The E46 BMW 3 Series is already a modern classic (full review)

The 1998 - 2005 BMW 3 Series, known as the E46 has come to define BMW for me. But how does it hold up today?

Car on test 2002 BMW 325i

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#bmw #e46 #bmwe46

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[makhoedrey]

it was my dream car back in 2009 when i was 13 years old living in a Village in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Now based and working in Australia, believe it or not. i have that car back home now. i love it

[Greaseman]

Had too purchase my first car back in 2018 and knew nothing about cars, was searching Craigslist for a while and I came across this silver sedan that I just thought looked cool so I messaged the guy, met up and test drove the car, it was a 01 325i, and after driving it for about 5 minutes i knew I was buying it, took her home and ever since I can’t imagine myself driving any other car, the 46 turned me into a mechanic and an appreciator of these machine, before they were 4 wheels that got me from point A too B, but now the 46 is my life

[bobbygarner]

I have 2002 bmw 325 xi I've replaced every part over past 5 yrs n became a mechanic and went to school to be able to fix all my own stuff but best car I've ever owned great engine

[Hubris]

One of the finest car designs ever made ❤

[DIY]

Just bought one with 255k kms
She purrs, needs some love and preventative maintenance but she’s rust free, no damage, all electricals work. Love it ❤

[EMBERKE]

I have purchased a 2004 320 with the m54 engine. I've been absolutely in love with it. It's my childhood's dream car, as all of us 2000's kids have played NFS MW. I was lucky enough to find a nice one, and with the 170hp engine it feels sporty and handles great. If someone wants one of these with a straight six engine, now's the time because I do think values will start increasing very soon.

[ashtonhutchason]

I agree the e46 is a modern classic, for many of the same reasons the 997 gen 911 is. Modern enough to have some decent tech & comfort/convenience, but old enough to still be a fairly simple and light car, and raw/visceral to drive. Not to mention, they are the perfect size. Modern cars have gotten so large and heavy they hardly feel like sport coupes anymore.

[thereallotharmatthae]

A real car. Much nicer than todays BMWs.

[e_land]

Extremely timeless design. Especially the M3 is masterpiece.

[richard.l]

2003 E46 Exclusive 2.2 Twin Vanos with steptronic. One problem, gearbox packed up in 2018, 155, 000 km.

[hotroddriver]

I bought almost six months ago a BMW E46 320 Ci, with M54B22 engine
It's fantastic, the sound mostly, but also when I see my car, I'm proud of It
The style of this car it's timeless and I'm angry when the people, also in the past, tuning this car, because they broke and break the originality of this car, that is the best thing of this car❤️❤️❤️

[dironizareyes]

This car is absolutely incredible. I currently own 3 of these and they are bulletproof. Just change your oil every 3k miles and tranny fluid every 75k also change front control arms, struts and rear shocks every 60k . And change Driveshaft guibo disk and motor and tranny mounts every 100k and you will have a infinite car!!!!

[WiresFanDrew]

Bought a E46 318 Auto SE Touring a year ago with 15k miles…… absolutely love it

[Birmingham_racing]

Still my favourite looking 3 series especially the coupe and convertible

[SirFrancoQ]

In my opinion, the Best 3 Series ever built by BMW, not too many electronics - just enough in my opinion which keeps costs down & the complaints you hear these days about electronic issues on modern BMWs is not encouraging . I own a 2000 328i with 212, 000km in mint condition & it runs like clockwork and I just can part with it. I’m in the market to buy a pre-owned X5 but I will keep the classic.

[aubreyj.tennant]

I just bought my 15th BMW, 2 525’s and 13th 325. My last one has been serviced at BMW dealers all the way through 190K km/117K miles Including suspension. Completely stock 2004 except 18” Perrelli’s. It’s the tightest e46 if ever owned. Yes a classic and a collector car. If they’re kept well - maintained I’ve seen them increase in value over the years. Sporty luxury, safe, comfortable, reasonable economy and built for driving pleasure. Parts/spares readily available. Not many comparable used cars in this category. Paid $2100. CAD. Loved your review JJ.

[benjamincheshire]

I've just bought a 330D SE from 2003 its a beast i love it its black with loads of dents

[mtjackel]

This is my dream car 😍I wish they kept it at this size of a car and not make it 10 + inches bigger

[VincenzoPorreca]

Still have my Emola Red 04' 335M sport with 189, 000 clicks...purrs along beautifully!!

[moh]

Still have my 21 year old 330i auto with over 300, 000km