2006 BMW E46 M3 Coupe Review: A Naturally Aspirated Masterpiece! [Kennan Rolsen]
2024 ж. 22 Мам.
40 654 Рет қаралды
CHECK OUT THIS BMW E46 M3 ON CARS & BIDS!
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In this video, we learn about the BMW E46 M3. Let's "Get Nerdy" with Kennan and explore the "Facts and Figures" of this naturally aspirated masterpiece! The E46 BMW M3 is a true enthusiast's car, known for its potent 6-cylinder engine, excellent handling, and an analog feel that's missing from many modern cars. This is a fantastic M3!
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
00:35 CARS & BIDS!!!
01:13 M3 History Lesson
03:32 BMW Peak Design
06:51 The S54 Engine
09:38 The Interior
12:00 Driving Impressions
17:02 Outro
#bmw #m3 #e46 #s54
E46 3 Series, E39 5 Series, E38 7 Series, E53 X5, E36 M Coupe and M Roadster... the early 2000s marked a brief period when BMW got literally every model in their line up just right.
dont forget the Z8
The 80’s was much better; E21 323i, E30, E30 M3, E24 635 CSI and M635 CSI, E28 M535i and M5, E34 and E34 M5, E31, E32 7 and Z1. Plus the quality was much higher because they hadn’t yet started trying to make the cars recycleable, putting plastic in the engine and cooling system or aggressive cost cutting.
They are not reliable. M3’s are prone to electrical gremlins.
@@davidspropaganda I think Scotty points out the plastic bits a lot
best era
One of my neighbours have a Interlagos Blue Metallic BMW E46 M3 and he always daily drive the car. Every weekend I remember looking at him washing the car while I cycling around the neighbourhood. One time he offered me to wash the car together with him because he noticed that I always looks at his car when he's inside the house 😂 he's a really cool guy though. I learn a lot about his car from him. By the way, great review from Kennan as always!
Man, that's cool
Great Video Kennnan!
Thanks!
Kennan is quickly winning me over with his reviews. Keep it up 😊
Agreed, very professional, confident, knowledgeable
We love Kennan!
The E46 is really going to go down, in my opinion, as one of the very best cars of all time. Absolutely gorgeous from any angle, pure and coherent design, mechanically incredible as well, from its better build quality compared to earlier 3 series models, to its fantastic driving dynamics. There are very few cars I want more than this one Fantastic review Kennan, I’m praying and crossing every fingers in the hope that you would one day review the M3 GTR Strassenversion if you ever get the opportunity to
WE WOULD LOVE THAT!
They are not reliable. M3’s are prone to electrical gremlins.
In your opinion? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Road&Track magazine called it the greatest sportscar of all time
Kenan is a true car guy
This E46 M3 is the best (looking) M3's ever. I remember my good friend got an E46 330d (Diesel) and I was amazed by its handling. Great car. Definitely a future classic.
Possibly the greatest car ever made
One of them for sure!
Kennan in his happy place
I like all the car reviewers you've had on here, each with their own unique style. Kennan is awesome!
A bucket list car for me, that’s the perfect spec too I love that deep blue
Finished my first month with my E46
Great license plate on that red E30. FTMFW!
People we’re bitching bout him not being Doug when he first started but I think that’s part of his charm adds something more in-depth to these overviews great work man
We think between them, they paint a complete picture.
When I see one of these on the road, I always freak out a little bit.
Great video. Great car. Thanks for the video.
(Past owner of a 2001 E38 w/M-Sport pkg (incl. factory TV/Sat!)… 144,000 kms -> 287,000 kms.)
You really got the full mid-2000s Microsoft exec experience, bombing around Mercer Island in an '06 M3 😂 I bet if you offload the rest of your shares in 2019, you'll be able send the kids to college and retire into a nice lake house on the east side with an M5 in the driveway!
Here me out everyone, I'm going to start an ELECTRIC car company after I sell Paypal, and shoot people into space.
@@carsandbids with all that upside potential, you'll be breaking Twitter in no time!
Coming from the live with Matt, the content keeps getting better and can’t complain with M content and reviews as a new (to me) e36 M coupe owner.
Thanks!!!
I’ve been following Doug’s channel since the viper gts era and I’ve always liked his formula, but now with Kennan getting into the more technical details, I like it even more! Keep it up.
Ah perfect, facts and figures 😀
Beautiful simple interior. Aged Great
We agree!
Mid 90s - mid 2000s is the best looking era for BMW.
E36 - E46
welp, now i want an e46 m3 coupe! kennan's enthusiasm is infectious.
Traded mine in for a 997 GT3. Two cars I never should have let go of
Bought my dream E46 M3 through cars and bids over a year ago and still absolutely love it. Not a single BMW made since this generation delivers the same driving experience. My wife has a '17 M2 and it just doesn't even compare. Not by a long shot. I've had the privilege or driving and owning a lot of very amazing cars in my life time. The only brands that have given me the same kind of special feeling behind the wheel are Porsche and Ferrari. Since I've owned a 996 911 6mt and driven my buddies 997 GT3, the only move that makes sense from my M3 at this point is up to a Ferrari (more specifically a 360 or 430 in manual config). Just too bad I can't afford the Pista I drove in Vegas otherwise it would be right at the top of my realistic bucket list.
German engineering power at its best! Thank you, Sir!
Another great video Kennan. I look forward to seeing more in the future. Keep up the good work.
More to come!
Outstanding car! Thanks Kennan. 👍🏻🇺🇸
Right on!
I've got an E46 325i with 250,000km. She isn't too bad but needs a little love in the suspenion/vanos/cooling section. But, I LOVE DRIVING HER, the straight 6 naturally aspirated engine is phenomenal.
Big fans of straight sixes over here.
Possibly the best straight 6 ever built. Also, the best sounding. 👌
S54 sounds like a chainsaw lol
2jz
overrated af@@michaelcondon8286
They were great cars until the warranty expired.
@@bngr_bngr there's plenty of good ones left
E9 CSL... bloody stunning!
You never revved for the exhaust sound, you were right there, “ take a listen”
Mine is similarly specced (fully loaded with the nav & 19” wheels) but is Alpine White over Imola Red interior.
Great thanks ❤
Love these cars
Always liked the E46 M3. Although on this particular model I'd change out that interior trim for black carbon fiber or aluminium. I'd also try and get my hands on some CSL wheels if possible, awesome
Kennan da 🐐 no 🧢
I have a 2003 BMW M3, carbon black, SMG, cinnamon leather and aluminum interior trim with 65k miles. Never driven in winter, never in an accident. Rear subframe reinforcement done. Factory 19” rims.
3:53 Hey, that’s literally my X5 I bought on cars and bids It’s currently getting a manual transmission swap.. 😉
If you need more power just hit the Sport button, sometimes it saves the hassle of down shifting.
I find it really interesting that it’s the 46, with the Straight 6 is the desirable model, not the next model V8, I still would love the six cylinder. Despite the hype when everyone knew it was getting a V8....
I do have to say that the original X5 hasn’t aged well, but one of the most beautiful vehicles ever built wasn’t included....but they should just reproduce the Z8, in right hand drive....but I guess it is actually quite ok, my dad had the second generation which was fine, as long as you didn’t want to adjust air flow, or seats, and just let the music connect to whatever it wanted at the time....otherwise, it less comfortable than the 105 Series Landcruiser, faster though. Anyway....BMW are brilliant at design... Then people won’t be vomiting at the release of every new model. It honestly seems like a strange strategy to make the “Bangle” designs look good and older models go up in price. I’ll ask my 4 and 5 year old’s to draw a bunch of cars and send everything better to BMW. Haha not really, I can’t be bothered buying that much paper, or canvas...the pens, pencils and crayons will run out... But if a miracle happens and my children create a less ugly vehicle than a current BMW then I shall ensure I get a photo of the “magnadoodle” 😀
no your one in video isnt factory manual, look at back of steering wheel they didnt change the back section when they converted it from smg, and left the paddle holes in rear of it. I love my 60k mint restored M3 individual colour, i love the smg now its of a time and one of the better systems back in the day even over ferraris one if you ever drive one. Its part of the character of car....Once you flash the smg box with the csl update it improves it no end, the manual M3 box isnt the best anyway. Stick an air box on these and the second best mod after the csl smg update. Sounds incredible. Leave rest of system stock though. I have a modern 812 RS7 C8 i run too and i still loveeee to drive my m3 and the looks it gets and comments when im filling up is amazing
Ditto. Exactly what I've done with mine. Mad fun.
Welcome to Washington Kennan!
Indeed and I swapped my failed SMG to 6 speed manual tranny with short shifter kit and did the big 3 repairs (subframe, VANOS, transmission) now a great ride.
And will probably make your money back if you sell it.
This is my favorite BMW of all time. In college the dealership had a Laguna Seca Blue one on the lot for a time. We'd go every Sunday and lust after it. Would love to own one of these one day but I'm afraid the window has closed on finding a good MT one for a reasonable price.
They are around, maybe not in LSB.
I’ve gone through a few E46 Ms and my forever car is weirdly a vert. 30k mile ‘05 carbon black/cinnamon 6 speed full Dinan s3-r supercharger, put her on öhlins and BBS LMs. Ticked every box cuz I’m never selling!
Vert with a supercharger makes all kinds of good noises.
@@carsandbids I love the vert because I hear everything! Even in W LA people get out of my way if I rev to 3k lmao If I went broke I’d never need another car, it’s basically a car guy hood pass
Hey you're in my neighborhood .! Didn't realize you were out here.
I'll get the after shoot drinks next time.
You need to test some Alfa Romeo's..I liked the 156, Spider 70's version, 164, SZ, Duetto, Giulietta, Spider 90's version..etc etc Go for the V6 and V6 4x4's Veloce, Quadra Foglia Verde, Lusso, etc.The SZ os V8 i think and theres newer models obviously
Does the navigation function still work? Or you have to pay for service
Great Review for a great car!
Kennan is the type of guy that truly enjoys this BMW!! 🙂
Grow up. A dead meme used by the lowest IQ viewers that annoys millions of normal people. Pathetic
Kennan is the type of guy that loves ITBs on an inline 6.
I miss my 05 M3
I love BMW, especially the modern day ones, but they'll never do as good as the E46 again.
The E46 had electrical problems besides other common BMW problems like the VANOS system.
power bulge was for intake plenum of V8, at start e46 M3 was to be V8, at the end it ended up ar inline 6 and few V8 GTR....
The bulge was just cosmetic. Down the line it got a V8 but with a larger body style.
Year he pretend that he knows what he talk about, Doug does it too.
@@bngr_bngr Storie goes as follows: 1. At the start desgined for 4.0 V8 street version of P60 engine. Bulge and vents came from this. 2. Accountants deemed V8 version to expensive and ///M developed S50B32 further into S54 3. Finaly for racing against Porsches got M3 GTR with V8. GTR body style was the same, only difference was frond and rear bumpers for homologation in American Le Mans Series
@@girtsberzins2970 that’s sounds like a wiki article.
Really need the CS package. The revised suspension is worth the price difference.
You sure about that…? I’ve owned both, I’d have to disagree.
Yes. I've owned both as well. The base suspension is too spike-y over bumps. The CS suspension feels more settled.
I would argue that the Competition Package was a limited edition as it wasn't offered until 2005 and in relation to the total production there's only a handful of them.
Better was the Dinan package from wheels to exhaust and engine mods. Put out 410hp.
surprised youre a fan of the e53 x5, kennan. ive always loved the e70 x5, i think its the most beautiful x5 ever
I agree with this. The E70 is at the top.
not a fan of the "old" front-end indicators and their white appearance. the facelift ones look great and ideally should be entirely clear. apart from that the e46 m3 coupe is one of the coolest cars ever!
Anyone else catch that this was an SMG conversion? Hint, it’s when he’s driving
Kennan is by far and away the best presenter when it comes to BMWs!
Such beautiful cars. I prefer American muscle, but don't mind a little German muscle machine.
These are pretty good.
@@carsandbids yes would love the opportunity to drive a stock one one day. Until the we have Kennan!
Did you watch his ZL1 review? That is a lot of American muscle.
i picked one up 2 years ago.. i dont plan on selling it ever. i had to buy CDs just so i can listen to music xd
i want Kennan to do an E9x M3 review
We will get to it!
The best car
One of the best.
If it only was reliable.
Win some, ya lose some.
Its probably going to go for alot because of low miles and soon enough you'll be putting in a few grand for vanos, cooling system, rods, and eventually subframe
Subframe is reenforced on the M3. But has a lot of electrical problems to become best friends with your mechanic.
That's the joy of a BMW, making new friends.
@@bngr_bngrthe rear axle carrier panel still separates from the rest of the shell with alarming regularity.
@@howarddavies136 the car can easily be modified to put out more than 400hp. I know as part of the Dinan Performance package on my car. There was a stabilizer bar in the trunk. I had heard that it had additional reinforcement in the rear and the front on the frame/body. I had about 70k miles on my 2006 model. I never thought that the car felt unstable or that it was over flexing. It had a very smooth ride. The car also had 19” forge wheels wish reduced the mass on the drive train.
@@bngr_bngr what mods are you running for 400hp? IIRC, the Dinan package included a set of cams and enlarged throttle bodies, which would be about £4k to buy, install and tune. That's not easy or cheap modification. Very few S54s will see 400hp without forced induction, and those that do will have cams, airbox, manifolds, and would potentially need larger throttle bodies, head work, and maybe even a crank with a different throw, supported by lighter rods and pistons for a higher rev limit. I'm happy to stand corrected, but everything I've seen and read says the s54 is not a convenient base for extra power. I'm running an evolve remap, schrick 280/272, stock airbox, stock cats and stock manifolds. I'll do the airbox and manifolds at some point, but that's honestly just for the sound. I've no idea what it's putting out, and although I'm not chasing power, I'll put it on a dyno at some point. Dropping a 4.1 gear set in to the diff is probably the best way to make an e46 m3 faster.
Styles of Beyond - Nine Thou (Superstars Remix)
They’re awesome cars but are plagued with so many issues and they’re so abundant I don’t understand the current cost of one
It's bonkers, isn't it? I had someone tell me to stop fear mongering because "rod bearings don't fail on s54s", so I sent him a photot of my own rod bearings 😂 For those passing by, quality defects include: Rear axle carrier panel welds fail Rear top mounts fail Cooling systems fail Big end bearings fail Vanos fails Rear view mirrors fail and leak corrosive fluid Ignition coils fail Rear springs snap Head gaskets fail Then for the poorly designed bits that don't fail, but need upgrading: Stock airbox impedes airflow in to cylinders 1 & 6 The steering rack is too slow The brakes are frighteningly bad The diff is agricultural The gear shift is poorly mounted and obstructive The seating position is too high There is too much rubber in the suspension The exhaust manifold makes the exhaust note sound like Liam Gallagher
The difference in horsepower between the US and european version is not 10 horsepower, but 5. The car has 333SAE HP, and in europe 343PS. US and euro horsepower are not 100% identical, so 333HP is 338PS, and 343PS is 338HP
I have to disagree about the steering and shifter for this car having driven it a bit as well as owning a z4m. The m3 is definitely built more like a DD than a sports car. The shifter is loose feeling and the steering ratio is quite slow in comparison to my z4m. However i would argue this m3 is the best looking bmw coupe or all time
Careful, you're almost using "tremendous" as much as Doug!
I personally feel like Kenan would do well with his own channel, but he is not a sufficient replacement for Doug. Alanis King brings her own style and personality, which makes her stand out, whereas Kenan is taking more of a Doug approach. Just my opinion, and I wish nothing but success on Kenan, Alanis, and Doug.
Individual throttle bodies make it so responsive
Wrong.. one of the side vents is in fact functional i believe the driver side but don’t remember, sold mine 5 years ago
How easy is it to swap a manual in one of these? Considering you said that the SMG is a "robotized manual transmission"?
Read the description this one has been swapped
@ozarkliving7263 I saw the caption in the video, that's why I asked the question.
Probably $6k. The hydraulics of the SMG might fail. The repair is $4k. I would only buy a M3 that originally had a manual transmission. Who knows what hack job was done on the car to do the conversion.
Seems to be really easy, and you don't generally lose money on the swap from what we can tell with our data.
@@bngr_bngr exactly factory OEM or I pass
Is the Competition Package dead to you? Maybe a little love our way?
Doug will get M3 CSL
Maybe!
Oh this is weird. Where's Doug.
I understand everything but the M3 did not get a facelift it’s just early model M3 and late production Facelift is Headlight front end Design where the side markers or turn signals are built into the headlights 😏
Front right tyre flat !!!!
Here we go jacking up used car prices again
True
Run from this car. The sound is intoxicating but the repair cost can bankrupt a person. Better just buy a Corvette.
@@bngr_bngrthe E90/E92 are even worse.
Market seems to be softening. AND WE LIKE THE CAR. It rocks!
@@carsandbids also true
I have a bmw330ci
This is a great car… but the V8 E92 is a different monster.
It's all relative. You can say that about every new gen or about any other American V8 versus the E92 V8
This version of the M3 could easily make 410hp. I originally got the Dinan Performance package. Exhaust, air box, cams, and programming. Back then, Dinan gave a 100k mile warranty or 10 years that was honored by BMW dealers. Plus I had suspension, brakes, and forged wheels.
Not fcking Kennan again...
Glad Kennan got the memo about wearing 2 shirts . Thanks daddy Doug
Kennan is sooo hot🥵🤪
Nfs most wanted cover😅
It's so odd to see y'all fall out over a car designed by a country that killed your great Gran....... nevermind
It's ironic that the Hitlermobile, the VW Beetle, became so loved by hippies and people who wanted a cheap car. Better not drive any Japanese cars either.
@@bwofficial1776 no problem.... I don't like foreign cars... I'm GM 31-79 It's a shame these kids driving the cars of people who would see you dead.... (Here's a history lesson... your vaunted Lancer was made by Mitsubishi.....the same company that made the kamikaze planes in the war...the P zeros 🤦)
As an E36 and E90 M3 owner, the E46 is not the best M3 😋
This will be a timeless debate. Each has their own perks.
aaand, Great News!… THIS m3 comes with a flat tire
doug has taught you well
x5?????? you drunk?
X5s are great. The one with the McLaren engine is peak X5.
@@carsandbids yea but it looks horrible
Great video
Thanks!
I have $3 and a chicken nugget. Can I bid?
Just be the starting bidder.
$3,000 and a gold nugget might help
Objective feedback: I’ve given three different videos with Keenan reviewing the cars and none of them have been up to snuff in any capacity. He has no charisma or personality behind the camera in the knowledge of the cars is OK at best. Speaking with friends they feel pretty much the same way and I’m slowly dialing back watching any cars and beds are Doug DeMuro videos now because of it so just in case, if you were wondering what effect you have putting different people on these reviews just look at your number of minutes watched in views tumbling because you’re turning these channels into Jalopnik, which is a terrible idea.
Thanks for the objective feedback. What other content creators would you like to see on the channel?
Lmao S54 is made of glass and torqueless. Whipple charged E36 laps this and doesn't break. Ever.
Built to break expensive to fix Typical BMW tricks
The E46 is relatively reliable compared to its successors. Just make sure you check the subframe and *avoid the SMG transmission*. It's a German car, it will need a lot more love than its American and Japanese counterparts.
@@damilolaakannithe car is prone to electrical problems among other things. Once I was driving down the street. The car decided to completely shutdown. Apparently it thought the battery level was to low to continue to drive. I got rid of the car just before the warranty expired.
Most of these older cars are having problems. Even the reliable NSX still has troubles and costs. Ask @thesmokingtire.
The Vanos can result in a total loss The rear road springs are brittle little things The SMG is crap and of anything built to last there is a total lack The single din elecrical system has obsalesence built right in I love the car but you can't trust it to get you very far Compared to the beemers of years gone by I wouldn't call it a star@@carsandbids
M3, M5, 7 series...DID ANY of BMW's line up reliable?!?! All garbage smg,vanos, leaks everywhere garbage.