From 1999 through 2006, the BMW 3 Series E46 was offered for sale. The E46 is significant for a number of reasons, including its stunning design and its role in restoring BMW’s reputation as a dependable automaker. The E36, the model that came before it, had a lot of maintenance concerns that annoyed the customers. However, the E46 is still one of BMW’s most dependable cars.
For the E46, a number of engine versions were available. The 1.9 L inline-four engine, which is fitted on models from 1999 to 2001, has the smallest engine capacity and has a little over a hundred horsepower. From 2000 to 2006, the 3.0 L inline-six engine was standard on 330i models and has a maximum horsepower of 235.
The 3 Series is built with practical amenities and a dynamic style. However, if you’re a speed freak who demands a lot of power, think about choosing the M3 model. The M3’s 3.2 L inline-six engine can produce up to 350 horsepower. The M3 was offered as a two-door coupe and a convertible.
Five different body types—a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, a three-door hatchback, a four-door sedan, and a five-door wagon—were available from BMW on the market for the E46.
Even while the interior of an older BMW may not be as gleaming as a new one, it still has a lot to offer. The inside of the early 2000s 3-Series has several innovations that make it a car ahead of its time, like electric and heated seats, a gorgeous leathered dash, and a large number of buttons on the steering wheel.
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How to Prepare
You don’t need to worry too much since the BMW E46 3 Series was one of BMW’s more dependable vehicles of its contemporary age. That doesn’t imply it doesn’t have flaws, though. For instance, the BMW 330i had problems with its own rear subframes cracking and needing to be replaced when it was originally introduced to America because it had too much torque. After 2003, BMW solved the problem, but earlier vehicles need to be checked before buying.
Additionally, the water pump on all BMWs at the time often failed after 100,000 miles. Therefore, repairing the water pump as soon as the car is acquired is practically necessary if you’re buying one with that kind of miles or more (which you probably are considering the age of the car). Repair the thermostat and fan clutch as well since they are not expensive and must be taken apart to replace the water pump.
Also be wary of automatic transmissions with more than 100,000 miles on them. BMW at the time claimed that its automatic gearbox fluid was a lifetime product and didn’t need to be changed. It’s nonsense; ATF needs to be replaced every 100,000, and more likely between 60,000 and 80,000. Many individuals, however, never made the adjustment because BMW informed them they weren’t required to. Because of this, many automatic transmissions fail between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
Another issue is that replacing the fluid in a car with more than 150,000 miles on it may actually cause more harm than good because the old fluid is the only thing holding some metal components together. So, using automatics is really tough. Buy a BMW E46 with lower mileage and have the ATF changed if you’re planning to purchase an automatic model. If not, just purchase a manual; they are simpler to maintain, more dependable, and better to drive.
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As long as you discover a properly maintained vehicle with a service history, they are just as dependable as a Honda or Toyota. The secret to purchasing a used BMW is that. Lack of service history is a time-consuming hassle. If this is your first time visiting BMW, make sure you follow these instructions because failing to do so may leave you with a very unpleasant and expensive aftertaste.
Other used BMWs to think about
Due to its age—the average used automobile is around 12 years old—we chose the BMW E90 3-Series. There are other secondhand BMWs, though, that are worthwhile of consideration if you’re okay with getting older.
Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire suggests the 1994-2001 BMW E38 7-Series for added opulence. The M60 V8 BMW engine was also utilized, according to BMW Tuning. It also provided a V12, but because to its sophisticated electronics, maintaining it is a hassle. Although the V8 had certain troubles with high-sulfur fuel before 1999, those issues are no longer present.
Since the 7-Series was historically BMW’s premier sedan, the E38 is obviously older but still has a lot of contemporary features. According to the UK’s RAC, leather seats with power adjustments and traction control were standard. Rear parking sensors and a heated steering wheel were options. Additionally, according to Autotrader, the vehicle still feels well-made and sturdy.
Consider the BMW E46 3-Series from 1997 to 2006 for a livelier ride. Despite the M3’s reputation for expensive upkeep, Autotrader notes that even non-M variants have excellent handling. The E46 is regarded by many as one of BMW’s best-handling vehicles. Additionally, finding one is not too difficult considering so many were produced.
The M54 engine in the E46 has the same VANOS and water pump issues as the N52, but overall, according to BMW Tuning, it’s still a dependable engine. However, it should be noted that pre-2003 vehicles are susceptible to rear subframe cracks. Additionally, many people’s automatic transmission oil was never changed because they were assured it was a “lifetime” fluid. High-mileage automatics have so been known to malfunction.
Is the BMW E46 a trustworthy vehicle?
There are a few things you should be aware of to make a secure purchase if you’re looking to buy a secondhand early 2000s E46s.
Among the most enduring BMW models are the 3 Series versions from the early 2000s. Whether you choose a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan, there are a few aspects about the used 3 Series cars from the early 2000s that you should be aware of.
One of the most popular BMW models in history is the E46. The E46, which was built from 1999 to 2006, restored BMW’s reputation for producing dependable vehicles.
Maintaining an old, used BMW (or any old automobile, for that matter) is the main expense of ownership. While JD Power lists BMW as one of the most dependable automakers currently, there is no getting around old, faulty auto parts. Let’s discuss all you need to know before buying a used BMW 3 Series without further ado.
Is a BMW E46 325i a reliable first vehicle?
The E46 325i is a fantastic beginner’s track car, even though you won’t be the fastest car around the circuit in factory form. If you can, try to address the Achilles’ heel first. Simply avoid maintaining 6,000 RPM for extended lengths of time if you can’t remove the subframe for the upgrade; there isn’t any power up there, so I doubt you’ll be doing that.
Because the basic suspension is too slow for track work, you’ll quickly learn how to load it before turns to maximize grip. The factory calipers with some street/track pads will bring you to a halt in a relatively short amount of time, and the perfect weight distribution is 50/50.
When you do push yourself past your breaking point, Dynamic Stability Control is a good feature to have because it gently steers you back onto a safe course.
Any further performance will depend more on your tires and technique than on a lack of raw power.
Is the BMW E46 a vintage vehicle?
Are you interested in purchasing a modern classic vehicle? The BMW E46 M3 offers visceral performance thrills at a (now) alluring price and may be exactly what you’re looking for. It is recognized as one of the best M vehicles ever manufactured. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for one on the used market.
How can I identify an E46 BMW?
Although you may have heard a lot of “e” words at your local BMW Service Center, along with potentially some “f” and “s” words, phrases like “e36,” “e60,” and “e28” have specific meanings to BMW mechanics and aficionados. For instance, an e46 is referred to as a 2003 330i. Depending on the look and year of your BMW, these “e” designations are used to define BMW Body style design. Entwicklung, the German term for development or evolution when you link the ‘e’, is abbreviated as “E.”
If you don’t understand any of these terms, the following list should assist you identify the code name for your BMW.
A nice first automobile, the E46?
The E46’s fundamental simplicity makes for easy learning. Despite certain more serious problems, such as those with the subframe or lifter-tick, they are mechanically fairly reliable. I haven’t encountered many problems, aside from the typical maintenance requirements of any car beyond 185,000 miles.
How old are E46 BMWs?
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, the BMW E46, was created between 1997 and 2006.
“Just take a ride in the new 3-Series, the distilled of all the charms of the Munich brand, to comprehend what BMW is!” It doesn’t seem unreasonable for journalists from the Austrian motor magazine Autorevue to praise the latest generation E46 3-series. There was no denying that BMW engineers had created another masterpiece. It suffices to recall that the 3-Series rose to the third-most popular vehicle in Germany after the results of 1999. not in its segment, but in terms of sheer quantity! The outcome was just amazing for the premium segment’s non-priced product.
The valvetronic variable valve timing system and the first direct injection diesel BMW are the major characteristics.
The E46 was often referred to as the “vehicle without flaws,” and it all started with a stunning design. The renowned Chris Bangl has recently joined the design team, which has carefully and softly revised the appearance of the previous “three” iteration. Twin circular headlights behind clear dispensers, branded Bavarian nostrils that have become a part of the hood, and a more sloping roof line have all contributed to the creation of a classic, timeless appearance that still appears current today.
The E46 has once again grown more spacious thanks to the new design, which skillfully hides the 3 Series’ noticeably expanded dimensions. The “3 Series” was able to maintain its original weight thanks to the extensive use of cutting-edge materials like steel and aluminum superalloys in the design.
For this reason, the restyled E46, which was debuted in 2001, maintained the appearance of the original, changing only in minor details, such as the shape of the headlights, bumpers, and taillights. A stabilizing system is a component of all modifications’ basic hardware.
But the engine front saw the biggest advancement. BMW unveiled the 316i Compact in 2001 at the Geneva Motor Show, equipped with the ground-breaking Valvetronic variable valve control system that operates without a throttle. Later, the Valvetronic technology was added to the three in different configurations, and eventually to additional BMW models.
What makes the E46 so great?
The internal motorsport section of BMW produced the BMW E46 M3, which is the high-performance variant of the E46 3-series. It was first only made as a coupe, but a convertible version was later added. During its premiere, it won over the hearts of true sports car aficionados right away. It resembled the classic BMW M3 E30 in terms of its lightweight design and high-revving inline-6 engine.
Due to its elegance, allure, and general design, the E46 generation has since been regarded as the best M vehicle ever produced. For a while, the E46’s excitement was quite consistent, but it has recently returned to the forefront, and the desire for this car is once again on the rise. In light of this, we are here to explain why the E46 M3 is the greatest M3 money can currently buy if you are in the market for one.