[AvielShimoni]

Hey everyone,

I’ve owned both the E46 330Ci and the E82 128i over the years, but never built either one for racing. I’m now looking to finally get into amateur racing, and trying to decide which one is better to start with.

Both feel pretty good to me overall, so I’m wondering which one is better for track use in terms of reliability, upgrade potential, and cost.

Any advice would be really helpful. Thanks!

[vt100]

Just the first 2 links from google
https://www.reddit.com/r/BmwTech/com...6_vs_128i_e82/
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=2014418

I'd personally prefer the 1 series. A bit shorter, no rear subframe mounts issues, superior suspension design.
Just make sure you're getting the N52 engine and not N51

[86Zed]

Every BMW platform has it's weak points and part of that selection should involve what type of "racing" you want to do. HPDE, time attack, wheel-to-wheel, etc. Once those are addressed you have to ask yourself which you enjoy driving more and fits into your budget or class best.

The 1 series platform never came with a limited slip differential from factory (except 1M), is heavy, cannot fit much wheel nor tire up front, requires some brake upgrades). Plenty of information on the forums here on how to approach upgrading your car.

The E46 platform has a much broader knowledge base given it's age and extensive use at all levels of racing. Can leverage a lot of the SpecE46 playbook to address weak points (subframe), etc. and likely to encounter an E46 at every track event you attend.

To each their own. Having raced or tracked a dedicated E46 330XiT (lemons), 1999 Miata, and Z4M coupe, I am now building an E36 M3 for long-term track use. I found the E36 m3 to be the sweet spot of engagement (old school chassis, MT, LSD, hydraulic steering) and still a heavily supported aftermarket. I do not really care about being competitive or having a full field to compete against.

[Bald Guy]

Does it have to be a BMW or are you open to a Miata, Civic, FT86/BRZ, etc?

Maybe broaden your horizons and check out all different makes and models.

Good luck.

[Shortiecar]

Originally Posted by AvielShimoni

Hey everyone,

I’ve owned both the E46 330Ci and the E82 128i over the years, but never built either one for racing. I’m now looking to finally get into amateur racing, and trying to decide which one is better to start with.

Both feel pretty good to me overall, so I’m wondering which one is better for track use in terms of reliability, upgrade potential, and cost.

Any advice would be really helpful. Thanks!

For racing if you’re bent on BMW, 330Ci. Many more options and a more race proven platform

If you wanna play with a light less powerful turning platform, the E82 is better

[M-technik-3]

What is more common? Meaning how hard are spares to come by? When I was doing 24hrs of lemans we used E36's because shells were cheap now they are not. E46's are now the go-to chassis.

[AvielShimoni]

Thanks, everyone. I think I will stick with the E46. Parts are abundant, it's low-cost to maintain, and the E46 M3 is my dream car, so it feels like the natural choice.