The BMW E46 3 Sequence obtained numerous 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 older 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 loads to like. Nonetheless value your money and time in 2025?
Execs: Worth, Steering, Seems
The BMW E46 3 Sequence is, in contrast to the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a very good worth in 2025. BMW bought so lots of this stuff that there isn’t a scarcity of excellent ones, okay ones, and beat-up ones. So it’s straightforward to buy at your value level and get one thing that works to your wants. Even E46 ZHP automobiles — that are arguably the proper center floor — may be had for an affordable value. With 4 physique types together with a wagon, there’s virtually assured to be an E46 that checks all of the packing containers. Small caveat: worth turns into far more of a private dialogue when high-dollar and low-mile E46 M3 examples.
That wonderful worth comes by advantage of the truth that the E46 is just fantastic 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, not less than on the subject of the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP automobiles), energy is greater than sufficient, if not quick by fashionable requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s exhausting to search out somebody that doesn’t assume the E46 is a reasonably handsome automotive. A wise wanting automotive that drives nearly as good because it appears to be like? Looks as if it’s exhausting to go mistaken with an E46.
Cons: Energy, Tech, Affordability
You don’t want a ton of energy to have a very good 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 unfavourable, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated expertise. Once more — hardly essential if you happen to’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless could be a bit disappointing for individuals utilizing the E46 as their solely automotive in 2025.
Whereas shopping for an E46 itself is pretty reasonably priced lately, individuals shopping for a tough one with out some inclination to DIY or a very good Euro mechanic on velocity dial would possibly discover prices to maintain the automotive on the street shortly outstripping the automotive’s value. In my expertise, E46s have all the time been a little bit bit extra upkeep intensive than E36s (and even many E90s). Components are fortunately plentiful, however a needy E46 — particularly an M3 — can develop into extra of a useful resource drain than it’s value shortly. And I imply that actually.
E46 Reliability in 2025
Tying in a little bit 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 blended 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 just about out of nowhere; the primary two have warning indicators however require a realized eye. Non-M E46s are much less of a headache however there are nonetheless tons of little issues (and massive issues) that may go mistaken. Fortunately, these automobiles are fairly DIY-friendly. One other level in favor of the E46: BMW made a gazillion and a half of this stuff. So, elements aren’t precisely exhausting to search out. Nonetheless, in 2025, there’s a reasonably strong 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 street at present. 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 very good one is only a tad bit simpler. Why are you continue to studying? Begin buying and expertise a automotive that may ceaselessly put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
