I sold my e36 to buy this e46 – a 2004 330 CI. I didn’t like the early e46 models but they were refined over the years. This was the last model and I still think it’s one their best designs. It had good power but I also kind of regret not buying an M3.
I tried to have some sense of financial responsibility so I shied away from the M3. I didn’t own a home at the time, so I didn’t think I should spend even more on a car. But now that I’m settled in a home with 2 young kids, I wish I bought the fast car back then! Although, I drove this car so hard I probably wouldn’t be here if I had the M…
The 330 had good power and it was joy to drive. The shifting was as smooth as could be and it handled like no other.
Although, there was always a part of me that missed how the e36 drove. The e36 was more traditionally German and everything was stiff from the pedals to the steering, which I loved. I believe this is when BMW really went from being a “driving machine” to being another luxury car. They had to complete against the smooth and easy driving Lexus and Acuras of the world and became much more of a status icon than driver’s car.
In any case, this was my favorite car I’ve owned to date.
I bought this car used and it was hard to track down the 330 with this particular dark blue color. When I found one, it was in good shape but the paint had some blemishes.
So I did what I do and read and read online forums and researched some more. I ended up buying a Porter Cable random orbit buffer and lots of high end products. I must’ve spend 2 days detailing this car and my hand were vibrating for a few more.
This is a before shot:
And this was after an aggressive abrasive, a minor abrasive, a glaze, a sealer and a wax.
When I was young and single, I was able to do this one a year. But all of these products didn’t go to waste. I’ve used them many times over the year with great results.