E46 325xi Review : The Bargain

Across the board, E46 BMWs can be had for fractions of their original MSRP. So, can the smallest, cheapest, and least powerful cousin of the legendary E46 M3 possibly retain the brand's core values?

2003 325xi, Carbon Schwarz Metallic

Music:
C5 - To the Stars
Art of Silence - Dramatic Cinematic
Xandra - Guardian

[tico]

I’m a master certified bmw technician. I don’t usually comment on videos, I just watch and go my way.
But I’m making a exception and leaving this comment.
I’ve watched BMW’s on VCR tapes before YouTube, before the internet even existed. I’m 40 I grew up on magazines and my pay phones.
That being said this is one of the best bmw videos I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. I completely agree with everything you had to say.
Really well done video, thanks for putting a smile on my face with your E46 video 👨🏼‍🔧👏🏼

[connorbaker]

Hey this was my first car, and my current car

[brendanharris]

The e46 is the perfect first car. I bought a 330xi auto in college and completely fell in love with it. It taught me how to drive, how to work on cars, and how to properly care for them. It’s fun, refined, and timeless. I have had ZERO mechanical failures over the 60, 000 miles I’ve put on it. Common wear items such as bushings and axels but it has never ever left me stranded. The day I have to sell my little 3 series is one I’m not looking forward to.

[jacksonstrong]

one of the best car reviews I've ever watched

[Rookiekr]

I just bought my first E46. Its a 2004 325xi. It sat for 3 years with the same gas in it. Once that issue ran its course, I have fell in love with this car. It has high mileage but drives great. very solid ride and very fun to drive.

[cjf]

I have an '04 325xi...love it....I do keep up with the maintenance and do not beat the car.
I upgraded the stereo, wheels, tail lights, , car looks great! has 105, 000 miles. fun fun fun

[C-Dub]

You're so right about this car, I own the automatic version of this car and it's a great car.

[oOJakkeOo]

Your videos are so informative and nice to look at. I do wish that you would make videos more frequently, but hey, can’t get everything ;) It shows that you put a lot of work behind every video.
It’d be really cool if you could get your hands on an E90 328/330i!

[laughingmac]

I might be purchasing one as my first car, i find it strange how many completely opposing reviews there are on it. I'm putting it down to people being rough with it, random or one off issues sometimes due mistakes on repairs. Going to test drive it in the next few days and we'll see what kinda condition its really in

[leviarnold]

Only a minute in and I like the way you have it formatted. You defiantly put time into your videos from filming angles to what/how you say things! I subscribed

[cavsin]

got one of these as my first car back in October. This review really captivates it! Very fun car to drive.

[flamingcacti]

I'm checking out essentially the exact same car tomorrow - 2003 325xi manual, but with the added options like the big display. 220, 000 miles, asking price is $1300. Hoping to get it for a solid grand! (If all checks out, of course. Bringing my mechanic friend along for the ride to get a more experienced set of eyes on it)

[bryanvaughn]

Great video! I just bought my first BMW, a 2004 325XI and i was blown away the first time I drove it. As a Miata owner as well, you nailed it right on the head. Even though mine is an automatic, and its not fast, it still has that sports car DNA that just makes it so fun to drive but still is a good daily driver. Little apprehensive on maintenance costs, but so far I love the car.

[pascutia]

Fantastic video! You really covered all the important aspects of how the car drives, and you included a good amount of buyer advice. Also, video quality was great!

[gibranleon]

just bought a 2002 325i with 94, 000 miles. Could not be more excited.

[wasted]

I purchased a black 2004 325xi with natural brown interior for $2200. it’s a manual, it had 152, 000 miles when i purchased it, and it currently has a lil over 182, 000. I added coilovers to give it a 1.5” inch drop on all 4 corners along with spacers. It’s a great daily driver, no major issues just regular maintenance.

[oscarmedina]

i own a 323i, the previous owner didn't give it much love and care. i just finished fixing up the internals of it after a year and now im working on getting the paint redone. As my first car, it was the best decision i've made.

[lukemiller]

I have the exact same car just 2004 instead, I bought it from an auction for 2 grand. It’s not a race car but it shifts so well, people always compliment it, and it has had no engine problems at 150, 000 miles

[GRAlexx]

03 silver auto on 200k.. no trans problems

[ioanliviu]

What I like the most … it’s like with the A4 B6 and the Volvo S60 around that time - are these iconic silhouettes.