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.
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Guide to purchasing a used BMW 3 Series (E46)
In BMW circles, knowing your E numbers is considered a rite of passage. Since nobody talks about markings, the 3 Series featured here is the E46 from 1999 to 2006. (or, whisper it, the Mk4).
The E46 is still a lovely car today, and one in excellent condition is highly sought for. There are as many bodystyles as there are workdays in a week, including saloon, coupe, convertible, estate (dubbed the Touring), and even a hatchback (the Compact).
Saloons are more prevalent, yet convertibles are greatly desired, readily available, and predicted to become classics in the future. Diesels are also more prevalent than gasoline-powered vehicles, while automatic and manual gears are equally common.
Is the BMW E46 a reliable first vehicle?
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.
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.
The BMW E46 is so excellent, why?
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.
What BMW E46 is trustworthy?
For anyone seeking to purchase a BMW for the first time, the BMW E46 3 Series is definitely the finest option. It is not only extraordinarily economical but also dependable, attractive, and perfectly captures the essence of what a BMW should be. It’s quick, enjoyable, and compact.
It features almost flawless steering, still-honored steering, excellent handling qualities, and the ideal balance of comfort and performance. It’s the ideal BMW for the budget-conscious enthusiast.
The ZHP is essentially the triple-distilled essence of the E46 3 Series’ greatness, so spend the additional money if you can.
A classic, the BMW E46?
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.
Why does the BMW E46 cost so much?
Due to the BMW E46 M3’s timeless design, getting one to call your own might be expensive, especially for examples in immaculate condition.
The versatility of this vehicle makes it appealing to a wide range of drivers. The E46 had a wide range of trims and color choices for the exterior and inside, allowing for factory customization. The regular E46 GTR Sport model still serves a useful purpose as a daily driver even though it was used in racing competitions in the early 2000s.
The passion for BMW E46 M3s also contributes to their increasing value over time. If you already own one, that’s fantastic news, but if you’re seeking to acquire one, the potential hole in your wallet will only widen. Buildjournal states that an E46 typically costs around $26,000. It was little over $19,000 in 2016. And those are for models with a significant amount of miles on them. Expect to pay more for a low-mileage E46 M3 than you would for a brand-new 2022 M4. According to Sports Car Market, a used E46 sold for $84,000 earlier this year, and the limited-edition E46 M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau) is expected to sell for over $100,000.
Because the mileage, history, and overall condition are important factors, the price range between E46s is so wide. Be prepared to spend extra money maintaining the automobile, especially if you want to use it frequently. Maintenance costs can add up quickly.
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.
Which E46 year is the best?
The M3 E46 has VANOS, or variable valve timing, to change cam and valve timing across a wide RPM range.
When you test-drive your potential E46 M3, be on the lookout for the following signs: a lack of power at lower rpms, sluggish acceleration, a harsh idle, and a lengthy cold-start. All of those can be an indication of Vanos issues.
The VANOS system contains numerous components that regularly malfunction, including:
- Oil Pump VANOS
- SOLENOID VANOS
- Bolts for camshaft sprockets
- Combustion Camshaft Hub
Depending on the cause, replacement costs can range, however if you need to replace the entire unit with a rebuilt unit, it might cost around $1800.
BMW E46: Is it collectible?
Looking back at what this model offers, it’s simple to understand why the BMW E46 M3 is gradually growing in popularity as a collectable.
Some of the craziest cars ever produced were first created in Germany. Mercedes-Benz created the crazy 300 SL Gullwing in the 1950s; it is now valued as hundreds of thousands of dollars. Porsche released its divisive Carrera GT in more recent years. But for the past 35 years, one Munich-based automaker has captured the public’s attention with a single model.
One German-built automobile, the BMW M3, stands out among the rest. Gearheads have had the opportunity to witness this German Shepherd annihilate rival sports cars both on and off the track since 1986. The E46 M3 is still one of the coolest M3s ever produced, despite the fact that it may not be among the most significant automobiles in BMW’s history. The E46 M3, which is sandwiched between the brutal E36 and the muscular E90 M3, is nevertheless a fantastic high-end sports coupe.
A sports car is an E46, right?
When it was introduced in 2000, the BMW M3 E46 Coupe swept true sports car enthusiasts off their feet. For many people, it represented a return to the strengths of the venerable BMW M3 E30 thanks to its low weight design and the high-rev philosophy of its inline 6-cylinder engine. The year after, a convertible was produced, offering an unusual fusion of open-top luxury and a sporty driving experience.
Are BMWs suitable vehicles for teenagers?
Driving a sporty BMW coupe as a teenager makes it difficult to not feel cool. The 1 Series is the ideal vehicle for that because it is little, gorgeous, has amazing handling, and is more than fast enough to be entertaining with either engine option. The BMW 128i would likely be preferred by most teenagers, which is for the best.
Which is superior, the E90 or the E46?
Finally, we’re getting to the genuine comparison of the two vehicles. The purpose of the aforementioned was to set up the remaining subjects. We will compare the E46 and E90 in general terms. However, there are numerous models and engines to choose from, as seen above. As a result, not every model will necessarily be covered by the generalizations. As an illustration, the E46 330i ZHP performs better than the E90 325i.
Nevertheless, the E90 excels in terms of performance overall. In comparison to the E46, the E90 has higher power, torque, and faster acceleration. The E90 transmissions also shift more smoothly and a little quicker. True performance aficionados, though, might prefer the manual transmissions. Although manuals are a declining breed, the E90 and E46 both have a wide selection of them.
Additionally, the E90 has a wide range of engine options. For the US market, BMW’s E46 is equipped with just straight-6 naturally aspirated engines. That may or may not be a good thing. especially considering how well regarded BMW’s inline-6 engines are. The E90s, however, come with a 4.0L V8 for the M3 and normally aspirated inline 6, single and twin turbo inline 6, and inline 6 engines. The E46 generation cannot compare to the power and performance of the N54, N55, and S65.