2002 steel blue 325i sedan here. Just rolled over 110k miles. Key is oil changes, cooling system overhall at 99-100k miles, suspension refresh and fix vacuum leaks. Smoothest six I've ever driven compared my friends IS300.
It all started with my 05' 330ci. 3 years in it was totaled. Since then I've moved on to a e90, f30 and f80. I still miss my e46, partly because that's where I learned all my diy skills. ZHP forever!
I've owned a 2004 BMW 325Ci for 10 years now and have only spent about $7,000 in maintenance on it over that time. I don't work on it myself, but that's only an average of $700 per year which is less than $60 per month or $2 per day. That's not bad at all.
Thank you so much for this vid and hard work. I just bought a one-owner 1999 323I with only 70k miles on it and it's been babied. I'M SO PROUD OF IT! I've learned all that I've needed to know about this car and I LOVE IT!!!
As an E46 330i owner since almost new I can tell you first hand the cooling system on this car is it's biggest pain in the ... I've had so many issues having to fix something after 80k miles to the point whenever I drive it, I'm constantly checking the engine temp. That expansion tank is such a weak point. The biggest pain is replacing the plastic hoses which are hidden under the intake manifold and hook onto the engine block. If you have to take off the intake manifold for any reason and your car has over 80k miles, I HIGHLY recommend you replace the 2 of them at that time. DO NOT WAIT to do it later or you might end up on the side of the road suddenly one day and you will have a blown head gasket. Trust me, it just happened to me. At that time I also highly recommend you replace the starter, the CCV, and and all vaccum hoses which run through the back of the engine, check any hoses that are corroded, and get the injectors professionally cleaned. Trust me, you will be grinning from ear to ear how your car feels new and peppy again and you will notice increased MPG as well.
I love my '05 330ic convertible ZHP; a truly enjoyable car to drive in our WNC mountains. And yes, I do all my own maintenance; starter, intake manifold, CCV system, VC, cooling system, brakes, etc. It's all part of the enjoyment of ownership, IMO. Your presentation was excellent & pointed out all the correct stuff. KUDOS.
true true, my first ever BMW was the 1999 (pre-face e46) 328i sports sedan. with the M52TU motor, i didn't know anything about how BMW worked but i knew i wanted this style BMW, then i started to find out what was what in the E46 chassis line. then 2 years later i bought a 2001 E46 330ci, after seeing and fixing a lot of weird problems with my 328i i felt more comfortable buying the 330ci since it was very similar in servicing and DIY nature. Im not a big fan of the E90xxx line as a buddy had one it was a 2011 335i turbo coupe, after his turbos failed he had to get rid of it since he couldn't afford to fix it and he wasnt good with fixing cars himself anyway. I've always fixed cars ever since i was 17, so having the E46 330ci in my life made sense, I still get a lot of looks and compliments on this car. We are all curatures of this brand we never really own them. Just making sure the passion of driving never dies.
My son and daughter have used you to repair their vehicles and we are really impressed with your work! Keep up the good work and keep on doing those great videos great knowledge!
I really don't wanna be that guy, but E46 actually had a lot more engines in Europe. The ones you mentioned, plus the six cylinder M52TUB20, M54B22, four cylinder M43B19, N42B18, N42B20, N46B18, N46B20A, diesel four cylinder M47D20, M47TUD20 and finally diesel six cylinder M57D30
Great car...good on gas..all electric window motors will break in hot weather...cooling system will die...this car will force you to either work on your car or find a legit mechanic..😅
330i is a great car, but earlier models 540i 1997-1998 have pretty solid reliability even though still not the same as e46:) i hope we'll make a review on e39 soon
This Is The Real Question!! Bmw sucks now..but i have that 01 manual 330ci mvr wheels oem navigationfull limo tint on some scarface shvt..its like it was made by another company...im still in awe
Hey Tim. Loved your video and details on engines. I am considering to buy e46 and i am thinking to get 2.0 liter version of it in Japan. Really would like your views on Engines [N46B20 and N42B20] on reliability and parts wise. My impression is that these engines aren't low emission ones so parts shouldn't be crazy expensive as you mentioned in the video but i couldn't find any proof/info about it. Would really love to know your thoughts and recomendation on this. Thanks.
I thought the electronic drive by wire gave inferior control to the direct cable actuated. At least thats what a lot of people claim which directly conflicts the info given in this video
M47 and m57, diesel engines are the most sold e46 (to my knowledge). The m57 beeing the best enigne to ever be put in the e46 capable of doing a million km with no major problems
@@Iceeeen we don't have diesel e46 here in us, and i never worked on diesel engines, i prefer to speak about what i know based on my experience, but thank you for adding info it's definitely good to know
For now, you dont ask the question about the E36 is a legend or junk car , and then you cant find the good condition E36 right now, so if 5 year later , is it a lengend or junk car , up to you
I have a quick question. My water pump on my 03 bmw 325XI was replaced already at around 191k miles. The car currently has 226k miles and Recently my thermostat started acting up. Should I still replaced the water pump or can I just replace the thermostat by itself ???
I recommend to do both together, at all times, those units have approximately same life span, no need to do same job twice in a matter of couple month, just do the both
125k miles. I haven’t changed the water pump yet and it needs to be changed. Do I have to change the thermostat along with the water pump or just the water pump by itself???
@@Zeiten anyhow I was about to buy an x5 e53 and your review about the 3.0i helped me a lot, great work dude! After I change the coolant is it mandatory to bleed the air out of it? Because I saw my mechanic changing the radiator or intercooler then adding coolant and not bleeding it
@@b2bline833 bleeding is necessary, especially on e53 e46 e39 e38 models, engines with belt driven water pumps, on later models electric pump has a procedure to bleed it automatically but still has to be activated
2002 steel blue 325i sedan here. Just rolled over 110k miles. Key is oil changes, cooling system overhall at 99-100k miles, suspension refresh and fix vacuum leaks. Smoothest six I've ever driven compared my friends IS300.
It all started with my 05' 330ci. 3 years in it was totaled. Since then I've moved on to a e90, f30 and f80. I still miss my e46, partly because that's where I learned all my diy skills. ZHP forever!
I've owned a 2004 BMW 325Ci for 10 years now and have only spent about $7,000 in maintenance on it over that time. I don't work on it myself, but that's only an average of $700 per year which is less than $60 per month or $2 per day. That's not bad at all.
Thank you so much for this vid and hard work. I just bought a one-owner 1999 323I with only 70k miles on it and it's been babied. I'M SO PROUD OF IT! I've learned all that I've needed to know about this car and I LOVE IT!!!
Thank you, glad it was helpful
As an E46 330i owner since almost new I can tell you first hand the cooling system on this car is it's biggest pain in the ... I've had so many issues having to fix something after 80k miles to the point whenever I drive it, I'm constantly checking the engine temp. That expansion tank is such a weak point. The biggest pain is replacing the plastic hoses which are hidden under the intake manifold and hook onto the engine block. If you have to take off the intake manifold for any reason and your car has over 80k miles, I HIGHLY recommend you replace the 2 of them at that time. DO NOT WAIT to do it later or you might end up on the side of the road suddenly one day and you will have a blown head gasket. Trust me, it just happened to me. At that time I also highly recommend you replace the starter, the CCV, and and all vaccum hoses which run through the back of the engine, check any hoses that are corroded, and get the injectors professionally cleaned. Trust me, you will be grinning from ear to ear how your car feels new and peppy again and you will notice increased MPG as well.
I love my '05 330ic convertible ZHP; a truly enjoyable car to drive in our WNC mountains. And yes, I do all my own maintenance; starter, intake manifold, CCV system, VC, cooling system, brakes, etc. It's all part of the enjoyment of ownership, IMO. Your presentation was excellent & pointed out all the correct stuff. KUDOS.
true true, my first ever BMW was the 1999 (pre-face e46) 328i sports sedan. with the M52TU motor, i didn't know anything about how BMW worked but i knew i wanted this style BMW, then i started to find out what was what in the E46 chassis line. then 2 years later i bought a 2001 E46 330ci, after seeing and fixing a lot of weird problems with my 328i i felt more comfortable buying the 330ci since it was very similar in servicing and DIY nature. Im not a big fan of the E90xxx line as a buddy had one it was a 2011 335i turbo coupe, after his turbos failed he had to get rid of it since he couldn't afford to fix it and he wasnt good with fixing cars himself anyway. I've always fixed cars ever since i was 17, so having the E46 330ci in my life made sense, I still get a lot of looks and compliments on this car. We are all curatures of this brand we never really own them. Just making sure the passion of driving never dies.
My son and daughter have used you to repair their vehicles and we are really impressed with your work! Keep up the good work and keep on doing those great videos great knowledge!
thank you, glad to hear it
I really don't wanna be that guy, but E46 actually had a lot more engines in Europe. The ones you mentioned, plus the six cylinder M52TUB20, M54B22, four cylinder M43B19, N42B18, N42B20, N46B18, N46B20A, diesel four cylinder M47D20, M47TUD20 and finally diesel six cylinder M57D30
23:30 dude at 2 o’clock trying so dam hard to get that right picture for tinder lmfao 😂🤣
Selling my 2001 325ci with only 29k miles. $8000. Automatic and it's a burgundy color.
Great car...good on gas..all electric window motors will break in hot weather...cooling system will die...this car will force you to either work on your car or find a legit mechanic..😅
Great video! I enjoy my 330i very much... great car and has been so much more reliable than my previous E39 540i
330i is a great car, but earlier models 540i 1997-1998 have pretty solid reliability even though still not the same as e46:) i hope we'll make a review on e39 soon
Im very happy with my 318i bleu metallic 309.000 miles engine is like new and inside to love my car!
There was also a hatchback available in SA in 318ti and 325ti.
The 328ci is better than any garbage new car from BMW, that's a fact.
This Is The Real Question!! Bmw sucks now..but i have that 01 manual 330ci mvr wheels oem navigationfull limo tint on some scarface shvt..its like it was made by another company...im still in awe
For now, it’s in a classic junk status, in a few years it will become a real classic, which the m3 already is
2001 325 ci Manual. KING OF THE 46
330 is better
Hey Tim. Loved your video and details on engines. I am considering to buy e46 and i am thinking to get 2.0 liter version of it in Japan. Really would like your views on Engines [N46B20 and N42B20] on reliability and parts wise. My impression is that these engines aren't low emission ones so parts shouldn't be crazy expensive as you mentioned in the video but i couldn't find any proof/info about it. Would really love to know your thoughts and recomendation on this. Thanks.
You forgot say that all issues is result of proper maintenance. That's why e46 is consider one of the last best bmw of all times.
Great video very informative thanks a lot :)
It’s a legend. 330ci>>>> any car
I own a 1987 325i convertible
and a 2004 325i sedan
Check out the Toyota Hilux in the background. 😍
I thought the electronic drive by wire gave inferior control to the direct cable actuated. At least thats what a lot of people claim which directly conflicts the info given in this video
Yes the 323 and 328 "hybrid" throttle feels more responsive.
Mine is a Legend, it's in very very good condition, It's a E46 2004 330i 3.0 Litre and fully optioned
Glad to hear it, keep it running👍
Forgot about the e46 compact
And m57(tu)d20 ,m57(tu)d30 and m54b22
don't have those in the us, but true they exist in eu, i think very limited production though correct me if i'm wrong
M47 and m57, diesel engines are the most sold e46 (to my knowledge). The m57 beeing the best enigne to ever be put in the e46 capable of doing a million km with no major problems
@@Iceeeen we don't have diesel e46 here in us, and i never worked on diesel engines, i prefer to speak about what i know based on my experience, but thank you for adding info it's definitely good to know
@@Iceeeen m47 is also a great engine, not as powerfull, but has the same reliability and cheaper to run. Anyway the m57 is more fun for sure!
Purge that chassis with fire. It looks so ugly it makes me vomit
what if you love the look and are willing to get your hands dirty, good car to learn on?
I think you have answered your question already😉
e46 will become a LEGEND
Are they filming Top Gun remake in the background... LoL...
Why are young people buying these cars?
Simple answer is probably because it still looks great delivers performance and pretty easy to work on and parts are relatively cheap
For now, you dont ask the question about the E36 is a legend or junk car , and then you cant find the good condition E36 right now, so if 5 year later , is it a lengend or junk car , up to you
bro dont forget the compact... :D
What about the M43B19?
I have a quick question. My water pump on my 03 bmw 325XI was replaced already at around 191k miles. The car currently has 226k miles and Recently my thermostat started acting up. Should I still replaced the water pump or can I just replace the thermostat by itself ???
I recommend to do both together, at all times, those units have approximately same life span, no need to do same job twice in a matter of couple month, just do the both
Zeiten LLC thank you
Zeiten LLC I got one more question...does the same thing apply for a 06 BMW X5?? I got my thermostat and expansion tank changed ar
Yep, on all bmw engines (and not only bmw) it is best to never separate replacement of water pump and thermostat, best to always change them together
125k miles. I haven’t changed the water pump yet and it needs to be changed. Do I have to change the thermostat along with the water pump or just the water pump by itself???
What do you think about egr delete, is it better for the engine? I have a diesel e46
can't really tell, don't work with diesels
@@Zeiten anyhow I was about to buy an x5 e53 and your review about the 3.0i helped me a lot, great work dude! After I change the coolant is it mandatory to bleed the air out of it? Because I saw my mechanic changing the radiator or intercooler then adding coolant and not bleeding it
@@b2bline833 bleeding is necessary, especially on e53 e46 e39 e38 models, engines with belt driven water pumps, on later models electric pump has a procedure to bleed it automatically but still has to be activated
Забыл про N42b20 / N42b18
Ok.. but wtf about Diesel engines? I know you all are gonna trash me, but they exist and he should've at least mentioned them.
they are the beast of the engines
«би эм дабью и форти сыкс...»
M54 2.2 as well
What are these labour quotes? Are you repairing your car at some le mans pitstop?
so much info lacking info in there. and he said u can find a cheap s54 and called it reliable thats funny as hell
Many peoples talks about the issues for n42 motor..after 309.000 miles driving still new same fucking power so its bullshit...
You forget the COMPACT......
Andreas Torelli Wouldt take it if it was for free
@@muhammedalizrl why you say that ???
Manual is the best🤷♂️
Yea
If you can find one these days.
Where are you located? What state?
We are going in Los Angeles, California
Do you have shop? Where are you located?
Nope, we are completely mobile and do all repairs at your convenient location
@@Zeiten Where are you located, which state?
Do E38 7 series classic or junk
Classic in my opinion but we’ll review it soon😉
@@Zeiten I agree with you. I'll be patiently waiting. Keep up the great work!
Thank you
You guys don't know what you are missing not getting the diesels.
Yes we are missing it, and it sucks. Diesel FTW!
What, 5000RPM tractor rev limit?
Yeah, something wrong with 335hp and 516lb/ft of torque and up to 66 UK mpg?@@idokwatcher2062
What's up with the comment section hiding comments?
Junk
Give to me i Will aceept
I can confirm its a junk car.