330iYes, I found this with my manual 330ci. For instance, it was a bugger to do a 3 point turn in. All the different throttle inputs really seemed to throw it. I remember getting a few strange looks from passers by as the engine revved when I didn't want it to and then bogged down when I wanted it to rev.It used to annoy the hell out of me.Apparantly this can be sorted out with a remap though. I just wish I'd known at the time! forsure said: Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. Afraid I have to disagree with Shropshiremike. The E46 328 has excellent steering weight. The rack was changed when the 330 lauched and early 330s are Buick-like in their lightness. forsure is right that later 330s are better (if not quite as weighty as the 328) but I *thought* the improved cars were '03 model year and on. Certainly the facelift '02 330 I tried was still light and lacking in feel compared to my 328, if not quite as light as the pre-facelift 330.In fact, the steering (and cable throttle) are good reasons to choose a 328 over an early 330. Top-end power would be the reason to go for an early 330. Max torque is the same, there's nothing between them power-wise below 4,000. Elfer said: forsure said: Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. Afraid I have to disagree with Shropshiremike. The E46 328 has excellent steering weight. The rack was changed when the 330 lauched and early 330s are Buick-like in their lightness. forsure is right that later 330s are better (if not quite as weighty as the 328) but I *thought* the improved cars were '03 model year and on. Certainly the facelift '02 330 I tried was still light and lacking in feel compared to my 328, if not quite as light as the pre-facelift 330.In fact, the steering (and cable throttle) are good reasons to choose a 328 over an early 330. Top-end power would be the reason to go for an early 330. Max torque is the same, there's nothing between them power-wise below 4,000.The Compact heralded the changed rack - came onto all the range about mid 2001. I preferred the later rack like on the Compact but I guess it's all personal preference If I remember correctly, the 330 has about 15% more power. Shropshiremike said: The Compact heralded the changed rack - came onto all the range about mid 2001. I preferred the later rack like on the Compact but I guess it's all personal preference Fair enough. I can't argue with the introduction date of the 330's revised rack. Could be that the '02 car I drove did have the revised rack, and that it's still lighter than the original E46 328 rack.What I am absolutely certain of is the 328 has a different, much weightier rack than the early 330. The steering feel is the most obvious difference when you drive them back to back. I've also discovered the part numbers are different, which has always lead me to wonder if I could retrofit a 328 rack should I ever trade up to a 330... Just to confuse matters further, I find the steering in my 330Ci (51-plate) to be just about perfectly weighted, so it may be specific examples which are overly light. Also, the auto boxes appear to be fairly reliable provided they aren't abused. This was a concern of mine but I did a LOT of research. First thing I did when I got my 100k-ish 330Ci was get an autobox specialist to give it a service and he recommended a service every 25k for the autobox hereafter. well if you like the sport model as far as I know the E46 was never available as a 328 sport, it was only when the 330 came out they did a sport version.which leaves you with the 328 se model, same mechanicals, not fancy sport cosmetics though... Weird, the steering in my Pre facelift 330 is quite heavy! Elfer said: forsure said: Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. Afraid I have to disagree with Shropshiremike. The E46 328 has excellent steering weight. The rack was changed when the 330 lauched and early 330s are Buick-like in their lightness.Yep, I´d agree with Elfer on this. Early 330ci steering felt lifeless in your hands. Also hated the cheap looking plastic trim pieces on the fascia and steering wheel. Reply OP Posts Only Prev of 22 Next OP Posts Only Reply OP Posts Only
Merlot
Original Poster
4,121 posts
229 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 I quite like the look of the e46 saloons, especially with the 'Sport' pack.Can anyone give a guide to how the 328 compares to the 330 to drive? I'm aware the 330 has 40 more bhp, but figures I can find seem to suggest a very close 0-60 dash. What is the 'real world' difference between the two? Is one seriously better than the other? macp
4,661 posts
204 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 I have been considering the same and found out something about the pre 2001 E46 where there is a fairly common fault of the rear bulkhead ripping free from the chassis.There is a possibility of getting BMW to pay for the repair but they wont even consider it unless your car has FBMSH.Otherwise you are looking at a bill of £4-5000. Shropshiremike
24,078 posts
224 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s ExPat2B
2,159 posts
221 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 In the real world, there is nothing really in it...just a bit more top end than the 328. I found when I was looking that the 330 was more likely to have more options fitted than the 328. Look out for oil leak on the rear exhaust bank, weak spot. The autobox is very weak and fails early ( 70,000 mile ) son 2000-2003 3 and 5 series. See noreverse.org. The suspension needs constant fettling on 3 series....bushes, damper etc all wear fast. I ended up with a Lexus IS300....The box is stronger and more reliable, it comes with a factory fit LSD and has more options standard. The only area the 3 series beats it on is the steering and its a close run thing. useyourdellusion
5,648 posts
211 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 I've got no experience of the 328. However, I am a big fan of the 330i. Impressive enough from a standstill and very impressive on the motorway considering its running costs. This applies to the manual version btw.I much prefer the looks and equipment of the 330. I've seen interior shots of the 328 cabin and it looks a bit sparse compared IMO, that rear spoiler dates it a bit too (only on the ci?), but then I am a picky sod.Also, according to t'internet they are as economic as eachother, so surely at the present prices the 330 is a bargain? forsure
2,173 posts
289 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. Risotto
3,933 posts
233 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 I looked into the E46 (haven't bought one but a 330ci is on my (not so short) shortlist). They seem to suffer from regular, but not necessarily expensive problems with wishbones, springs and so forth and, as an earlier poster mentioned, there are some scary stories about sections of the rear underside coming adrift.As for 328 vs. 330, my view is that as their fuel economy figures are very similar, you might as well go for the greater power of the 330.Edited by Risotto on Tuesday 9th June 20:55 Vee
3,109 posts
255 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 Risotto said: I looked into the E46 (haven't bought one but a 330ci is on my (not so short) shortlist). They seem to suffer from regular, but not necessarily expensive problems with wishbones, springs and so forth and, as an earlier poster mentioned, there are some scary stories about sections of the rear underside tearing loose.As for 328 vs. 330, my view is that as their fuel economy figures are very similar, you might as well go for the greater power of the 330.I've run a 330 coupe for the past 5 years/50k and also a saloon for the past 14 months.Wishbone bushes and the balljoints themselves are weakpoint - not very expensive though and apply to all E46s, not just the 330.Surprisingly economical for the power and feel like they have a lot more torque than a 328.I think the sub frame tearing was a problem with pre2001 E46 coupes and doesn't apply to 330s at all.All in a nice place to be for he money. anonymous-user
75 months
[report] [news]Tuesday 9th June 2009 They are great cars if you want a capable daily driver. Just remember that it may have a 'sport' pack but they certainly ain't no sports car Shropshiremike
24,078 posts
224 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 Also, some say the drive by wire throttle on the 330i feels a bit "strange" compared to the conventional cable on the 328i.Never remember noticing much of a difference but soem people have said they have had dead spots and spikes in the travel on a 330i mat205125
17,790 posts
234 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 St John Smythe said: They are great cars if you want a capable daily driver. Just remember that it may have a 'sport' pack but they certainly ain't no sports car ...... and there are a lot of them out there advertised as being a "sport" that have just had a set of wheels bolted to them. useyourdellusion
5,648 posts
211 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 Shropshiremike said: Also, some say the drive by wire throttle on the 330i feels a bit "strange" compared to the conventional cable on the 328i.Never remember noticing much of a difference but soem people have said they have had dead spots and spikes in the travel on a 330iYes, I found this with my manual 330ci. For instance, it was a bugger to do a 3 point turn in. All the different throttle inputs really seemed to throw it. I remember getting a few strange looks from passers by as the engine revved when I didn't want it to and then bogged down when I wanted it to rev.It used to annoy the hell out of me.Apparantly this can be sorted out with a remap though. I just wish I'd known at the time! Elfer
1,925 posts
241 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 forsure said: Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. Afraid I have to disagree with Shropshiremike. The E46 328 has excellent steering weight. The rack was changed when the 330 lauched and early 330s are Buick-like in their lightness. forsure is right that later 330s are better (if not quite as weighty as the 328) but I *thought* the improved cars were '03 model year and on. Certainly the facelift '02 330 I tried was still light and lacking in feel compared to my 328, if not quite as light as the pre-facelift 330.In fact, the steering (and cable throttle) are good reasons to choose a 328 over an early 330. Top-end power would be the reason to go for an early 330. Max torque is the same, there's nothing between them power-wise below 4,000. Shropshiremike
24,078 posts
224 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 Elfer said: forsure said: Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. Afraid I have to disagree with Shropshiremike. The E46 328 has excellent steering weight. The rack was changed when the 330 lauched and early 330s are Buick-like in their lightness. forsure is right that later 330s are better (if not quite as weighty as the 328) but I *thought* the improved cars were '03 model year and on. Certainly the facelift '02 330 I tried was still light and lacking in feel compared to my 328, if not quite as light as the pre-facelift 330.In fact, the steering (and cable throttle) are good reasons to choose a 328 over an early 330. Top-end power would be the reason to go for an early 330. Max torque is the same, there's nothing between them power-wise below 4,000.The Compact heralded the changed rack - came onto all the range about mid 2001. I preferred the later rack like on the Compact but I guess it's all personal preference Zod
35,295 posts
279 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 If I remember correctly, the 330 has about 15% more power. Elfer
1,925 posts
241 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 Shropshiremike said: The Compact heralded the changed rack - came onto all the range about mid 2001. I preferred the later rack like on the Compact but I guess it's all personal preference Fair enough. I can't argue with the introduction date of the 330's revised rack. Could be that the '02 car I drove did have the revised rack, and that it's still lighter than the original E46 328 rack.What I am absolutely certain of is the 328 has a different, much weightier rack than the early 330. The steering feel is the most obvious difference when you drive them back to back. I've also discovered the part numbers are different, which has always lead me to wonder if I could retrofit a 328 rack should I ever trade up to a 330... oktapod
348 posts
202 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 Just to confuse matters further, I find the steering in my 330Ci (51-plate) to be just about perfectly weighted, so it may be specific examples which are overly light. Also, the auto boxes appear to be fairly reliable provided they aren't abused. This was a concern of mine but I did a LOT of research. First thing I did when I got my 100k-ish 330Ci was get an autobox specialist to give it a service and he recommended a service every 25k for the autobox hereafter. rallycross
13,669 posts
258 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 well if you like the sport model as far as I know the E46 was never available as a 328 sport, it was only when the 330 came out they did a sport version.which leaves you with the 328 se model, same mechanicals, not fancy sport cosmetics though... road_rager
1,091 posts
220 months
[report] [news]Wednesday 10th June 2009 Weird, the steering in my Pre facelift 330 is quite heavy! El Guapo
2,787 posts
211 months
[report] [news]Thursday 11th June 2009 Elfer said: forsure said: Shropshiremike said: Later 330s have got more 'feelsome' steering than earlier 330s and E46 328s True. The facelift in mid-'01 brought significant improvements to the chassis and steering. Afraid I have to disagree with Shropshiremike. The E46 328 has excellent steering weight. The rack was changed when the 330 lauched and early 330s are Buick-like in their lightness.Yep, I´d agree with Elfer on this. Early 330ci steering felt lifeless in your hands. Also hated the cheap looking plastic trim pieces on the fascia and steering wheel. Reply OP Posts Only Prev of 22 Next OP Posts Only Reply OP Posts Only Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff
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