I posted on the e46 forum and got a couple responses, but not subtantial to help me make a decision. So try again here.

I am debating between a 2003 325i vs an e90 325. I have testdriven e90 multiple times and like the feel and ride. (My current ride is a 99 camry v6.) But the e46 is indeed cheaper and have options I would have forgone if I were to buy an e90. My main concern is the ride for now. I have read from some post here that the e90 is much smoother than the e46. And this particular e46 does have the sports package. Would that make the ride even worse? Camry's pretty smooth, but too relaxed. I am trying to figure out in my mind...

The problem is this e46 is 175 miles away from me, and I hate to drive down there and get home disappointed. Maybe that's a sign I should just get a e90?

tia for all the advice.

I posted on the e46 forum and got a couple responses, but not subtantial to help me make a decision. So try again here.

I am debating between a 2003 325i vs an e90 325. I have testdriven e90 multiple times and like the feel and ride. (My current ride is a 99 camry v6.) But the e46 is indeed cheaper and have options I would have forgone if I were to buy an e90. My main concern is the ride for now. I have read from some post here that the e90 is much smoother than the e46. And this particular e46 does have the sports package. Would that make the ride even worse? Camry's pretty smooth, but too relaxed. I am trying to figure out in my mind...

The problem is this e46 is 175 miles away from me, and I hate to drive down there and get home disappointed. Maybe that's a sign I should just get a e90?

tia for all the advice.

The E90 with no sport package will ride much better than the E46 with it, and the E90 will still handle much better than your camry. If you're really worried about ride quality, get a non-sport pack car for sure. Plus you'll be getting a new car instead of a 3 year old one.

The E90 with no sport package will ride much better than the E46 with it, and the E90 will still handle much better than your camry. If you're really worried about ride quality, get a non-sport pack car for sure. Plus you'll be getting a new car instead of a 3 year old one.

Thanks. that's kinda of what my thought is. So, if I buy an E90, you would recommend a non-sport pack? ride quality is important, but not the number one concern.

post a list in order of importance of the top 5 things you want in your new car. we'll go from there.

performance, power, safety, handling, etc...

Even w/ the sport package the car should still ride nice.... Nicer than your camry, probably.

Go for an E90 w/ the sport package. You won't regret it.

I have decided to pass on that 2003 325i. Now I have to decide on what to get for an E90 325. I am not in any particular hurry since the Camry is still in very good shape. A friend of mine even suggested looking into an E39 instead of E90. What do you guys think? I know I sound a little confused, but I am really trying hard to get into my first bimmer without leaving any regret.