BMW E46 M3 vs E46 330Ci, comparison review with stock exhausts, Part 1 of 2 | The GTD Garage
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ค. 2016
- We compare a stock BMW E46 M3 against a stock E46 330ci, looking at the exterior, interior and driving differences, including their exhaust notes. Both are great cars, the 330CI is definitely a performance bargain but can it really touch the M3 when it comes to how it drives? Watch to find out!
Watch part 2 of this video here: • BMW E46 M3 vs E46 330C...
A few questions have popped up about these cars that we didn't talk about in the video, both are silver grey 2004 LCI (facelift) versions of the E46 platform.
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Fit new inner tie rods and Track rod ends and you will be pleased.
I'm now on my second e46 M3 and have also owned two 330 coupe sports in the e46 range.
Personally, I'd go for the 330 as a daily driver, so much more useable whereas the M3 needs properly winding up to extract the power, it's more a weekend car you want a quick blast in and then put it away.
My last 330 had 175,000 miles on it and drove better than my first 330 with 85,000 on it. The 330 will go forever if serviced properly, the M3 is a bit finicky at times and needs thorough maintenance.
Both superb cars but the 330 edges it for me based on ownership of both models.
The grills were originally designed to be the end of a ventilation channel to reduce the amount of engine heat, but during testing the engineers learned that this channel wasn't really necessary - however, they already showed the design of the side air vent to the management board and they all liked it very much. So although they didn't put an air channel there; the grill remained and has now become a distinctive feature for all ///M models
Johnny D Legend rice mod
What do they sound like? The M3 is raspy with undertones of bad dubstep. The 330i is throaty with undertones of bad dubstep.
Constructive Criticism: don't do a sound comparison with background music.
Point taken! It was a close call to cut the music completely at that part or leave it in, leaving it in won. I tried it both ways and thought it was low enough level to not really detract from the exhaust sound
I would not call that "music".
330 because I'm on a budget
E46 M3 will skint you
Good choice
@@maurocardoso3579 i speak perfect English Mr Johnny Foreigner, which part don't you understand?
@@maurocardoso3579 basically what i said was E46 M3's are money pits,do you understand that?
Does e46 m3 come in facelift?
e46 m3 my reasonable dream car!
same
but they are so hard to find like in good condition
yes indeed and the 330ci it's easier to find one in good condition
+Vlad R кино?
da
Just look at the smile on his face when he accelerates in the M3. That for me is why I own one. Nothing more needed to be said after that smile.
Totally agree. Unfortunately being not so well off ill have to make do with my 330 .. But I still love it too
100% spot on !
The review every 330ci/i owner has been waiting for since they got their car!!
Glad you liked it!
Guys That Drive I want the m3 more.why? because it has my favorite e46 front and it sounds better!
Etrut Shahbazi Not Stock
I'm loving my 330ci, just couldn't justify the maintenance/insurance of the M3 for the amount of driving I do. I mainly commute in traffic and have the odd weekend drive for fun but the M3 although cheap to buy its insurance/maintenance is pretty high.
What year is your 330ci? I got a 2004 & I love it man! They're great cars
Pablo Granados Mines 2003 in black, it came with a dodgy champagne interior so I'm tempted to sell it and buy the M3 interior and put that in.
red leather looks really good in the black cars, also keep your eyes peeled for a (rare) cinnamon interior, that also looks very sharp.
+Guys That Drive I've never really been a fan of the red interiors but tbh I've never seen one in person so I might change my mind. There's seems to be so many weird colour interiors for the older BMWs, I saw someone the other day selling one that was a weird purple colour that actually looked quite good.
+Ze Germanz oh cool man. Yeah that M3 interior is clean. Have you got new wheels or you still riding stock? I'mma get some new ones soon & im still debating on what wheel specs should I run
I really love the 330Ci headlights
Great review! I've got a 330ci, it's all about that deep hum you get, when you put your foot down. However that M3, that sound! Sounds like metal grinding, love it.
We are quite taken back by the response to this vid, just shows how popular the e46 is! We've made a short follow up video addressing some of your comments, watch Part 2 here: th-cam.com/video/RxZIhfkQIh4/w-d-xo.html
GTD
Music drowned out their voice. Music should be very low in the background.
Sorted the sound issues, watch this vid for no music in the background th-cam.com/video/RxZIhfkQIh4/w-d-xo.html
The 330ci is a good comprise for a 1/5th of the price. With diff gears, exhaust, tune and cams it's definitely not a fast car but it's not slow either. Lot of aftermarket supercharger kits readily available now as well.
Awesome work guys. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to the next video! 330ci owner, E46 M3 on the horizon.
Drives a M3 but has a Merc hat ? 🤔
The irony. With any luck Ash will have lost that hat at Glastonbury!
+Guys That Drive of corse is a merc hat, drive bmw, love merc , best or nothing
I love all e46s, they are amazing!
I was so wondering about the BMW E46 330i comparison, Thank you for making this Video! Thumbs Up and, I Subscribed!
got a 325CI 2001 , LOVE IT
can't believe u ģuys didn't mention that the headlights are different in the beginning that's the biggest difference to me
We did talk about the difference between the facelift lights on the 330ci but it didn't make it into the final cut
+Guys That Drive ok ok all is forgiven :)
Yeah the 330 is a facelift, if it was a pre-face it would look almost the same as the m3
Facelift is nicer!
No it is not. M3 style is the default look and pre-facelift is thus the better choice. If you don't believe it then study the differences in every detail and you will slowly get to the same point.
If you put the Michelin Pilot SS on the 330ci, it will stop on a dime and grip on corners very well. Makes it a more confident car to drive fast than all seasons tire. The 330ci is still a superb daily driver and highway cruisers..
JpadIceCoffee that's why I love the 330, so versatile! Super sports are going to be the next tyres going on it. The eagle F1 AS 2s that are on it at the mo are excellent though, superb grip in all conditions
Great video guys! I loved my E46 328CI 😀
ayyy!! haha
+Hector Aguirre (MenudoBoy) same here bro I love mine too
great video guys. I had the 330Ci sport for nearly 8 years, I couldn't afford the M3 so this was the next best thing. loved the car and it was pretty bulletproof, did nearly 100k in it and only ever had 1 thing go which cost just under £400. never driven an M3 to this day :(
Knowing that you are still sad after not driving an m3 I’m going save up longer and not get a 330
@@papaidolatrine2499 you won't regret it dude :)
I did finally get an m3 about 3 years ago; it was a goal of mine for 20 years lol, and I had to wait until I was 38, but it was totally worth it :)
I bought my E46 m3 a month ago - it needs a little work but trust me when I say you'll fall in love with how it drives, it's noise, the looks, the reliability, the power and overall need to drive it more and more! Stunning car and bundles of fun!
+Charlie Mills Ash is definitely addicted to his car, update to come soon on what he's been doing to his
Can you guys recommend any retailers for parts? online or offline!
Charlie Mills Hi Charlie, what parts are you looking for buddy?
Brake discs, pads and hoses for now. There's other bits I'd like as well but I don't know of any reputable places to look for parts.
Charlie Mills For front discs you can get ATE ones from eurocarparts (wait for a discount code, it's currently 30% which is good) or German eBay is good too. And for tears either German eBay or a BMW dealer (ask for a discount) as for pads I got Performance friction ones from eBay front and rear which are pretty good or padgid RS29's which are better but mega cash. I have Hel braided hoses on mine which I got on a forum discount code. Joking M3cutters forum too for discounts on parts and loads of advice on how to look after your M3. If the car hasn't had subframe done I would advise you get a proper inspection done too. Enjoy the motor though buddy and if you need any other advice give me a shout. Ash
The side vents on the M3 were going to be cooling vents for the engine, which ended up being scrapped. The execs at BMW loved the look of it them so much though that they kept it as a purely cosmetic feature.
Subscribed! Beautiful cars!
Brought back fond memories of my own E46 330Ci, even was the same colour. A good review!
Sweet 😂❤330ci convertible 330ci best car ever in the world e46 330ci
@@livingstonepowell1565 truly the E46 330 Ci is a great car. I thoroughly enjoyed mine. And I love your enthusiasm.
However, I went to a Jaguar XF 3 litre diesel afterwards and it was unbelievably even better. Driving home on the motorway for the first time after trading in the Beemer, I thought I was only doing about 60 mph and decided to push the gas pedal. Thankfully, before I did, I glanced at the speedometer. I was already doing 90 mph!
The Jaguar was so much fun, but also more practical and far more comfortable. I refused to let myself be blinkered about the BMW (even though it was my fourth BMW) and was rewarded with an even better experience with the Jaguar!
You live and learn...
Just checking ✔️ the oil 🛢 pressure, getting some oil light flickering when driving 🚗 for ten miles, now how to fix this issue anyone with the same problem, helpful 😑
2016 WHO WANT THIS CAR... MEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!
MrGGLENN2 2017 still want
Pick mine up next week. 2017.
Only car ill swap my 330 for is to buy an M3
Then get one, watch for a good deal and you’ll find it, I got one for 12k with 120k miles clean af
2018 and i have it
thanks for the video!
Awesome vid buying a 330ci after deployment
Nice editing!
Great video!
I wish the music didn't drown out the exhausts,
Try with headphones, its not so bad!
If people want we can put up a short clip purely of the exhaust sound comparisons... No bad dubstep music included..?!
+Guys That Drive if its not too much trouble that would be great. Great video though and great cars. Hopefully I will upgrade from my 320d and get a 335 so I will be interested to hear it. :)
+urbex2007 fear not, follow up vid with no music and pure engine and exhaust sounds on the way!
th-cam.com/video/RxZIhfkQIh4/w-d-xo.html
first time I test drove the e46 M3 that I bought, oh wow.... smile on my face and I was like "Definitely gonna buy an M3"
Finally bought one and a friend of mine rode with me for the first time after owning the car for a year or so, and we've been doing pulls against each other with his G35, and his reaction was like "woah, this thing pulls bruhhhh!" and I went on to a little drift and his reaction was priceless.
Definitely glad I bought this dream car of mine, the only one of the my dream cars that i can afford at the time. Will probably get either a e92 or a Supra next, depends on what I feel like doing. xD
Epic video chaps. I'm looking to buy an e46 M3. Currently have a 330CD - in silver grey too! Would have been good to been in the video and compare the dirty diesel too haha. Subbed. 👍
E46 M3 with Evolve induction kit....the sound and performance is awesome. Love driving mine every day, it's expensive but worth it!
Fantastic video lads. The E46 - well, one of the best BMW's in my opinion ever made. Timeless aesthetics and performance just makes you smile and comes alive especially on country roads. A lot of car for the money.
Agreed 👍 1000%
Mine is fine e46 330ci convertible 330ci out 4 spin later sounds 👌 beautiful 3.0L engine 😀 bad buoy
great vid guys, just got a z4 3.0 6 speed, so same 6 as the 330 just lighter, open top, and has the sound gen mod for letting the engine sound into the cabin, For 5k what a car absolute hoot to drive, can not go wrong with a bmw straight six engine, absolutely gorgeous engine.
Ash used to have a z4 3.0i before his M3 unfortunately it was written off but he thought it was a great car. He also did the sound gen mod and a few suspension tweeks, it drove really well. Wish they used the hydraulic steering in the z4 though
+Guys That Drive well around town the steering is really light and the sport button does a good job of making it more heavy when needed. Economy around town is quite bad. But surprisingly good on a run. Last car was a mk1 focus st but fwd just sucked. Just wish I had enough for a supercharger kit 😃
My black/tan 2001 BMW 330i M Sport 5 spd manual was the first car I bought new from the dealer when I was 37 years old. I drove it 16K miles the first year then about 400 miles per year since. It has 48K miles as of June 2022. It is a multiple first place show car winner including the Elite Import Auto Bash 2011. I have two E39s that I drive regularly. It is still in showroom shape and lives indoors.
Just subscribed congrats on 2000 subs
+Ubaid Memon thanks! nice one for getting on board!
Driving a BMW just puts a big smile on your face as you can see in this video.
i have a 03 zhp sedan 6 speed and love every bit of it.. just struck 107k yesterday!
The 'gills' on the side wings were originally designed to get air from the wheel arches but they weren't needed in the end. They aren't functional but the designers liked them so left them on.
that rasp from the s54 engine I hate it but love it at the same time.
more and more videos about bimmers! thanx guys!
M3 is my dream car i am going to get it no matter what
xSausage Roll don’t get a convertible they aren’t any quicker than a 330 plus be prepared for sky high maintenance and running costs
Owned a 2002 330ci and a 2002 M3. The M3 looked better for sure, unfortunately so much went wrong with it in the 8 months I owned it the better owning experience was the humble 330.
Did people still think you was driving an M3? I’m a BIMMER head so I do notice my 528 isn’t as wide as the 540 etc.... but is really that much of difference? I rather just get a 330 like you did and build the engine and everything up
So glad to have my 2003 330i, great car.I'm planning to convert the car to a zhp, for that extra performance
I've seen 2 videos comparing the E46 330ci to the M3 but surely the pre-facelift looks more similar. Or does the facelift look more similar apart from the lights?
5:30. indeed, the e46 steering wheel is imho the best steering wheel bmw ever made. cruise control is also really chilled to use one handed unlike with a stalk.
Me and my dad found an M3 for around 8,000 we are thinking about buying
Rare Videos by Javier Vargas TV! JUST DO IT!
Remastered Zero We were but now my dad wants an RX7 for 1500 and I want a Mercedes for 4000, hahaha
I found an 330 for 5000 do what I’m gonna do and take a loan
@@vibingcat9249 u can get a them for 2k in good condition
or just get a 330ci and invest the rest in stocks
The side scopes on the m3 are purely cosmetic originally they were going to make them functional but was later decided that it’s not needed but they kept it as a token of its rally origins
a friend of mine only has installed headers,. LSD and also exhaust but must important a centrifugal supercharger on his 330ci.. it is running 6 psi.. the tuneimproved the rev limit to 6900 rpm.. and it transformed the car. that thing is running as fast if not faster than any stock M3. of course u dont get that sweet reving engine.. but the blower noise and the improved torque and peek power is noticeable
Heeellll yeah, I am sooo close to going for a 330ci now! very good and imformative video. really appreciate you making this video and letting me know that you got this done (even though im subscribed xD)
i was close to buying a 330 clubsport before i got a m3. might be worth a look as they are more rare as a m3
Did you get one? Know anything about the 2002 330ci? Thanks!
I used to own a pretty modified 330i. Headers intake tune lightwight wheels cams yada yada. But it doesn't come close to a m3 . My 330i was fun while i had it but the m3 is just amazing.
I've had both. The 330 is a lot less stressful. You're not worried about rod bearings, head gasket, vanos, diff and to some degree the RACP. But they're worth less so you'd be less inclined to spend money fixing them. Nowhere near as special. I used my 330 a whole lot more than my M3 but it was the only car, M3 is a 3rd car now. The 5sp box in the 330 (2001) was nice, the 6sp manual in the M3 is actually horrible.
I've got the RHD 330ci M-Sport Manual in full black leather interior with 100K miles all stock and clean inside out.
Is it worth keeping?
is it going to hold its value knowing all the electrics will soon dominate the roads?
Just found your guys' channel, and you've made a good impression so you've earned a sub. However, PLEASE turn the music volume down/off when you're driving the cars!
Check out our part 2 video and you'll see we have fixed the music issues. Thanks for the kind words and hopefully we will have more exciting content for you to view soon :)
th-cam.com/video/RxZIhfkQIh4/w-d-xo.html
I love my 330d
The Torque is great & the running costs are fine
The 330 is like the m340i of the 00’s has pretty good motoring and handling but also ita pretty confortable and more inclined to the luxurious side.
Spot on
I daily an e46 328Ci here in the States which is actually pretty rare here because BMW only manufactured it for less than a year just to have the 330Ci replace it with a bigger engine but more electrical problems and an electric pull-chain throttle. To be 100% honest it is to any young/beginning enthusiast to look towards a 328Ci or a 325Ci because they will react better and cause less problems over time. I've driven plenty of 330Cis and there's just something about them that feel too drawn away from the driver compared to the less electrical driven trims.
The front fenders are more flared on the M3 because the 330Ci there is a facelift model (post 2003). All pre-facelift (pre 2003) E46 coups have the same fender size and all E46 M3s came in the pre-facelift version to 2006.
great video chaps love the 330cisprt a great car for not a lot of casgh i owned a mint silver 2004 car 4 years ago bought for only £3500!
Would love an e46 M3 someday, but for now, probably sticking to the 330ci, the sound makes me jealous, though.
Dyna1 One 330 sounds better
Goodyear F1s are really nice for grip.Dry or wet,hot or cold.Awesome tire
You know it
The e46 M3 is a sweet little beast, great fun still.
Nice vid guys. Ive had a few e46 , currently got a 330 convertible. Get your track rod and control arm mounts replaced on the m3, they perish on all e46 and make the steering sloppy as shit
Quad exhaust on the 330 would make it sound great
interested to see the buyers guide as I'm looking to get an e46 m3 soon 👍
👏👏 Good Job Boys
nice video i subscribed ;)
Glad you like, lots more coming soon!
Great video guys. Have subscribed. I agree with the comments a opinions ;)
good daily but is it a good drift car?
Got exactly the same facelift in grey, just 320ci 2.2...Lacks power but still the best ride I ever had!!!
The 2.2 is still a straight 6 isn't it? Probably still sound pretty good!
Yes it is, sounds good even with a stock exhaust, think I should have a vid of me revving it on my channel..
take that 330ci and tear it down into a spec e46. screw those m3 bills
I have a BMW 325i & the owners manual has the 325i /330/M3 & it has 3 colors on front grill. Red - blue - sky blue. Everyone says it’s an M3 but on the rear it says 325i. So maybe I have a hybrid of some kind. Very low mileage/1owner/ 69K/70k original miles on a 03’. People ask me how it drives & feels & tbh it feels and drives like a really really BIG GO-Kart! Rear wheel - tight handling - feels like you’re 1st Car honestly.
Thx guys I really didn’t know the difference all tht well but this helps a bit. Thx!
I was your 2K Like! 👍🏻
The thing that u said is it for the air intake it was originally but then BMW found out that they don't need it but everyone in BMW loved it so they left it like that.
I wish the e46 m3 came in a 4 door version.
Love my estoril blue 330i touring!
Bang on about the M3's slow steering not good.
Omg just listening gives me goosebumps and I mean this
Back in 2002 I sold my (black)| 330ci and purchased a silver E46 M3. TBH, there was no need to make that change!
My question is the trunk is the same size I want me spoiler for the m3 on my 2004 325xi will this fit if not why
I've owned both an E46 M3 and E46 330i M-sport as daily drivers. Firstly, Ash should definitely have his front suspension checked out, as the steering is definitely more direct and more communicative in the M3, as compared to the 330i. If not, then there is something worn that needs replacing! The differences in sound are down to the differences in exhaust and intake. The S54 has Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs) which give that induction roar, something that the M54 really lacks, and the M3-specific exhaust also accounts for the tinny rasp as opposed the 330i's more refined boom. The ride quality is slightly better on the 330i, and the gearbox on the M3 is definitely a bit more notchy/clunky than in the 330i. The best way to define these two cars is in the relative experiences that they can deliver. The M3 is miles better at delivering an exciting and engaging driving experience. A 330i driven hard, just isn't all that exciting in comparison. I did however find that while the M3 was a perfectly good daily, and given that my daily route has no opportunities for exciting driving, the 330i was just better because it was that much more comfortable, more fuel efficient, and ever so slightly easier to drive; the maintenance per mile is cheaper too.
I have a 320 ci 2.2 at the moment and I'm thinking of part exchanging it with a 330 3.0? What do you think? Does is sound more louder/roar apart from the HP?
Fundamentally they sound exactly the same. A 330i has a slightly boomier exhaust, but otherwise sound identical.
Very Fine ... i own a 320CI in E46 FACELIFT Version aswell its a Hard Top Cabriolet
LOL
ive had 2 e46 m3 love them but my god they are an absolute money pit still the best M3 though part from subframe and vanos issues
Can I use parts from a 330i 2001 BMW to 325I 2003 BMW
love the video, looks like u need a BMW hat though! lol!
330i e46 dream car
Replace the coils and change up the muffler to an el Diablo. I did, and it’s a night and day difference on an m3
I'm surprised the steering is better on the 330, are you sure the M3 doesn't have worn bushes or something which need replacing to tighten it back up? Great vids by the way, really enjoying them!
No the steering is tight on the M3 don't get me wrong but the 330 has a different steering rack in it which is quicker and does feel better whilst driving. Driving them back to back you do notice the difference, a lot of people put the purple tag racks into the M3 to improve the feel of the steering :)
Well I am intrigued to drive a 330 and see what it's like! Although the 330 rack is quicker, I'm guessing the geometry etc will be different and seems bizarre that BMW would have released the M3 with inferior steering.
+Chris Dunks the steering isn't bad by any shot and it does handle better than a 330 because of geometry and other differences but the 330 has a faster rack and it is noticeable. BMW changed the racks to be quicker on the M3 CS & CSL and we all know that the CSL is meant to be one of the best cars BMW made, so obviously decided a faster rack was better than standard M3 one. A lot of people upgrade the standard rack on the M3 too.
Did that 330 have 19inch or 18 inch wheels? Because the 19's on the M3 are heavy and make the steering less responsive.
+KvnS S wheels on the 330 are 18s, it probably does explain a bit of the difference in steering feel. Would be good to get the m3 on some 18s and see how much of a difference it makes
E46 330ci ZHP revs to 6800 not 6500. The regular 330ci is 6500. Not a huge difference but with some mods you'll appreciate the higher revs.
330i sport Touring all the way everything in one car and they look good especially in dark colour
I was thinking about selling my m3, keeping it now sod the misses lol 😁
Check the steering rack bushings in the M3
don't forget the rusted out rear subframe
In north America the zhp or ci red lines at 6850rpm. I assume it is the same everywheres
What year is this?
just noticed this video. I can't decide whether to go for a 330Ci or 330i sedan. coupe looks nicer and is a bit more special, but sedan offers that bit more practicality and sleeper status.
go for the coupe! unless you need to use the rear seats a lot. Interior slightly better on the coupe, padded leather door arm rest and door cards. All 330Ci's have split fold rear seats as standard so you can still fit lots in with the seats folded flat, my mountain bike easily fits with 1 wheel off. Go coupe, you wont regret it!
good vid