e46 vs e90

eyeslasher · 12-30-2005, 10:47 AM

This may have been discussed before
but does anyone else out there think that the e 46 just looke better than the e90
I have had my e90 for about a month
and i just think the design is better resolved on the previous generation.
I think i'm supposed to like it because it is newer, but the previous one
looked good as a timeless design, no?

StewtheBassman · 12-30-2005, 10:53 AM

They're altogether different cars, and yes the E46 has evolved over 7 years. It is very representative of BMW's look during that period. Line up a 3, 5 and 7, and you can tell they're family. That's what the designers shoot for, is a harmony throught the entire line.

The E90 brings the 3 into harmony with the new 5,6, and 7.

And looks are so subjective, how does one say that one is "better" than the other?

A lowered Imola Red 330i or ci is the bomb in my eyes, but it may be anathema to another.

I think the E90 is very cool looking, and there is no other car that really looks like it out there.

F32Fleet · 12-30-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewtheBassman

They're altogether different cars, and yes the E46 has evolved over 7 years. It is very representative of BMW's look during that period. Line up a 3, 5 and 7, and you can tell they're family. That's what the designers shoot for, is a harmony throught the entire line.

The E90 brings the 3 into harmony with the new 5,6, and 7.

And looks are so subjective, how does one say that one is "better" than the other?

A lowered Imola Red 330i or ci is the bomb in my eyes, but it may be anathema to another.

I think the E90 is very cool looking, and there is no other car that really looks like it out there.

Could not have said it better.

voltron1011 · 12-30-2005, 11:11 AM

I agree... 330 ZSP in Imola is a sweet car...

Jimifighter · 12-30-2005, 11:17 AM

I have always like the e46 but never made the jump to buy one. When I saw the e90, I had to have it. Love the look of the car and agree that it really fits in well with the other cars in the BMW family.

deutsch100 · 12-30-2005, 11:49 AM

As of now, I think the E46 coupe and especially the M3 look better than the E90 sedan, especially the rear end of the E46 is way hotter.

The interior of the E46s do seem mildly "dated" now compared with the E90, but I still think the E46 interior looks more luxurious and sporty. The swooping and driver cocked dash layout of the E46, is hands down better than the flat dash design of the E90, E60 and new 7 Series.

I LOVE my 330i, but I don't think it is better than the E46.

noflash · 12-30-2005, 12:08 PM

I miss my e46's seats, but that's it.

StewtheBassman · 12-30-2005, 12:13 PM

I miss the equity I had in my e46 that I gave away to own a subaru for three months.

kobechrome · 12-30-2005, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeslasher

This may have been discussed before
but does anyone else out there think that the e 46 just looke better than the e90
I have had my e90 for about a month
and i just think the design is better resolved on the previous generation.
I think i'm supposed to like it because it is newer, but the previous one
looked good as a timeless design, no?

I respectfully disagree. The new lines on the e90 are an evolution from the e46. I had an 01 325i and now I'm waiting for my 06 325i and the design on the e90 are much more in line with today's time. The e46 is still a beautiful car but it's not better than the e90.

StewtheBassman · 12-30-2005, 12:22 PM

All highly subjective.

I thought I hated the tail lights until I got my car.

They are a deep ruby red, and quite beautiful.

ksfrogman · 12-30-2005, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimifighter

I have always like the e46 but never made the jump to buy one. When I saw the e90, I had to have it. Love the look of the car and agree that it really fits in well with the other cars in the BMW family.

I totally with Jimi on this one. Bear in mind that we have had 7 years from 1999-2005 to get used to the e46. I remember when that model first came out. People complained that it looked too much like a Civic in the rear. As time went on, Civics began looking much different in the rear, and there is little resemblance between different generations of civics in the rear design. Now Civics don't really look like the old Civics, but more like Audis in the rear.

When I went to the car meet in Torrance a few days ago, I began to appreciate the lines of the e46 and e90 side-by-side. I realized that in the photos I had been focusing on the front, rear and side views of the car. When you see them in person, you realize how much the e90 tapers in the rear 3/4 section toward the rear. The car looks very sculpted, more so than in the e46, which I'd have to say is a little more conservative. The e46 front bumper spans the entire width of the car, yet the e90 has a break in the center.

I'm curious to see what we'll all be saying 7 years from now about the e90 design.

ase2dais · 12-30-2005, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeslasher

This may have been discussed before
but does anyone else out there think that the e 46 just looke better than the e90
I have had my e90 for about a month
and i just think the design is better resolved on the previous generation.
I think i'm supposed to like it because it is newer, but the previous one
looked good as a timeless design, no?

I agree with most folks to say that the new E90 design looks much better than the E46 body style.

but I hold and reserve my comments on the E90 M3 body style.
As I see it, the E46 M3 body style still has my vote as the best compared to the E90's M3 photos that has been posted here in these forums.

MIKEYMIKE · 12-30-2005, 01:10 PM

You can't compare the e46 m3 to the e90 m3..........why??

Because the e90 m3 does not EXIST, any pictures you have seen are photoshops by magazines/random people....nothing official by BMW. Once you actually see the e90 M3 in the flesh, then it would be fair to start comparing it to other cars.

Oh, and the e46 was always nice...but nothing special enough for me to get it. The new E90 design is amazing, and I'm kind of obsessed with getting one.

ase2dais · 12-30-2005, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKEYMIKE

You can't compare the e46 m3 to the e90 m3..........why??

Because the e90 m3 does not EXIST, any pictures you have seen are photoshops by magazines/random people....nothing official by BMW. Once you actually see the e90 M3 in the flesh, then it would be fair to start comparing it to other cars.

Oh, and the e46 was always nice...but nothing special enough for me to get it. The new E90 design is amazing, and I'm kind of obsessed with getting one.

thats correct thats why i reserve comments, for all these E90 M3 photos popping out make me

jmcphillips1 · 12-30-2005, 01:38 PM

I like the e90 better

peakpro · 12-30-2005, 01:46 PM

IMHO the E46 is a much sharper looking car.

The e90 to me is somewhat bloated looking on the sides and the rear is just hideous. But this is a very subjective area and everyone has their own opinion.

I am hoping that the coupe is more to my liking.

And if that fails I am hoping that the 335i power blows me away in such a way that the styling becomes a non factor.

RichReg · 12-30-2005, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeslasher

This may have been discussed before
but does anyone else out there think that the e 46 just looke better than the e90
I have had my e90 for about a month
and i just think the design is better resolved on the previous generation.

Resolved?
Are we talking about cars or computing math problems?

The E90 is an improvement over the E46 in just about all categories, and styling is subjective.
I'm not sure I understand the "something needs to be fixed" implication.

seevemonka · 12-30-2005, 02:14 PM

i like my e90 way better.If bmw didn't do the e90 for 06,i would not have bought another bmw.For me the e46 was to small,not luxurious enough,leather was to hard,stereo sucked,small back seat.The e90 corrected all of this.In general the the whole experience for me,was the car was just to hard,not cpmfortable.I do think the e46 was more tossible,and a little harder suspension.But the e90 for me is much more comfortable.It has just enough luxury,but still sport.I have the terra leather,wood burlwalnut trim.The interior with this combo,for me,is perfect.To each is own,but i much perfer the e90.

JOYRIIDE1113 · 12-30-2005, 02:26 PM

e90 also has also evolved in it suspensio and engine. new engine, new suspension, why in the world would u keep the old look. things evolve and in about 7 more years, the same things will be said about the next 3 series.

shimshimhada · 12-30-2005, 04:11 PM

lol I don't feel like typing up my reply to this again.

Yangster · 12-30-2005, 04:12 PM

I know there are a fair number of BMW enthusiasts and "purists" out there, many of them longtime BMW owners, who prefer the E46, but speaking as a BMW newbie, it was the E90 redesign that drew me to the 325 and ultimately led me to buy my first BMW. I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

BMW F22 · 12-30-2005, 04:46 PM

Well I have always wanted a BMW, old style or new. I think they both look good. I do like the back of the older style better and the body does look nice. However, the new style is of course more modern and sleek looking. Some of my friends are always saying the new style is ugly. I dont know. LIke many have said "it's all subjective". I like both styles but in the modern world, I'd rather go with the new one. In a few more months the E46 will outdated as people will get into the modern look of the E90. but at least EYESLASHER was honest. Most E90 owners think that their cars are the best looking one. They always get offended when others think that it's ugly because they are trying to justify for it. Who cares what others think????

12-30-2005, 10:47 AM	#1
eyeslasher New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 330 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: illinois iTrader: (0)	e46 vs e90 This may have been discussed before but does anyone else out there think that the e 46 just looke better than the e90 I have had my e90 for about a month and i just think the design is better resolved on the previous generation. I think i'm supposed to like it because it is newer, but the previous one looked good as a timeless design, no?
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12-30-2005, 10:53 AM	#2
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	They're altogether different cars, and yes the E46 has evolved over 7 years. It is very representative of BMW's look during that period. Line up a 3, 5 and 7, and you can tell they're family. That's what the designers shoot for, is a harmony throught the entire line. The E90 brings the 3 into harmony with the new 5,6, and 7. And looks are so subjective, how does one say that one is "better" than the other? A lowered Imola Red 330i or ci is the bomb in my eyes, but it may be anathema to another. I think the E90 is very cool looking, and there is no other car that really looks like it out there. __________________
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12-30-2005, 11:11 AM	#4
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	I agree... 330 ZSP in Imola is a sweet car...
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12-30-2005, 11:17 AM	#5
Jimifighter Private First Class 19 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Beaufort, SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	I have always like the e46 but never made the jump to buy one. When I saw the e90, I had to have it. Love the look of the car and agree that it really fits in well with the other cars in the BMW family.
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12-30-2005, 11:49 AM	#6
deutsch100 Colonel 3947 Rep 2,393 Posts Drives: i7 60, XM, M3 Comp, 911 GTS Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calabasas, CA iTrader: (0)	As of now, I think the E46 coupe and especially the M3 look better than the E90 sedan, especially the rear end of the E46 is way hotter. The interior of the E46s do seem mildly "dated" now compared with the E90, but I still think the E46 interior looks more luxurious and sporty. The swooping and driver cocked dash layout of the E46, is hands down better than the flat dash design of the E90, E60 and new 7 Series. I LOVE my 330i, but I don't think it is better than the E46.
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12-30-2005, 12:08 PM	#7
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I miss my e46's seats, but that's it.
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12-30-2005, 12:13 PM	#8
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	I miss the equity I had in my e46 that I gave away to own a subaru for three months. __________________
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12-30-2005, 12:22 PM	#10
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	All highly subjective. I thought I hated the tail lights until I got my car. They are a deep ruby red, and quite beautiful. __________________
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12-30-2005, 01:10 PM	#13
MIKEYMIKE Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,516 Posts Drives: 330i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3)	You can't compare the e46 m3 to the e90 m3..........why?? Because the e90 m3 does not EXIST, any pictures you have seen are photoshops by magazines/random people....nothing official by BMW. Once you actually see the e90 M3 in the flesh, then it would be fair to start comparing it to other cars. Oh, and the e46 was always nice...but nothing special enough for me to get it. The new E90 design is amazing, and I'm kind of obsessed with getting one.
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12-30-2005, 01:38 PM	#15
jmcphillips1 Captain 60 Rep 667 Posts Drives: 2012 128 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	I like the e90 better __________________ Current Daily Driver: 2015 X4 35i Retired: 2012 128i Coupe M-Sport Retired: 2009 X6 35i Retired: 2003 X5 4.6is Retired: 2006 330i Post September
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12-30-2005, 01:46 PM	#16
peakpro Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 290 Posts Drives: ex-Z4; now looking Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	IMHO the E46 is a much sharper looking car. The e90 to me is somewhat bloated looking on the sides and the rear is just hideous. But this is a very subjective area and everyone has their own opinion. I am hoping that the coupe is more to my liking. And if that fails I am hoping that the 335i power blows me away in such a way that the styling becomes a non factor.
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12-30-2005, 02:14 PM	#18
seevemonka Private 2 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2006 bmw 325,black Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: mpls iTrader: (0)	i like my e90 way better.If bmw didn't do the e90 for 06,i would not have bought another bmw.For me the e46 was to small,not luxurious enough,leather was to hard,stereo sucked,small back seat.The e90 corrected all of this.In general the the whole experience for me,was the car was just to hard,not cpmfortable.I do think the e46 was more tossible,and a little harder suspension.But the e90 for me is much more comfortable.It has just enough luxury,but still sport.I have the terra leather,wood burlwalnut trim.The interior with this combo,for me,is perfect.To each is own,but i much perfer the e90.
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12-30-2005, 02:26 PM	#19
JOYRIIDE1113 Pirate 113 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: Detailing Shark Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Miami-Kendall iTrader: (1)	e90 also has also evolved in it suspensio and engine. new engine, new suspension, why in the world would u keep the old look. things evolve and in about 7 more years, the same things will be said about the next 3 series.
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12-30-2005, 04:11 PM	#20
shimshimhada Brigadier General 442 Rep 4,838 Posts Drives: Portal Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portal iTrader: (2)	lol I don't feel like typing up my reply to this again.
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12-30-2005, 04:12 PM	#21
Yangster Private 1 Rep 59 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I know there are a fair number of BMW enthusiasts and "purists" out there, many of them longtime BMW owners, who prefer the E46, but speaking as a BMW newbie, it was the E90 redesign that drew me to the 325 and ultimately led me to buy my first BMW. I'm sure I'm not alone in that. __________________ 325xi Steptronic / Arctic Metallic / Black Leather / Aluminum Trim
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12-30-2005, 04:46 PM	#22
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Well I have always wanted a BMW, old style or new. I think they both look good. I do like the back of the older style better and the body does look nice. However, the new style is of course more modern and sleek looking. Some of my friends are always saying the new style is ugly. I dont know. LIke many have said "it's all subjective". I like both styles but in the modern world, I'd rather go with the new one. In a few more months the E46 will outdated as people will get into the modern look of the E90. but at least EYESLASHER was honest. Most E90 owners think that their cars are the best looking one. They always get offended when others think that it's ugly because they are trying to justify for it. Who cares what others think????
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