SPY vs. SPY: 001 And 00R Battle, Which 3-Series DESIGN Will Stand The Test Of Time?

SPY vs. SPY: 001 And 00R Battle, Which 3-Series DESIGN Will Stand The Test Of Time?
While speaking with the head cheese over here, Agent 001, we stumbled across an intriguing concept:

Which premium luxury vehicle designs will stand the test of time? Although we were trying to piece that puzzle together, we had a more specific question that will make any bimmerphile think for quite some time. Here it goes.

Out of the past two generations of BMW 3-Series, the E46 and E90, which will age gracefully and stand the test of time? Remember, both were designed at the hands of the controversial Chris Bangle. Even if you don't agree with his design language, you have to admit that Bangle did change the way contemporary cars are designed and perceived.

001 believes that the E9x BMW 3'er is simply the best ever -- particularly the coupe.

However, I think that the E46 was and still is what makes a BMW... a BMW. From the driver-oriented cockpit to the conservative and elegant styling, and the great driving dynamics, the E46 chassis continues to make my heart race where the E9x comes off cold.

Perhaps I am bias since I had a 2003 330Ci in Orient Blue/Sand?

To balance this out, we'll leave it up to the Spies. So, which design do you think will stand the test of time BEST?


2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Photo Gallery

2012 Audi A6 Launch Photo Gallery

Porsche 911 Experience Photo Gallery

2011 Chicago Auto Show Photo Gallery

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Photo Gallery


AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook




iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 2/21/2011 10:57:26 PM
+1 Boost
i had a 2003 330xi, 2005 m3 coupe, 2008 335xi e90, and now the 2011 e93 m3..
i can honestly say i love them all but i like the e46 a tad more... just felt more raw, the new ones are just becoming too big and i dont think the feedback is the same.. another thing i really miss is the buttons to open the windows near the gear shifter..
i dont like that the guage on the new m3 is white face and the old one was orange..


SilverstoneSilverstone - 2/22/2011 12:29:11 AM
+2 Boost
Should have put up the sport version of the E9x to compete with the ZHP sport E46 sedans.

I am not a fan of the current Gen, 3-Series because of its lackluster interior. The E46 interior is much more nicer imo with driver-oriented designs as mentioned earlier. E46 w/ ZHP or E46 M3 FTW.



t_bonet_bone - 2/22/2011 1:32:07 AM
+3 Boost
E46 but the E90 is the least ugly of the newer designs. Also with the E46 you had a full size spare tire!


91z4me91z4me - 2/22/2011 8:54:08 AM
+2 Boost
I may be alone in this but I think the E36 is one of the best and most pure automotive designs of all time.


MSP6MSP6 - 2/22/2011 10:40:21 AM
+2 Boost
No you're not, I'm too a big fan of the e36.


Need4SpeedNeed4Speed - 2/22/2011 9:22:54 AM
+1 Boost
How about we laugh at you for being a Mama's boy.


Need4SpeedNeed4Speed - 2/22/2011 2:25:04 PM
+3 Boost
Why?...did he hurt your feelings also.


mini22mini22 - 2/22/2011 10:00:40 AM
+3 Boost
E46 with out a doubt.It's design is more crisp. With the E90 the 3 became more bloated,especially in the coupe. However I agree with 91z4me. The E36 was an wvwn crisper design that should stand the test of time the best.


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 2/22/2011 11:06:16 AM
+2 Boost
E46 was a much better looking car. The interior was also much nicer and more uspcale. The current car looks okay but its interior is a letdown and its become even more of a poser mobile.
T



LexSucksLexSucks - 2/22/2011 11:16:35 AM
-3 Boost
German Camry.


sdcarguysdcarguy - 2/22/2011 12:25:02 PM
+3 Boost
FWIW, at the local BMW concourses, very, very few Bangle era cars like the e90 are displayed.


DustbusterDustbuster - 2/22/2011 2:32:10 PM
+2 Boost
Agree with what seems to be common consensus. The E46 had a nicer, driver oriented interior, better feel, and better build quality. It also looks good 10 years after it came out. Just opened the trunk on an E90 to realize you cannot prop the trunk liner up and the finish has gotten worse. Hope the next 3-Series will have better quality again.


Agent001Agent001 - 2/22/2011 2:37:56 PM
+1 Boost
Even though I'm getting trounced so far by 00R, I think the E90 coupe/convertible is not only the best looking modern day BMW (outside of limited Z8) by far. I believe it will always be a sought after classic. Bangle's best work IMHO.

It is timeless, tasteful and elegant yet strong.

001


thstonethstone - 2/22/2011 4:32:04 PM
+2 Boost
E46. That was the last real BMW 3-Series.


mini22mini22 - 2/22/2011 5:17:51 PM
+1 Boost
001-I'll have BMW send you a "thank you" note.


BimmersNmeBimmersNme - 2/22/2011 8:40:23 PM
+2 Boost
E46. Timeless beauty, classic proportions and stance; Interior is also great with the driver oriented dash. My favorite BMW design, together with the E39 5 series.


irishmikeirishmike - 2/22/2011 9:20:04 PM
+2 Boost
As time goes on, you could remove the double kidney grill and all the emblems and anyone could've built the E90.
E30, E36, E46, in that order. Bmw continues to sell more and more cars, but offers little for the enthusiast. Maybe some hope in the 1M.
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC