The BMW E46 3 Collection obtained lots of 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 growing older 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 so much to like. Nonetheless price your money and time in 2025?
Execs: Worth, Steering, Seems
The BMW E46 3 Collection is, in contrast to the BMW E36, indisputably nonetheless a great worth in 2025. BMW offered so a lot of this stuff that there is no such thing as a scarcity of excellent ones, okay ones, and beat-up ones. So it’s simple to buy at your value level and get one thing that works in your wants. Even E46 ZHP vehicles — that are arguably the right center floor — will be had for an affordable value. With 4 physique kinds together with a wagon, there may be virtually assured to be an E46 that checks all of the packing containers. Small caveat: worth turns into far more of a private dialogue when taking a look at high-dollar and low-mile E46 M3 examples.
That glorious worth comes by advantage of the truth that the E46 is just fantastic to drive. Just like the E36, the restrict is low on these vehicles, notably if there isn’t an M badge on the again of your E46. However the steering is sort of good — arguably higher than the E36’s — mixing precision with glorious really feel. And, not less than with regards to the M3 (and, I suppose, ZHP vehicles), energy is greater than satisfactory, if not quick by trendy requirements. And lastly, whereas it’s subjective, it’s laborious to search out somebody that doesn’t suppose the E46 is a fairly handsome automobile. A wise trying automobile that drives pretty much as good because it appears? Looks as if it’s laborious to go flawed with an E46.
Cons: Energy, Tech, Affordability
You don’t want a ton of energy to have a great time, but it surely does assist. Most variations of the BMW E46 3 Collection make round 200 horsepower, with outliers on both finish. The M3, after all, is excluded from this damaging, as 333 horsepower nonetheless feels fast. Just like the E36, the E46 has some fairly dated expertise. Once more — hardly crucial if you happen to’re prioritizing the driving dynamics, however nonetheless is likely to be a bit disappointing for individuals utilizing the E46 as their solely automobile in 2025.
Whereas shopping for an E46 itself is pretty inexpensive as of late, individuals shopping for a tough one with out some inclination to DIY or a great Euro mechanic on velocity dial would possibly discover prices to maintain the automobile on the highway shortly outstripping the automobile’s value. In my expertise, E46s have all the time 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 turn into extra of a useful resource drain than it’s price shortly. 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 will be, which is to say, it’s a blended bag. The E46 M3, notably, wants “the Huge Three” addressed earlier than the acquisition even occurs. The Huge Three refers to rod bearings, subframe reinforcement, and VANOS. The latter can fail just about 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 large issues) that may go flawed. Fortunately, these vehicles are fairly DIY-friendly. One other level in favor of the E46: BMW made a gazillion and a half of this stuff. So, elements aren’t precisely laborious to search out. Nevertheless, in 2025, there’s a fairly strong 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 among the best methods to get into the model and among the best bang-for-buck vehicles on the highway at this time. One other very cool factor about E46s within the US is that BMW solely ever supplied them with a six-cylinder. So, looking for a great one is only a tad bit simpler. Why are you continue to studying? Begin procuring and expertise a automobile that can endlessly put a smile on an fanatic’s face. Simply, um, pay no consideration to the E46 Compact.
