Another fair comparison (pic)

[vehigal]

Full size image: http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/16407e90sedan_e46coupe.jpg

Different lighting, different viewing height, different number of doors, different wheels, same logo. All in all, the fairest comparison I can imagine! One successfully combines elegance, poise, and a sporty character, while the other -- I will let you decide which one -- is, shall we say, conflicted... I understand if you :rolleyes: and :confused:. After all, this is another pointless photoshop! :D :flush: :yawn:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/16407e90sedan_e46coupe-med.jpg

[HW]

they both look good but one is starting to look dated even w/ the facelift. i think it's only the e46 3er and some jags that still uses the early 90's style bumper-to-fender transitions that cuts horizontally straight across.

[Sean]

Hmm...it looks lke the E90 will be harder to see out of the rear than the E46 and the E36.

[Rob325_in_AZ]

I think I like them both in those pics. My biggest beef with the new one is, well, the big-ness of it.

The picture posted yesterday of the 5 generations lined up made the e90 look round and bloated, but this profile shot doesn't look bad too me.

[Alstoy]

Nice pics. I see more similarities than differences. :)

[Rob325_in_AZ]

Hmm...it looks lke the E90 will be harder to see out of the rear than the E46 and the E36.

Great idea for yet another electronic gizmo. Rear-view cameras like some cars now are coming with. It could be incorporated with the i-drive screen! Maybe it could be a super-heavy camera and add another 100lbs. :thumbup:

[Centurion]

I think it looks good, though I can't wait to see the official M version of this car and not that photoslop pic they've got floating around the internet.

[Alex Baumann]

Great idea for yet another electronic gizmo. Rear-view cameras like some cars now are coming with. It could be incorporated with the i-drive screen! Maybe it could be a super-heavy camera and add another 100lbs. :thumbup:

Rear and front view cameras are already in the options list here. :eeps:

[cwsqbm]

I think I like them both in those pics. My biggest beef with the new one is, well, the big-ness of it.

I was reading the new Roundel and one columnist mentioned that he wanted the 3er to be wider because he felt it was too small. If you want a bigger car, get a 5er. I bought my 330 because I don't want a big car.

[jetstream23]

Full size image: http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/16407e90sedan_e46coupe.jpg

Different lighting, different viewing height, different number of doors, different wheels, same logo. All in all, the fairest comparison I can imagine! One successfully combines elegance, poise, and a sporty character, while the other -- I will let you decide which one -- is, shall we say, conflicted... I understand if you :rolleyes: and :confused:. After all, this is another pointless photoshop! :D :flush: :yawn:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/16407e90sedan_e46coupe-med.jpg


Wow, and it evolved from 2 doors to 4 doors :p

[Rob325_in_AZ]

Rear and front view cameras are already in the options list here. :eeps:

And here I thought I was just joking... :eek:

[LmtdSlip]

And here I thought I was just joking... :eek:

Anything to be more like Lexus :tsk:

[Rob325_in_AZ]

Anything to be more like Lexus :tsk:

Remember when the others (ie G35, etc) were chasing after the 3-series, not the other way around?

[msbrown]

..but did they really change the side the fuel door is on, to drivers' side? Or is the photo flopped?

[icemanjs4]

Full size image: http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/16407e90sedan_e46coupe.jpg
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/2/16407e90sedan_e46coupe-med.jpg

It's funny, the E46 looks like a cat in stride. The E90 looks like a cat, hunched backwards on its rears getting ready to pounce. Both look nice in that picture, but the front end (side profile) of the E46 is just CLASSIC BMW. Nothign will ever touch the look of that short overhang and styling.

[Centurion]

It's funny, the E46 looks like a cat in stride. The E90 looks like a cat, hunched backwards on its rears getting ready to pounce. Both look nice in that picture, but the front end (side profile) of the E46 is just CLASSIC BMW. Nothign will ever touch the look of that short overhang and styling.Interesting analogy you've made. :)

The short overhang helps keep the weight distribution at a perfect 50/50 (Front/Rear) and IS a classic BMW style.

[numbersguy]

The side view of the rear bumper reminds me of the Acura TL and TSX. The E46s stepped front and rear bumpers joined by a full length crease along the side are history. I don't know if I like the look of the new style integrated bumpers but they're here to stay. Stepped bumpers won't be making a comeback anytime soon.

[ezracerx]

Rear and front view cameras are already in the options list here. :eeps:

Why would you need a front view camera?
a) So you can look down to see what is in front of you
b) To avoid having to remove your sun screen from the windshield
c) Because you can't tell how close you are to that car in front of you

Does it automatically qualify you for handicap parking spaces ?

[LarryN]

Why would you need a front view camera?
a) So you can look down to see what is in front of you
b) To avoid having to remove your sun screen from the windshield
c) Because you can't tell how close you are to that car in front of you

Does it automatically qualify you for handicap parking spaces ?

I think Alex is one of many in Germany that like to drive with their hood up. This allows for that. ;)

[HW]

The side view of the rear bumper reminds me of the Acura TL and TSX. The E46s stepped front and rear bumpers joined by a full length crease along the side are history. I don't know if I like the look of the new style integrated bumpers but they're here to stay. Stepped bumpers won't be making a comeback anytime soon.
i think the bmw 3er is one of the last to use the "stepped bumpers". also if you notice, the gapping on the stepped bumpers are much wider than the "integrated styled" bumpers.