The BMW E46 3 Collection obtained lots 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 value getting behind the wheel? Like many getting old BMWs, most E46s are effectively previous their first or second homeowners. However whether or not worse for put on or well-kept, the E46 has quite a bit to like. Nonetheless value your money and time in 2025?
Professionals: Worth, Steering, Appears to be like
The BMW E46 3 Collection is, in contrast to the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a very good worth in 2025. BMW offered so lots of these items that there isn’t a 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 to your wants. Even E46 ZHP vehicles — that are arguably the proper center floor — could be had for an affordable worth. With 4 physique kinds together with a wagon, there may be nearly 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 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 kind of good — arguably higher than the E36’s — mixing precision with wonderful really feel. And, a minimum of on the subject of the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP vehicles), energy is greater than satisfactory, if not quick by trendy requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s exhausting to search out somebody that doesn’t assume the E46 is a fairly handsome automobile. A wise wanting automobile that drives nearly 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 very good time, however it does assist. Most variations of the BMW E46 3 Collection make round 200 horsepower, with outliers on both finish. The M3, in fact, is excluded from this damaging, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated know-how. Once more — hardly needed if you happen to’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless may be a bit disappointing for folks utilizing the E46 as their solely automobile in 2025.
Whereas shopping for an E46 itself is pretty inexpensive nowadays, 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 highway shortly outstripping the automobile’s worth. In my expertise, E46s have at all times 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 turn out to be extra of a useful resource drain than it’s value shortly. And I imply that actually.
E46 Reliability in 2025
Tying in a bit of bit with total affordability, the E46 3 Collection is about as dependable as any BMW from the early 2000s could 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 nearly 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 large issues) that may go unsuitable. 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 exhausting to search out. Nevertheless, in 2025, there’s a fairly stable probability that any E46 you decide up will want one thing.
Verdict: Purchase an E46 in 2025?
Oh sure, completely. The E46 3 Collection 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 right this 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 procuring and expertise a automobile that may endlessly put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.