I know this is probably a stupid question but which one would you want. I've found a couple of E46 zhp package sedans with 40k miles one of them with cpo till 09 and another under original warranty till end of June. I started out looking at these cars but this weekend while looking for one I found and test drove a manual 06 325i with 27k miles premium and sports packages, moonroof, logic 7 sound, power heated seats for about the same money. Now I know the 06 is lacking in hp but it is 2 years newer with half the miles and 2 years 23k miles left on the warranty. Anyway, I just wanted your opinions. Oh yeah the 04's are in my 2 of my top 3 3 color choices and the 06 is #5 on my list.

2 years newer, better handling, more spacious, and better looking IMO, I'd say forget the few hp diff and go for the e90.

2 years newer, better handling, more spacious, and better looking IMO, I'd say forget the few hp diff and go for the e90.

The 06 feels more spacious but running a comparison the leg room, especially the back is virtually the same. Is a E90 with sports package really going to handle better than the suspension upgrades on the zhp? I couldn't tell in the Atlanta traffic with the sales lady sitting beside me.

I had the same problem, I couldn't decide between an 04/05 330 or an 06 325i. Well I went with the E90 because it still had warranty/maintenance, looked a lot better (my oppinion), and handled better than the previous E46 3 sreies. The E90's also have tons of more features than the E46's. I would go for the E90.

What's the price range between the E46's and E90 you're looking at?

What's the price range between the E46's and E90 you're looking at?

E46 22k E90 23-24k

E46 22k E90 23-24kJust a 1-2k difference :thumbup:
I say the E90 is the better decision, it has less miles + more warranty.
Also consider the E46 prices dropped since the E9x's were released.
It might not go for as much if you were to try to sell it later :)
It's your decision though, both are great cars!!

there's just no reason to buy the e46.

Also consider the E46 prices dropped since the E9x's were released.
It might not go for as much if you were to try to sell it later :)
Yeah but look at how much faster the E90 325 dropped after the release of the 335 and 328.

there's just no reason to buy the e46.
Sure there is. Fun to drive with zhp package hp torque and M suspension upgrades, rarity of the zhp package so it won't be like everyone else's, non run flat tires, availability of aftermarket parts, xenon headlights and personally the only 325 I can find at this price is silver. I don't really like it in silver I'd prefer black or red or blue. The E46 choices are imola red or mystic blue.

Creature features and interior space is the major difference. both cars perform almost the same. it is a drivers race. I say do what you want. but I would do the E90

Creature features and interior space is the major difference. both cars perform almost the same. it is a drivers race. I say do what you want. but I would do the E90


Seriously the lighter 235 hp ZHP performs the same as the 215 hp E90 325?

Seriously the lighter 235 hp ZHP performs the same as the 215 hp E90 325?
performance is not just defined by straight line acceleration or engine prowess.

performance is not just defined by straight line acceleration or engine prowess.


what about the ZHP's upgraded M suspension?

what about the ZHP's upgraded M suspension?
Don't know if it is easy to compare on paper, a back to back test drive may be the only way to tell. The e90 has a more advanced suspension setup, esp. in the rear. The suspension parts also are all aluminum on the e90 (non x-drive) so that shaves unsprung weight. Finally the e90 chassis is stiffer and has more torsional rigidity. Now do those all add up to better handling? It's anyone's guess, but my money is on YES. Again, a test drive is your best bet.

It's pretty obvious you want the E46 ZHP. Just go for it! Then when you get bored of it you can always get an E9x down the road.

Sure there is. Fun to drive with zhp package hp torque and M suspension upgrades, rarity of the zhp package so it won't be like everyone else's, non run flat tires, availability of aftermarket parts, xenon headlights and personally the only 325 I can find at this price is silver. I don't really like it in silver I'd prefer black or red or blue. The E46 choices are imola red or mystic blue.


Blah blah blah

rarity of the zhp package - 10hp: big deal. The suede steering wheel falls apart and plus no one else knows what it is

non runflats - i don't like changing spares in the rain personally

aftermarket parts - they're coming.

xenons - my car has them

If you want to buy circa 1999 technology be my guest. Remember I'm the one who sees these cars on a DAILY basis. I may know what I'm talking about

E46 330 ZHP > E90 325i

I'd go with the 330 over the 325 anyday.