09-27-2017, 12:57 PM | #11 | |
Alphanumeric
Join Date: Aug 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i
Posts: 9,584
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Quote:
The e46 clutch (at least the 330i's that I was used to), were springy, long travel with high engagement. The e90 had better clutches. The shifters are smoother & more precise as well (again for the non-M). Also, you are spot on in terms of solidity. The e9X is a much more solid car, what you are feeling is not only due to the lesser miles. Negatives for the e9x: - Interior design. Worse cupholders, flat Buick dash (before Buicks were Opels) - Exterior. Not as bad as the interior, but not as classic/faultless as the e46 - Runflats and no room for a donut - M became v8 (an awesome one but dropped hwy range dramatically) |
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09-27-2017, 02:33 PM | #12 |
Mugwump
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3
Location: NY
Posts: 17,475
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I never noticed any negative of the E46 clutch other than the absurdly long travel. But I immediately installed a clutch stop in both the E46 and E91 so that's a non-issue.
I do agree the shifter is better in the E9x. The rest I can't really compare because it's a 330i coupe vs a 325xi wagon. The lack of a spare tire pisses me off to no end. There's always a spare tire back there clogging up the space. Ridiculous. |
09-27-2017, 04:31 PM | #13 |
Alphanumeric
Join Date: Aug 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i
Posts: 9,584
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True, its not like the e46 clutch was cheap, it wasnt. Really the two most major differences are 1. body solidity (huge, I always feel the e46 tweak on angles/driveways 2. N52/N54 instead of m52/m54 engines. Less NVH.
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09-27-2017, 05:46 PM | #14 | |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,609
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Quote:
In every other respect the 330 was more fun to drive. I miss the ZHP. I don't miss the 335 at all. |
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09-27-2017, 06:09 PM | #15 |
Hello.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5
Location: Downingtown, PA
Posts: 5,529
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Personally, I vastly preferred the clutch and shifter feel of the e8x and e9x cars to the e46 manuals. I find the steering more lively on my e46. The e9x x drive suspension had a huge flaw with the way it handles impacts like potholes
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Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3 |
09-27-2017, 11:20 PM | #16 |
Mugwump
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3
Location: NY
Posts: 17,475
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Were early E46 clutches shitty or something? Or do I just not know what a shitty clutch feels like... and I need to educate myself ASAP so I can start hating my car?
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09-28-2017, 09:49 AM | #17 | |
Hello.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5
Location: Downingtown, PA
Posts: 5,529
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Quote:
If I were you, I wouldn't go around looking for things not to like on your 330... after all the work JV did, hopefully you can just hop in and enjoy it for a while. I love our e46 wagon, x suspension, auto tranny and all. It is the car we talk most about keeping forever.
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Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3 |
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09-28-2017, 10:15 AM | #18 |
Mugwump
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3
Location: NY
Posts: 17,475
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Oh yeah, I was just kidding. I won't be getting rid of the car any time soon.
Anyone who doesn't like their E46 clutch should try a clutch stop and adjust it nice and high. I'm pretty sure everything I've seen described goes away. |
09-28-2017, 10:55 AM | #19 |
lawn boy
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14,029
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You know what else fixes the crummy e46 clutch/shifter - SMG.
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09-28-2017, 11:13 AM | #20 |
Mugwump
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3
Location: NY
Posts: 17,475
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