9th Aug 2010, 05:05

The I Drive is precisely one of the reasons why many E46 owners won't ever consider an E90 3 series.

And, too many, the E90 is plug ugly, but of course, styling is always subjective.

9th Aug 2010, 12:27

And on the same basis many E90 owners would not consider an E46 model. Go and have another look at the E46 dashboard and gloomy/dowdy interior.

How anybody can argue that efficient dynamics is a step backwards is completely beyond me.

I think it's best if E46 owners just keep driving their older cars and E90 owners keep with theirs.

9th Aug 2010, 23:16

Design is always subjective. For every one who appreciates the E46's driver focused interior, there will be those who prefer the minimalist treatment of the E90 models, which appears too stark and severe for some.

There will be no pleasing everyone.

22nd Aug 2010, 17:54

This is a somewhat slanted comment again against the E90. What precisely is minimalist about integrated satellite navigation and I-Drive?

The technology of the E46 is quite simply last century.

The only advantage the E46 has is the cheap second hand values, but this is of course because it is now a dated design.

24th Aug 2010, 01:40

This debate could go on and on and on.

The minimalist referral pertains to the way the interior treatment has been carried out on the E90 and its derivatives. The dashboard is too slabby and plasticky for some and there is no temperature gauge (yes, I know there is an electronic sensor to replace this, but many motorists do not trust them).

The cup holders are badly placed - the one on the extreme outer edge of the dash reflects in the side window and makes images in the door mirror hard to see under some lighting conditions.

The RFTs also lend the car an incredibly ruffled ride unless you drive on billiard table smooth surfaces, wear out pretty fast and cost a bomb to replace. They do allow completion of a journey in the event of a flat tire, but the sacrifices demanded make it a mixed blessing.

You could be accused of making an inaccurate statement yourself - the E46 was conceived and designed in the last century - there's nothing wrong with that, as it still has more charm than most of its peers for a great many prospective buyers who do not wish to face massive depreciation with any new car purchase.

If you enjoy your E90, that's fine - don't simply run down any older generation model of any car simply because of the fact that it is old. Newer isn't always best.