Here’s Why The BMW E46 330ci Is The Best Bargain Today

Do you want BMW performance but don’t have a ton of money? Today we talk about why the E46 330ci is one of the best performance bargains on the planet. We'll drive this thing on some backroads, and make a quick stop at Paramount Ranch, which has been the filming location of countless TV shows and movies, and was even home to a race track in the 1950s. Let’s go!

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Music used in this episode:
Selected tracks from the YouTube Music Library.

[andrewgrattan]

E46 models are going to be the next modern classic

[Elgranchampion]

Nothing is more expensive than a cheap BMW.

[Mrbfgray]

Happy 2001 330CI owner for 15 yr.s, 142k miles minimal problems.

[NevaLose]

The E46 is definitely the best looking BMW IMO

[nutsackmania]

The 330Ci is a very good car if you want a RWD driver's car. Add an LSD, some mild suspension upgrades and make sure the cooling system is maintained and you have a good daily you can do lots of fun skids in. Don't buy an automatic--it ruins the whole reason you are going through the agony of old BMW ownership.

[basher]

Bought my teenage daughter a used 2002 BMW 330ci as her first car, in a 5MT. It survived three years with her, and is still running strong, with 174, 000 miles!! It is still a blast to drive, still looks cool and modern, handles well...most undervalued car!!

[bennokrickl]

Up to downshift and down to upshift is actually more convenient than the other way round for sporty driving. Most sequential gearboxes for rallying do this aswell.

[corkscrewlifestyle]

I feel you, had similar issues with my 02 E46 325i sedan with 94k. It's worth fixing compared to a rust bucket. I'm actually amazed how the paint is still looking fresh, the door locks work pretty well and everything is in a good shape after three owners. Me and my fathers friend got it running like new after a few oil changes, new vacuum lines, a disa valve, valve cover gasket, front struts, control arm bushings in the front, tires, brake pads and some service.

[TripleMoonPanda]

I just recently bought a 325i and I love it. It's a great drivers car and I can really recommend people to buy an e46.

[Pyrex_lex]

These cars are cheap if you work on them your self easy to work on

[ytfeverguy]

I agree, E46 has a lot going for it. Excellent driving dynamics, lots of parts availability, good gas mileage, stylish interior. The coupe version is sexy. Former E39 owner now X3 E82 awd

[mcintosh.motors]

Got an 2004 330ci with every option possible and 228K on the clock for only 3200$ I love her so much... I knew I wanted a well maintained high mileage car and after looking for a few months I finally found one. And after just about a year and a half a ownership, I’ve put less than 1K into and most of it was basic maintenance. Definitely recommend an E46 if you want to work on your car a bit and have one the best chassis to date: BMW for life, hopefully I can get my 335i soon too :P

[richardcortell]

I love your video. Refreshingly honest commentary, clean visuals and fine editing.

Makes me appreciate my 2002 330Ci convertible even more.


Thanks!

[bobbyquinn]

i have a 2002 325ci and I honestly love how the i6 sounds, especially as it climbs the revv range

[thof]

I bought a 330ci a couple years ago as one came up for sale in my area with a manual. Very easy reliable car to work on and own. I was a BMW mechanic but that was years ago. I maybe have an advantage in that regard but even for a backyard mechanic they are easy to work on. Mine has 140k miles now.. it sees on average 135-145mph once a week if not more where I live. Average 85-90mph and it just takes it. I am meticulous with maintenance on it though as I know I will drive it hard. If you get one get a manual! They are harder to find in the USA but worth it over the automatic.

[Lordpockchop]

E46 are very underated and have potential get em while theyre cheap!!

[garrettgiuffre]

Oh God. I loved my E46 M3. I thought I knew what a car was. I didn't before the m3. Handing. Absolutely perfect. Engine sound, phenomenal. SMG? Anyone who doesn't like the m3 with SMG that isn't manual bias is crazy! Literally a Ferrari transmission and for a transmission that old it was nearly if not faster than some Dual clutch transmissions. SMG is literally a manual without a clutch. Love it. But the BMW O M G. Like omg. Want a intake? Full exhaust.... $1500.... More power? Bankruptcy... But the worse thing was the Cam bolt that broke and nuked the engine which was $6000 used or more then the car brand new.... Im a little traumatized my German cars now.

[jasonl]

Great honest review. I myself is a die hard e46 fan.
e46s are only good if you know how to wrench or are willing to learn through youtube videos. With that said, it's an incredibly easy car to wrench on.
I really can't recommend the car because there are too many suspension parts and gaskets that need to be replaced.

[sfragkos]

my e46 316 has 661.730 km and still not a single problem at the engine . i love this model

[AdamTheBeast]

Adhesive spray from Home Depot kept the whole roof liner up in my volvo S70, worked 15 years ago and still today.