The BMW E46 3 Collection obtained loads 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 price getting behind the wheel? Like many growing old BMWs, most E46s are properly previous their first or second house owners. However whether or not worse for put on or well-kept, the E46 has rather a lot to like. Nonetheless price your money and time in 2025?
Execs: Worth, Steering, Appears
The BMW E46 3 Collection is, in contrast to the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a very good 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 straightforward to buy at your value level and get one thing that works on your wants. Even E46 ZHP automobiles — that are arguably the proper center floor — might be had for an inexpensive value. With 4 physique kinds together with a wagon, there’s virtually assured to be an E46 that checks all of the packing 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 glorious 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 glorious really feel. And, at the very least relating to the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP automobiles), energy is greater than enough, if not quick by fashionable requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s exhausting to seek out somebody that doesn’t assume the E46 is a reasonably handsome automotive. A sensible trying automotive that drives pretty much as good because it seems? Looks like it’s exhausting to go flawed with an E46.
Cons: Energy, Tech, Affordability
You don’t want a ton of energy to have a very good time, but it surely does assist. Most variations of the BMW E46 3 Collection make round 200 horsepower, with outliers on both finish. The M3, after all, is excluded from this unfavourable, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated know-how. Once more — hardly essential should you’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless could 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 very good Euro mechanic on pace dial would possibly discover prices to maintain the automotive on the street rapidly outstripping the automotive’s value. In my expertise, E46s have all the time been a bit of 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 price rapidly. And I imply that actually.
E46 Reliability in 2025
Tying in a bit of bit with general affordability, the E46 3 Collection is about as dependable as any BMW from the early 2000s might be, which is to say, it’s a blended 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. Nonetheless, 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 Collection continues to be the most effective methods to get into the model and the most effective bang-for-buck automobiles on the street immediately. 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 eternally put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
