Totally agree, E46 is the real bargain bmw although we have already seen these going up in value in the UK so get one while you can. M3, Alpina 3.3 ans S models selling for strong money 330 club sports are popular, along with the 330 ci models, great video 👍🏻
So I actually just went out bought this same exact model ('01 325xi) on a limb. It's my first purchase and I've never owned a BMW before. I honestly have no idea what I've gotten myself into and I'm scared shitless but I appreciate you putting out this kind of content. I've been scouring your videos for the past week! Luckily mine is in pretty decent shape. Just made a 1500 mile trip with no major problems other than I think the car needs new engine mounts and a lower control arm. I'm sure there are a couple more issues I'll find along the way but so far she's running strong !
I'd have it inspected by a pro eventually. The main thing is to avoid surprises because they can get so expensive with BMW if they go ignored. Noises, smells of burning oil and things that you can notice yourself go a long way to avoid driving it into money pit. Still though I doubt you'll have a bad experience and you'll probably love the car.
I sold my daughter our 03 330xi 5spd auto with 84k miles. Change both front axles, engine and transmission modules, all vacuum lines, intake manifold gasket, valve cover gasket, DISA valve, spark plugs, a couple of ignition coils, battery, starter, headliner, A and C pillars, door locks module, windshield cowl, etc and so on. Then when she got back to Colorado Springs a BMW specialist strongly recommended $4,400 worth of repairs! She only did the transmission mount. But my two insights are 1) put aside what money you can monthly for maintenance. 2) Don't trust or go to just one BMW specialist! Most owners don't keep up with the maintenance on these cars, there's so much. Oh, I forgot, the previous owner had replaced most of the coolant parts.
The car will last you as long as you keep up with the maintenance. M54 engine is bulletproof. Always keep an eye on the cooling system, address any oil leaks (oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter gasket) and you’ll be good.
I would advise you to replace the whole cooling system and also convert your fan from electrical to mechanical, you won't have to worry about overheating the engine again
I'm surprised that E46 are just now hitting a low point in your area. Here, around the Charlottesville area (and Smokie mountains) E46 that needed engine or transmission could be found for $750, 2 1/2 years ago. About $1,000, 1 1/2 years ago. And $1,500 this past season. Our family has five E46, one still a project, and two project Z3. I don't recommend them to anyone, unless they're an enthusiast and are prepared to keep up with them.
i've had quite a lot of problems with mine, none engine related but electronic. abs light, esp lights etc. i find that the engine and transmission on these are perfect, and just require regular oil changes but there are problems with electronics and cooling mainly. best tip is never use cheap parts
Great Video! enjoyed it. Was So much fun to buy, go-through, and fully re-fresh my Beemer like Nathan said. daily drive only in warm weather and it really IS a "drivers car" No question. The "intake and exhaust sound, the drive out of the corners... Hard to explain how this company put a "feel" into such machines.
Well it's about time! Definitely look forward to this series! Engine out an' all. Now you have me curious, but through this past year, the E36 was still cheaper than the E46 in Northern Virginia. Will have to double check.
I'll have to disagree with the subframe cracks.. Can't really see them. My 01 330cic had cracks that I didn't see, until I dropped the diff and subframe. Cracks form between the spot welds, cracks form at the trunk area (under car), where the metal goes higher to lower (2 places). My diff was failing at 174k, that is the only way I noticed...when I removed it. 204k on it now, but it needs a clutch (throw out bearing failing)
E46 reliable of junk? I bought my BMW 325i new in 2001. Today, it's a one owner, dry climate car with low mileage (76K). It's required only normal maintenance. I've replaced the belts and hoses as well as the brake pads, the VANOS intake sensor, and the struts and control arm bushings. The car is on its third set of Continental Sport Contact tires. I'm going with reliable!
Thanks again for going over this. I still have a GM trans that takes a few seconds before drive kicks in after cold start. I think I need to take the brand new German fluid out and do the trans fluid you like. Hope that fixes it. Been driving 3 years with this issue 🙄
Currently getting my license, I'm eyeing and e46 rn, engines are cheap and they seem to be the most reliable old school BMWs. They're fairly priced too honestly, I'm thinking about this or Acura tl as my first car, definitely excited to finish and get one of them.
NICE 👍🏼 like I said on my other comment on the first video you uploaded last week when you first brought the car to the garage, I recently bought a 325xi E46 2005 AWD black on black that looks identical at this car and I’m looking to make it my project and my only car to drive. It has 46,777k miles on it, the first thing ima do is buy a New battery, then do a whole “Tune up” and finally check an apparent sun roof leaking problem that it has, to ultimately do a cosmetic upgrade with spider lenses LED projectors & 17’ inch wheels.they are BMW OEM rims style 137. So I’m following very very very closely what you do with this car as it reminds me of my 2004 325xi that I previously had before buying the one I have now. Just got a question, how much does a sunroof leaking cost on a E46? Do you know please & can’t wait to see the NEXT ⏭ Video
Need opinion, im looking for project car, should I go with option 1- 2006 325xi, 200k, decent body, needs alternator and convertors for 1500, option 2- 2004 325i, 209k, good exterior and interior, needs power steering pump and alternator for 2500
Do you think my 1999 with 140K miles will be going up in value also? The interior is in great condition except some leather cracking in the seats. The paint is near flawless.
I have an 2001 330i preface lift that's immaculate but it over heated and I have a 2004 330i that I hit a deer on and what im wondering is if it'd be more cost effective to switch the good parts of motor from the 04 to the 01 or the body parts of the 01 to the 04??
540 ??????? Ahhh yeah more m62 vids comin soon ? And im wondering why youve bashed that engine and then say theyre one of the most reliable please respond i have a 2000 with 145k og timing guides
@@NathansBMWWorkshop , so if u were to wanna buy a Beemer which one would you recommend me getting . I am Interested in a 06-08 e90 328 or 330i or a 03-05 e46 328 or 330i manual that's all I love to drive is manuals ?
Idk, I think that many e46s will require restoration at this point, and the floor cracking issue is definitely very concerning and expensive. If you need to restore some car, perhaps an e36 is a better choice. Lighter and had some cars come with factory lsd. E46 just feels like an inbetween car between the e36 and e90
Im sure Your text is garbage I have a e46 with 24 years 0 problems But a take care of the car as man Kids only remote control like a drone it Will be good for you lamme
E46 is bullet proof. 5 years of beating the sht out of mine and only bought tires and oil
Still bullet proof?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have a e60, BUT with a M54b30 engine. 460,000km no issues. Freaking bullet proof engine.
still going or ?
They are great cars. As long as you take care of them they will take care of you.
Totally agree, E46 is the real bargain bmw although we have already seen these going up in value in the UK so get one while you can. M3, Alpina 3.3 ans S models selling for strong money 330 club sports are popular, along with the 330 ci models, great video 👍🏻
Just avoid the smg, autos and manuals both good 😎
So I actually just went out bought this same exact model ('01 325xi) on a limb. It's my first purchase and I've never owned a BMW before. I honestly have no idea what I've gotten myself into and I'm scared shitless but I appreciate you putting out this kind of content. I've been scouring your videos for the past week! Luckily mine is in pretty decent shape. Just made a 1500 mile trip with no major problems other than I think the car needs new engine mounts and a lower control arm. I'm sure there are a couple more issues I'll find along the way but so far she's running strong !
I'd have it inspected by a pro eventually. The main thing is to avoid surprises because they can get so expensive with BMW if they go ignored. Noises, smells of burning oil and things that you can notice yourself go a long way to avoid driving it into money pit. Still though I doubt you'll have a bad experience and you'll probably love the car.
I sold my daughter our 03 330xi 5spd auto with 84k miles. Change both front axles, engine and transmission modules, all vacuum lines, intake manifold gasket, valve cover gasket, DISA valve, spark plugs, a couple of ignition coils, battery, starter, headliner, A and C pillars, door locks module, windshield cowl, etc and so on. Then when she got back to Colorado Springs a BMW specialist strongly recommended $4,400 worth of repairs! She only did the transmission mount. But my two insights are 1) put aside what money you can monthly for maintenance. 2) Don't trust or go to just one BMW specialist! Most owners don't keep up with the maintenance on these cars, there's so much. Oh, I forgot, the previous owner had replaced most of the coolant parts.
The car will last you as long as you keep up with the maintenance. M54 engine is bulletproof. Always keep an eye on the cooling system, address any oil leaks (oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter gasket) and you’ll be good.
I would advise you to replace the whole cooling system and also convert your fan from electrical to mechanical, you won't have to worry about overheating the engine again
Daily drive my 02 e46, no issues, window lifters broke 2 years ago, thats it, best car ever
I have 165000 miles on my 2003 BMW. 330xi! You have to do your maintenance. I want my car to last to at least 300000. Love it!
For a 20yr old car, it's in good condition...all cars have similar issues, u cant lose buying a e46 if it's in a fixable condition
I'm surprised that E46 are just now hitting a low point in your area. Here, around the Charlottesville area (and Smokie mountains) E46 that needed engine or transmission could be found for $750, 2 1/2 years ago. About $1,000, 1 1/2 years ago. And $1,500 this past season. Our family has five E46, one still a project, and two project Z3. I don't recommend them to anyone, unless they're an enthusiast and are prepared to keep up with them.
It's because there's less by the day, and most are cracking their heads and stripping the head bolts so there unrebuildable.
My 03 E46 is still going strong
i've had quite a lot of problems with mine, none engine related but electronic. abs light, esp lights etc. i find that the engine and transmission on these are perfect, and just require regular oil changes but there are problems with electronics and cooling mainly. best tip is never use cheap parts
Also never over-thighten any of the cooling lines/hoses..
This so true Thanks
stunning upload Nathans BMW Workshop. I shattered that thumbs up on your video. Keep up the really good work.
Thanks for the info. I just scooped a 1999 328i zf 5 speed with only 107K miles. Strongly considering driving it every day for the next 10 years.
E46 kicks ass. Love mine!
Love the channel keep up the bmw informative work Nathan 👍
Great Video! enjoyed it.
Was So much fun to buy, go-through, and fully re-fresh my Beemer like Nathan said. daily drive only in warm weather and it really IS a "drivers car" No question. The "intake and exhaust sound, the drive out of the corners... Hard to explain how this company put a "feel" into such machines.
Well it's about time!
Definitely look forward to this series! Engine out an' all. Now you have me curious, but through this past year, the E36 was still cheaper than the E46 in Northern Virginia. Will have to double check.
bought 2 running e46s in the last year for $400 each. great cars if you address the problems right away
Not bad. I have a few and absolutely love them
I'll have to disagree with the subframe cracks.. Can't really see them. My 01 330cic had cracks that I didn't see, until I dropped the diff and subframe. Cracks form between the spot welds, cracks form at the trunk area (under car), where the metal goes higher to lower (2 places). My diff was failing at 174k, that is the only way I noticed...when I removed it. 204k on it now, but it needs a clutch (throw out bearing failing)
Yeah it's good to catch it when it's like that. When it gets so bad you can see it with the subframe attached no bueno
Always waxed mine.
Paint is indeed beautiful still.
Never realized it conserved the paint that radically.
Great video, I watched the original and I’m back for a refresher.
When you mention rear sub-frame cracking, I presume you mean cracking of the floor pan where the rear sub-frame mounts.
Yes, they crack from spot weld to spot weld under the subframe mounts. Hard to see when subframe is mounted... PIA job to remove and repair.
Pretty sure this is not an issue on the convertible e46
E46 is my love!
Had 6x e46s. 330d touring x2, 330i touring, 330d coupe, 330i coupe. And the M3. All been perfect but I take care of them.
My 2004 325iT has the GM 5AT. Just a little revision. Great video, thanks for the info
E46 reliable of junk? I bought my BMW 325i new in 2001. Today, it's a one owner, dry climate car with low mileage (76K). It's required only normal maintenance. I've replaced the belts and hoses as well as the brake pads, the VANOS intake sensor, and the struts and control arm bushings. The car is on its third set of Continental Sport Contact tires. I'm going with reliable!
If you live anywhere that gets snow in the winter, these cars WILL rust rotten. Just keep that in mind when buying these buckets.
Electric fan is also a good idea for the inevitable explosion of the clutch
The greatest BMW ever made. Bar none. It all started to go down hill with the e9x chassis.
Very good video, I have a e46 manual.
looking forward to the build. A few of them floating around nova scotia for sale
Any thoughts on the convertible and odds of subframe issues? Looking at a 2004 325ci manual.
Thanks again for going over this. I still have a GM trans that takes a few seconds before drive kicks in after cold start. I think I need to take the brand new German fluid out and do the trans fluid you like. Hope that fixes it. Been driving 3 years with this issue 🙄
Currently getting my license, I'm eyeing and e46 rn, engines are cheap and they seem to be the most reliable old school BMWs. They're fairly priced too honestly, I'm thinking about this or Acura tl as my first car, definitely excited to finish and get one of them.
Have you bought the bmw yet? And if you have how has i been so far?
What’s the best way to polish that aluminum trim on the outside that gets faded?
NICE 👍🏼 like I said on my other comment on the first video you uploaded last week when you first brought the car to the garage, I recently bought a 325xi E46 2005 AWD black on black that looks identical at this car and I’m looking to make it my project and my only car to drive. It has 46,777k miles on it, the first thing ima do is buy a New battery, then do a whole “Tune up” and finally check an apparent sun roof leaking problem that it has, to ultimately do a cosmetic upgrade with spider lenses LED projectors & 17’ inch wheels.they are BMW OEM rims style 137. So I’m following very very very closely what you do with this car as it reminds me of my 2004 325xi that I previously had before buying the one I have now. Just got a question, how much does a sunroof leaking cost on a E46? Do you know please & can’t wait to see the NEXT ⏭ Video
every season i tilt the moonroof and use compressed air to blow out the drains, simple first fix and cost nothing
@@stevencurrie472 Thank you my mechanic said the same thing, i will do that for sure
Need opinion, im looking for project car, should I go with option 1- 2006 325xi, 200k, decent body, needs alternator and convertors for 1500, option 2- 2004 325i, 209k, good exterior and interior, needs power steering pump and alternator for 2500
So to be clear, you're only referring to 6-cylinder petrol engines, and not diesel engines, like the M47TUD?
Do you think my 1999 with 140K miles will be going up in value also?
The interior is in great condition except some leather cracking in the seats.
The paint is near flawless.
N46B18A e46 293.000km never ever problem
I find i have to change tires every 25k miles. No matter what tire that's all they will last. I'm on a third set of tires at 48k miles
Hi. Where can I find the complete car build for an 05 e46 330ci?
I have an 2001 330i preface lift that's immaculate but it over heated and I have a 2004 330i that I hit a deer on and what im wondering is if it'd be more cost effective to switch the good parts of motor from the 04 to the 01 or the body parts of the 01 to the 04??
04 to 01, prefacelift looks much better and all parts from 04 facelift fit in prefacelift, I also have M54 engine on my prefacelift 1998 E46
@@Alionn1They didn’t make a e46 in 98 it’s 99-06, 92-98/99 is e36
540 ??????? Ahhh yeah more m62 vids comin soon ? And im wondering why youve bashed that engine and then say theyre one of the most reliable please respond i have a 2000 with 145k og timing guides
Please do a good transmission and transfer case removal video for this
Please tell me where do you find engines for those prices?
E39 or e46 if you had a choice?
Hi Nathan, do you work on people’s cars?
You're gonna make him newborn Nathan? :-)
Btw, what's that fancy white MB doing there?? :)
Thats Phillips new car 2104 e250
@@NathansBMWWorkshop you mean 2014 Nathan? Nice car*
@@NathansBMWWorkshop , so if u were to wanna buy a Beemer which one would you recommend me getting . I am Interested in a 06-08 e90 328 or 330i or a 03-05 e46 328 or 330i manual that's all I love to drive is manuals ?
If the owner is "junk" the car will be same, its that simple.
Are e46 m3s reliable?
Yep
the best
In the rust belt and Canada, rear quarter panel rot is a problem. Hard to find good ones.
Whos white Mercedes in the background @ 3:02
Phillip the camera guys
Idk, I think that many e46s will require restoration at this point, and the floor cracking issue is definitely very concerning and expensive. If you need to restore some car, perhaps an e36 is a better choice. Lighter and had some cars come with factory lsd. E46 just feels like an inbetween car between the e36 and e90
Did you buy it from Illinois? Looks like my friends car he sold
Im sure
Your text is garbage
I have a e46 with 24 years
0 problems
But a take care of the car as man
Kids only remote control like a drone it Will be good for you lamme
he looks like he always crying
Slight buscemi eyes
Even though i have e46 i prefer mb. Every idiot these days owns a bmw. For the greatest bmw ever made im not impressed.