Different body styles? - United Bimmer Community

Rooz · 02-19-2006, 01:42 PM

Since I might be getting my self a 2001ish maybe 330ci, am trying to EduMacate my self on the E46's more than before...

Been browsing around and I keep on noticing there are several types of body styles on those... anyone cares to explain?

**Longhairedhippy** · 02-19-2006, 02:14 PM

the first picture is of a 330i sedan. The bottom car is a coupe.

Rooz · 02-19-2006, 02:18 PM

so coupe's and sedans have completely different body styles?

**BMWLotAttendant** · 02-19-2006, 02:49 PM

Annnnnnd

There are different body styles based off the headlights.

The newish e46 have the turn-signals up...and the older bodystyle are pointed down.

Rooz · 02-19-2006, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWLotAttendant

Annnnnnd

There are different body styles based off the headlights.

The newish e46 have the turn-signals up...and the older bodystyle are pointed down.

Do you have a picture of that?

nick_318is · 02-19-2006, 03:50 PM

They are not completly different styles there are just some small differences, if you want to see the current e46 front end goto bmwusa.com and click the 3 series and do the coupes (still e46 style).

Another reason for the possible differences is that the coupes always come out after the sedans so they get a slightly updated front, they usually do some mid-life enhancements/changes to the model lines.

The 2001 330Ci will look like the black coupe in your 1st post.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 02-19-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooz

Do you have a picture of that?

Yes

Rooz · 02-19-2006, 03:54 PM

COol, thanks, but those have different bumpers too, lol

But from what I can tell.. from 01-03 it's the same then from 04+ it's different...

nick_318is · 02-19-2006, 04:10 PM

Its just another Facelift.

Here is my similar example, e30s, the earlier ones had the metal bumpers, the later ones have the plastic bumpers.

Rooz · 02-19-2006, 06:12 PM

The back bumpers seems the same, is there other differences?

nick_318is · 02-19-2006, 07:42 PM

The newest e46 models have a couple of more horses (10 more i think)

**Antiburn** · 02-21-2006, 10:54 PM

Some models have no package, they usually have ugly oblong headlights, or really small ones. Permium package comes with a different bumper, more grills and nicer fog lights. Then sport package has larger black grills usually with nice fog lights like the premium package. Also the fender blinks differ from 01 to 04 models, 01 models have a rectangle while 04 have some sort of a wedge like lense. Also your tail lights can differ, you can get clear corners has an option on the 02 and up models. Some have LED's while other are bulbs. I perfer the 03 M3 rear tail lights. I really dont wana find a picture of it so look for yourself.

Rooz · 02-21-2006, 10:56 PM

Yeah.. honestly I think am gonna stay away from the E46... gonna go with the E36... only way I'd have complete piece of mind on the E46 would be if I'd get an 04 M3 lol (best looking +body style)...

Yes... am anal when it comes to buying cars

**Longhairedhippy** · 02-22-2006, 04:59 PM

I'd definitely go with an E36 M3.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 02-22-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhairedhippy

I'd definitely go with an E36 M3.

You have an e46, you aren't allowed to say that.

nick_318is · 02-22-2006, 10:57 PM

Sure he is, the e46 m3 still costs too much

**Longhairedhippy** · 02-23-2006, 08:11 PM

I would have gotten an e36 M3, but when I was shopping for my bimmer, there was parentally enforced power ceiling. Needless to say, the M3 was substantially higher.