Drive G20 M340i, it is very solid and still feels like older BMWs. In think it is one of the last classic looking BMWs that will disappear in the next fewnyears.
Great car, you have to go to the rare to get as good. My Toyota MK2 Blit vs the 325 touring, close call. The only reason I didn't get the 325 was I drive auto's
I bought my first E46 brand new in 2003 - an 325Ci Sport manual with Alcantara trim and not long after bought a second one [one owner 325i Sport Saloon manual with alcantara trim]. I still have the saloon to this day - so over 20 years of continuous E46 ownership. The saloon is immaculate - 80K miles and has had wanted for nothing all its life. I think I'm qualified to give a verdict on these - they are the best car money can by bar none ! They are everything you said in the video here Jack and more. They're easy to work on, parts aren't expensive. They drive like nothing else and the music that M54 sewing machine makes is to die for. If you're in the market to buy one, buy the most expensive one you can afford as it'll still be cheap for what it is and will appreciate over the years. The most desireable from a buying public perspective seems to be the 330Ci Sport manual with leather. However in my opinion the best one to get is the 325i Sport saloon manual with alcantara trim. The saloon has a stiffer body [it was the one BMW used in touring car racing], is less prone to leaks than the convertibles and is more practical etc... Steer clear of high mileage diesel automatics and convertibles. The number one issue with the non-M3 cars is rust on the rear arches. Every one of them will have rust and it's up to £3K to have them properly taken care of by a bodyshop that knows what they're doing. If the car's leaking oil it will be the oil filter housing seal it will go on every one of them and is an easy fix... just make sure you get a genuine BMW gasket, it's only around £5. The other thing that breaks is the coolant expansion tank - again, make sure you replace the cap as well as the tank when you do it. Other than that, they're bullet proof. One final thing to bear in mind with these gorgeous M54 machines is the fuel economy. It can be thirsty if if you've a leaden right foot ! However nothing else comes near what a great car these are.
A little tip on the coolant cap. The reason the expansion tank (and sometimes the actual radiator) split, is because of the coolant cap. A lot of people don't realise that BMW built a pressure release into the cap. People just tighten the cap as hard as possible, but you have to tighten the cap then back it off slightly. The cap will jiggle slightly, but it is designed to do this. This is also why they recommend cap replacements as they can become faulty, especially when over tightened. Hopefully This will stop pressure build up and stop this issue.
Main issue I took with the M54 powered cars I’ve owned was oil consumption 😂 I was pretty shocked when BMW told me that 1L/1000miles was “acceptable” 😂😂😂
@@mikebader3863 Well yes that's correct. They told me the same when I bought the first one new. But I've always ignored service intervals on cars and my E46 gets an oil change and new oil filter every 3000 miles - gearbox every 10,000. The car drives like new. I guess years of working on racing cars has led me to go overboard with this stuff.
Just bought an e46 last week. 325i 5 speed sedan in HellRot with 135,000 miles, no accidents, shiny paint and a pristine interior for $1. It has a bum clutch and has not moved in 6 years, prior owner just wanted it out of the driveway. My son and I have started coaxing it back to life.
Change oil every 10,000 miles not 15,000 worth getting LL01/LL04 synthetic if you can. Check for rusty rear brakes lines around the fuel tank, it could save your life. For the engine running, vacuum pipes like to perish, and rubber vacuum caps on the inlet manifold too, which cause poor fuel economy and sometimes an engine light. An OBD diagnostic tool can show the LTFT fuel trim and if there's any problem. A new set of O2 sensors can help economy quite a lot, I gained 4 mpg on my 330Ci on a commute, which had about 140,000 miles, the exhaust smelt rich, that was a telltale sign. They may help prolong the cat. life too. Always buy genuine engine sensors though, in this case they're Bosch, about £200 for a set of four, and one of them is a pain to replace, I bought a set of O2 sensor removal sockets and you may need a flexible wrench extension or O2 spanner to get it out, I can't remember now. It's worth keeping the rear arches clean on the inside to delay rust, mine had a rubber coating on them (a 2004 Convertible), and were fine. For the front wings then removing the wheel arch lines and applying sealant might delay the inevitable.
@@GopNet With the expensive Castrol Edge fully synthetic there is no need to do it that often. With lesser oils such as semi synthetic then 5K would be more reasonable, more like 7,500K.
@@timk3939it’s the general lifespan of synthetic engine oil, feel free to research videos and forums with photos showing how oil degrades after 5k miles
E36 and E46 are peak BMW. It all went downhill from there. Between Bangle aesthetics and plastic-fantastic interiors modern BMW´s have taken the credit amassed over 50-60 years of excellence and flushed it down the toilet in a few years time. BMW is still lost in the wilderness with no end in sight.
@@evansisgreat I’m in the market for an F32 as I’d like something that’s not old. But I was truly disappointed when I actually drove one. Lifeless steering compared to the e46 I’d driven to the showroom in. I’ll still get one though 😂
@@evansisgreat After having 3 Z4’s with both 2.5 and 3.0 version of M54’s engine, 1-series coupe, and an F36 GC I can say by far the most reliable was F36 Sport (not M-Sport), in 10 years not even a light bulb went, interior was like new after 128k km, and only rear discs and all 4 pads were changed on a car in that time. Of course service schedule was done every 10-12k km not what Bmw recommends. Perfect, as both a GT doing 220km/h on a Autobahn all day long or as a sports car on Dolomiti passo-s. And as a hotel, my wife and I used it as our vacation accomodation at Adriatic sea for 12 nights, you just put down the rear seat backs and you have a comfy queen size bed and an easy entry due to hatchback. The things I didn’t like were 4 doors, personally I don’t like cars with 4 doors and electric steering sometimes. But that’s all. On all other Bmw there were some niggles on Z4’s window regulators going, expansion tanks, oil leaks etc., but on a F36 not a single thing from 2014.-2024. Amazing car.
Different model though same make. Many reasons why I keep my E39 in perfect condition. Just the right combination of power, agility, and looks. I will never purchase a new BMW again. Hilarious to me that so many people need to be seen in something new by complete strangers.
I had an e46 325ci almost identical to this. It is probably still the best car i ever owned and i still miss it now. 10 years i owned it. It was just like the one you tested, but it was loaded to the brim with every option from new. It even had the sat nav system from 2001 which even included a TV. Unfortunately when they turned off the analogue signal and went to digital only, i couldn't watch anything again, unless I installed a digital receiver conversion. I adored my e46, but please don't be fooled into thinking these cars are German engineered, faultless, hastle free motoring. The 6 cylinder engine is absolutely bullet proof! And a joy to drive. Although a bit lacking in power on paper, it never feels underpowered. From the sound, to the power delivery, to the sublime smoothness, it is one of my all-time favourite engines. Unfortunately cost cutting had already started at BMW. So anything with an electrical component, or is made from rubber will almost certainly break. Also, some coupe and soft top specific parts were hard to get and expensive 10 years ago. I dread to think what it would be like now. The e46 325ci is a brilliant car, i definitely recommend owning one. BUT, be prepared to spend some money keeping it on the road.
Wise words. I also owned a 2001 titanium 325ci, although it was 13 years old when I purchased it. Great car and had lots of happy memories in it. But my example had a few issues: DSC traction control module vanos Remote locking on drivers door parking sensors stopped final stage resistor failed Airbag light which would go out if I disconnect and reconnect the plug under the seat And probably some more that I forget now. Can see why they still have a following but they have their issues. 2.5 n52 is a more modern alternative and pretty solid apart from water pump
The E46 was/is a pinnacle of design and engineering for BMW...it is that simple. The 6's are just sooooooooooooooooooo smooth. The E46 just looks so subtle and understated.
E46 325CI owner here! 2000 topaz blue m-tech manual coupe. My first car and ive had it for a couple of years, still love it a lot. Ive got the M3 interior, mirrors, seats, CSL wheels. Full custom exhaust, bilstein B8 + sportline suspension setup, progressive lsd from racingdiffs. Couple of things i would like to mention; my car suffered from the subframe cracks as well, it happens usually to earlier models that have the foldable rear seats, the later models have fixed rear seats which help with stiffening. If ive had to mention some drawbacks of the car; the standard shifter is quite long and it doesnt have a lot of feeling, you can swap it out for an E60 one for a shorter stroke, the 5th gear is a bit hard to find though. The cooling system needs a lot of attention and usually you have to add some oil to the engine, the M54 engines suffer from a badly designed oil scraper piston ring which makes it use some oil. Probably never selling my car! Each year im restoring/upgrading it a little further, next up is the paint and then the interior headliner which usually starts to hang.
@@mc1703 Then it might be an idea to check the subframe, if the car has driven in a sporty manner once in a while the chances are that its starting/happening. There are kits for sale online with metal plates that you can weld on to the spots. I advice to put some polyutherane powerflex bushings in the rear diff and the sub frame so the rear end feels really tight and you wont have to worry again about the rubbers. I went a step further and added a racingdiffs lsd kit to the diff, which adds to the sporty driving
My dad is 2nd owner of a 1986 coupe 318i since 1989. The heavy "clunk" when you shut the doors just speaks of quality. I remember seeing a new E46 in Vienna in I think Nov. 1998 and thinking that it looked much better than its predecessor
I have a 2001 330Ci convertible auto. Had it 8 years, had lots spent on it, but it shows. It's fast, looks great, easy to drive in traffic and an all round excellent car.
Purchased a '02 330i few months ago. Loaded, believe its a ZPP version. Type 68 wheels, HK sound, three different transmission modes, and on. Absolutely love this car! 50/50 weight distribution is totally noticed when I take turns much faster than anyone else. Normal BMW oil leaks but really next to nothing for a car with 130k+ miles on it. Got it for a steal of a price! And the car was obviously babied by all its owners, immaculate!
Yep, I agree. I have a 318is coupe and have just purchased a really nice 328i saloon with 62k miles for £1850 Looks amazing with its Alpina style 18inch alloys!
E36 looks much better, dont like the rounded edges, e46 today looks indifferent so do not agree with the hype of this video about how good e46 looks. No it does not look good, looks wise it sucks except for the m3 version.
I've owned every 3er from E30 to F31 bar the Bangle era E90. Thoughts as follows: E30 320iA 4dr - very solidly built - probably the best of all the 3 series IMO. Slow off the mark but creamy smooth on the cruise. Excellent cabin ergonomics and all round visibility. Watch the tail though. E36 320iA 4dr - sharp looker when it was launched and the shape has aged well (again subjective) but cost cutting evident in the interior plastics. Not as refined as the E30 on the move but not as eager to slide its tail either. E46 320iA 4dr, 318iA 4dr (Valvetronic), 330d Touring A, 330iA Touring A - agree with Number 27's comments. Handsome design that has aged well and the best looking of all the 3ers to date. Chassis struck the right balance between sportiness and comfort. F31 320d Touring Auto - not as sharp to drive as the E46 but much more comfy and refined. This is the car I kept the longest - almost 9 years with nary any issues despite being rear-ended twice and hitting a possum once that necessitated a new turbo unit. The current 3 has grown too much in size and its design leaves me cold, outside and in. Ridiculously hideous grille, profile is a mishmash of lines that makes it look like different designers did the front, rear and mid sections and then tried their best to make it work, Lexus like rear end. Inside, the recent LCI (facelift) moves more functions to the touchscreen (bad!) and I never liked the modern BMW instrument layout with the counterclockwise rev counter and absence of proper, round dials. BMW have, indeed, lost their mantra of being The Ultimate Driving Machine.
i owned a 330 in Silver with almost white Leather Trim.Drove all over southern Norway on holiday a truly GREAT CAR not like what BMW produces now. Having owned quite a number of BMW's including a Ravalia M3 the 330 was my FAVOURITE of all of the BMW's i have driven Thank you for your Post brought back happy memories of vehicles that were so much less complicated
Absolutely agree Jack, E46 is peak BMW, and my feeling is the 325Ci is the "sweet spot" of the range. As a bit of a car nut, about 5 years ago I found a high mileage (circa 220k km), '03 325Ci with M-Sport pack (M sport alloys, subtle body kit, M sport steering wheel, sports suspension) at auction, that had only one owner from new, fully documented history, and was attracting not much bidding interest (probably due to the high mileage scaring people off) and looked to me to be a bargain (it was in amazing condition given the age/mileage) - so I cheekily put in a bid for $2800 (just over $3k with fees), and won it. Gave it a full service, new tyres and new battery, and used it as a second/weekend car for just over 2 years (about 9000km), and it performed flawlessly. It was a pleasure to drive every time, firm but still comfortable ride even with the sports suspension, and just the right amount of power and handling verve to make the drive smile inducing and just special. Sold it (I'd scratched that BMW itch) after just over two years, and having not cost a dime in repairs, for $7000. For car/driving enthusiasts on a budget, I can't think of anything better for the money. Cheers!
My wife has an E46 320ci Cabrio. By far, the best car we have ever had. She only allows me taking the car to the dealer, every two years, compared to other brands that ask for a yearly service. The engine note is adictive. If I had to complain, for the interior, be careful with your nails, to avoid spoiling the soft surfaces. Also the CD changer stopped working. Car still attracts attention, luckily, proper one, since in the past we suffered on purpose paint scratches, even corrosive líquid over a panel. It is such a beautiful car.
I think you got it 'spot on' these cars are BMW when that means something to own such a car.. Such a beautiful design and great lines from any angle and the interior is well appointed. I can't think of anything of the same era that can better this car off the top of my head. As for modern BMWs, why? I think it was you that said they look like something out of a computer game and I agree 100%. It is nice to hear that this car is owned by a young person, it goes to prove that young people do have an interest in older cars so well done Dan. A great video Jack thank you for bringing it to us. 👍👍
I preferred the E36, superbly built, lighter than the E46, and imo better looking. I never liked those headlamps on these. They are very good cars though I agree, but more comfortable and more of a luxury car than the E36. The fact so many E36's ended up as track / drift cars, kinda proves they were better at that sort of thing. The E36 325 M50 engine was very strong, reliable, and quicker, with the same 192bhp, as the E36 was lighter, and more nimble with a better steering feel. I had an M140i, and I can understand your feelings about your M135i.
Agreed, he's unusually off the mark here. I think the E46 is very handsome but it's clearly not pretty. The E36 is sharper, less plumped up and the coupe design is ageing so well. Mind you, I've got a Z3M coupe so what do I know about beauty?
@@idokwatcher2062 I'm lucky enough to have the lesser spotted AC Schnitzer CLS widebody, which was a carbon/ Kevlar kit. Really pumps out the wheels in box arch stylee! Gives it a bit of an 8 series look from the rear...
I agree. I only had an E36 318iS as my first BMW and that 1.9 engine was fun to rev out. Then got an e46 328Ci. The E46 had far more rust issues than my older E36 ever had. It just never felt as durable, despite having a much nicer interior. Then I had an E39 M5 and an E39 530d Touring auto - my two favourites I've had despite being two very different E39s. An E65 730d Sport which was a very comfortable car when it was working. Then E90 330d SE with so many optional extras, M Sport suspension, and manual. Then an E91 335d M Sport Touring which was the best balance of performance and fuel efficiency I've had from any BMW . Now I have an F30 330e... yes, the e90 335d was more fuel efficient and faster (when re-mapped). I have wanted an E36 coupe or Touring with an engine swap... M62 manual or M57 35d. I'd say I would prefer an E30 with such a swap but E30s are just too expensive now. Hmm E36 Compact... that E30 derived rear suspension could make it "fun". Reality is, an E81 or E82 with the M57 35d swap is probably the most practical for a fun engine swap.
@@Number27 Subframe is an issue on even a 316i, mine was cracked in two places, so power is not the problem, it's just a very very bad design on especially the pre facelift model...!
@@Number27 Didn't want everyone rushing out to buy a 330hp E46 330ci - Only to be seriously dissapointed 😉😄 My daily is a 2001 E46 330ci shed - The 3 litre M54 engine has to be one of BMW's all time great engines 😎 23 years on, she can still hold her own against a suprising number of more modern cars (much to their driver's surprise 🙂) As Han Solo said about The Millennium Falcon: "She might not look like much, but she's got it where it counts" 🙂
Still have my 320ci E46 with 245,000 miles on it. Love it, perfect driving position and looks great. I don't think for the money there is a better car!
I have a 2004 325Cic that I drive every time I want to remember what made BMW great, before the company was taken over by marketing people. They need to give BMW back to the engineers.
A sweet spot. I owned an E46 330i MSport manual saloon in 2008 when it was then - 8 years old, and it was fantastic both performance wise and ergonomically. There's a lot to be said for those models that are just under the halo cars in a manufacturers range.
Wa hey! It's Dan's car! I miss that 325Ci so much. We used to do so many drives with my M240i while i still lived in the UK. Loved how it drove. Probably my most vivid memory was chasing this car through the Southern approach to Black Mountain Pass while on tyres that had way too many miles on them while the 325Ci had fresh PS4s... he'd drop me every corner and I'd reel him in the straights only to lose him again through the next corner. Lovely memories. Cheers for the video mate!
Great cars Jack. My daily drive is a 2003 325Ci M Sport in Imola Red. At the moment, it still looks totally mint, no rust anywhere, lots of times when I'm out in it people stop to admire it and have a chat about it.
I owned the 4 door version. Absolute magic handling car. the old 2.5 six was best described as having enough power, but only just. The trick is to put the 2.5 inlet on the 2.8. The 3.0 is a heavier engine and throws the balance out. The 2.8 has a restrictive inlet to generate torque.
Thank you sir for this enjoyable review of E46 325ci. I own a silver E46 325i sedan with 5sp AT. I certainly wish I had bought manual transmission but still LOVE the car. It handles super well, especially corners on country roads in Oregon. I've had for almost 4yr and had to replace typical radiator, coolant expansion tank, water pump, idler pulley, tensioner, serpentine belt, DISA valve few times but neither was OE. In 40 years absolutely most enjoyable car I've ever owned.
I have had my 1999 328Ci since 2002 and have kept it pristine. Its also my daily driver and gets properly maintained. I almost cannot go on a shopping trip without someone remarking on it, which wouldn't be the case if I had the absolute latest model. Seems people really are starting to appreciate just how good this styling was.
Which alloys has it got? Those early 328Ci's were awesome. There was an aero kit which is now super rare and the top spec wheels were style 32s. It was a look that had shades of alpina and provided a stylistic bridge from E36.
The E30 was a very good car to drive and it was compact. I've owned a 316 and a 318IS and especially the 318IS was great. I've been driving BMW cats for the past 50 years and yes, I've also owned a 318IA E46. Also great to drive.
Back in the late eighties, I sold BMWs. Both the M3 and M5 were released here in the States. I remember the first time driving them; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!
Thanks again for an informative review. My wife adores her '07 328xi sport wagon 6sp manual. My bimmer is a K1200LT. We dread the day it can no longer be driven as a daily driver. Please help your followers like us that suffer that conundrum.
There was a 2.5 litre 323i/323Ci as well, 1998-2000 at the same time as the 2.0 320i (not sold in the UK) and the 328i/Ci. Those had the M52TU engines, replaced in late 2000 by the M54 320i 2.2, 325i/Ci and 330i/Ci. E46's are a good idea on paper but they are very needy in old age and some jobs are ridiculously overcomplicated compared to the E36. An E36 radiator takes 30 minutes to replace including filling and bleeding, the E46 is a pain in the arse with seized on push fit hoses, the separate header tank and the inevitable broken mounting plate. Dead dash pixels, rust, wonky heater blower resistors, rust, knackered driveshafts and diffs (nowhere near as good as E36 ones), window regulators, window switches, front lower wishbones/balljoints/rear bushes and so on. The passenger side rear subframe mounting in the boot floor fails and is a pretty involved job to repair. Oh, and rust. They're a bastard for it. Finding decent quality front wings is getting hard now and even 'genuine' BMW wings (they're not) from the dealer need work to get them to fit and look right. They drive well but there is a very good reason the E36 is worth more money. Lighter, more responsive handling and a lot easier to maintain. E46's are only any good if you buy a really clean one with a stack of history. Trying to resurrect a rough one is a waste of time.
This really was golden era for BMW. Completely agree about the design, absolutely timeless, still looks great 25 years on! Having previously owned 325s/330s and now have an M3 I will say the M3 is a completely different prospect, however as you say if you can’t quite stretch to M3 money the 325/330 are great cars in their own right!
I had a ultra low mileage E46 Coupe in Gelb metallic with the 2.2 6 pot engine. It was a magnificent car, BMW UK used it to launch the new model 3 a few years ago. I swapped it for an 2007 Alpina D3 MT E90. I'm told it's one of the best in the country. Would you be interested in doing a review on my Alpina Jack?
I love my E39 - 23 years old, with 220,000 miles on the clock, and it's still nicer to drive than modern cars - as a new car delivery driver I think I'm qualified to say that!
That is an extraordinary testimonial, which very much chimes with my thoughts on moderns. The sheer ugliness and bulk is off-putting but for me it's the weight increase that has wrecked driving feel- I prefer a rawer, more analogue connection to the road surface.
I think part of the problems with perceived/real build quality is the constant battle between equipment/safety v the desire to keep the weight down (well on ICE cars anyway). I’ve owned BMW approved E36, E46, E90 and G30. The E36 felt very solid. Heavy doors/panels. The bonnet and boot felt like they were made from granite. The E46 felt tinnier on the panels but the interior was very solid and quality. The E90 felt a little less solid. The G30 was a let down. Panels felt very tinny, dash flex was substantial, everything felt thinner and lighter (I think the car was bigger but was lighter than the previous model despite having more equipment). The search for cutting costs and weight was definitely felt in build quality. Side by side my e90 panels felt more substantial and e36 a tank in comparison!
I have owned mine since 2010, had many newer cars between now and then but can never bring myself to sell the E46. Something about it is just so special. Also a 325 ci coupe
The E46 was, in my view, the second best car BMW ever made. The build quality, looks, driving dynamics and six cylinder engines were outstanding. I owned several of them and could never warm to the models that followed. The coupe is still a beautiful design. Virtually perfect.
Six cilinder is made for 330 not for 325 or below… not possible to compare M3 or 330 Ci vs others M46 models … go home whit your lovely 320 or 325 man 😅
My brother had a black one it was a 2002 325i and I had the E39 528i se individual riptide was a 1998 on an S loved that car traded it in for a E60 525i bought that in 2017 still got it only done 90 thousand miles it was a one owner car from new with a full BMW service history drives perfect to this day never failed an mot
I loved my facelift manual 330ci which i owned ten years ago. She was a little leggy even back then but still a wonderful drive. I've now got an F32 430d which is still infused with the DNA of the classics. Absolutely love it.
Back in the day BMW were ‘The ultimate driving machine’ for ‘car people’ who appreciated the quality engineering. Now they’re just the ‘ultimate bling machine’ for people with no car knowledge or taste.
Yep. I have a E39 and maintained it since 2007. Before that i had an E30. 528i M sport(with M pack) sedan, manual, rare colour (montreal blue) and i dont think i ever sell it.
Absolutely spot on, peak BMW. I have had a 2001 E46 330Ci Coupe M Sport for 6 years, one lady owner, had 34,000miles on it, now has 63,000miles now. Mechanically sound, engine a peach, bit of rust......who cares when it is such a joy to drive.
Wonderful review. I owned an '03 E46 330Ci, and a few years later, a '04 E46 M3. Both were convertible. The former was a wonderful car in Sienna Red over gray leather. The later M3 I owned might have been wonderful if I'd only held out for the manual. That SMG gearbox was a nightmare and I regretted buying it almost immediately afterward. When it eventually left me stranded (actuator motor to clutch failed), I sold it shortly thereafter. That said, I too still find these cars to be absolutely beautiful and far nicer to look at than any modern BMW. I found myself wanting one all over again after watching this review, or at the very least, driving one again to bring back the memories!
I owned an E46 325Cic Tiag on Grey for nearly six years and I was hooked. I replaced it with an E92 M Sport eight years ago and I plan on owning it as long as it runs.
I love my e46 325i 2004 Saloon. I love the fact it can be a normal saloon when i need it to but it can also give me spirited driving on the backroads when i need it to. Being the saloon its a little less desirable than the coupe but i needed a car with back seats for ease of access to the rear seats. I must admit it is one of the best cars i have driven.
It's a good car, I have 330ci 6mt, smooth engine and nice sound together with amazing handling makes me smile all the time.. I'm going to keep it as long I can.
Hey mate, I have a 2003 E46 facelift 330Ci convertible that I love to bits. It's auto so not quite as nippy as the manual, but it's a thing to drive. I can't wait for hot days to get the roof off and just go for a run. For me, this is the best convertible I have owned. Don't knock it. Happy for you to take it for a spin if you so desire and go to prove that it's a great drive, and possibly one of the nicest looking soft tops about.
My first BMW was a black 2003 330ci manual. I ordered it and waited 3 months for it. I REALLY miss that car. I even drove it from NYC to SF and back. I loved everything about it. None of the subsequent 5 I owned came close 😢
Best car I have ever owned, E46 330i Touring manual bought used with 36k miles. Did some upgrades to suspension brakes and mapped it. 100,000 totally trouble free miles of fun and practical motoring. Loved that car
Got 330Ci'04 for 8 years now and it is perfect car. 6 speed manual, slick Look, can drive fast and economically (last ride to Croatia 2500km 8l/100km average). Good equipment and nice xenons. Almost Gran Turismo car for 2.
I have had two E36 and one E46. I regard the E36 as the pinnacle of motor car development and it's been downhill all the way from there. It had just enough electronics to make things work well and not the nightmarish pile of b0110cks that they all have now. It was ridiculously simple yet worked so well. You can typically get an E46 round a corner about 2 or 3% quicker than an E36 but you would have enjoyed the experience more in the E36. A few were lucky enough to find a really good E46 that didn't have sensor problems every five minutes or timing chain tensioner issues or VVT early death, and maybe that 325 you were driving is one of those! I remember picking my last E36 up after it was MoT'd. I hadn't had time to check it or do anything to it and I half-expected a list of things on a fail certificate. I was handed a pass certificate with no advisories. "That's pretty good," I said, "13 year old car passed first time, no advisories. All I had to do was wash it!" The chap standing next to me shuffling through a pile of papers printed in red said, "Well, you can f#
I owned an e46 325ix and I was surprised how balanced and fun the car was to drive. It was such a great car. More balanced then any newer car from that era
I have an E46 330d manual with 212k miles on it. I bought it in 2014 with 93k miles on the clock and had I the usual M57 quirks sorted soon after, since then I have barely touched the engine outside of servicing. It is now a bit crusty on the rear arches, but even with the mileage it still gets down the road with little effort, but am just cruising around in it 9 times out of 10. Ok, it isn't a petrol variant that everyone wants, but I think the only way to separate me and the 330d will be me or the car facing an untimely death. I bought an E92 335d last year and while the extra power and torque of the 335d is nice, I think I prefer to be behind the wheel of the E46. Certainly, in the corners, I have a bit more faith in the E46, but maybe it is the ditch finder tyres (dealer fit) on the rear of the E92 mentally stopping me from pushing it a bit more. However, I do like the fact that I shouldn't need to worry about rust anywhere near as much on the E92...
Im stuck in the 00s so I still drive my 530 E39 and 320ci E46 just because of the feeling for it. I cant find it in never BMWs. When everything turns do digitized clusterborards, suspension's, engines etc, I still like the age of mechanics just tuned to almost perfection.
Again you're spot on Jack. I used to sell these E46's new and the E36's used and they were both fantastic cars, great engines great quality and great handling. The E46 had the better interior but the E36 was a tad lighter, both great buys if you find a good one (manual).
I bought an E30 'sleeper' some twenty years ago - a 325E of the mid-'80's - from a friend who was being deported [long story] for the princely sum of $400. Now, it didn't present the aquamarine blue finish in an enthralling light - being left outdoors for 6 months in the blazing Cambodian dry season - but it drove impeccably for all of its 127hp. I kept it for five years and only needed to change the clutch plates, a $100 outlay. A lovely car to drive on degraded road surfaces, and the first vehicle in which my young daughter didn't get car-sick - later, an embassy official snatched it up for a 'fair' exchange of $1500! After, I went Mercedes, but the Beemer will always have a warm place in my heart - a great review, Jack
For those who want smooth shifting,that don't want to throw a stick shift, drives like a solid dream city/highway. 325i is not the car for gas peddle jockies but for the feel, it's solid. Slam a door on any modern car , feels like a tin can. 46 feels like a tank. Solid heavy doors. Great gas milage still gets 25/35! Buy pilot point 4s or all seasons and ride a curve. It's planted, responsive. You know your safe. Replace the bushings, gaskets with better qualiy ones, changed ccv, and coolant hoses. Buy one that's not abused, spend the parts money, save 30k compared to new car and enjoy no debt for the next ten years. 89.5k miles on mine. Could have bought used honda or others, i chose a quality engine with a fun factor.
Many thanks for posting the video. A car I aspired to own but never happened. This E46 along with the E30 model was one of the best shapes in the BMW' portfolio. I had three E30's one 325i and two MTECH 2 sports. The six-cylinder engines were sublime. As for the latest design abominations of the BMW, we'll leave it there.
owned two of e46 325ci back in time, one of them LCI. Never had a single issue and they were dream cars indeed. Bought e92 325i after, also a dream car, not a single issue with it after 5 years of owning. Now i'm sitting in a big, heavy 5 series and it's ok, yet a bit boring.
I got a E46 320i , and I run in 5th gear 6800rpm and I do gps speed over 260kph and I bought it 2nd hand at 90000km and has now 380000km trouble free. Very good car, just changed, services as needed and runs on 20w50 shell helix engine oil, tyres, brake pads and twice crank sensor and intake cam sensor and radiator hose and water bottle.2001 model. people ask me if BMW is got Nos no just normal 95 oct. fuel.
I drove BMW from 1986 to 1997. I had a 318, 323, 520 and a 320. All were geeat cars and better made than most cars of that time. Now BMW have weird designs and could be designed and built in Malaysia or Korea. The best BMW I ever had was the 323 but the best cars I have ever owned were Alpha Romeo.
@@patricebaumel Mine was an Alfasud Sprint Veloce TI Quadrifoglio (Green Cloverleaf) - SOO much fun in one small car.; rocket sled on rails. Did have a GTV 2.5 coupe too, but struggled with slightly off-centre displacement of steering wheel and petals - stunning looking car though (both were in Rosso - obvs).
Fully agree, peak BMW era this. I have a couple of e46s, love them both and untouchable in their price brackets. One is 330Ci automatic convertible picked up for very little £££££ and the perfect summer cruiser.. the other is a 330i saloon but with a rotrex supercharger conversion, 375 bhp, 600NM and totally bonkers!
Owning a 2005 Z4 with the M54B25 engine I can confirm it's a delight to drive because, as you said, it's very smooth and has just enough power to entertain you without getting ridiculous. However, because of it's age the costs of keeping it running are quite high and electronic gremlins have found their home and apparently are there to stay. Still I am not letting the car go because of the almost perfect balance between usability and sheer joy, thanks mostly to that engine.
We have a 2000 E46 328Ci Auto which is in mint condition with only 41K miles from new and it makes me smile everytime I get into it. A car from BMW when at it's peak, in my opinion.
Yes, I have dreamed about the BMW E46 325/330Cia convertibles for a long time, and especially the Alpina B3. Incredibly beautiful and still affordable.
I’m a big lover of e46’s having owned a 323 saloon, 328 touring, 330ci, 2x 325ti’s, 3x 318ti’s and 2x m3’s one of which I still have 14 years on. You did miss out the 323 which came online with the 328 and as you say were followed by the 325 & 330 with the 320 slightly later with its sweet M54B22 lump. Loved the vid dude 😘
Love an E46 coupe - I have had them all when you could pick them up for little money: 320, 323, 325, 328 and a couple of 330's - all manual gearboxes . The 323 engine was super revvy and almost impossible to find now. Sadly my last one a 330 in exclusive trim and paint was written off last year by being rear ended on the motorway. This has got me yearning for one again. Thanks Jack.
Bang on the money! I have had many different cars but went back to the 330ci, as it is truly THE best car when you factor *everything* in; horsepower (335i/M3) vs reliability, sporty-ness (MX5) vs practicality. Not to mension it has cheap parts, looks timeless, analog steering, huge aftermarket support, and values keep rising as people realize no new cars like these are being made, by BMW or any other.
330i Touring for me please. They had 236bhp from the factory. Had a few when they when they were new from factory (coupe, saloon & convertible also) and now have one again when they’re old and broken 😂
Had daily use of on of these though work back in the day and loved every minute of it. Of all the cars I've been fortunate enough to drive, this stood out head and shoulders as the best all rounder. Thought they could still be had for beans, seemingly not!....
Thanks for the E46 confirmation! I may be relatively alone in this, but for me the estates with M-Paket are the ultimate in 3-Series BMW design … sundry M3s notwithstanding.
The E46 and E39 BMW'S are just sublime This era was the absolute pinnacle in BMW design and performance that they'll sadly never replicate
Before the bean counters took over and cheapened up the build quality.
Drive G20 M340i, it is very solid and still feels like older BMWs. In think it is one of the last classic looking BMWs that will disappear in the next fewnyears.
Still think the E36 looks better...
No BMW lost any quality and reliability after the E30....
E30 and E36 arse ends just look better
Thanks for reviewing my car Jack! Glad you liked it
Hi Dan; Dan from Singapore here 🫡
Thanks for bringing it down Dan.. really enjoyed it!
Great car, you have to go to the rare to get as good.
My Toyota MK2 Blit vs the 325 touring, close call.
The only reason I didn't get the 325 was I drive auto's
Nice one Dan, Thank you for allowing us all to get a review from Jack, he has a great way of presenting... It's a beautiful 325 too.
I’m looking at one here in Costa Rica. Yet, I have to sell my S60 Volvo which might be a doctorates degree thesis in car selling!
I bought my first E46 brand new in 2003 - an 325Ci Sport manual with Alcantara trim and not long after bought a second one [one owner 325i Sport Saloon manual with alcantara trim]. I still have the saloon to this day - so over 20 years of continuous E46 ownership. The saloon is immaculate - 80K miles and has had wanted for nothing all its life. I think I'm qualified to give a verdict on these - they are the best car money can by bar none ! They are everything you said in the video here Jack and more. They're easy to work on, parts aren't expensive. They drive like nothing else and the music that M54 sewing machine makes is to die for. If you're in the market to buy one, buy the most expensive one you can afford as it'll still be cheap for what it is and will appreciate over the years. The most desireable from a buying public perspective seems to be the 330Ci Sport manual with leather. However in my opinion the best one to get is the 325i Sport saloon manual with alcantara trim. The saloon has a stiffer body [it was the one BMW used in touring car racing], is less prone to leaks than the convertibles and is more practical etc... Steer clear of high mileage diesel automatics and convertibles. The number one issue with the non-M3 cars is rust on the rear arches. Every one of them will have rust and it's up to £3K to have them properly taken care of by a bodyshop that knows what they're doing. If the car's leaking oil it will be the oil filter housing seal it will go on every one of them and is an easy fix... just make sure you get a genuine BMW gasket, it's only around £5. The other thing that breaks is the coolant expansion tank - again, make sure you replace the cap as well as the tank when you do it. Other than that, they're bullet proof. One final thing to bear in mind with these gorgeous M54 machines is the fuel economy. It can be thirsty if if you've a leaden right foot ! However nothing else comes near what a great car these are.
A little tip on the coolant cap. The reason the expansion tank (and sometimes the actual radiator) split, is because of the coolant cap. A lot of people don't realise that BMW built a pressure release into the cap. People just tighten the cap as hard as possible, but you have to tighten the cap then back it off slightly. The cap will jiggle slightly, but it is designed to do this. This is also why they recommend cap replacements as they can become faulty, especially when over tightened. Hopefully This will stop pressure build up and stop this issue.
@@drivelaughing7905 +1. Not always, but quite often it's this simple
Main issue I took with the M54 powered cars I’ve owned was oil consumption 😂 I was pretty shocked when BMW told me that 1L/1000miles was “acceptable” 😂😂😂
@@drivelaughing7905 Yes that's exactly it. The cap fails and causes the plastic to 'expland' [which it can't] and eventually crack.
@@mikebader3863 Well yes that's correct. They told me the same when I bought the first one new. But I've always ignored service intervals on cars and my E46 gets an oil change and new oil filter every 3000 miles - gearbox every 10,000. The car drives like new. I guess years of working on racing cars has led me to go overboard with this stuff.
The design that just DOES NOT AGE! Timeless, especially pre-facelift like this one. Launched in 1997, when I was still in primary school.
Just bought an e46 last week. 325i 5 speed sedan in HellRot with 135,000 miles, no accidents, shiny paint and a pristine interior for $1. It has a bum clutch and has not moved in 6 years, prior owner just wanted it out of the driveway. My son and I have started coaxing it back to life.
Change oil every 10,000 miles not 15,000 worth getting LL01/LL04 synthetic if you can. Check for rusty rear brakes lines around the fuel tank, it could save your life.
For the engine running, vacuum pipes like to perish, and rubber vacuum caps on the inlet manifold too, which cause poor fuel economy and sometimes an engine light. An OBD diagnostic tool can show the LTFT fuel trim and if there's any problem.
A new set of O2 sensors can help economy quite a lot, I gained 4 mpg on my 330Ci on a commute, which had about 140,000 miles, the exhaust smelt rich, that was a telltale sign. They may help prolong the cat. life too. Always buy genuine engine sensors though, in this case they're Bosch, about £200 for a set of four, and one of them is a pain to replace, I bought a set of O2 sensor removal sockets and you may need a flexible wrench extension or O2 spanner to get it out, I can't remember now.
It's worth keeping the rear arches clean on the inside to delay rust, mine had a rubber coating on them (a 2004 Convertible), and were fine. For the front wings then removing the wheel arch lines and applying sealant might delay the inevitable.
@@timk3939 Change it every 5k miles
@@GopNet With the expensive Castrol Edge fully synthetic there is no need to do it that often. With lesser oils such as semi synthetic then 5K would be more reasonable, more like 7,500K.
The factory interval is around 15,000 miles so you are suggesting cutting it by 2/3rds, which seems a bit excessive.
@@timk3939it’s the general lifespan of synthetic engine oil, feel free to research videos and forums with photos showing how oil degrades after 5k miles
That era was just glorious. A happy e39 523i owner from Spain (300.000km, no rust, no oil leaks). Your channel is great! Keep up the good work!
Hello from an other e39 1999 523i happy owner with 163000k on the clock ! Love the e46 and e38 and naturally the e31
@@RicHoffmeister66 All great cars from a bygone era. Greetings!
E36 and E46 are peak BMW. It all went downhill from there. Between Bangle aesthetics and plastic-fantastic interiors modern BMW´s have taken the credit amassed over 50-60 years of excellence and flushed it down the toilet in a few years time. BMW is still lost in the wilderness with no end in sight.
All the guys who produced those fantastic cars retired.
E90 is a good drive, it's just not as good looking. I've heard F30s are bad both as a drive and in quality.
@@evansisgreat I’m in the market for an F32 as I’d like something that’s not old. But I was truly disappointed when I actually drove one. Lifeless steering compared to the e46 I’d driven to the showroom in. I’ll still get one though 😂
I think the e92/93 M3 would also count. Bangle was way ahead. the E60 M5 and E92/93 M3 look really stunning still in 2024 and are amazing cars.
@@evansisgreat After having 3 Z4’s with both 2.5 and 3.0 version of M54’s engine, 1-series coupe, and an F36 GC I can say by far the most reliable was F36 Sport (not M-Sport), in 10 years not even a light bulb went, interior was like new after 128k km, and only rear discs and all 4 pads were changed on a car in that time. Of course service schedule was done every 10-12k km not what Bmw recommends. Perfect, as both a GT doing 220km/h on a Autobahn all day long or as a sports car on Dolomiti passo-s. And as a hotel, my wife and I used it as our vacation accomodation at Adriatic sea for 12 nights, you just put down the rear seat backs and you have a comfy queen size bed and an easy entry due to hatchback. The things I didn’t like were 4 doors, personally I don’t like cars with 4 doors and electric steering sometimes. But that’s all. On all other Bmw there were some niggles on Z4’s window regulators going, expansion tanks, oil leaks etc., but on a F36 not a single thing from 2014.-2024. Amazing car.
The late 90's and beginning 00's were zenith BMW! Double E39 owner here.
Different model though same make. Many reasons why I keep my E39 in perfect condition. Just the right combination of power, agility, and looks. I will never purchase a new BMW again. Hilarious to me that so many people need to be seen in something new by complete strangers.
E39 best cars 👍
@@_Quis_Ut_Deus_ I adore all my cars, Though my E39 is really something. Be well.
I had an e46 325ci almost identical to this. It is probably still the best car i ever owned and i still miss it now. 10 years i owned it. It was just like the one you tested, but it was loaded to the brim with every option from new. It even had the sat nav system from 2001 which even included a TV. Unfortunately when they turned off the analogue signal and went to digital only, i couldn't watch anything again, unless I installed a digital receiver conversion.
I adored my e46, but please don't be fooled into thinking these cars are German engineered, faultless, hastle free motoring.
The 6 cylinder engine is absolutely bullet proof! And a joy to drive. Although a bit lacking in power on paper, it never feels underpowered. From the sound, to the power delivery, to the sublime smoothness, it is one of my all-time favourite engines.
Unfortunately cost cutting had already started at BMW. So anything with an electrical component, or is made from rubber will almost certainly break.
Also, some coupe and soft top specific parts were hard to get and expensive 10 years ago. I dread to think what it would be like now.
The e46 325ci is a brilliant car, i definitely recommend owning one. BUT, be prepared to spend some money keeping it on the road.
luckily now you can get a carplay unit in place :)
Wise words. I also owned a 2001 titanium 325ci, although it was 13 years old when I purchased it.
Great car and had lots of happy memories in it.
But my example had a few issues:
DSC traction control module
vanos
Remote locking on drivers door parking sensors stopped
final stage resistor failed
Airbag light which would go out if I disconnect and reconnect the plug under the seat
And probably some more that I forget now.
Can see why they still have a following but they have their issues.
2.5 n52 is a more modern alternative and pretty solid apart from water pump
The last good looking BMW.
The E46 was/is a pinnacle of design and engineering for BMW...it is that simple. The 6's are just sooooooooooooooooooo smooth. The E46 just looks so subtle and understated.
Spot on, sir
E46 325CI owner here! 2000 topaz blue m-tech manual coupe. My first car and ive had it for a couple of years, still love it a lot. Ive got the M3 interior, mirrors, seats, CSL wheels. Full custom exhaust, bilstein B8 + sportline suspension setup, progressive lsd from racingdiffs. Couple of things i would like to mention; my car suffered from the subframe cracks as well, it happens usually to earlier models that have the foldable rear seats, the later models have fixed rear seats which help with stiffening. If ive had to mention some drawbacks of the car; the standard shifter is quite long and it doesnt have a lot of feeling, you can swap it out for an E60 one for a shorter stroke, the 5th gear is a bit hard to find though. The cooling system needs a lot of attention and usually you have to add some oil to the engine, the M54 engines suffer from a badly designed oil scraper piston ring which makes it use some oil. Probably never selling my car! Each year im restoring/upgrading it a little further, next up is the paint and then the interior headliner which usually starts to hang.
My 323ci is topaz blue. Look gorgeous don’t they!
My 323ci hardly ever needs oil but the 330ci probably uses a litre every thousand miles
Mine is a 2006 325ci and has foldable rear seats?
@@mc1703 I have a w reg (2000) 323ci & a 05 plate 330ci & they both have fold down rear seats
@@mc1703 Then it might be an idea to check the subframe, if the car has driven in a sporty manner once in a while the chances are that its starting/happening. There are kits for sale online with metal plates that you can weld on to the spots. I advice to put some polyutherane powerflex bushings in the rear diff and the sub frame so the rear end feels really tight and you wont have to worry again about the rubbers. I went a step further and added a racingdiffs lsd kit to the diff, which adds to the sporty driving
My dad is 2nd owner of a 1986 coupe 318i since 1989. The heavy "clunk" when you shut the doors just speaks of quality. I remember seeing a new E46 in Vienna in I think Nov. 1998 and thinking that it looked much better than its predecessor
I have a 2001 330Ci convertible auto. Had it 8 years, had lots spent on it, but it shows. It's fast, looks great, easy to drive in traffic and an all round excellent car.
I still have my 2001 330 convertible manual. Wear items replaced in time. A lot more fun than modern cars and a lot cheaper as well.
Purchased a '02 330i few months ago. Loaded, believe its a ZPP version. Type 68 wheels, HK sound, three different transmission modes, and on. Absolutely love this car! 50/50 weight distribution is totally noticed when I take turns much faster than anyone else. Normal BMW oil leaks but really next to nothing for a car with 130k+ miles on it. Got it for a steal of a price! And the car was obviously babied by all its owners, immaculate!
I'm an E36 guy generally, but I still love these.
Interior quality, seats and comfort aren’t as good as the E46
@@agaafeartrue looks are better though
Yep, I agree. I have a 318is coupe and have just purchased a really nice 328i saloon with 62k miles for £1850 Looks amazing with its Alpina style 18inch alloys!
E36 looks much better, dont like the rounded edges, e46 today looks indifferent so do not agree with the hype of this video about how good e46 looks. No it does not look good, looks wise it sucks except for the m3 version.
@@hospitalller ''the hype of this video''
Its not a hype. Its not just this video. Its widely know by many.
Thanks for the review. Love my 330i. She's 22 years young with low mileage, had owners from new, and still looks and drives like new. Regards from Oz.
Favorite BMWs E46 and E39. Love the 3liter inline 6. love the comfort and handling of both these cars. Plus I'm old school.
This was when BMW WAS truly special. The current BMW’s have become a feature-laden appliance that you’ll eventually replace with no regret.
I've owned every 3er from E30 to F31 bar the Bangle era E90. Thoughts as follows:
E30 320iA 4dr - very solidly built - probably the best of all the 3 series IMO. Slow off the mark but creamy smooth on the cruise. Excellent cabin ergonomics and all round visibility. Watch the tail though.
E36 320iA 4dr - sharp looker when it was launched and the shape has aged well (again subjective) but cost cutting evident in the interior plastics. Not as refined as the E30 on the move but not as eager to slide its tail either.
E46 320iA 4dr, 318iA 4dr (Valvetronic), 330d Touring A, 330iA Touring A - agree with Number 27's comments. Handsome design that has aged well and the best looking of all the 3ers to date. Chassis struck the right balance between sportiness and comfort.
F31 320d Touring Auto - not as sharp to drive as the E46 but much more comfy and refined. This is the car I kept the longest - almost 9 years with nary any issues despite being rear-ended twice and hitting a possum once that necessitated a new turbo unit.
The current 3 has grown too much in size and its design leaves me cold, outside and in. Ridiculously hideous grille, profile is a mishmash of lines that makes it look like different designers did the front, rear and mid sections and then tried their best to make it work, Lexus like rear end. Inside, the recent LCI (facelift) moves more functions to the touchscreen (bad!) and I never liked the modern BMW instrument layout with the counterclockwise rev counter and absence of proper, round dials.
BMW have, indeed, lost their mantra of being The Ultimate Driving Machine.
i owned a 330 in Silver with almost white Leather Trim.Drove all over southern Norway on holiday a truly GREAT CAR not like what BMW produces now. Having owned quite a number of BMW's including a Ravalia M3 the 330 was my FAVOURITE of all of the BMW's i have driven Thank you for your Post brought back happy memories of vehicles that were so much less complicated
I’ve always thought this car was peak BMW design. Glad I’m not the only one.
Absolutely agree Jack, E46 is peak BMW, and my feeling is the 325Ci is the "sweet spot" of the range. As a bit of a car nut, about 5 years ago I found a high mileage (circa 220k km), '03 325Ci with M-Sport pack (M sport alloys, subtle body kit, M sport steering wheel, sports suspension) at auction, that had only one owner from new, fully documented history, and was attracting not much bidding interest (probably due to the high mileage scaring people off) and looked to me to be a bargain (it was in amazing condition given the age/mileage) - so I cheekily put in a bid for $2800 (just over $3k with fees), and won it. Gave it a full service, new tyres and new battery, and used it as a second/weekend car for just over 2 years (about 9000km), and it performed flawlessly. It was a pleasure to drive every time, firm but still comfortable ride even with the sports suspension, and just the right amount of power and handling verve to make the drive smile inducing and just special. Sold it (I'd scratched that BMW itch) after just over two years, and having not cost a dime in repairs, for $7000. For car/driving enthusiasts on a budget, I can't think of anything better for the money. Cheers!
My wife has an E46 320ci Cabrio. By far, the best car we have ever had. She only allows me taking the car to the dealer, every two years, compared to other brands that ask for a yearly service. The engine note is adictive. If I had to complain, for the interior, be careful with your nails, to avoid spoiling the soft surfaces. Also the CD changer stopped working. Car still attracts attention, luckily, proper one, since in the past we suffered on purpose paint scratches, even corrosive líquid over a panel. It is such a beautiful car.
Ive had mine 55 plate since 2018 and it still amazes me, I'm not letting it go!
I think you got it 'spot on' these cars are BMW when that means something to own such a car.. Such a beautiful design and great lines from any angle and the interior is well appointed. I can't think of anything of the same era that can better this car off the top of my head. As for modern BMWs, why? I think it was you that said they look like something out of a computer game and I agree 100%. It is nice to hear that this car is owned by a young person, it goes to prove that young people do have an interest in older cars so well done Dan. A great video Jack thank you for bringing it to us. 👍👍
Spot on
I preferred the E36, superbly built, lighter than the E46, and imo better looking.
I never liked those headlamps on these.
They are very good cars though I agree, but more comfortable and more of a luxury car than the E36.
The fact so many E36's ended up as track / drift cars, kinda proves they were better at that sort of thing.
The E36 325 M50 engine was very strong, reliable, and quicker, with the same 192bhp, as the E36 was lighter, and more nimble with a better steering feel.
I had an M140i, and I can understand your feelings about your M135i.
E36 still very much under appreciated. I also think the styling is more beautiful, though E46 is also a looker.
Agreed, he's unusually off the mark here. I think the E46 is very handsome but it's clearly not pretty. The E36 is sharper, less plumped up and the coupe design is ageing so well. Mind you, I've got a Z3M coupe so what do I know about beauty?
Sadly no wide body on E36, if E36 M3 had the wider arches it would've been coveted much more today as an object of art and desire.
@@idokwatcher2062 I'm lucky enough to have the lesser spotted AC Schnitzer CLS widebody, which was a carbon/ Kevlar kit. Really pumps out the wheels in box arch stylee! Gives it a bit of an 8 series look from the rear...
I agree. I only had an E36 318iS as my first BMW and that 1.9 engine was fun to rev out.
Then got an e46 328Ci. The E46 had far more rust issues than my older E36 ever had. It just never felt as durable, despite having a much nicer interior.
Then I had an E39 M5 and an E39 530d Touring auto - my two favourites I've had despite being two very different E39s.
An E65 730d Sport which was a very comfortable car when it was working.
Then E90 330d SE with so many optional extras, M Sport suspension, and manual. Then an E91 335d M Sport Touring which was the best balance of performance and fuel efficiency I've had from any BMW .
Now I have an F30 330e... yes, the e90 335d was more fuel efficient and faster (when re-mapped).
I have wanted an E36 coupe or Touring with an engine swap... M62 manual or M57 35d. I'd say I would prefer an E30 with such a swap but E30s are just too expensive now. Hmm E36 Compact... that E30 derived rear suspension could make it "fun". Reality is, an E81 or E82 with the M57 35d swap is probably the most practical for a fun engine swap.
Couldn't agree more,I have the same car,rock solid,a bit of rust which is to be expected. A keeper. Best review of the E46 I've watched yet
Love my pre facelift 2003 325Ci Convertible. Just clocked over 226k miles and still going strong!
".......and the 330 had a nice little bump up to 330" 🤨
Errrrrr.......No!
The 330 versions made 231PS/228 HP - Not 330 HP!
slip of the tongue, i did of course mean to say 230..
@@Number27 Subframe is an issue on even a 316i, mine was cracked in two places, so power is not the problem, it's just a very very bad design on especially the pre facelift model...!
@@Number27 Please pin this comment or a note in the video to correct that.
Don't quote Jack on numbers, I'm sure he'd agree 😉
@@Number27 Didn't want everyone rushing out to buy a 330hp E46 330ci - Only to be seriously dissapointed 😉😄
My daily is a 2001 E46 330ci shed - The 3 litre M54 engine has to be one of BMW's all time great engines 😎
23 years on, she can still hold her own against a suprising number of more modern cars (much to their driver's surprise 🙂)
As Han Solo said about The Millennium Falcon: "She might not look like much, but she's got it where it counts" 🙂
Still have my 320ci E46 with 245,000 miles on it. Love it, perfect driving position and looks great. I don't think for the money there is a better car!
I have a 2004 325Cic that I drive every time I want to remember what made BMW great, before the company was taken over by marketing people. They need to give BMW back to the engineers.
A sweet spot. I owned an E46 330i MSport manual saloon in 2008 when it was then - 8 years old, and it was fantastic both performance wise and ergonomically. There's a lot to be said for those models that are just under the halo cars in a manufacturers range.
Don’t dismiss the auto either especially when mated to the 330ci engine, that pairing is also incredible, smooth refined and rapid!
Pal of mine bought one for less than a decent watch! Never let him down, but had an eml on the dash for months at a time
The E36 design has really grown on me, I think it is the best looking one actually. Nostalgic
Wa hey! It's Dan's car! I miss that 325Ci so much. We used to do so many drives with my M240i while i still lived in the UK. Loved how it drove. Probably my most vivid memory was chasing this car through the Southern approach to Black Mountain Pass while on tyres that had way too many miles on them while the 325Ci had fresh PS4s... he'd drop me every corner and I'd reel him in the straights only to lose him again through the next corner. Lovely memories. Cheers for the video mate!
Great cars Jack. My daily drive is a 2003 325Ci M Sport in Imola Red. At the moment, it still looks totally mint, no rust anywhere, lots of times when I'm out in it people stop to admire it and have a chat about it.
I’ve never had a 3 series but I did have a E39 525i which was a really good car. I’ve owned an E53 now for the last 10 years.
I owned the 4 door version.
Absolute magic handling car. the old 2.5 six was best described as having enough power, but only just.
The trick is to put the 2.5 inlet on the 2.8. The 3.0 is a heavier engine and throws the balance out. The 2.8 has a restrictive inlet to generate torque.
Thank you sir for this enjoyable review of E46 325ci. I own a silver E46 325i sedan with 5sp AT. I certainly wish I had bought manual transmission but still LOVE the car. It handles super well, especially corners on country roads in Oregon. I've had for almost 4yr and had to replace typical radiator, coolant expansion tank, water pump, idler pulley, tensioner, serpentine belt, DISA valve few times but neither was OE. In 40 years absolutely most enjoyable car I've ever owned.
I have had my 1999 328Ci since 2002 and have kept it pristine. Its also my daily driver and gets properly maintained. I almost cannot go on a shopping trip without someone remarking on it, which wouldn't be the case if I had the absolute latest model. Seems people really are starting to appreciate just how good this styling was.
Which alloys has it got? Those early 328Ci's were awesome. There was an aero kit which is now super rare and the top spec wheels were style 32s. It was a look that had shades of alpina and provided a stylistic bridge from E36.
I've had 2 E46s. I want one again. You'e right - there's nothing better for the money. Period.
The E30 was a very good car to drive and it was compact. I've owned a 316 and a 318IS and especially the 318IS was great. I've been driving BMW cats for the past 50 years and yes, I've also owned a 318IA E46. Also great to drive.
Back in the late eighties, I sold BMWs. Both the M3 and M5 were released here in the States. I remember the first time driving them; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!
Thanks again for an informative review.
My wife adores her '07 328xi sport wagon 6sp manual. My bimmer is a K1200LT.
We dread the day it can no longer be driven as a daily driver. Please help your followers like us that suffer that conundrum.
There was a 2.5 litre 323i/323Ci as well, 1998-2000 at the same time as the 2.0 320i (not sold in the UK) and the 328i/Ci. Those had the M52TU engines, replaced in late 2000 by the M54 320i 2.2, 325i/Ci and 330i/Ci.
E46's are a good idea on paper but they are very needy in old age and some jobs are ridiculously overcomplicated compared to the E36. An E36 radiator takes 30 minutes to replace including filling and bleeding, the E46 is a pain in the arse with seized on push fit hoses, the separate header tank and the inevitable broken mounting plate. Dead dash pixels, rust, wonky heater blower resistors, rust, knackered driveshafts and diffs (nowhere near as good as E36 ones), window regulators, window switches, front lower wishbones/balljoints/rear bushes and so on. The passenger side rear subframe mounting in the boot floor fails and is a pretty involved job to repair. Oh, and rust. They're a bastard for it. Finding decent quality front wings is getting hard now and even 'genuine' BMW wings (they're not) from the dealer need work to get them to fit and look right.
They drive well but there is a very good reason the E36 is worth more money. Lighter, more responsive handling and a lot easier to maintain.
E46's are only any good if you buy a really clean one with a stack of history. Trying to resurrect a rough one is a waste of time.
This really was golden era for BMW. Completely agree about the design, absolutely timeless, still looks great 25 years on! Having previously owned 325s/330s and now have an M3 I will say the M3 is a completely different prospect, however as you say if you can’t quite stretch to M3 money the 325/330 are great cars in their own right!
I had a ultra low mileage E46 Coupe in Gelb metallic with the 2.2 6 pot engine. It was a magnificent car, BMW UK used it to launch the new model 3 a few years ago. I swapped it for an 2007 Alpina D3 MT E90. I'm told it's one of the best in the country. Would you be interested in doing a review on my Alpina Jack?
I love my E39 - 23 years old, with 220,000 miles on the clock, and it's still nicer to drive than modern cars - as a new car delivery driver I think I'm qualified to say that!
That is an extraordinary testimonial, which very much chimes with my thoughts on moderns. The sheer ugliness and bulk is off-putting but for me it's the weight increase that has wrecked driving feel- I prefer a rawer, more analogue connection to the road surface.
I have been driving E39 for over 13 years.
I think part of the problems with perceived/real build quality is the constant battle between equipment/safety v the desire to keep the weight down (well on ICE cars anyway). I’ve owned BMW approved E36, E46, E90 and G30. The E36 felt very solid. Heavy doors/panels. The bonnet and boot felt like they were made from granite. The E46 felt tinnier on the panels but the interior was very solid and quality. The E90 felt a little less solid. The G30 was a let down. Panels felt very tinny, dash flex was substantial, everything felt thinner and lighter (I think the car was bigger but was lighter than the previous model despite having more equipment). The search for cutting costs and weight was definitely felt in build quality. Side by side my e90 panels felt more substantial and e36 a tank in comparison!
I have owned mine since 2010, had many newer cars between now and then but can never bring myself to sell the E46. Something about it is just so special. Also a 325 ci coupe
Had one these for 12 years .. best car I’ve owned.. I can see the door trim missing ..mine was the same .. brilliant drive
The E46 was, in my view, the second best car BMW ever made. The build quality, looks, driving dynamics and six cylinder engines were outstanding. I owned several of them and could never warm to the models that followed. The coupe is still a beautiful design. Virtually perfect.
What is best? 635csi?
@@mc1703 I was just about to say that before I read your comment, think that speaks volumes
Six cilinder is made for 330 not for 325 or below… not possible to compare M3 or 330 Ci vs others M46 models … go home whit your lovely 320 or 325 man 😅
@@paquetefernandezummm not true. I have an e46 -325xi bought new in 2003. The inline 6 was stock.
My brother had a black one it was a 2002 325i and I had the E39 528i se individual riptide was a 1998 on an S loved that car traded it in for a E60 525i bought that in 2017 still got it only done 90 thousand miles it was a one owner car from new with a full BMW service history drives perfect to this day never failed an mot
Bought myself recently a 320ci E46 and adore it. Build quality, sound and steering are amazing
I loved my facelift manual 330ci which i owned ten years ago. She was a little leggy even back then but still a wonderful drive. I've now got an F32 430d which is still infused with the DNA of the classics. Absolutely love it.
Back in the day BMW were ‘The ultimate driving machine’ for ‘car people’ who appreciated the quality engineering.
Now they’re just the ‘ultimate bling machine’ for people with no car knowledge or taste.
Yep. I have a E39 and maintained it since 2007. Before that i had an E30. 528i M sport(with M pack) sedan, manual, rare colour (montreal blue) and i dont think i ever sell it.
Absolutely spot on, peak BMW. I have had a 2001 E46 330Ci Coupe M Sport for 6 years, one lady owner, had 34,000miles on it, now has 63,000miles now. Mechanically sound, engine a peach, bit of rust......who cares when it is such a joy to drive.
Wonderful review. I owned an '03 E46 330Ci, and a few years later, a '04 E46 M3. Both were convertible. The former was a wonderful car in Sienna Red over gray leather. The later M3 I owned might have been wonderful if I'd only held out for the manual. That SMG gearbox was a nightmare and I regretted buying it almost immediately afterward. When it eventually left me stranded (actuator motor to clutch failed), I sold it shortly thereafter. That said, I too still find these cars to be absolutely beautiful and far nicer to look at than any modern BMW. I found myself wanting one all over again after watching this review, or at the very least, driving one again to bring back the memories!
The E46 or E39 plus navigation system and back up camera and you are all set. Do all the maintenance and repairs. It is worth it.
I owned an E46 325Cic Tiag on Grey for nearly six years and I was hooked. I replaced it with an E92 M Sport eight years ago and I plan on owning it as long as it runs.
I love my e46 325i 2004 Saloon. I love the fact it can be a normal saloon when i need it to but it can also give me spirited driving on the backroads when i need it to. Being the saloon its a little less desirable than the coupe but i needed a car with back seats for ease of access to the rear seats. I must admit it is one of the best cars i have driven.
I just got a 330ci convertible for really cheap. Best purchase I ever made. What a car!
It's a good car, I have 330ci 6mt, smooth engine and nice sound together with amazing handling makes me smile all the time.. I'm going to keep it as long I can.
Hey mate, I have a 2003 E46 facelift 330Ci convertible that I love to bits. It's auto so not quite as nippy as the manual, but it's a thing to drive. I can't wait for hot days to get the roof off and just go for a run. For me, this is the best convertible I have owned. Don't knock it. Happy for you to take it for a spin if you so desire and go to prove that it's a great drive, and possibly one of the nicest looking soft tops about.
My first BMW was a black 2003 330ci manual. I ordered it and waited 3 months for it. I REALLY miss that car. I even drove it from NYC to SF and back. I loved everything about it. None of the subsequent 5 I owned came close 😢
Best car I have ever owned, E46 330i Touring manual bought used with 36k miles. Did some upgrades to suspension brakes and mapped it. 100,000 totally trouble free miles of fun and practical motoring. Loved that car
Got 330Ci'04 for 8 years now and it is perfect car. 6 speed manual, slick Look, can drive fast and economically (last ride to Croatia 2500km 8l/100km average). Good equipment and nice xenons. Almost Gran Turismo car for 2.
Man I would be lost in depression if it pissed rain that much where I lived. I’m glad you are not affected. Love the channel
I have had two E36 and one E46. I regard the E36 as the pinnacle of motor car development and it's been downhill all the way from there. It had just enough electronics to make things work well and not the nightmarish pile of b0110cks that they all have now. It was ridiculously simple yet worked so well. You can typically get an E46 round a corner about 2 or 3% quicker than an E36 but you would have enjoyed the experience more in the E36. A few were lucky enough to find a really good E46 that didn't have sensor problems every five minutes or timing chain tensioner issues or VVT early death, and maybe that 325 you were driving is one of those!
I remember picking my last E36 up after it was MoT'd. I hadn't had time to check it or do anything to it and I half-expected a list of things on a fail certificate. I was handed a pass certificate with no advisories. "That's pretty good," I said, "13 year old car passed first time, no advisories. All I had to do was wash it!" The chap standing next to me shuffling through a pile of papers printed in red said, "Well, you can f#
I owned an e46 325ix and I was surprised how balanced and fun the car was to drive. It was such a great car. More balanced then any newer car from that era
I have an E46 330d manual with 212k miles on it. I bought it in 2014 with 93k miles on the clock and had I the usual M57 quirks sorted soon after, since then I have barely touched the engine outside of servicing. It is now a bit crusty on the rear arches, but even with the mileage it still gets down the road with little effort, but am just cruising around in it 9 times out of 10. Ok, it isn't a petrol variant that everyone wants, but I think the only way to separate me and the 330d will be me or the car facing an untimely death.
I bought an E92 335d last year and while the extra power and torque of the 335d is nice, I think I prefer to be behind the wheel of the E46. Certainly, in the corners, I have a bit more faith in the E46, but maybe it is the ditch finder tyres (dealer fit) on the rear of the E92 mentally stopping me from pushing it a bit more. However, I do like the fact that I shouldn't need to worry about rust anywhere near as much on the E92...
Im stuck in the 00s so I still drive my 530 E39 and 320ci E46 just because of the feeling for it. I cant find it in never BMWs. When everything turns do digitized clusterborards, suspension's, engines etc, I still like the age of mechanics just tuned to almost perfection.
I have 330ci M sport, amesome car, just about to restore it. A future classic..
Again you're spot on Jack. I used to sell these E46's new and the E36's used and they were both fantastic cars, great engines great quality and great handling. The E46 had the better interior but the E36 was a tad lighter, both great buys if you find a good one (manual).
I bought an E30 'sleeper' some twenty years ago - a 325E of the mid-'80's - from a friend who was being deported [long story] for the princely sum of $400. Now, it didn't present the aquamarine blue finish in an enthralling light - being left outdoors for 6 months in the blazing Cambodian dry season - but it drove impeccably for all of its 127hp. I kept it for five years and only needed to change the clutch plates, a $100 outlay. A lovely car to drive on degraded road surfaces, and the first vehicle in which my young daughter didn't get car-sick - later, an embassy official snatched it up for a 'fair' exchange of $1500! After, I went Mercedes, but the Beemer will always have a warm place in my heart - a great review, Jack
E30s gone crazy price wise these days
For those who want smooth shifting,that don't want to throw a stick shift, drives like a solid dream city/highway. 325i is not the car for gas peddle jockies but for the feel, it's solid. Slam a door on any modern car , feels like a tin can. 46 feels like a tank. Solid heavy doors. Great gas milage still gets 25/35! Buy pilot point 4s or all seasons and ride a curve. It's planted, responsive. You know your safe. Replace the bushings, gaskets with better qualiy ones, changed ccv, and coolant hoses. Buy one that's not abused, spend the parts money, save 30k compared to new car and enjoy no debt for the next ten years. 89.5k miles on mine. Could have bought used honda or others, i chose a quality engine with a fun factor.
Many thanks for posting the video. A car I aspired to own but never happened. This E46 along with the E30 model was one of the best shapes in the BMW' portfolio. I had three E30's one 325i and two MTECH 2 sports. The six-cylinder engines were sublime. As for the latest design abominations of the BMW, we'll leave it there.
Mine is US spec 2004 330ci convertible 50,000 miles....they are PERFECT!!
owned two of e46 325ci back in time, one of them LCI. Never had a single issue and they were dream cars indeed. Bought e92 325i after, also a dream car, not a single issue with it after 5 years of owning. Now i'm sitting in a big, heavy 5 series and it's ok, yet a bit boring.
I got a E46 320i , and I run in 5th gear 6800rpm and I do gps speed over 260kph and I bought it 2nd hand at 90000km and has now 380000km trouble free. Very good car, just changed, services as needed and runs on 20w50 shell helix engine oil, tyres, brake pads and twice crank sensor and intake cam sensor and radiator hose and water bottle.2001 model. people ask me if BMW is got Nos no just normal 95 oct. fuel.
I drove BMW from 1986 to 1997. I had a 318, 323, 520 and a 320. All were geeat cars and better made than most cars of that time. Now BMW have weird designs and could be designed and built in Malaysia or Korea.
The best BMW I ever had was the 323 but the best cars I have ever owned were Alpha Romeo.
Which Alfa models were your favourites?
@@patricebaumel
Mine was an Alfasud Sprint Veloce TI Quadrifoglio (Green Cloverleaf)
- SOO much fun in one small car.; rocket sled on rails.
Did have a GTV 2.5 coupe too, but struggled with slightly off-centre displacement of steering wheel and petals - stunning looking car though
(both were in Rosso - obvs).
@@ericdunn555 I like your taste!
I prefer the 4 cylinder ones. Even though they might lack in power, they are sitting behind the front axle and therefore offer fantastic balance.
Fully agree, peak BMW era this. I have a couple of e46s, love them both and untouchable in their price brackets. One is 330Ci automatic convertible picked up for very little £££££ and the perfect summer cruiser.. the other is a 330i saloon but with a rotrex supercharger conversion, 375 bhp, 600NM and totally bonkers!
Looks great in silver!
Drive 330Ci for past 10 years already. It really drives better than most new ones, but does need work once a year at least.
Owning a 2005 Z4 with the M54B25 engine I can confirm it's a delight to drive because, as you said, it's very smooth and has just enough power to entertain you without getting ridiculous. However, because of it's age the costs of keeping it running are quite high and electronic gremlins have found their home and apparently are there to stay. Still I am not letting the car go because of the almost perfect balance between usability and sheer joy, thanks mostly to that engine.
I have a saloon and a cabrio, both 2.2's, neither perfect but fit and the art can't be denied !
I like the looks of the pre facelift 4 door E46..... It has some elements from the E34 and the E32.....
We have a 2000 E46 328Ci Auto which is in mint condition with only 41K miles from new and it makes me smile everytime I get into it. A car from BMW when at it's peak, in my opinion.
Yes, I have dreamed about the BMW E46 325/330Cia convertibles for a long time, and especially the Alpina B3. Incredibly beautiful and still affordable.
I’m a big lover of e46’s having owned a 323 saloon, 328 touring, 330ci, 2x 325ti’s, 3x 318ti’s and 2x m3’s one of which I still have 14 years on.
You did miss out the 323 which came online with the 328 and as you say were followed by the 325 & 330 with the 320 slightly later with its sweet M54B22 lump. Loved the vid dude 😘
Love an E46 coupe - I have had them all when you could pick them up for little money: 320, 323, 325, 328 and a couple of 330's - all manual gearboxes . The 323 engine was super revvy and almost impossible to find now. Sadly my last one a 330 in exclusive trim and paint was written off last year by being rear ended on the motorway. This has got me yearning for one again. Thanks Jack.
Amazing to think that in one model/ shape BMW ran 4 different 6 cylinder configuarations (320 325 330 and M3)... 6 if you count 323 and 328!
This will sound really girlie ....
The E46 M3's came in some absolutely stunning colours .
Could never decide on my favourite . Yellow this week .
Bang on the money! I have had many different cars but went back to the 330ci, as it is truly THE best car when you factor *everything* in; horsepower (335i/M3) vs reliability, sporty-ness (MX5) vs practicality. Not to mension it has cheap parts, looks timeless, analog steering, huge aftermarket support, and values keep rising as people realize no new cars like these are being made, by BMW or any other.
330i Touring for me please. They had 236bhp from the factory. Had a few when they when they were new from factory (coupe, saloon & convertible also) and now have one again when they’re old and broken 😂
Had daily use of on of these though work back in the day and loved every minute of it. Of all the cars I've been fortunate enough to drive, this stood out head and shoulders as the best all rounder. Thought they could still be had for beans, seemingly not!....
And now going up in value! 330ci is the M3 Lite! Auto or manual whichever suits. Love them. Last of the best!
Thanks for the E46 confirmation! I may be relatively alone in this, but for me the estates with M-Paket are the ultimate in 3-Series BMW design … sundry M3s notwithstanding.