Don't Flame Me - is the E46 "Flimsy"?

Juanted · #1 07-23-2005, 10:11 PM

OK... so, I had some work done on my X this past Friday. As a loaner, my dealer gave me a 325i (E46), which is what I usually get. Now, here's the deal: Maybe I'm spoiled; maybe it's the higher sitting position; maybe I'm full of it. The thing is, the 3-Series just feels "flimsy." Obviously, the X5 is a heavier vehicle, and yes, the E46 is fast and handles like a dream; but, it just feels, well... flimsy. I never felt this way when I had my C-Class -- which felt like tank.

I know this sounds ridiculous (it is, after all, a $36K BMW), but I am always glad to give that 3 back and get in my X5. I know it's a great car, but I think I'll keep my SAV.

Am I crazy here? It is just me, or....?

Juan

vinuneuro · #2 07-23-2005, 10:21 PM

Thats wierd, I actually liked it a lot. Comapred to the 3, i felt the X5's steering is a little over-boosted.

Does anyone know why the 3.0i has engine-speed sensitive power steering?

Juanted · #3 07-23-2005, 10:33 PM

Different strokes for different folks, as they say. I actually like the steering on my X better than that in the 3.

I like the 3, don't get me wrong. I just LOVE my X5, and I don't know that I can say the same thing for the E46.

Juan

vinuneuro · #4 07-23-2005, 10:39 PM

You have the 3.0 or 4.4?

Juanted · #5 07-23-2005, 10:57 PM

I've got an '03 3.0L. The 3 series is obviously a LOT faster... it just doesn't feel as solid as the X5.

CJ, how did you feel when you went from your X5 to the 3?

Juan

MatriX5 · #6 07-23-2005, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I've got an '03 3.0L. The 3 series is obviously a LOT faster... it just doesn't feel as solid as the X5.

Juan

I agree with you also. The sis in law's 330xi is a ton of fun for the speed and the growly engine sound. I just like the extra weight the X5 gives me. Like you were saying, it feels more comfortable on the road to me. I came from a 180 hp 4 Runner, so the X feels plenty strong to me

I prob wouldn't say flimsy. I think it's well built in that it's not a rattle trap over the highway seams. Maybe our comparo is more like apples and oranges than flimsy or not?? We'll have to wait on CJ to give us an expert review

BTW -

:p

Matt

Curious Joel · #7 07-24-2005, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I've got an '03 3.0L. The 3 series is obviously a LOT faster... it just doesn't feel as solid as the X5.

CJ, how did you feel when you went from your X5 to the 3?

Juan

I don't know if flimsy is the word I'd use to describe it, but I know what you're talking about. The E46 is very well built. I don't get the same secure feeling that I had in the X5, though. The X5 just felt so safe... The 330xi just doesnt feel as good. It's too small for my taste. When I went from the X5 to the 3, I didn't like it... The way I feel now is that I love my 3er, but it can't hold a candle to the X5. I feel about the X5 the same way you do, Juan. Every time I drove it, I'd get out and still be amazed that the car (SAV, whatever) could drive sooo well, make you feel so safe, etc. I don't feel that way about the 3. Don't get me wrong.. I love it, but it's just not the same.

SANguru · #8 07-23-2005, 11:40 PM

I definintely agree with that... I had a few E46s.. 323i, 330i, and the M3... stepping between the M3 and when I had the X and also comparing to my e39 M5, the E46's all felt pretty "flimsy" and not as sturdy on the road... That's whether you are closing the trunk, or closing the doors, etc. It's the extra heftin the 5er and the X. But as a side note, My e36's (ti, E36 M3, and the 328i) all felt like they were built better that the e46's.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

OK... so, I had some work done on my X this past Friday. As a loaner, my dealer gave me a 325i (E46), which is what I usually get. Now, here's the deal: Maybe I'm spoiled; maybe it's the higher sitting position; maybe I'm full of it. The thing is, the 3-Series just feels "flimsy." Obviously, the X5 is a heavier vehicle, and yes, the E46 is fast and handles like a dream; but, it just feels, well... flimsy. I never felt this way when I had my C-Class -- which felt like tank.

I know this sounds ridiculous (it is, after all, a $36K BMW), but I am always glad to give that 3 back and get in my X5. I know it's a great car, but I think I'll keep my SAV.

Am I crazy here? It is just me, or....?

Juan

Wagner · #9 07-24-2005, 08:10 AM

whole different type of car. I had two E46's and loved them both but they don't have the "weight" the X5 does or the ride height, which makes the X seem more solid. However..I have seen many an accident survivor who says "..if it wasn't for the fact that it was a BMW I would have been seriously hurt". Once such remark came from a lady who had the entire front end of her car ripped off by a Volvo running a red light, she left the accident without a scratch.

Juanted · #10 07-24-2005, 09:41 AM

Well, I'm glad to see that I am not the only one... lol.

I do realize that I'm comparing apples to oranges here. Like I said, I know the 3 is a wonderful car, and yes, maybe "flimsy" is not the correct word.

Juan