The BMW E46 3 Sequence obtained numerous reward over time, from journalists to discussion board members and everybody in between. However over twenty years after the automotive debuted: is it nonetheless price getting behind the wheel? Like many ageing BMWs, most E46s are nicely previous their first or second house owners. However whether or not worse for put on or well-kept, the E46 has lots to like. Nonetheless price your money and time in 2025?
Professionals: Worth, Steering, Appears to be like
The BMW E46 3 Sequence is, not like the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a great worth in 2025. BMW bought so a lot of these items that there isn’t any scarcity of excellent ones, okay ones, and beat-up ones. So it’s simple to buy at your worth level and get one thing that works on your wants. Even E46 ZHP vehicles — that are arguably the right center floor — may be had for an inexpensive worth. With 4 physique kinds together with a wagon, there’s nearly assured to be an E46 that checks all of the bins. Small caveat: worth turns into rather more of a private dialogue when high-dollar and low-mile E46 M3 examples.
That glorious worth comes by advantage of the truth that the E46 is solely fantastic to drive. Just like the E36, the restrict is low on these vehicles, significantly if there isn’t an M badge on the again of your E46. However the steering is sort of good — arguably higher than the E36’s — mixing precision with glorious really feel. And, no less than in terms of the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP vehicles), energy is greater than enough, if not quick by trendy requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s onerous to seek out somebody that doesn’t suppose the E46 is a fairly handsome automotive. A sensible trying automotive that drives nearly as good because it appears to be like? Looks as if it’s onerous to go flawed with an E46.
Cons: Energy, Tech, Affordability
You don’t want a ton of energy to have a great time, however 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 needed in the event you’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless may be a bit disappointing for folks utilizing the E46 as their solely automotive in 2025.
Whereas shopping for an E46 itself is pretty reasonably priced as of late, folks shopping for a tough one with out some inclination to DIY or a great 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 of bit extra upkeep intensive than E36s (and even many E90s). Elements are fortunately plentiful, however a needy E46 — particularly an M3 — can change into extra of a useful resource drain than it’s price rapidly. And I imply that actually.
E46 Reliability in 2025
Tying in a bit of bit with total 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 Massive Three” addressed earlier than the acquisition even occurs. The Massive 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 vehicles 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 onerous to seek out. Nonetheless, in 2025, there’s a fairly stable likelihood that any E46 you choose up will want one thing.
Verdict: Purchase an E46 in 2025?
Oh sure, completely. The E46 3 Sequence remains to be top-of-the-line methods to get into the model and top-of-the-line bang-for-buck vehicles on the highway at this time. One other very cool factor about E46s within the US is that BMW solely ever provided them with a six-cylinder. So, trying to find a great one is only a tad bit simpler. Why are you continue to studying? Begin procuring and expertise a automotive that may endlessly put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
