The BMW E46 3 Sequence acquired plenty of reward through the years, from journalists to discussion board members and everybody in between. However over twenty years after the automotive debuted: is it nonetheless value getting behind the wheel? Like many growing old BMWs, most E46s are nicely previous their first or second homeowners. However whether or not worse for put on or well-kept, the E46 has quite a bit to like. Nonetheless value your money and time in 2025?
Professionals: Worth, Steering, Seems
The BMW E46 3 Sequence is, not like the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a superb worth in 2025. BMW bought so lots of these items that there isn’t any scarcity of fine ones, okay ones, and beat-up ones. So it’s simple to buy at your worth level and get one thing that works to your wants. Even E46 ZHP automobiles — that are arguably the right center floor — may be had for an inexpensive worth. With 4 physique types together with a wagon, there may be virtually assured to be an E46 that checks all of the containers. Small caveat: worth turns into far more of a private dialogue when taking a look at high-dollar and low-mile E46 M3 examples.
That wonderful worth comes by advantage of the truth that the E46 is just great to drive. Just like the E36, the restrict is low on these automobiles, significantly if there isn’t an M badge on the again of your E46. However the steering is kind of good — arguably higher than the E36’s — mixing precision with wonderful really feel. And, at the least relating to the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP automobiles), energy is greater than ample, if not quick by fashionable requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s exhausting to seek out somebody that doesn’t suppose the E46 is a reasonably handsome automotive. A sensible wanting automotive that drives pretty much as good because it appears to be like? Looks as if it’s exhausting to go flawed with an E46.
Cons: Energy, Tech, Affordability
You don’t want a ton of energy to have a superb time, nevertheless it does assist. Most variations of the BMW E46 3 Sequence make round 200 horsepower, with outliers on both finish. The M3, in fact, is excluded from this destructive, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated know-how. Once more — hardly obligatory in the event you’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless is perhaps a bit disappointing for individuals utilizing the E46 as their solely automotive in 2025.
Whereas shopping for an E46 itself is pretty inexpensive as of late, individuals shopping for a tough one with out some inclination to DIY or a superb Euro mechanic on pace dial would possibly discover prices to maintain the automotive on the highway rapidly outstripping the automotive’s worth. In my expertise, E46s have at all times been a bit bit extra upkeep intensive than E36s (and even many E90s). Elements are fortunately plentiful, however a needy E46 — particularly an M3 — can turn out to be extra of a useful resource drain than it’s value rapidly. And I imply that actually.
E46 Reliability in 2025
Tying in a bit bit with general affordability, the E46 3 Sequence is about as dependable as any BMW from the early 2000s may be, which is to say, it’s a combined bag. The E46 M3, significantly, wants “the Huge Three” addressed earlier than the acquisition even occurs. The Huge Three refers to rod bearings, subframe reinforcement, and VANOS. The latter can fail nearly out of nowhere; the primary two have warning indicators however require a discovered eye. Non-M E46s are much less of a headache however there are nonetheless tons of little issues (and large issues) that may go flawed. Fortunately, these automobiles are fairly DIY-friendly. One other level in favor of the E46: BMW made a gazillion and a half of these items. So, elements aren’t precisely exhausting to seek out. Nevertheless, in 2025, there’s a reasonably stable probability that any E46 you choose up will want one thing.
Verdict: Purchase an E46 in 2025?
Oh sure, completely. The E46 3 Sequence continues to be the most effective methods to get into the model and the most effective bang-for-buck automobiles on the highway right this moment. One other very cool factor about E46s within the US is that BMW solely ever supplied them with a six-cylinder. So, trying to find a superb one is only a tad bit simpler. Why are you continue to studying? Begin purchasing and expertise a automotive that can endlessly put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
