The BMW E46 3 Collection acquired numerous reward over time, 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 ageing 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 quite a bit to like. Nonetheless price your money and time in 2025?
Execs: Worth, Steering, Appears to be like
The BMW E46 3 Collection is, not like the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a great worth in 2025. BMW bought so lots of these items that there isn’t any 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 on your wants. Even E46 ZHP automobiles — that are arguably the proper center floor — could be had for an inexpensive value. With 4 physique types together with a wagon, there may be virtually assured to be an E46 that checks all of the bins. 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 fantastic 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 kind of good — arguably higher than the E36’s — mixing precision with wonderful really feel. And, not less than in the case 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 laborious to search 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 laborious to go incorrect with an E46.
Cons: Energy, Tech, Affordability
You don’t want a ton of energy to have a great 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 detrimental, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated know-how. Once more — hardly crucial if you happen to’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless is likely to be a bit disappointing for folks utilizing the E46 as their solely automobile in 2025.
Whereas shopping for an E46 itself is pretty inexpensive lately, folks shopping for a tough one with out some inclination to DIY or a great Euro mechanic on velocity dial may discover prices to maintain the automobile on the highway rapidly outstripping the automobile’s value. In my expertise, E46s have at all times been a bit bit extra upkeep intensive than E36s (and even many E90s). Elements 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 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, notably, 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 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 massive issues) that may go incorrect. 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 laborious to search out. Nonetheless, 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 Collection continues to be the most effective methods to get into the model and the most effective bang-for-buck automobiles on the highway right this moment. 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 purchasing and expertise a automobile that may eternally put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
