I Bought A $10,000 E46 BMW M3 // The Best Car Of All Time… Says Thomas
Thomas finally bought his dream car. The legendary BMW E46 M3. This one is a 2001 Convertible and its had quite the life! According to Thomas this is the best car ever made (when it's working), but the question is, can he convince James of that?
Thank you to the sponsors who helped get this car where it is:
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#e46 #m3 #bmw
Thomas will never stop trying to convince us of his love for the M3 and I respect it
@Sadman Islam you're shit tho🙁
@Sadman Islam how
@Sadman Islam lol, Every car reviewer out there admits the E46 M3 is a brilliant drivers car, You tube commentators who probably never drove them, think they know better. 😂 S54 is a legendary engine, it won engine of the year award when it came out and its still a brilliant engine.
@Sadman Islam I am assuming you aren't even old enough to drive a car in the first place 🤦🏻♂️
I love this car but yeah i prefer having a non convertible silver one
EXT: Frozen country back roads, Dead of Winter No one: Canadians: "Wanna go for a spin in the convertible with the top down?"
Get it right, we say "Go for a rip" :D
DeeJay Adverb we sure do.
@Keyser Soze If anything they're more hardcore - it's a heck of a lot colder in Canada, eh
@Keyser Soze have you watched a hockey game? Kick rocks bud
@Mighty Stonehaven You two are being equally idiotic. Take your stereotyping to 8chan.
"Canadians in convertibles in winter" is my favorite series really enjoyed this first episode.
Keyser Soze somewhat colder in Canada, so I don't think so!
Drive it like you stole it Thomas! Love the new wheel and wrap. Our vote is wrap the hood 😁
Before the sub rear subframe falls off🤣
@@alantownsley6391🤣🤣
Best car ever made for a street car, gonna get one soon
Black hood looks horrible
I love this car so much so beautiful
A magnificent car. I prefer it with a real roof but it is really beautiful. The E46 M3 IS one of the best cars ever made.👍
I prefer the E-39 M5 though. I feel like it just looks a bit better.
"real roof" 6 speed m3 e46 are going for a MINIMUM 30,000$ USD if your LUCKY for 10,000 that is an absolute steal!
@@startingtech3900I know it sucks I got a 2001 325 ci for 3000
@@startingtech3900you’re
I've had my e46 M3 for about 11 years and still absolutely love it. Nothing compares these days. Nothing I test drive comes close to matching the fun of a 6MT e46 M3.
You guys are legends. Never mind the content, which is amazing, but the presentation is absolutely the best. THIS is the spiritual successor of Top Gear.
8:30 that door closing sound, old and gold
Yesss. I thought I was the only one that would appreciate the heavy door, mechanical closing sound it makes. I love my M3 because of that.
*This video got recommended to me today. Last night I had a conversation with my little brother for about an hour about how the E46 M3 is my favorite car of all time. Either KZhead is listening to me, or the timing is impeccable. Regardless Thomas, you have a new fan and a new subscriber*
Nah,mate,its just that your phone is constantly bugged.🤷♂️
It listened, I talked about this last night with my brother!
Yeah it did touch me last week it's listening
Speed Academy : "We were lucky to find someone dumb enough to buy an old abused BMW."
Jack Black still great fun
Ehh. They break if they're babied, they break if they're abused. They break no matter what, so what.
It’s a fine pos
bliglum they don’t break if babied, I have one
@@poorcomboz3577 Hah! Give it time. But of course, if you count repairs as "maintenance", it basically never breaks right?
$6700 V8 4runner $10,000 M3 Literally the best way to spend almost $17k
More than a few of us in Colorado have a lifted Yota for mountain off-road fun, and a fast German car for mountain pavement/city fun. I had a 97 4Runner Limited with a locker and a 3" lift paired with a '16 Golf R with a stage 2 tune. Black ice took the 4Runner from me so I got an 04 V8 and built it up with 33" wheels with a 3" lift, and put some Doug Thorley headers on it for a little HP bump. She moves! The downside is that you scream at your German fast car for it's silly unreliability compared to its Japanese garage mate. Got sick of the R and sold it to start flying airplanes. No regrets. lol
Lonememe 33 what ?
DJ Raccs 33” tires.
+lol el I can top that $7500 V8 Pathfiner $9500 C5 Corvette
@@masterwhopper414 They made Pathfinder's with a V8? Epic
6:01 - 6:12 Exactly on point. The sensation of speed comes on very easily and aggressively with this car. Thats what makes it "FUN" to drive. Ive owned an e46 m3 for 3 years now and driving it continues to be a pleasure
323Ci here, and I completely understand your love for it, even the interior! It's an amazing car really, and although it does have some creeks here and there, it still feels very solid. Yours is beautiful, and I love the carbon bonnet. You should definitely add LED taillights tho, they make the car look so much up-to-date. Also the film that BMW put on the plastic inside, can be removed by soaking it in hot water, and brushing it off with a sponge. Did it on my 323Ci, and it became like new!
Thomas sounds so excited about his M3 ... i remember that same feeling i had when i bought my first E46 M3 ... happy for him!!
"The good thing about these old M3 is that as long as you take care of them and you address the many issues these cars have. They last a long time." Well... Thats every Pre-2012 BMW.
You can say the same thing about a Model T.
Keyser Soze still here kid? Go home and stop making shit up abt owning a dealership
😅 sounds pretty unreliable
Hope4NewDay omg as soon as I saw your comment the video was at the exact point James read your comment for me 😂
Look at the cost of an E30 M3, arguably the best with the M14 engine. I'll keep my E21 320/6.
James is legit the funniest car reviewer I've ever seen. Lt. Dan had me in stitches.
Really cool to follow this car on Speed Academy, one of my favorite channels, and then see it and up with Throttle House, one of my favorite channels. I personally think it would look better with the hood wrapped to match, but otherwise it's completely awesome and you know it was sorted right. 👍👍
Can we do a combo speed academy/throttle house
As an owner of an E46 M3 ( my dream) it's a love hate relationship. Mostly love little hate. What I've learned from this car is the 2 main things that has been done to the car rod bearings and subframe. Subframe still cracks even if you done the reinforcement (heard few stories). Rod bearings still go out after constantly revving out to 8 or 8350. But overall it's an amazing car right proportions and spacious (I have the coupe which is faster). Took to twisty roads and it's agile and responsive( subframe bushings been changed to solid). This is BMW at its prime and still one of the best cars to own. Track car and a GT(does both)
Keyser Soze either you’ve never driven one or the one you drove was clapped out
BMW at its prime.....completely unreliable crap. Yep, that's BMW.
@@TomCogan "Clapped out" describes nearly every E46 M3 these days, as they've all been abused and saddled with distasteful mods.
@Keyser Soze where is this dealership located and what's it's official name, since you keep mentioning it.
Adithya Ravikumar those are 2 UNACCEPTABLE issues. The chassis and engine are basically on a countdown to failure lol.
Thomas is literally the reason for me liking the M cars. Used to hate BMW and then I got educated by Thomas. Keep it up guys!
My dad still has his ‘03.5 6-spd that he ordered back in the day. No mods. The only issues he has ever had are with the a/c. Needs a little interior work due to wear and tear, but it is all original. Love that car.
Congratulations Thomas! I had the same exact dream until one day I was able to purchase a 2004 dark blue cinnamon interior no sunroof m3 6spd completions wheels. I wish James would be able to drive one like that to fully understand how well put this machine is. I have replaced everything with carbon fiber inside and added a 1080p touch screen oem look that has car play and android auto. Only thing left for me is to try to add ambient lighting. Everywhere I go people come up to me to tell me how this car was one of their favorite cars ever made.
I mean, one of the best designs ever, one of the best chassis's ever, one of the best engines ever, available with a propper manual... The E46 M3 IS one of the best cars ever made.
@Keyser Soze Reliability doesn't matter in this case...People that buy these are fully expecting to shovel money into it.
Best chasis ever? Reliability-wise not so sure!!! Designwise as in looks absoFUCKINGlutely
The e46 convertible is certainly not the best chassis ever. Not even close. I don’t know why you want to build a convertible to be a race/drift car.
Keyser Soze you’re the ONLY bmw mechanic/enthusiast I’ve ever heard call the e46 a bad car. The e46/e39 are far and away the pinnacle of BMW cars and nearly every BMW shop and enthusiast will say the same. The s54 is capable of withstanding years of abuse if it’s issues are addressed and the chassis is just excellent.
@Keyser Soze that's not true at all. The v10 bmw was a massive gasoline hog, 10 quarts oil change, too heavy ruins brakes, if check engine light comes on expect massive $$
Absolutely classic! I have owned a manual 2001 M3 coupe in Titanium Silver Metallic with black interior for the last six years. It's sitting at 90,500 and I just love it. Nice score!
I love and respect this legend: the e46 M3; i'm with Thomas.
Great to see the genuine passion you have for this car. It's what it's all about in the end.
You guys deserve more subscribers. People will not always agree with you, but we'll always be entertained. Keep up the great vids!
This is pure driving experience. Unlike new cars full of iPad computer LCD screens.
I personally enjoy the convertible over the coupe....wrap does not fit I think but props for the purchase and have fun! I own a mysticblue metallic e46 convertible in Germany,fun car!
I respect the heck out of these cars and anyone with the gumption to keep them on the road. Good luck, Thomas!
So Good. This has been my dream car for a long time as well! Its so awesome that you finally got one!
i got one on my own and i drove a lot of super fast newer cars, but the e46 M3 engine is just perfect. Thomas you have good taste;)
I know how it is to get the car you want. It's wonderful. Don't let anyone dampen your joy. God bless you with your Bimmer.
Hahahahaha...... You just convinced a whole lot of 17 years olds lose their shirts on weak 323's
I feel adressed..lol
Still fun to drove if its stick though 👌🏻
DuBstep115 sell the clothes off their back to pay for the base model e46
@@leocui03 When are where was this ever a metaphor? Has anyone ever sold clothes to buy anything :D
@@DuBstep115 I would sell my body for the right car
I love my 05 M3 convertible! I rarely put the top down but when I do it's a whole different experience of joy!!!!! Girls definitely look at the vert alot more lol!!!!!
I have an 05 very also. Chick magnet
Super jealous! The e46 is such an amazing chassis and the M3 is just the epitome of the ultimate driving machine. Congrats on your dream car and keep up the good work!
Keyser Soze what model e46 do you own?
Keyser Soze I’ve never had any issues with mine. I’ve owned 5 and they have been amazing. And I do agree, the M2 is what the newer M3s should have been. They just kept getting so big.
Just bought E60 M5 S85 5.0 V10 Supercharged ESS VT2 650, Stoptech brakes and iPE innotech exhaust, Carbon Fiber trunk lid and Carbon Fiber front lip, 130k kilometers. This thing is an absolute beast! Love it!
About time you made a video about this great machine! So grateful to speed academy for their hard work!
100% one of my favourite cars of all time! My uncle bought one brand new for the summer and still owns it!
Nice! I've had my '03 convertible for almost five years and I love it. Always excited to see more E46 content on the channel.
I watch these vids because I love cars and historically Thomas has been excellent, in more recent history, James has also been excellent. And then I find myself howling at every intro. Well done, boys.
This is absolutely brilliant you guys are so good together and the cars lush
Thomas was right when he said ''This is the best car has ever made'' yes Thomas this is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Thank you it is a majestic machine.
Great buy, guys. Can’t wait to see the content with this one! Nice job on the 4Runner too!
Love your episodes...Really happy about having the car you've always wanted..Keep up the great work..👍
I’m 20 years old I’m saying fuck it n going with this car that I always wanted, getting it next month 🙏🏽finally found the One 🔥
Just keep on top of maintenance and you'll be fine
13:59 to be honest who doesn't love a little bit of wrenching? Whether its to upgrade or fix its fun to have the experience lol. Youre best review channel in my opinion. Keep it up.
I needed this diversion from the news!. Thank you guys! ❤️
I had an 06 E46 vert and it was awesome. So underrated in its day. The speed of the shifts was like nothing I had ever experienced in anything else! Good luck with it!
Great deal given all the work and upgrades it came with!!! I bought mine for $8500 with all sorts of issues, but within a year my friend and I got it running/looking healthier than ever. Cars will only be as good as how you love them! Congrats!!
My E46 M3 convertible, with many mods, delivers an incredibly rewarding driving experience. I will keep this car until I die! :)
@@bimmers_etc very fuckin small I bet
Absolutely the best BMW 3-series ever. No turbos, not too much eletronic and a car to tinker and repair yourself. Greetings from Germany.
the tach’s backlit colored blocks is super cool :3 the e9x and e6x cars immediately after had a sliding second layer underneath that actually turned to raise the redline as it warmed up haha m is so fun :3
"The car makes all sorts of squeaks and cracks, and I don't want James to know" SAME! I think that affects any e46 convertible
Any e46 in general 😂, my 330s doors sound like sheet metal
The e46 platform is fantastic!! However, the f22 is the modern equivalent in the M2 platform. Awesome!!
I started following Speed Academy with this build and I'm so happy to see this car in your channel guys! I wonder if such a car can have a Singer type treatment, it will be so sick!
Thomas, I’m excited to see how passionate you are about your car. Congrats. I am the same way with my C6 Z06. NA power!
I love these older car reviews. I remember when these came out. People were smashing sti's, king of the mexico racing back then. They had a ton of top end that na inline 6 drives like it has 400hp
I was lucky to get an e46 330xd with 133.000 km at 4000 euros, the feeling is amazing.
Congrats Thomas!!! I used to have one - a coupe. Best. Car. Ever. to this day....
Congrats!! Love your channel as always ❤️❤️
These guys are killing it
Nice review of the best car of all time btw I'm putting those Turner springs on my m3 soon I'll send you pics
This is awesome. Happy for you. That is a dope ride.
We want more videos with this car!! P.S. wrap the hood in blue please
I'm new here. However, it sort of reminds me of MCM in terms of chemistry between the hosts, and that is a very high praise. Subbed.
I’m happy for Thomas--great car!
So good. Have been waiting for this for a while Thomas!
Damn, that's a wrap? I saw it on IG and thought it was LSB legit. Sick E46 M3 Thomas!
Some things are just worth more than the sum of their parts/features. This is an iconic whip, and I'd love to own one.
I’ve been waiting for this since I found out speed acadamy sold it to you
Good on you Thomas, I think it looks great and that era of M3 is definitely one of best. Yes the coupe is arguably more desirable but the convertible is definitely worth having 👌
Very cool vid and it's always awesome to see someone get their dream car.
Great review. I love E46s. Have 3 of them, all coupes, and I do my own wrenching on them. M3s have great sound and top end power but too many technical problems to truly enjoy overall. I wouldn't own a convertible either, the chassis is way too willowy, where the hard tops are really stiff. Anyway, enjoy this one Thomas! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa to 8000.
Happy for you Thomas! :D It's a good looking car!
If you put the S62 engine in it, the motor that was supposed to come in that car before BMW wussed out, then I would agree. Perfect car
I've got one. 2002 Black SMG coupe version and I love it. Apart from the SMG box at times.
You guys have a great taste for the background music
Needs more bass.
13:00 yep this happened in my e46 every time i put a gatorade bottle in there.
good looking car! i clicked because i for sure recognized it! great choice with the blue, looks stellar
Dude, I remember you had way less subscribers than I did and look at you go! Super happy for you!
Hey Han! Thanks!
James’ ribbing is particularly fun in this video.
OMG I love this car, it's one of my favorite cars ever and boy do I want one
Mines not an M3 but the 3L Diesel engine is an absoloute dream. Everything in the e46 is in the right place inside. It’s build is second to none, rock solid, and drop the roof, it transforms into stuff of dreams
There's 2 cars I've always wanted, an e46 m3 and a classic Mini Cooper. I have a e46 325ci and a 2005 Cooper S. Anyway I love seeing these care in the hands of people who appreciate the car and drive it like it was meant to be driven!
that’s so cool! i have an e46 325i Touring and an 05 Cooper S as well. absolutely wonderful cars.
James is like an evil cousin who always brings out the fun in everything
7:13 that laugh tho
The laugh of someone who is passionate
That's fantastic! Great luck with her!
James going through all the negatives of the car and seeing stuff that doesn't work reminds me of my mom coming into my room after I cleaned it as a kid
Get Some Led HeadLights/Taillights And Wrap The Hood And It Will Look So Goooood
Never have I watched a video of someone who exactly feels the same way as I do about my e46 M3. Even right down to the shitty cup holders that come out when you try to fit anything other than an extra slim Starbucks cup
I'll be MORE than happy with my manual E92 335i, which is built to run circles around almost any E46. Lastly, while I loved my E46 every day I owned it, or at least I thought I did, I actually found out that I had no idea what loving a car even was, UNTIL I got my E92. And IT is the best all around BMW, with the perfect mix of build ability, style, power and luxury. So sorry Thomas, BUT it's the E92's that are without a doubt, the best and MOST FUN Bimmer's EVER MADE. OMT, the blue looks ten times better now that I see it used to be yellow... And there's many ten inch touch screens that would look a lot better in there, than that 80's stereo.
I had an '03 coupe that I bought new. The best word to describe it is "raw". Suspension was punishing on all but smooth roads, clutch was stiff, constant shifting was not optional, passengers hated it. Engine was an absolute gem when on the boil, and really anemic below about 4500rpm. It made wonderful singing sounds as you revved it, and was as smooth as glass. But as a daily driver it wore me out. I traded it for an 07 335i, which was a much better daily driver and pretty close in overall performance. Best car ever? Hardly.
300,000 kilometers and its still alive long live e46 m3's
... with probably >10k spent to keep it running.. i mean.. no logical person actually believes everything is original on that made-for-drift car... Apart maybe you? 😅
That's only 186k miles. And it's had the rod bearings replaced.
Karabo raleting as long as it has the stock engine thats what matters
Had SAG (Silly Ass grin) the entire time watching this. I missed my E46 M3... which also had a Borla exhaust. :)
Congrats on the new used car Thomas! I had an E46 325 Sedan with the sport package and a manual back in the day and it was great. Don't know how you feel about the black trim on the dashboard but I was not fan of it. I also had a black interior but I went with the titanium (plastic) trim on dash. Fingerprints won't show up on it as much and I think it adds to the look of the interior. I do miss my old car...
Great video guys! Coming up on 8 years and 100k miles on my E46 M3 Vert and would trade it for anything! Haven't declared bankruptcy yet either....:)
A magnificent car. I prefer it with a real roof but it is really beautiful. One of my favorites with the m2
Ill stick to my BMW E30 M3 which is ridonculous, altough the E46 is a great car :-)
Keyser Soze you talk shit on every comment here lol
I love these two guys. Always be like this, awesome content!
Great ride, congrats Thomas