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 had many problems, aside from the typical maintenance requirements of any car with more than 185,000 miles.
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They consume a lot of gas, are quick enough to cause trouble, but not quick enough to dazzle anyone.
The major issue is that they WILL require significantly more maintenance than a standard cheap car.
The e46 has the potential to be a dependable vehicle, but that is only possible with regular maintenance. As soon as you get it, expect to replace all of the cooling system’s fluids, plugs, valve cover gaskets, possibly some suspension bushings, etc.
Make sure you have at least $2,000 in your account for emergencies if you buy a $2600 euro automobile. And only if you want to do every single task yourself.
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– The E46 is a superb vehicle; it has the potential to be as reliable as a “Toyota Camry” if:
1. You purchase a vehicle with low mileage, say 90–100K.
2. Perform a cooling overhaul for $450 utilizing high-quality parts. forum information
3. Avoid AWD and stick with RWD.
BMW E46
Even if the E46 is getting a little dated now, I still think it’s the greatest BMW you can acquire as a starter vehicle. Throughout the years, I’ve owned quite a few E46s thanks to my business of purchasing, selling, and parting with BMWs. They were all top-notch cars that are inexpensive, simple to repair and maintain, and not too fast for inexperienced drivers.
Good BMW E46s can be found for less than $5,000, and they are constructed like tanks. They do have a weak point, which is the coolant system, but you won’t find a 3 Series BMW owner who hasn’t had issues with it.
My only advice is to avoid the M3 when purchasing one for a teenager. The M3s are substantially more expensive, have a sports package, more horsepower, and are significantly more expensive to insure.
Overall, these cars are enjoyable to drive, dependable, and reasonably priced. The BMW E46 is the ideal vehicle for a beginner. Here is a link to a detailed review of the BMW E46.
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 E46: Is it a decent car?
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 the BMW E46 enjoyable?
To put it briefly, driving an E46 is a lot of fun. Though the E46 seems more substantial, if you closed your eyes for a moment you may mistake it for its close rival, the Mercedes W203.
What is a BMW E46?
The BMW E46, which came in sedan, coupe, hatchback, and wagon body styles, is the fourth generation of the 3-series that was manufactured globally between 1999 and 2006. Later, in 2001, the E46’s M3 version was released as a coupe or a convertible. While the M3 received the cherished 3.2L S54 straight-six in the United States, the E46 was available with a number of other six-cylinder engines. The SMG automated manual transmission, a regular automatic transmission, and five- or six-speed manual transmissions were all options for E46 vehicles. For the first time since the E30, the E46 325xi had AWD as an option, whereas all other E46 models only had power going to the rear wheels. With new models, engines, interior/exterior options (LED taillights being a notable addition), and other features added in the middle of 2003, the E46 received an update.
Genuine, OE, OEM, Aftermarket, and Performance replacement parts for numerous BMW models are available in the online parts catalog from FCP Euro. We only provide the highest quality parts for BMW and provide a variety of BMW DIYs, buyer’s guides, how-tos, and blog articles to help you have the best European automobile ownership experience. Our website was designed with the BMW enthusiast in mind.
Our Lifetime Replacement Guarantee covers all replacement components you purchase, including consumables and wear-and-tear parts like brake pads, gaskets, rotors, filters, and wiper blades. You won’t ever have to pay for the part again after you order it from us.
What followed the BMW E46?
The BMW 3 Series’ fifth generation began with the BMW E90. By the end of the BMW E46 period in 2002, the 3 Series had already had a facelift with brand-new headlights and taillights.
The BMW E90 3 Series Sedan and E91 Sports Wagon eras began in 2006, respectively. Along with it, the BMW E92 3 Series Coupe and E93 3 Series Convertible were introduced.
The fifth generation of the 3 Series has undergone significant mechanical and aesthetic improvements. First, a dimension increase was brought on by the switch from the BMW E46 to the E90. The new 3 Series E90 was more balanced because to its wider tracks, bigger wheelbase (1.4 inches wider than E46), and roomier cabin.
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.
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.
Is the E46 a vintage car?
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.
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.
Which 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.
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.
Older BMWs dependable?
When examining whether or not BMWs are reliable, the subject of age is crucial. It is frequently discovered that older BMWs—generally those produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s—are more dependable than newer BMWs. Though not always the case, take note. This applies to the majority of other brands as well, not only BMW. Early automobiles from the era have rudimentary engineering and construction. There is less of a possibility that something could go wrong because of the simplicity of the mechanical or electronic components.
Even if they do, correcting them won’t be that expensive. Newer cars, on the other hand, are quite high-tech. The iDrive entertainment system, external safety sensors, as well as the extensive web of wiring, computers, and electrics running throughout the full length of the car, are just a few of the many electrical components found in BMWs in particular. The modern engineering of newer BMWs can make them more prone to problems. Not to mention pricey, particularly once the warranty expires.
In reality, the majority of the components and labor needed to maintain and repair BMWs are identical to those for other models. Certain parts inevitably need to be replaced. The same issues might arise with a regular Honda or Toyota, but BMW’s high-performance parts will cost more just for the raw materials. In addition, labor costs are greater for BMWs because they require more time from mechanics than the ordinary vehicle. In general, you can easily expect your BMW repair price to be $1,000 or more.