Which BMW E46 Is the Best To Buy?

In this video I give my recommendations on which e46 has the best value and which models are desirable. This is just my opinion and what I would choose if I was in the market for an e46. This video does not apply to project cars. What's your dream e46 (non-m)?

Car models mentioned
BMW 330
BMW 325
BMW 323
BMW 328
BMW M3
BMW ZHP

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[JJcDAmAn]

330Ci for me. Love that car even though it doesn't love me.

[Crankfam]

I found a hidden gem. I Own A 2005 325xi. Only 44, 780 miles when I found it. It was a second car for an older couple. I have 74, 000 miles on it now and have only had to put a battery in it. All maintenance is done and I couldn't be happier. Keep making great videos. Thank you

[anthonyk]

I like the 328i because it uses the m52 and has piston rings that actually work and keep oil in the engine unlike the m54 which is known for burning oil

[montellallen]

2002 325i for me... The previous owner really changed a lot in it. And I can't thank him enough. Even though not mentioning the bad trans which is getting switched out soon.

[PuttericThe]

330ci facelift is the one i have and the reason i got it instead of the pre facelift model is because it has a 6speed manual gearbox instead of a 5speed gearbox. Something to think of in my opinion.

[mossmon]

You forgot one thing thats good about the 328 and 323. The m52tub engines do not have oil consumption problems, because their piston rings don't prematrely wear, as in the m54 engines. Most m54 engines with over 100tkm eat some oil. Of cource you can install m52tu piston rings in to a m54 engine.
Also the 330 has had the oil pump gear nut get loose on some models, causing the loss of oil pressure.

[Christian-fgwe]

Had an E46 328i 5 speed with 200k miles. Absolutely LOVED IT!!! Handled amazing, it was faster than Mustang GT’s of the same year (had some experience in mexico) and the engine was 100% reliable even with 200k miles and beating the piss out of it daily. The subframe killed it😭

[esorealtyinc]

2002 325ti sport package (wagon) bought at auction for 1500 with 133k on the odometer. Full coolant system refresh and 4 window regulators lol. Did it all my self thanks to your amazing videos!!!!
Spent about 800 in parts including led angel eyes and re inking the seats to bring back the black color that has faded.

[iSlowMagic]

i have a 323ci coupe for about 5 years now with 123k miles. i only had some issues with Expansion tank but otherwise its a great car very reliable...

[j-kane]

I just picked up a 1999 323. Not sure what the previous owner/s did to it but it runs like a champ! No visible leaks or oil sludge on the engine, nothing too concerning. Original paint is still shiny, interior is awesome. Kinda nervous after watching this and other videos on e46's, I just need this car to last at least 3 more years til my son finishes school

[petrhlavac]

For me it's my 2004 330i Touring. Manual, RWD, factory M-packet, beautiful Estoril Blau and many extras. It went through a significant refresh last year and I intend to use it a our family car for years to come

[bryanbielka]

I have owned (2) M54s including a 330xi stick shift with sport package and (1) M52tu. I sold both of M54s and you would wonder why? Because the M52tu is more reliable in terms of engine. The pistons have thicker rings compared to the ones on M54. This makes the engine last longer. My M52tu is 225k currently and I have just replace the water pump, belts and fuel pump. Suspension is the original it has never been replaced. 8 years owner. Daily driver

[christopherbarger]

I went with a M3. Simply because it was stupid clean. Had 60k miles. Had just one owner.

And it’s got a Active Autowerke supercharger installed.

Definitely wasn’t the most affordable but I can dig it

[corkscrewlifestyle]

Love the E46, first car I bought for more than $1, 000. Got my steel blue '02 325i facelift sedan two years ago with 94k miles. Great car for being a 5 speed auto. My fathers friend loves the E46 and daily drives them just for the mechanical feel. He is also my mechanic as well. I learned so much about the E46 from him. He also told me the root cause of the subframe cracks in the rear are from the manual cars due to the clutch sending more stress on the subframe bushings with the higher torque output. But he said the E46 is possibly the last mechanical simple 3er made.

[braden_n]

330 is the way to go ! I have had 6 330i's in the past, 2 330ci's, and currently have a turbocharged 330i zhp sedan . When I was building the sedan I picked up a 2005 325i, had catless headers, full exhaust, and a tune and even with all the I couldn't believe how much nicer the 330 is to drive the extra low end tq from the 3l makes a big difference I ended up sorting out the 325 ... cooling system, control arms, 330 brakes and gave it to my parents for Christmas and bought myself another 330 .

[JoKah]

I got an fully packaged 323ci and it never made any problems, even the subframe is perfect. 220000km already

[XclusiveAaron]

Do you guys in America not get the 316i, 318i and 320i plus the 320d, 325d and 330d?🤔

[kopl]

Had 320 (2.2 litre) engine which blew at 102, 000 Now have 330 CI, 142, 000 miles and a dream to drive and going strong. Love driving every mile in it....

[noname-pbvj]

01 330i sedan manual sport mtech black on black 278k miles, no subframe issues, and sadly rust. Best car I've ever owned.

[davidgasperic]

Just bought an 323Ci in the begining of this year...it's actually fully optioned, with low 220k km's (for it's age). I guess someone fully optioned an 323 because its hard to run anything with a bigger engine...considering the taxes and shit (in my country). I have to say I've put some mileage on it...hands down, everything seems to work....the body itself is healthy, zero rust, cooling issues have been done already so thats out of the way too.