Which BMW E46 model is the best?
It really makes a statement when a rival company is benchmarking your decade-old car for its newest sport sedan. The best version of the E46 sedan, though, is the BMW 330i ZHP and this one that’s currently up for sale on Bring-A-Trailer is tempting. Best E46 For Everyday Performance: 330i ZHP Manual The 330i replaced the 328i for the 2001 model year and delivered outputs of 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Two years later, the 330i ZHP, effectively a performance package, had its numbers bumped up to 235 hp/222 lb-ft.The BMW E46 3 Series is, unlike the BMW E36, indisputably still a good value in 2025. BMW sold so many of these things that there is no shortage of good ones, okay ones, and beat-up ones. So it’s easy to shop at your price point and get something that works for your needs.It’s the M Car that many enthusiasts claim is the ultimate iteration of BMW’s most lovable performance car, with sleek lines and a orchestral exhaust note, the E46 M3 truly does it all. As they celebrate their 25th birthday, E46s are now certified future classics, and here’s 8 to choose from!Comparing the two, there’s no doubt that the E46 was given the better cabin space. The E36 has an almost utilitarian layout that feels far more dated than the E46’s, which holds up better today. The much-rounder M3 has an interior to match with flowing lines and reduced button count, even by today’s standards.The “Big 3” (BMW E46 M3) You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement.
Why is the BMW E46 so expensive?
They’re becoming classics and the amount of positive media they’ve gotten in recent years continues to drive the value up. For reason too, they’re special to drive and come from BMWs golden era. Proper care is the other factor that increases price and while labor itself doesn’t necessarily increase value, the parts do. Most everybody seems to have a definite notion of who BMW buyers are – affluent Baby Boomers who wear their cars like Rolex watches and Armani suits, but also express a passion for driving.The BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed: Most Wanted — the car that made an entire generation fall in love with BMW M. Loud, raw, and completely untouchable. Still the king after all these years.This model’s engineering has stood the test of time, and its versatility has prolonged its vaunted status among enthusiasts. Inevitably, those qualities have prompted high BMW E46 M3 prices on the used car market. Still, most pre-owned E46 M3 models are more affordable than a new M3.
What does E46 mean for BMW?
The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000. It’s the M Car that many enthusiasts claim is the ultimate iteration of BMW’s most lovable performance car, with sleek lines and a orchestral exhaust note, the E46 M3 truly does it all. As they celebrate their 25th birthday, E46s are now certified future classics, and here’s 8 to choose from!It’s always uncommon to see an Individual BMW, yet seeing a Ruby Red Metallic E46 M3 is downright rare. Allegedly, only around 25 buyers were willing to spec their new E46 with Ruby Red through BMW Individual, and the left-hand-drive examples were in the single digits.TIMELESS DESIGN, POWERFUL PROPORTIONS. As with the iconic M3 E30, the M3 E46 is immediately recognisable as the premium model in its series thanks to numerous details. In particular, aesthetic changes such as widened fenders, special side skirts and the modified front apron catch the eye of every observer.The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000.
What is a common E46 issue?
Cooling System Leaks The plastic components in the cooling system on E46 BMWs are prone to becoming brittle and cracking, allowing coolant to make its way out of the cooling system. The resulting loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine failure. One of the things that could cause a BMW 3 Series air-conditioning problem is an A/C leak. The cooling fluid, freon, could leak out of your vehicle, or there could be a larger leak in the A/C system. It’s difficult to tell if there’s a leak because Freon evaporates when it comes into contact with air.
Is the E46 a good engine?
Yes, the E46 318i engine is generally considered to be a reliable and durable engine. However, like any other car, it requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The BMW 320d Sedan (E46) was a milestone in the history of BMW diesel engines. When direct injection was introduced in conjunction with an exhaust turbocharger, the 1. M47D20) generated an impressive specific power of 70 hp per litre of displacement.The M54, produced from 2000 to 2006, is often hailed as one of BMW’s most reliable engines. This inline-six engine is known for its smooth operation, impressive durability, and balance between performance and efficiency.