E46 Experience

["Charles Galunic" <galunic@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've owned the new E46 (328i) for a couple of months now and thought some
of you might like some information. First, I already have the car because
it was released on the European continent earlier this year, which is where
I am based. You should know that I have not owned the E36, although I still
have a 1989 316i (smaller engines used to be a choice in Europe). The E46
328i is hard to compare with the 316i from two generations ago (i.e, there
is too much difference), so I won't compare them in any detail. However,
having enjoyed learning about the E36 from some of the experiences in the
digest (I've joined recently) and through friends, I can venture a few
comparisons.

1)Exterior Design: My car is a four door with 16" Continental wheels, 5
spoke star design. The body does have a slightly "popular" look to it, with
the extra rounding (bubble-like) and vertical lines in the back roof and
window, along with the new design in the tail lights. To me, this gives it
a more domesticated look, unlike the untamed, sharper angles of the E36.
However, I am finding the design of the wheels makes a big difference to
the car. I've seen several E46s with the standard 7 spoke, smaller wheels
(at least in Europe these seem to be the standard wheels). This just
accentuates what someone called the "Honda" look to the E46. Putting on the
5 spoke wheels, however, gives the car some of that raw energy back.

The car does feel wider and more squat. Generally, I think this suits the
new design and, again, returns some of the sportiness to the car. The
headlights are attractive, but what's impressive is how well they function.
Apparently the new design has improved lumination by a third. The
difference is very noticeable from my 316i.

All in all, with the right accessories, I think the car stands out nicely.
It's not so much a revolution, however, as an evolution in design, albeit
still an attractive one in my eyes. I should add that I enjoy the extra
rounding in the front hood-a touch of the roadster?

2) Interior Design: Having sat in a few E36s, the car is bigger, especially
in the back seat. This is very welcome (especially for long-legged drivers)
or anyone with a family. The "cockpit" does not seem to wrap around you as
does the E36, especially the controls on the right hand side. They are,
however, more accessible for the passenger, again a slight touch of
domestication. The entire panel, however, glows brilliantly- very
attractive. The seats in my car are standard (i.e., not the sport option)
but generally perform very well in sharp cornering (of course, I don't know
if these are the same seats released in the USA/CDN). Finally, the interior
lighting as a whole is impressive at night. I believe 6 lights come on when
you unlock the doors: finding the car in a crowded underground car park or
at night is never a problem.

In general, the car strikes a more even balance between sportiness and
practicality/luxury. For some, of course, this may be the wrong direction
to go. Personally, I'm enjoying it.

3)Performance: For someone who has driven a 316i, this will obviously be
the most impressive part. Although I have not pushed the car too much, the
car drives very well when asked. The clutch, first of all, is very soft
(I'm losing my calf muscles) and I wouldn't have minded a firmer push (for
those adrenalin rushing moments when you otherwise step through the clutch
like a slab of warm butter). The acceleration is very smooth, not very
torquey at low rpm but consistently building up speed. It has a
particularly nice finish as you approach the red line- shifting does not
seem to be a problem at high rpm, although I really would need to feel the
E36 and still need a few more months of driving. I have not added any
accessories to the shifter. The suspension is stiff. One doesn't need to
drive the E36 to notice this. There is simply very little give when you
corner. Nice.

All in all, a pretty good car, but, in my opinion, not a gigantic leap
forward for BMW from the E36. But would we really want them to?

Charlie 
1989 316i 
1999 328i

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