[Blue Streak]

I love my 335i, but I'm car sitting my friend's 2004 330ci convertible for a month while he's overseas on vacation. He wanted me to drive it whenever I can, so I will. I picked it up for him from a service center in San Diego and I drove it home, which was about a 40 mile drive on the I-5 freeway, with the top down. Man! That was great! The steering, handling, and feelling with the top down at 80 mph on the freeway at around noon on a sunny California day - even in December, was quite the experience. I just loved it! It's optioned out with just about everything and it's very comfortable with either the top up or down. I've never driven a convertible, so maybe I'm just over-reacting. He was thinking about selling it, my wife thinks is in love with it, so I might end up buying it in a couple of months. I don't need a 3rd car really, but I need my SUV for hauling big stuff and moving people... I think I could handle another BMW in my driveway. I had been researching the E46 since 2001 and wanted one until I finally bought my 2007 335i. I was initially interested in the E46, so if I end up with one in addition to my E90, I think that would be great.

Have any of you ever driven a 330i, or specifically a 330ci convertible? What did you think? I'm pretty sure my friend paid cash for it and he might entertain an offer of less than $24k for me. It's got less than 42500 miles and it's in great condition with all those options (premium, sport, cold weather, etc.) and the more unique special order factory 5 double spoke star 18" rims with Michelin PS2's (225/40R18 - 255/35R18). It's got the LED tail lights and Bi-Xenon HID swivel headlights.

[JL330i_UT]

E46 FTW!

[Phil G]

I have driven a few E46s, but not long enough or hard enough to really get the full feel of them. However, I do remember loving the steering feel, the "centered around the driver" cockpit design, and just the overall solidness of the car. I love my 335i, but I think it has lost some of the uniqueness that previous generation BMWs had. Some of me wants to get an E30 to keep miles off of my 335, and to just have a classic, back-to-the-roots BMW.

[Crazy Bimmer]

I had an 02 330ci and by far my favortie car that I had own. Not conting the Nsx that is.

[Roowah]

I absolutely loved my E46. Although it was a 325 not a 330, it was a fantastic car. Enough power with a MT, a more intimate, cocoon-like interior, and an extremely smooth engine. I still think about her when I see one drive by.

[Aurora Bearialis]

yeah I miss my 05 330Ci that was a great car!

[m2kev]

My sister had a e46 330 hard top, handling was very good, power? Not quiet. I also had a 6-series convertible and I do miss dropping the top on a good sunny afternoon, it was very soothing.

[Blue Streak]

Originally Posted by Roowah

I absolutely loved my E46. Although it was a 325 not a 330, it was a fantastic car. Enough power with a MT, a more intimate, cocoon-like interior, and an extremely smooth engine. I still think about her when I see one drive by.

The first time I really got to "drive" a 3-series was at a "GM Auto Show in Motion" event at the Jack Murphy (Qualcomm) stadium in early 2001. I got to drive all kinds of makes and models on closed tracks sectioned off by cones. There were SUV's, trucks, sedans, and coupes. It was highlighted by getting to drive a 6-speed C6 Z06 (that was pretty awesome!). Of all the sedans and coupes (GTO, CTS, Saab 9-3, etc.) I got to drive a 325i sedan. The 325i didn't have the most power, but I was so amazed by the way it drove and handled those S curves and how the steering, driving position, seats and everything just felt so perfect. I was just imagining how it would be with a manual transmision 330i. Now I know. It's no 335 in terms of power, but the rest of the driving experience, especially with the top down, is really something.

[DougLikesBMW]

I love our 330Ci...it's not a Vert however. Steering feel is phenomenal...it's a shame it's auto though .

I drove a 335i sedan at the dealership a while back, and it's steering was nothing compared to our 330Ci. The interior on the E46 is also much better than the E9X.

However...isn't $24k for a 2004 330Ci a bit much?

[Holden_Caulfield04]

e46 = pure sex

Best car BMW has ever made!

[Deda]

very good car!

[andyffer]

You should be able to get the price well below 24K
Especially since you are buying from a friend
Im thinking like 18-20K

Here are some reference points...
Notice the 2005 330ci 45,000 miles - $17000

http://www.seyaraautosales.com/gallery2/main.php

[chaz58]

I can see why you would do it. the 346 is the best looking 3 series, and if you have never had a convertible - its a wonderful experience. 330i is a wonderful car.

[PNF]

I agree

E46 330Ci with facelift is a great looking car!! I love the E92, but E46 are just as nice IMO and it drives/handles/corners great! The power is also quite sufficient... and I hate to bring this up.... there is no HFTP issues... :'(

[BavarianBeastTamer]

oh how i miss my e46 330i zhp.

This car was awesome. I still love my e92, but there was just something about the e46 zhp. The alcantara wheel, the short shifter, the zhp rims, and the naturaly aspirated engine. The turbos are great and I don't want to get into a debate about which is a better, but the e46 just has something the e92 doesn't have.

[chazzz]

I loved my 2005 330i ZSP. I had it for two years and it was a blast.

E46 has something that my E90 doesn't have....and my E90 has something that E46 doesn't have.

I'd love to have E46 and E90 in my garage, but it's not possible...

[lebowski]

I've had my 2005 manual 330ci m-sport (it's the same car as the zhp, minus the engine tweaks) for 1.5 years, and it's been a blast to drive. A bit tricky in the winter, as it's low to the ground, but otherwise, a phenomenal steer. I've spent limited time in various E90's, and while i acknowledge the various technological improvements in those cars, i prefer the E46's cockpit and more direct steering feel. Also, subjectively speaking, the E46 coupe is a classic design.

[RyanDe680]

I used to have a 330ci as well.

THE best car I have owned. The handling and the feel of the car was fantastic.

[mmmmQuattro]

Originally Posted by lebowski

I've had my 2005 manual 330ci m-sport (it's the same car as the zhp, minus the engine tweaks) for 1.5 years, and it's been a blast to drive. A bit tricky in the winter, as it's low to the ground, but otherwise, a phenomenal steer. I've spent limited time in various E90's, and while i acknowledge the various technological improvements in those cars, i prefer the E46's cockpit and more direct steering feel. Also, subjectively speaking, the E46 coupe is a classic design.

Funny, I have a E46 330 Vert, I do like it, but I though the E91 has better steering and handling. Could be because on the 330 I have 19" wheels and it is lowered to the max, so I am constantly rubbing tyres and hitting the bump stops.

[nasdakboy]

I miss my 330 coupe. I felt the size of the car was perfect and better handling than the E92.

[gtrokin330]

had a e46 330ci fully loaded before the 335...loved that car, imo the handling on that was better than this car

[Blue Streak]

I think this 330ci vert really does handle well, especiall for a convertible. It's got 18" wheels, but it not lowered. The E91 is a station wagon, by the way (JP330CiC). The E9X convertible is the E93.

Here's some pics of that 330ci in my driveway.

The other pics are of my 335i in my garage. I just installed some GP Thunder bulbs in the fog lights last night (they're 7500 K but I don't notice any blue in the light). So I wanted to see how they look compared with my angel eyes and HID lights. It looks like a good match in these pictures...