That early 328ci is gorgeous - I remember when these first came out ( I was around 8) - they looked so premium and still do now. With BMWs being so common on the road now I feel that exclusivity has been lost
100% agree with you. Our first family BMW was a poverty spec E36 318i SE but NOONE in my school even had a BMW. They were rare and exclusive. Nowadays they are no better than a KIA and probably more common.
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 great post. I remember in 1998 one of my Dad’s colleagues having that exact car you describe new, in that light green colour. It looked very expensive. My dad ordered the new Freelander at the time. Good times for cars!
One car is an SE Model and the other is an M Sport! They’re two different trims whether they be the pre facelift or the new facelift! So apologies but it’s an irrelevant comparison
Yes but each difference between the spec can be seen and weighed up. The headlight differences for instance has nothing to do with whether a car is sport or SE… Equally the difference between sports seats or not has nothing to do with facelift or pre-facelift. The comparison isn’t irrelevant…
I had both: the pre lift when new which I put 240k miles and it hit some thing and died. My post lift 2005 330c zhp I bought used, now has 220k miles, is superior in power, realiability, features and comfort and it is my daily driver. It's going to 500k miles one day. It's a keeper.
I have a 2001 pre facelift 330ci.A warning about the front bumper design,although it may look more elegant being open if you hit a pheasant it will go through and splatter against the radiator causing damage to the fins.I discovered a beautiful thrush stuck in there while cleaning,very upsetting.The facelift mesh is more protective to the front end.
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 Young hen pheasant decided to run onto the North Devon link road just a few metres in front of me!Also damaged the plastic splitter which I had to replace.
I have the last production of pre facelift (January 2003) 330ci zhp and it came out with all the upgrades of the facelift , led rear lights clear turn lights etc , except the new headlights (witch i think are ugly by the way) and the SMG gear box (fantastic by the way) .
That’s a rare model with that mix of pre and post facelift parts? Interesting you are an SMG fan. I had that gearbox on an E46 M3 and have to say it wasn’t for me. It certainly has its fans though.
Very nice video showing all the differences. quick question, is the Pre LCI fitted with lowered springs? it looks lower then the Msport LCI which is odd. Great video and greetings from Australia
Hello there from Australia!! The springs on the car are standard height ones and having checked the original brochure Sports suspension wasn’t a listed option back in 1999 when the car was manufactured. It rides materially nicer than the MSport car that’s for sure! Cheers
So first off within a few seconds I have to correct you about the taillights. The pfl uses standard halogen globes, the facelift uses a solid unit with pcb’s and little individual leds soldered onto those pcbs and then driven all by a single control unit within the back of the taillight unit.
A 330 coupe would be a great modern classic to keep in a collection. I suspect the manual gearbox cars would be more collectable in time though but for daily driving it would be the auto.
I think the pre facelift is prettier 😀 although I might be biased because I own a pre facelift 330cic lol.. totally not here after accidentally ordering a grille for a facelift model 🙄
Ha ha. You might be biased but I do think you are right about the ‘prettier’ comment although I think it is colour and wheel dependant. A silver car with small wheels isn’t much of a visual treat, but in the right colour with say style 32 wheels they are lovely!!
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 i have had two models, the fl, 2005 sedan 2.0 diesel and an nfl 1999 coupe 2.8, wich also has a gps nav sistem, none of them has a shark fin
I’ve just checked what it is because I couldn’t quite remember. It carries an antenna for cars equipped with BMW Assist. Quoted from someone else: “That antenna, on the E46, is used on MY 2004 and up cars equipped with BMW Assist. It's essentially an analog cell phone network antenna, but can be gutted and used as a housing for a Sirius/XM antenna (Delmarco has a write up on it). For E46s with Nav, the antenna is located under the parcel shelf in the rear, or, for convertibles, behind the instrument cluster in the dash. “
It will be interesting to see what happens when they get ‘classic’ and what people revere the most. Some of that will be down to what is left ie what examples remain that haven’t just been driven/rotted into the ground…
Hi Klaus. Thanks for messaging. In an ideal world I'd have 4 E46's (1x PFL non-Sport, 1x PFL Sport, 1 x FL non-Sport and 1 x FL Sport) but I don't own all four. I also think, as per my comments in the video that it's reasonable for someone to decide which flavour of E46 they like. If I was looking to buy a Sport I think I'd get a FL car. If I was looking for a non-Sport then I would definitely buy a PFL car. I learnt a few things myself on this video because I'd never looked at the cars in such detail together. Do you have a personal preference between PFL non-Sport, PFL Sport, FL non-Sport and FL Sport...?
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 Hey, you‘re right. For an overview of the differences between PFL and FL your video is very good. If you ask for my preference I would go downstairs: E46 330ci convertible Black2 with 6speed amd M package MT from 2004, E46 330ci coupe Clubsport estoril blue with 6speed MT from 2005, E46 M3 coupe Carbon black with cinnamon and 6speed MT from 2004, E46 M3 convertible gray metallic with 6speed MT from 2004. All cars with full service book and between 88tkm and 128tkm. You see, I prefer FL with M package and 6speed MT. Unfortunately it‘s geeting much harder to find collectibles these days in Germany. What‘s your experience?
@@klausmeier2214 You've got some superb examples in your collection Klaus!!! It's getting difficult here in the UK too. The issue here is that the car's have been through periods where they weren't worth much money, so people didn't look after them well and so many examples have rusted away or been turned into drift or track cars. That does help the values of good un-modified cars but makes finding them very tricky. I think the 6 speed manual gearbox cars (particularly FL) are a great choice but here in the UK the automatics are easier to find. Either way, PFL/FL, Sport or non-Sport these are great cars and only getting rarer as time goes on!!
1. pre-fl M-sport coupe 2. fl m-sport saloon 3. pre-fl se saloon 4. pre-fl se coupe 5. pre-fl m-sport saloon 6. fl m-sport coupe 7. fl se saloon 8. fl se coupe
You couldn’t be further from the truth Daniel (you’re absolutely miles off target), but there you go. Ps they are E46 3 series’ not s0dding Ferrari Enzos…
Showing off? Although they are truly gorgeous cars, they're older vehicles. Of course vehicles that I still covet. I have 2001 325i with a sports package that I still love and cherish. Hopefully I can keep alive a long time lmao
what is this obsession with e46 manuals???? there horrid to drive, auto/tiptronic is so so so much nicer...had both, i literally couldnt wait to sell the manual and buy an auto
You heard it here people :). That’s an interesting comment. Personally we wanted an auto too- a manual wasn’t even a consideration for us but with manual gearbox’s all but extinct now I do think manuals will become the most sought after in time. As a daily driver through the auto is hard to beat. It’s such a good box and sooooooo easy to live with. Certainly suits our 325 for sure!!!
I had a manual 2004 6 speed 330ci for 7 years. Was sometimes a choir to drive around London, particularly with the heavy clutch and that god awful notchy change from 1st to 2nd gear. Anyway it got written off whilst parked up by a TP driver. Replaced it with a 2004 auto 330ci. Best decision I've ever made..actually feels like I'm driving a somewhat what was once in the day a luxury car. Manual just adds cheapness to a car. Only Ford's, Vauxhalls, Micras should be made in manual transmission.
The manual needs a clutch delay valve delete and a stopper for the clutch pedal to remove the huge travel, then it's good. Maybe also a new gear stick bush too.
Autos are crap slow and boring .I had 335d remapped and I tell you I got rid of it cos it was soooo boring !!!!!was quick but didn't feel it .old man's car tbh.now have a E46 325ci convert m sport manual and live it!!! And feels quicker than the 335d aut for old men !!!!
What alloys are on the pre face lift car? Looks like style 32's DId you have to make any adjustments for the alloys to fit or was it just plug and play?
The pre facelift looks better overall due to the wheels and colour combo. Nice chrome, looks great.
I couldn’t agree more. Such an elegant shape and colour scheme.
That early 328ci is gorgeous - I remember when these first came out ( I was around 8) - they looked so premium and still do now. With BMWs being so common on the road now I feel that exclusivity has been lost
100% agree with you. Our first family BMW was a poverty spec E36 318i SE but NOONE in my school even had a BMW. They were rare and exclusive. Nowadays they are no better than a KIA and probably more common.
they will soon become a rare sight
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 great post. I remember in 1998 one of my Dad’s colleagues having that exact car you describe new, in that light green colour. It looked very expensive. My dad ordered the new Freelander at the time. Good times for cars!
One car is an SE Model and the other is an M Sport! They’re two different trims whether they be the pre facelift or the new facelift! So apologies but it’s an irrelevant comparison
Yes but each difference between the spec can be seen and weighed up. The headlight differences for instance has nothing to do with whether a car is sport or SE… Equally the difference between sports seats or not has nothing to do with facelift or pre-facelift. The comparison isn’t irrelevant…
Hardly makes it an irrelevant comparison. E46 was never an ‘Msport’ anyway, the top model was a Sport.
Pre SE and facelift SE would have been a better comparison
I had both: the pre lift when new which I put 240k miles and it hit some thing and died. My post lift 2005 330c zhp I bought used, now has 220k miles, is superior in power, realiability, features and comfort and it is my daily driver. It's going to 500k miles one day. It's a keeper.
500K would be a superb result in one - you are well on your way now 😎
Man, that 328 is beautiful, fantastic condition. Lovely
Thanks!!
Great compare. I've got a pre-facelift; elegant is a perfect adjective for it. Cheers.
Couldn't agree more!
Gorgeous spec on that 328ci
Thanks!! Great aren’t they?!
❤ 46 preface
There are plenty of people who would agree with you on that one…
The red line is 6500 rpm on the 328i too. Is just the graphics on the tacho that are different.
Thanks for that - everyday is a learning day!
I have a 2001 pre facelift 330ci.A warning about the front bumper design,although it may look more elegant being open if you hit a pheasant it will go through and splatter against the radiator causing damage to the fins.I discovered a beautiful thrush stuck in there while cleaning,very upsetting.The facelift mesh is more protective to the front end.
Oh dear - not nice!!!!
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 Young hen pheasant decided to run onto the North Devon link road just a few metres in front of me!Also damaged the plastic splitter which I had to replace.
If me, No matter M3 E46 facelift or non-facelift it's still The Real Legend M3... I love it❤❤❤
Great aren’t they?! 👍
I have the last production of pre facelift (January 2003) 330ci zhp and it came out with all the upgrades of the facelift , led rear lights clear turn lights etc , except the new headlights (witch i think are ugly by the way) and the SMG gear box (fantastic by the way) .
That’s a rare model with that mix of pre and post facelift parts? Interesting you are an SMG fan. I had that gearbox on an E46 M3 and have to say it wasn’t for me. It certainly has its fans though.
Very nice video showing all the differences. quick question, is the Pre LCI fitted with lowered springs? it looks lower then the Msport LCI which is odd. Great video and greetings from Australia
Hello there from Australia!! The springs on the car are standard height ones and having checked the original brochure Sports suspension wasn’t a listed option back in 1999 when the car was manufactured. It rides materially nicer than the MSport car that’s for sure!
Cheers
So first off within a few seconds I have to correct you about the taillights. The pfl uses standard halogen globes, the facelift uses a solid unit with pcb’s and little individual leds soldered onto those pcbs and then driven all by a single control unit within the back of the taillight unit.
Ok
- cool
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 sorry good video other than that mishap about the taillights 😅✅
I always liked the E36 M3, but I've seen how the E46 is now becoming a classic. A 330 coupe for me and auto I'd say, is easier to live with.
A 330 coupe would be a great modern classic to keep in a collection. I suspect the manual gearbox cars would be more collectable in time though but for daily driving it would be the auto.
I think the pre facelift is prettier 😀 although I might be biased because I own a pre facelift 330cic lol.. totally not here after accidentally ordering a grille for a facelift model 🙄
Ha ha. You might be biased but I do think you are right about the ‘prettier’ comment although I think it is colour and wheel dependant. A silver car with small wheels isn’t much of a visual treat, but in the right colour with say style 32 wheels they are lovely!!
M sport steering wheel with its thickness is a winner. For the rest the pre facelift wins it all
Great aren’t they?!
No e46 has the shark fin, the antenas are in the rear windshield
The shark fin carries some sort of antenna.
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 i have had two models, the fl, 2005 sedan 2.0 diesel and an nfl 1999 coupe 2.8, wich also has a gps nav sistem, none of them has a shark fin
I’ve just checked what it is because I couldn’t quite remember.
It carries an antenna for cars equipped with BMW Assist.
Quoted from someone else:
“That antenna, on the E46, is used on MY 2004 and up cars equipped with BMW Assist. It's essentially an analog cell phone network antenna, but can be gutted and used as a housing for a Sirius/XM antenna (Delmarco has a write up on it). For E46s with Nav, the antenna is located under the parcel shelf in the rear, or, for convertibles, behind the instrument cluster in the dash. “
be nice if both m sports, for me the preface is so much better looking, really though its an unfair reflection as the m sport is far better looking
It will be interesting to see what happens when they get ‘classic’ and what people revere the most. Some of that will be down to what is left ie what examples remain that haven’t just been driven/rotted into the ground…
I love this car e46
Great aren’t they?!
Great aren’t they?!
Why comparing a FL M package vs a PFL standard model?
Hi Klaus. Thanks for messaging. In an ideal world I'd have 4 E46's (1x PFL non-Sport, 1x PFL Sport, 1 x FL non-Sport and 1 x FL Sport) but I don't own all four. I also think, as per my comments in the video that it's reasonable for someone to decide which flavour of E46 they like. If I was looking to buy a Sport I think I'd get a FL car. If I was looking for a non-Sport then I would definitely buy a PFL car.
I learnt a few things myself on this video because I'd never looked at the cars in such detail together.
Do you have a personal preference between PFL non-Sport, PFL Sport, FL non-Sport and FL Sport...?
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 Hey, you‘re right. For an overview of the differences between PFL and FL your video is very good. If you ask for my preference I would go downstairs: E46 330ci convertible Black2 with 6speed amd M package MT from 2004, E46 330ci coupe Clubsport estoril blue with 6speed MT from 2005, E46 M3 coupe Carbon black with cinnamon and 6speed MT from 2004, E46 M3 convertible gray metallic with 6speed MT from 2004. All cars with full service book and between 88tkm and 128tkm. You see, I prefer FL with M package and 6speed MT. Unfortunately it‘s geeting much harder to find collectibles these days in Germany. What‘s your experience?
@@klausmeier2214 You've got some superb examples in your collection Klaus!!! It's getting difficult here in the UK too. The issue here is that the car's have been through periods where they weren't worth much money, so people didn't look after them well and so many examples have rusted away or been turned into drift or track cars. That does help the values of good un-modified cars but makes finding them very tricky. I think the 6 speed manual gearbox cars (particularly FL) are a great choice but here in the UK the automatics are easier to find. Either way, PFL/FL, Sport or non-Sport these are great cars and only getting rarer as time goes on!!
The rear hood has any different?
Good question… I don’t think so…
Hi, i noticed the rims are is not same for pre - facelift. May be not the default.
Yes - they are Style 32s which were a factory fitted option on this year. They perfectly suit the car in my opinion.
Prefacelift all day everyday any day!!!
Plenty of people would agree!
Gran video solo vi dos
Thanks 👍👍
I'm sure the GPS is NOT the shark fin. Should be on the dash as a little black round thing lol
Ha - just checked and you are right. The shark fin is for the factory Bluetooth. The GPS is under the rear parcel shelf apparently…who knew ha ha
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 I only knew because I've got a 330cd and with GPS and TV. 👍
Everyday is a learning day - thanks for the tip off 🤜
preface just so much classier
There is definitely a cleaner and more elegant look to the pre-facelift cars…👍
What wheels and wheel/tire size are on the pre facelift?
Hi there. They are 225/40/18 front and 255/35/18 rear - identical to the facelift Sport actually.
@@collectingmodernclassiccar9771 Thank you!
Are your style 32s 17 inch or 18 inch?
They are 18’s 👍
1. pre-fl M-sport coupe
2. fl m-sport saloon
3. pre-fl se saloon
4. pre-fl se coupe
5. pre-fl m-sport saloon
6. fl m-sport coupe
7. fl se saloon
8. fl se coupe
Wowzers - you like your E46s then?! Great collection you have there 👍😎
Great channel #e46
Thanks Ravinder!!!
This is just about you showing off. .... His and her cars on a posh driveway.
You couldn’t be further from the truth Daniel (you’re absolutely miles off target), but there you go.
Ps they are E46 3 series’ not s0dding Ferrari Enzos…
Showing off? Although they are truly gorgeous cars, they're older vehicles. Of course vehicles that I still covet. I have 2001 325i with a sports package that I still love and cherish. Hopefully I can keep alive a long time lmao
p͎r͎o͎m͎o͎s͎m͎ 👍
what is this obsession with e46 manuals???? there horrid to drive, auto/tiptronic is so so so much nicer...had both, i literally couldnt wait to sell the manual and buy an auto
You heard it here people :). That’s an interesting comment. Personally we wanted an auto too- a manual wasn’t even a consideration for us but with manual gearbox’s all but extinct now I do think manuals will become the most sought after in time. As a daily driver through the auto is hard to beat. It’s such a good box and sooooooo easy to live with. Certainly suits our 325 for sure!!!
I had a manual 2004 6 speed 330ci for 7 years. Was sometimes a choir to drive around London, particularly with the heavy clutch and that god awful notchy change from 1st to 2nd gear. Anyway it got written off whilst parked up by a TP driver. Replaced it with a 2004 auto 330ci. Best decision I've ever made..actually feels like I'm driving a somewhat what was once in the day a luxury car. Manual just adds cheapness to a car. Only Ford's, Vauxhalls, Micras should be made in manual transmission.
The manual needs a clutch delay valve delete and a stopper for the clutch pedal to remove the huge travel, then it's good. Maybe also a new gear stick bush too.
I have to agree. As much as I love manuals these cars are better in auto. Silky smooth really. Very hard/heavy clutch for a daily driver.
Autos are crap slow and boring .I had 335d remapped and I tell you I got rid of it cos it was soooo boring !!!!!was quick but didn't feel it .old man's car tbh.now have a E46 325ci convert m sport manual and live it!!! And feels quicker than the 335d aut for old men !!!!
What alloys are on the pre face lift car? Looks like style 32's
DId you have to make any adjustments for the alloys to fit or was it just plug and play?
Hi - they are indeed Style 32’s. They were a factory fit option on this year of car so no adjustments needed - a great choice for the E46!
Cheers, they look awesome