More E90 Pics and 1st drive *Lots of pics*

killerdeck · 04-29-2005, 10:42 PM

Well, I got to drive the E90 330i 6-speed SP yesterday. I figured you guys might be interested in what I have to say since I have a 330i ZHP.

Here it goes:

Well, first let me say that this is a refined version of the E46 for sure. The clutch is a little sensitive coming from a ZHP, and while the shifter is taller than Im used to, it was buttery smoothe. The car is much more stable than any E46 Ive driven around corners before. Even though the car was outfitted with 18" Bridgestone RE-050s the ride was not at all choppy over bumps. Of course, some may argue that feeling less of the road is not as good. I personally like the more agressive suspension on the ZHP to this car. Acceleration is quick and the engine sounds great after the 4000 RPM mark. Sounds more like a muffled V-8 than an inline-6. Didnt push it very hard but managed to jet onto the freeway and get up to about 80-85 MPH. Its scary how quiet the engine is at 80! I could hear the road far more than the engine.

Now for the interior and exterior. I dont like the looks of the back of the car at all. The front and front-3/4 angle views are pleasing but dont do much for me. The 18" rims seem too small for the car relative to what the 17" looked like on the E46.

The fit and finish of the seats is very good and a lot of added padding has been added to the back/butt support area. All of the controls are intuitive and thank goodness no IDRIVE to screw around with. Forgot totally to test the radio!

ops: The back seats are much better than the E46, but are a bit different in orientation. I can sit behind the drivers seat with my setting and Im 6'2", but the head room is significantly less than the E46. In addition, the foot entry area is smaller and makes it hard for us big foot guys (12 4E here) to get in/out without being extra careful. Finally, the engine compartment is huge. I can see how they designed it to fit the V8 of the future M3!

It is also nice that they finally have done away with an all black covering for the engine. I like the silver black cover.

Well thats all she wrote folks!

All of the pics:

04-29-2005, 10:42 PM	#1
killerdeck Crotchety Join Date: Nov 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 2016 BMW M3 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,376	More E90 Pics and 1st drive Lots of pics Well, I got to drive the E90 330i 6-speed SP yesterday. I figured you guys might be interested in what I have to say since I have a 330i ZHP. Here it goes: Well, first let me say that this is a refined version of the E46 for sure. The clutch is a little sensitive coming from a ZHP, and while the shifter is taller than Im used to, it was buttery smoothe. The car is much more stable than any E46 Ive driven around corners before. Even though the car was outfitted with 18" Bridgestone RE-050s the ride was not at all choppy over bumps. Of course, some may argue that feeling less of the road is not as good. I personally like the more agressive suspension on the ZHP to this car. Acceleration is quick and the engine sounds great after the 4000 RPM mark. Sounds more like a muffled V-8 than an inline-6. Didnt push it very hard but managed to jet onto the freeway and get up to about 80-85 MPH. Its scary how quiet the engine is at 80! I could hear the road far more than the engine. Now for the interior and exterior. I dont like the looks of the back of the car at all. The front and front-3/4 angle views are pleasing but dont do much for me. The 18" rims seem too small for the car relative to what the 17" looked like on the E46. The fit and finish of the seats is very good and a lot of added padding has been added to the back/butt support area. All of the controls are intuitive and thank goodness no IDRIVE to screw around with. Forgot totally to test the radio! ops: The back seats are much better than the E46, but are a bit different in orientation. I can sit behind the drivers seat with my setting and Im 6'2", but the head room is significantly less than the E46. In addition, the foot entry area is smaller and makes it hard for us big foot guys (12 4E here) to get in/out without being extra careful. Finally, the engine compartment is huge. I can see how they designed it to fit the V8 of the future M3! It is also nice that they finally have done away with an all black covering for the engine. I like the silver black cover. Well thats all she wrote folks! All of the pics: