The BMW E46 3 Sequence acquired a number of reward over time, from journalists to discussion board members and everybody in between. However over twenty years after the automobile debuted: is it nonetheless value getting behind the wheel? Like many getting 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 loads to like. Nonetheless value your money and time in 2025?
Execs: Worth, Steering, Seems
The BMW E46 3 Sequence is, not like the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a very good worth in 2025. BMW bought so a lot of this stuff that there isn’t any scarcity of fine 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 kinds together with a wagon, there’s virtually assured to be an E46 that checks all of the containers. Small caveat: worth turns into way 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 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, a minimum of in terms of the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP automobiles), energy is greater than satisfactory, if not quick by fashionable requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s arduous to seek out somebody that doesn’t suppose the E46 is a reasonably handsome automobile. A sensible wanting automobile that drives pretty much as good because it appears? Looks as if it’s arduous to go flawed 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, after all, is excluded from this detrimental, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated expertise. Once more — hardly obligatory 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 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 automobile on the street shortly outstripping the automobile’s worth. In my expertise, E46s have all the time been slightly bit extra upkeep intensive than E36s (and even many E90s). Components are fortunately plentiful, however a needy E46 — particularly an M3 — can turn into extra of a useful resource drain than it’s value shortly. And I imply that actually.
E46 Reliability in 2025
Tying in slightly 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 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 flawed. 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, components aren’t precisely arduous to seek out. Nevertheless, in 2025, there’s a reasonably 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 among the finest methods to get into the model and among the finest bang-for-buck automobiles on the street at the 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 very good one is only a tad bit simpler. Why are you continue to studying? Begin buying and expertise a automobile that may eternally put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
