The BMW E46 3 Sequence obtained quite a lot of reward through the years, from journalists to discussion board members and everybody in between. However over twenty years after the automobile debuted: is it nonetheless price getting behind the wheel? Like many growing older 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 so much to like. Nonetheless price your money and time in 2025?
Execs: Worth, Steering, Seems
The BMW E46 3 Sequence is, in contrast to the BMW E36indisputably nonetheless a great worth in 2025. BMW offered so a lot of these items that there isn’t a scarcity of excellent ones, okay ones, and beat-up ones. So it’s straightforward to buy at your worth level and get one thing that works in your wants. Even E46 ZHP automobiles — that are arguably the proper center floor — may be had for an inexpensive worth. With 4 physique types together with a wagon, there’s nearly assured to be an E46 that checks all of the containers. Small caveat: worth turns into way 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 solely great to drive. Just like the E36, the restrict is low on these automobiles, notably 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 wonderful really feel. And, at the least on the subject of the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP automobiles), energy is greater than ample, if not quick by trendy requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s exhausting to seek out somebody that doesn’t suppose the E46 is a reasonably handsome automobile. A wise trying automobile that drives pretty much as good because it seems to be? Looks as if it’s exhausting to go unsuitable with an E46.
Cons: Energy, Tech, Affordability
You don’t want a ton of energy to have a great time, nevertheless it does assist. Most variations of the BMW E46 3 Sequence make round 200 horsepower, with outliers on both finish. The M3in fact, is excluded from this adverse, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated expertise. Once more — hardly vital in case you’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless is perhaps a bit disappointing for folks utilizing the E46 as their solely automobile in 2025.
Whereas shopping for an E46 itself is pretty inexpensive today, 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 automobile on the highway shortly outstripping the automobile’s worth. In my expertise, E46s have at all times been slightly bit extra upkeep intensive than E36s (and even many E90s). Components are fortunately plentiful, however a needy E46 — particularly an M3 — can change into extra of a useful resource drain than it’s price shortly. And I imply that actually.
E46 Reliability in 2025
Tying in slightly 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 m3notably, wants “the Large Three” addressed earlier than the acquisition even occurs. The Large 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 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 unsuitable. 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 strong likelihood 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 among the finest methods to get into the model and among the finest bang-for-buck automobiles on the highway as we speak. 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 buying and expertise a automobile that may endlessly put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
