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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330Ci for me. Love that car even though it doesn't love me.
but why ? :D
Relatable lol
My vert is down with diff and bushings/subframe cracks.
facts, it's a love hate relationship..
330i better bro. Seriously, it's a good for family trips on weekends. And it's fun fast ( not scary fast )
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.
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.
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
Change your disa valve when you hit 100k don't want that pin falling down your intake (:
How do I find a deal like that?
@@renejuarez3859or just delete it and get the m50 intake manifold 🤦🏼♂️
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.
Dude, really appreciate your videos bro. Thanks for making these.
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
I have a 2001 330ci I installed the power pulley and the shark injector and a drop in k&n filter. I love the way it pulls with a 170 miles on it. It’s a blast to drive😎
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.
I love my 330i but now it's really showing it's age, lots of little things going wrong. Only reason I keep it still is because it has become my hobby and it's how I've been learning to work on cars. It's pretty easy to work on too plus I only shop at FCPEuro so anything breaks, I have lifetime warranty on parts and it has become very useful over time with this car, not to mention it's paid off. I'm actually considering buying a new one too in a couple of years if all goes well. When I say new, I mean used but relatively new 1-3yrs old with low miles. People talk a lot of trash about BMW but I love the community, the cars just look so damn sexy and they're exciting to drive. Also, even though mine is RWD man this thing drives amazingly in the snow! Heck, I even enjoy driving it to/from work everyday even though there's a few things I need to work on.
Just got an 03 325xi. Been checking out all your videos. Very helpful. Thanks for putting all these videos together.
I watched this video waiting for u to mention ZHP, I’ve owned mine for 10 years now, best E46 ever! Great video.
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😭
I have a few E46, but one 265000 2002 325ci still pulling strong! Big brake upgrades all around, stage 2 clutch/flywheel, really clean and original other than that.
*you just described my car* 😭
Should have kept the engine and put in in a E30 ^^
Can this be avoided in any way by pre-emptive maintenance?
@@speedfiend925 yes it can even be fixed by welding reinforcement plates where the subframe mounts the the body it’s a lot of labor but the rear subframe issue can be fixed
Great video as usual.... I have a 1999 323i with the sport package though. It is STILL my daily driver and has right at 300,000 miles and I love it. Manual transmission and have had to replace the clutch and obviously the expansion tank as well as the normal vacuum leak problems over the years but other than that what great car and a joy to drive each day. Also have a 2006 330xi and that car has the problematic lifter tick issue but also very reliable and a joy to drive and only occasional ignition coil issues. Realize I probably just jinxed myself but so be it.
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
I´ve done well over 200k miles on both a 328i and a 330ci. The 328i is a far superior engine, but the chassis of the coupe is better.
I prefer the 318i 2003 , best car
Thanks for the info bro! In the market for another e46 (white on black)...
Coupe life 🤟🏼
Had 320 (2.2 litre) engine which blew at 102,000 miles..... Now have 330 CI, 142,000 miles and a dream to drive and going strong. Love driving every mile in it....
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...
How’s it doing today?
@@babylane6028 still drives great. No issues at all.
@@J_G Just bought one last week with 96k miles and clean. Needs the usual...brakes. Bushings. Shocks. Coolant system refresh ect... But I'm loving my first Bimmer!
@@wakjob961 that is a great car you will enjoy it. Mine is still running very well till today.
I have a 323ci as well..runs great but the interior is not very great
I have the e46 325i Limited Edition and still in perfect shape😊
This video was super informative - thanks for sharing. Great channel! - new sub
I love my 330i Touring M-Sport so much. It's been way more reliable than i thought. 170k miles and still going strong.
Nice informative vid. Increased my knowledge on the E46 lineup. Thanks and look forward to the next one.
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 .
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
330 ZHP all day
Just got an 04 ZHP a few weeks ago and I’m in love . I’ve had a 330xi and a non ZHP 330ci coupe before and the zhp is by far my favorite
That's right man.
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.
The E90 series is the Same
@@denzelcrocker4956 no its not, n42 engine is shite. only saving grace is n52b25 and b30
@@moneyshifters it is The Same Boonhead. The 316-320i has the N46 with the Same issues and even more. The bigger ones also has some of the Same Problems, Like the valve steam seals and injectors, Turbos, Timing chain, Valvetronic etc. Just stop talking Something you heard somewhere.
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
Hi there from Malaysia. Thank you for this video. Starting to love BMW. 😍
Yes I agree Do this vid on the e46 m3
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
This is a very good overview of the E46. My 2003 325 ix In 2019 I paid $3500. Coincidentally my 1971 Bavaria was also $3500 but newer in 1980. In 2004 I bought a 1997 318ti for $7800. I enjoyed all three.
Thanks for all the great info you give out. I have 2004 325i base touring. I have run into an issue with driveshaft bearing. I have watched a few vids you have posted. I am being told by local shop that they cant get to me until August 15th....looking for options on repair/replace carrier bearing. She's a blk on blk wagon with 235k. Its a nearly perfect road trip car for 1 or 2 people. Thanks again...glad you guys are back on the east coast....hows Fluffy?
Fixing my dads 325ci your videos are life
2004 325ci here! Just put in bc racing coilovers from an M3 today. Getting new rims tomorrow! I’ve put in so much money and work on it but it‘s been worth it.
I had almost every e46 besides a wagon. 325xi 323ci 330i smg 330i 330ci and m3 vert. My favorite was obviously the m3 and surprisingly my 325xi. Now I daily a 330ci and have my m3 for the weekend
Great job man!
I got an fully packaged 323ci and it never made any problems, even the subframe is perfect. 220000km already
Me too. Including a sun roof. Lol
THANKS!! Very helpful. Now im sure to buy a 330ci.
I’ve got an 2004 330cd and i absolutely love it. Looks the same as the top left car in the thumbnail .
Cool.I got a 320cd.How's the fuel consumption?And I bet that torque is insane.
The 330d was the best engine built m57 only thing that could kill them was swirl flap failure lol
Elia Funk I have 2005 330ci sport pkg, white black interior 30,000 original miles. Garage kept, like brand new, love it.
Didn't know much about bmw. But I bought a 2 yr old e46 325ci coupe manual transmission. I loved the way it handled. Did a lot of repairs and mods I have learned alot and have done some repairs and mods myself. I wish I knew more about bmws before I bought it 😕
Well I’m going to pick up a 323i Wagon tomorrow 😂. I currently have a 325Xi which has given me nothing but trouble. Still squeezed 225k out of the XI. It’s still drivable but needs more work than I feel like putting into it any more. The wagon was only $2,000 168k miles, premium and winter packages, and it has wheels from a newer 5 series. It really looked pretty clean just is throwing a camshaft position sensor code. I’m looking forward to the wagon, I think they look great and I’m hoping to put some heavy miles on it.
I still use a e46 328i coupe. For the motorway commute. its a truly nice car. Feels like a real car after driving the mx5 or even the 323 cabrio
Watching this video while owning a 323i... My heart, my soul...
Lol what about 318i ..
Lol don't worry I got one to
323ci is my car too and I absolutely love it. Proud owner here.
I just got a 2002 325 xi 5 speed. And i love it
I have a 320ci M54B22 2003, Nachtblau individual and I love it. The best car I ever had. Seriously. I'm looking for a 330ci for the next season. E46 forever ♥
Love my matching imola ZHP and M3
GREAT great lip. You know so much abut BMW. I have 318i automatic 2003.
2000 323i w/ 118000 miles here..loaded. Bought brand new and still have it, Runs great. :) Did the subframe fix at dealership. Full Coolant replacement. It's a garage queen, fun weekend car. 2000 was last year of the throttle cable accelerator... what is your opinion on those re: feel? Also.. when should they be retightened or know if they should be replaced? Thanks
330i is the best Value for me.
poss my least fav beamer generation. having owned, sold, repaired and drivven most, id say the 3 series has actually gone downhill in many ways with each facelift
@@PazLeBon what are the things E46 did so well than the newer generations?
@@KzLollapalooza looks
got one 330Ci '04 wish I have ZHP :D
Me too
2001 was first year for 330i -I know , i bought one new and still own it. You should know as well.
Hey Jason, great video as always, and whilst I didn't purchase one of the ones you mentioned - I am after further advice. What would you recommend if I'm after an estate/touring, automatic, petrol BMW? I'm sure they all have their pros and cons, but which ones are most reliable and comfortable. Maybe a 5 series touring? Any particular engines to avoid with the touring groups? Thank!
Sold my 2001 325i and got a 2007 IS350. Idk why but my 325i was a lemon. It always had issues even when I did all the preventative maintenance! As a college student I was fed up with it as I go to school in SoCal and I'm from NorCal. I love the IS350 but I will always say BMWs drive better.
I'm here because I have an 03 330cic, But! I also have an 00 z3 2.5L Auto, And a 97 z3 2.8L 5spd. The z3 2.5 is a lemon and a dog, the 97 is more reliable and a better driver's car in every way.
Smart choice. All the E46s have 100 known common repair issues that need to be fixed in time. Tons of plastic parts.
I was hurt when he started talking about 323 😭 I had an 02 auto it was cool with the manual mode sounded great with muffler delete it had good power I want another one
Great video, only you didn't mention one that has most potential-330d :) with basic mods 300bhp+ obviously not popular in States. maybe project you should do in future ;)
I love my convertible 330!
Me too! Blue with beige interior. mmmm :)
...always plus knowledge with the plus delivery and editing
Bought a 2003 325i for 1500. Had multiple previous owners and was a total shit box. Heavily under maintained and everything was leaking but it has a perfect engine and transmission. Fell in love with it instantly and have over 3,000 in it already and I haven’t gotten to cosmetics yet. Would still recommend it but only if it’s been maintained
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.
Same here, I’ve had my 323ci for 4 months now. Any updates after a year of posting this comment?
I love my BMW 323ci convertible fully loaded with the sport package.
Same, any updates after a year on this comment?
330d - 204HP! I love it! Great video!
J-Kay Same as me, where are you from?
330d 6 speed Touring... great fun on slippery Southern Spanish roads. Better feeling gear change than 330i also.
We’ve got 3 E46’s in the family and couldn’t be happier. Great cars. One has over 234k mi still strong.
my wallet freaked out when it read this comment
I’m looking to purchase my first e46 this video is what I was looking for
5 stars, thanks i love bmw i love you channel.
I used to have a 05 330 Ci. Managed to get it for under 2k, which was a steal since it only had 165k kms. I remember watching you do the coolest tank. Haha what memories. Freaking miss that car. Too hard to repair on ur own 😆
You are the best!!! Greetings from Costa Rica.
Conoces algún taller donde sepan bastante de bmw en costa rica, quiero restaurar un e46, saludos
I recently picked up an 03 325i 5 speed, it's now a 1/3 mile dirt track oval race car :)
i just bought a 2003 330i 6 speed, thank you for this video
I miss my 2003 330i topaz blue M sport...the best e46 ever..with alcantara interior...i had it for 6 years....i will love to get another one..
I used to own a golden 316 ti (its a Compact with a little more than 100 hp) and i fell in love with the e46 driving and interior. But the Compact looks not too good on the outside. Now i bought a 325ci and its just impressive how nice these 6 cylinders run. The Coupe looks incredible good and drives even better, of course. I love my e46.
hey i am planning on getting a 325 ci too, do you still have it ? and did you end up having alot of problems with it now a year later?
Thank you!!! Regards from Turkey
I’m from Australia , and I have a E46 323 with all the options , executive package - full leather trim , sport seats and wheel , all the gadgets , sunroof , 19 M3 wheels , 240 Kim , very good condition in and out , drives great for a 20 year old car , it might be different in the states , but on the BMW websites , my 323 has common options with every other model I have seen here
'01 330ci 'vert w Sport Pkg. Love it.
S Newland mine is a love hate relationship..and I will still keep wrenching on it until it's totalled.183k on the clock with diff issues and found subframe cracks.
the best right here - prefacelift sexy
Ive got a UK spec 330ci (coupe) 6 speed manual, I've put a woven carbon 'hood', roof skin, 'trunk' and side mirrors, plus Quaife LSD, shreick cams, polyurethane bushes from to back and a few interior upgrades and I freaking love it. It is my forever car.
I have a ZHP Coupe, all stock, 6-speed. Bought it new, it`s enjoyed an "enthusiast`s car" life. IMHO, this is the best of the E46 lineup, just the right combination of everything. The last of the "true DIY-friendly" BMWs. How`s Selena`s LS-swap running ? (I followed your build religiously :-)
Love my 323 wagon. Little underpowered, but planning a S54 to address that. Wasn't originally looking for a 323 but I couldn't turn down a two owner car with a folder full of records.
picking up my 2002 330ci w 62k miles in 2 days. Super mint and well kept.
I got a 2002 325ci it was five speed everything was perfect but I’m doing a 2jz swap on it with a Nissan 350z trans and now I just got me a 2003 325xi touring ..e46s are life just saying
I have a 323ci and I can proudly say if a very good and dependable car, has a perfect body frame and interior. With just as good of a engine. Only thing is some parts are harder to find cuz I could never find any 323ci
hi there! that's what i call a video! you are saving a lot of people from some mighty trouble (weak sub frame and what the fu... a SULEV seal fuel system, i have never heard about that and i trust you, of course a car over 200 000km will have a dead pump!!!). thanks about the zhp , i never heard about it niether , i knew the e46 code only. (sorry i drive an audi). great job, i have a audi a3 which is well serviced by myself but i have always loved bmw, and i know 6 cylinders in line and propulsion (rear wheel drive ) is some thing unique. so maybe i ll get one by the end of ther year. and if i got one it will be a e46 330!!!!!! sure. anyway , super tips bro. take care of yourself Farid
I got an 330cd coupe M, 6 gears, Facelift, 204 hp. 😍✌
Good story. I have a 2003 330ci Conv. 87K miles. Always garaged. Always maintained. Feels and runs like it did 19 years ago. I've gone through 2-911's and a c300 sport but still have this as my semi daily driver. My son took it to high school and college as well. 2020 Macan is the other driver. Having problems with the interior wood cracking everywhere but it's 19 years old.
If you still have it try refurbishing the interior.
I tried getting a 330ci coupe for so long but they are extremely hard to come by. Had to settle for a 325ci, but I am getting the s54 engine from the m3 swapped and putting brembl brakes on her along with a bunch of other mods
Have a 1999 328i that thing is the nicest ride i ever drive, doesnt have much aceleretion since it needs vanos sistem rebuild but in higher revolutions it moves like hell and its factory stock
My choice was a 330Ci facelift, I was only going to buy a 6 speed manual, I hate cruising on the highway with a 5 speed car. Now I'm trying to make it reliable
I got a 2005 325ci convertible. Love it. 🤘🏻🇬🇧
I love my Pre-facelift 330i. Summer only, garage kept, 70k miles.
drives well, ac blows ice cold?
@@samstedman409 drives beautifully, A/C not so much... always work to do lol
@@jmerodgers haha I was just quoting people who sell their cars on craigslist since your comment sounded like a craigslist ad. Congrats on the car man! I used to have one (and am thinking of getting another one soon) and it was my favorite car ever!
The M52TU is an drive by wire too, the cable is just a backup. If you don't trust me just disconnect the cable. This engine doesn"t have the oil burning problem too, just smack an M54B30 intake on it and enjoy, add an 3,13 or 3,46 rear end and you got a pretty peppy car.
Great video Jason!
Sold the e46 and purchased an e60 n54 msport ftmfw! Love the inline tt
Same
Bought 1999 323i wagon in 2011 for $1500 with 200k on the clock, it had a few issues, all was sorted out same evening and I still have that car as my reliable backup car. Right now its past 300k miles and this car is just amazing, these are still M52TU and if you havent noticed these are quieter running engines than M54 or any other engine of that era, driving on freeway is so quiet and comfortable, little bit slow or down on power compared to M54 325i but excellent daily driver. Subframes typically get broken off on manual cars driven by fools who are brutal with clutch.
Nils Jakobson Your comment is reassuring to me, because I got a 2000 323i wagon with 45,000 miles on it in 2015 without knowing about the subframe issue. Mine being a gently used automatic, no subframe issues thus far with only 59,000 on the clock. He doesn’t mention it in this video, but the tranny in this model had a design flaw that led to frequent premature failure. Mine was rebuilt by the previous owner, so hopefully it will soldier on. Love the smooth, solid feel of my 323i wagon.
I have a 2001 325i has many issues but i still love it im definitely trying to swap it to a 330 motor and i wish it was manual but its not salvaged and the body is straight and paint is decent
I just recently bought a 323ci vert. Mine is drive by wire. The interior is identical to 325ci 2005 with exception of the compartment below the headlight switch. Now what does have me worried, is the subframe you'v mentioned. I bought this car to do an ls swap with a t56 6 speed. I'm also planning on throwing in a m3 differential on it. Should I be worried about certain issues doing the swap with my 323?
Question for everybody. Im looking at a salvage bmw e46 325xi with 57000 miles. The damage that totaled it is really simple and an easy fix (exterior). I just wanted to know the things i should consider replacing as soon as i get it.
I'm about to pick up an E46 m3 on Sunday hopefully it's still in a decent condition I mean drive able.
I just picked up a 323i for $450 lol. It’s going to be a beater track day car. No rust, and the subframe looks good. I figure I can weld in some reinforcements when I do the cage.
Pre-Face lift 330ci. Just be aware if you Auto Box. Have had to deal with the ZF Torque Converter problems.
Just bought a 330ci vert and lovin' it!
I share your enthusiasm and I have one. Why are they referred to as "ci vert" when they already have an official designation of "cic?"
Papa Torr, because even though they’re referred to as the Cic, they’re not badged that way.
Hello, good video is really useful I just bought a 325i 2002 my first bmw I have to replace some parts of the body Can I use pieces since 2004 325i or 330i, m3 from 2002 to 2004?
🔥🔥 video bro new subscriber ‼️
Me too I been following him even when I needed help with videos in my X5