For me, the e46 platform provides a timeless look that appeals to me and my childhood self while most importantly remains a pleasure to drive while retaining the “raw machine” feel - being you still feel the road, accelerator, steering, there’s feedback, it’s not plastic or synthetic feeling.

I was going to get an f30 but then I took it for a test drive... feels like that cheep car simulator kit you got for your ps2 as a kid... no thanks.

Anyways, it is an amazing platform to work with, parts are affordable while they are still good quality. It has most of not all of the “bells and whistles” of most modern day cars that appease my creature comforts (I honestly don’t need a light on the side mirror to show me that I shouldn’t turn... look where your driving....)

When I drive my e46 I drive it, it doesn’t drive me, there are no new cars that I’ve driven where I felt I was in control. - even new manual cars feel simulated.

The bottom line is I feel that the e46 is the last production of the real BMW name; “The ultimate driving machine”.

That’s just my personal opinion and why I drive the e46 platform. If it were up to me I would have an 2004 M3 to match my 325i too, then i would be complete, I cannot because of space and parking restrictions [emoji24]

 

The guy who feels new cars are terrible, for whatever reasons?

Value seeker. Depreciated Euro performance. DIY enthusiast?



Why do you drive an E46 ?

I bought it for her timeless classic look. I kept it for her easiness to work on. Almost sold her a few times over the last 2 years due to her oil consumption but recently fixed that.


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I've always maintained and repaired my own cars, and have owned BMWs for a very long time. The E46 is the last of the BMWs that a capable DIY mechanic has a fighting chance of keeping going by him- or herself. The newer BMWs have all kinds of techie goodies that don't add value to the driving experience and when they break (not if, but when), will do so expensively. In relative terms, the E46 is still simple enough that it does not get between me and the driving experience. I drive an '04 330Ci with the 6-speed manual, and the engine/transmission combination is nigh on perfect. My wife drives an '03 325iT Touring. We call it our German truck; it's a very satisfying car to drive and it can carry an amazing amount of stuff. The way I figure it, a hundred dollars in parts every couple months is infinitely preferable to huge car payments every month and the lingering fear that the newer cars will break massively and expensively. I keep a large stock of repair and maintenance parts on the shelf, and I can fix the vast majority of the problems with these cars from shelf stock. I intend to keep them going for a long time to come.

If I was in the market for a new car, I likely would not buy a BMW - too big, too bloated, too heavy, too infested with gizmos.

 

I

The E46 is the last of the BMWs that a capable DIY mechanic has a fighting chance of keeping going by him- or herself. .

Absolute nonsense

 

A well maintained E46 is a lot of fun to drive, I owned mine for nearly seven years and DIY nearly everything. When it came time to move on I opted for an E92 with 6MT and leather interior not the pleather I had in the E46.

 

How's the e92 for diy?

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Classic BMW styling & German engineering. Not sure I would want a newer BMW other than perhaps an e93.

 

1. I enjoy the way they drive, especially after a few modifications/enhancements.

2. As a hands-on automotive hobbyist, I find them to be accessible and pleasant to work on.

 

I wanted something with an I6, manual transmission, RWD and back seats. I'd always liked the way E46s looked, and the one I have popped up for sale locally. I'd like to say it's my dream car and I'd always pined for one, but that's not the truth. It was a pretty "logical" purchase, if that's the right word. It checked all the boxes, so to speak.

It's been a good relationship for the past 4 years. :thumbsup:

 

To respond to my own thoughts, in a way:

1. It's paid for and cheap to operate.
2. After spending quite a bit on it around 2015-16ish, it's been dead reliable.
3. Drives and looks good enough, also after much money spent on these aspects. Fortunately I'm getting value out of it with a 30 mile round trip commute 5 days a week.
4. Easy to work on and after 8 years I know every system/component of the car like the back of my hand.

Still thinking about getting it a stablemate maybe 6 months to a year from now, but problem is I really have no idea what I want. Looked at everything from the S3, Macan S, and the A6 3.0T on the higher end to low mileage N55 335i's on the lower end. I just want something a little more comfortable for daily driving at this point but still sporty. :dunno:

 

I think I fall into your category of having other cars including new ones, and not needing to have a Bimmer or an E46, but having it fill a certain niche for me. I've been fortunate to have driven some fun cars, all non-Bimmer. My '01 330Cic ZSP manual-5 is my first Bimmer.

At the time, I was looking for a fifth car in the fam to be my cool DD, which meant it had to look pretty good, have great handling, not be a Japanese import, and show decent gas mileage if possible (not converting to electric yet). I was leaning Euro and a vert, so a Bimmer vert or Porsche 987 Boxster (post IMS bearing revision). I had other cars including a new one and AAA, so it was ok if the car was older. I was already starting to learn DIY on German cars with a '99 E320 (non-diesel W210). Budget-wise, I was going to be opportunistic and would have gone for an E46 M3 if a good example had crossed my path first.

As it happened, I ran across my fairly functional, clean title stock 330Cic with 168k miles for $1,860 including acquisition fees and tax. A nice surprise was it came with the wind deflector, which is useful to drive on the highways with the top down. I have put in another $1,200 over 22 months to keep the car running well. The car isn't pristine since there are plenty of things left to do, but it is running fine as a DD, handling a 90 mi commute every day (only one breakdown in 22 months when a hose split) and a couple of hurricanes. I love the classic look, even that the PO lowered it, and have found the DIY enjoyable. I made the conscious decision to keep the E46 when I moved cross country and had to whittle the fam cars down to three. I incurred a shipping cost of $1,300 so it was not a trivial decision.

I still am tempted by the M3 but it would fill a different niche (which would be my second fastest car currently and a second track car) than my 330Cic.

 

Because it was my dream car for many years. When the E46 came out in the late 90s i was in my late teens and no shot at getting one. As i got older and could afford it, for whatever reason i never got one but eventually in 2015 i said "**** it, i am getting one" and looked for 4-dr, low mileage, 6spd, red zhp.

They have aged very well, especially if you replace the amber tail lights, and drive wonderfully. I love going for a drive and hearing the engine rev up and the overall simplicity of it. You get in the cabin and it's simple and don't have a boatload of buttons to press. Bought it as a "pleasure" car and will stay that way as i have another car i use for daily duties.

I have driven the F30 and whatever the new 3series is called, and they were quite unimpressive so in no rush to sell the E46.

 

I am basically a Mopar musclecar CONVERTIBLE enthusiast. For years I bought nothing that wasn't a Chrysler product and only bought one new car (in 1985). When my kids were grown (my youngest was a senior in high school in 2004) we needed a new daily for my wife. I found a clean '95 LeBaron convertible which she drove for 7 years and 70,000 miles without much in the way of problems. It was replaced with a very nice 2002 Sebring Limited convertible in 2011. That car died when it hit a security gate post after unintended acceleration. It was totaled, but we had some money along with the money from my Durango being totaled (guy high on meth ran a red light). I gave my wife a choice, a 40 mpg modern sedan or another convertible. She did not hesitate so I was looking for another convertible. This time I broadened my search.

I gave her another choice. I said I would look at Mustangs and Camaros. There was no hesitation there, either. I did a search on Auto Trader with the criteria of convertible with less than 100,000 miles for less than $10k (this was five years ago). I was very open minded, but the car had to be fun in addition to the top going down. The Toyota Solara looked boring as hell so it was out immediately. That left Jag XK-8, Mercedes C-Class, and 3-series. After investigating my ability to work on the car and the performance factor, that left ONLY a 330Ci E46. I didn't like the side vents on the M3, plus the price didn't fit my parameters and the 325 just didn't have enough power.

Now, we're five years into ownership and the choice was the right one. There's a few deferred maintenance items that it needs, but that's gonna have to wait a few months. Handling is as good as any car I've ever owned, it's comfortable (my back SCREAMS at me after a long trip in most cars), fast enough, and the top goes down. BUT, this was supposed to be my wife's car. Not long after we bought it she started having trouble with her hips so we had to trade as the Durango (yes, I fixed it after the total) is easier for her to get in and out of. So, now it's my daily (I'm not complaining). I have no idea what will replace it, but that is a ways out in the future, most likely, as we only put about 3-5k miles a year on it and it's now at about 116,000 miles.

 

I was 20, needed a car and had 8k in my pocket. I went to a used car dealer and they didn't have any infinity g35s, so I scrolled through Craigslist & found a 325xi and bought it an hour later for 3200. In hindsight I am so glad I didn't buy an overpriced *** pos. I did end up getting one later and sold it. My 325xi was a awesome car, but I wanted more power after like a year so I bought a 330i smg and rebuilt it from a slight front end crash. After rebuilding the car from an accident, and replaced the seals on the slave cylinder, I ended up throwing a rod a month later. I parted it out, and went back to driving the 325xi. A while later I bought a 330i with a bad auto trans for a project. I also bought a 323ci for parts for the 330i project. One day I snapped the belt on the 325xi and decided to keep driving so that was the end of her. I parted that car out aswell. A week later I bought a pretty nice 330ci. The 330ci was my daily and I put 30k on her in less then 6 months. I gave the 330i project car to my little brother along with everything he needed for a manual swap since he's been helping me work on cars. He's almost done and is super into cars now which is awesome. At one point there was at least 4 e46s in my yard. Last October I stepped up to a m3, so I sold my 330ci after I taught myself how to drove manual. I've been driving the m3 for the past year or so and it's been awesome. Every time I see someone in an e46 or any used Bmw I am impressed. It takes a lot of hardwork and money to keep these things on the road! My dad always tells me to get a new car, but when I let him drive my m3 he remembers exactly why I like old crappy bimmers. The e46 is one of the best drivers cars imo. It's got great balance, decent performance even for a 325 model, and they are actually fairly reliable.

TLDR: got a 325xi and caught the disease. In the past 2 yrs I Got a 330i, a 323ci, another 330i, a 330ci, a g35, a Ford F-150, a 745i, and an m3. I only have the m3 and 745i now, and my brother has one of the 330is.

 

I was 20, needed a car and had 8k in my pocket. I went to a used car dealer and they didn't have any infinity g35s, so I scrolled through Craigslist & found a 325xi and bought it an hour later for 3200.

Found myself in a very similar situation years back except I was browsing for an early 2000's Audi A4. The E46 wasn't even on my radar, at the time I thought they were a bit ugly and pedestrian... but it turns out that's because I had only ever seen base model sedans in poor condition. Stumbled across mine on craigslist and loved it but couldn't understand why it looked different/better than the rest. It was a pre-facelift with Mtech1 Bumpers... had no idea what any of that meant at the time but over the years I've found it's one of my favorite E46 combos.

Why do I still drive it? This forum is a big part of that. I quickly found that there was an incredible amount of information on these cars and how to maintain them so it turned into a learning experience for me. I'd had a few cars before but never cared to learn about them. Pair that with the fact that it's a hell of a lot of fun to drive and I was sold for life. I've said it many times but I never plan to sell the car if I can help it.

At first I had an indie doing everything, now it's probably 50/50 where I do the jobs I want and I pay for the dirty work. Once I have a garage of my own I plan on diving head first into some of the more thorough refreshes it surely needs. I've also developed a bit of a hoarding problem with spare wheels, parts, fluids, filters... good thing I live in an area where square footage is cheap to rent. Would be nice to get my spare bedroom back though!

 

it's a NA rwd manual coupe with enough amenities and the most beautiful car I could afford

 

My will is its command. I love how we fit together, but I think our time might be coming to an end, baby. The new vanos hose and maybe ofhg is IT. Done. You want to Fn break after that it's totally on you, but I expect you to hold together to 400,000 without a new timing chain guide...and ccv you better clear up soon on your own. I am not doing you!

385,000 miles--mostly wonderful ones! Original motor and clutch and who's got more miles than me other than kburger?

 

Not me... Nice job, good writeup.

 

I believe the E46 is the epitome of what it means to drive a BMW. I’ve driven other platforms and years. There is something about the ol’ girl that just touches your soul. The lines, the looks, the power, just everything about it screams DRIVE ME NOW! As I read in previous posts, my will is her command. And boy does she follow instruction. If I can help it, it keep her forever. Thx


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The guy who feels new cars are terrible, for whatever reasons?

hey that’s me .. but i hate new cars for /several/ reasons.

I was going to get an f30 but then I took it for a test drive... feels like that cheep car simulator kit you got for your ps2 as a kid... no thanks.
...
The bottom line is I feel that the e46 is the last production of the real BMW name; “The ultimate driving machine”.

yeah i agree. actually this might be an age thing. some of the guys here might be too young to remember when cars weren’t trying to be computer video games.

 

hey that’s me .. but i hate new cars for /several/ reasons.



yeah i agree. actually this might be an age thing. some of the guys here might be too young to remember when cars weren’t trying to be computer video games.

Yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head saying that it’s an age thing, listen I’m not old, I’m in my late 20’s but I grew up in South Africa driving a Mazda without abs and power steering and all the nice creature comforts, I know what it’s like to drive a “raw” car, and I love it haha.

 

Dirt cheap, rwd, plenty of aftermarket and used parts available, not a terrible engine, fairly good driving dynamics and easy to work on.

 

Why do I own an E46?

- Last good looking model made by BMW
- Relatively easy to maintain / DIY
- Easy to add performance mods
- Lots of parts available (realoem.com) / good community (like this forum)

 

Because I like repairing old German ****.

LOL! Just kidding.

The E46 is the last BMW I really like. I like the exterior of some of the newer ones, but after the E46, IMHO BMW interiors look generic, and frankly, ugly (remember, IMHO). A couple of people have mentioned timeless looks, and to some degree, that's true, but not completely. I think it's starting to show its age, but I still love it. I fall into the category of someone who could afford something else. Since I don't like modern Bimmers, a Tesla Model 3 is probably the only alternative I think I'd consider.

Now, after having George Hill do a 330i conversion to my car (along with swapping the 5MT for a 6MT), I really couldn't be happier. I'm driving exactly the car I want to be driving.

 

I feel you, I think I am going to get a Tesla for my first brand new car one day

 

Because my e36 hit 200,000 miles. And the e46 came with the factory hard top.

 

Because right now, around here, I can find every part I'd ever need in the cheap junkyards.

And the 3L M54 engine has 'adequate' power.

AND I've owned them long enough to be able to work on them without having to think about it too much.

Previously, I've commuted in a 2002 and an E36 (250k, here).
Eventually, the parts supplies dried up, so it was time to 'upgrade'
simply for practical reasons.
Plus, airbags.
ABS is nice, but I far prefer a limited slip diff to the junk that the E46 got in its ABS computer...

I'm not sure what I'll do for a commuter when the N52 generation dies out, as the turbo era cars just aren't going to be as durable.
Based on personal observation from the cars of the '90's...
Maybe the Tesla S market will go soft at some point.

t
luxury cars for pennies on the sticker- dollar

 

Stop making me want a e90, Efthreeoh. I've also heard good things about the stoutness of the n52 and e90.

Main reason I want an e46 right now is that I wrecked the rear quarter panel on my e36 :bawling:. I love my car but it's just not worth the expense to get it fixed, so I feel like maybe it's time to try an e46. I've driven a few before and the ergonomics were good and the steering feedback was really nice. I like the styling, engines seem reliable enough, still possible to find them with manuals, and overall seem like a well-rounded do-it-all type of car. And they're super cheap now with tons of diy help on the interwebs.

 

- The coupe is a beautiful design, particularly from the side
- The engine is a pleasure and a joy to work on
- The cabin design in one of the best of the 20th Century
- The driving experience is incredibly pleasing

And perhaps the most rewarding thing is the learning experience that you get when sticking with the same platform. I'm sure there will be more E46s in my future and I value the knowledge I've gained and being able to put it into practice. Most people I know lease soulless cars, can't lift the hood, and give them back after 18 months. Where's the fun in that?

 

- The coupe is a beautiful design, particularly from the side
- The engine is a pleasure and a joy to work on
- The cabin design in one of the best of the 20th Century
- The driving experience is incredibly pleasing

And perhaps the most rewarding thing is the learning experience that you get when sticking with the same platform. I'm sure there will be more E46s in my future and I value the knowledge I've gained and being able to put it into practice. Most people I know lease soulless cars, can't lift the hood, and give them back after 18 months. Where's the fun in that?

:bow:

 

It is still a mostly analog experience With a manual transmission and a soft top, but I still have backup sensors, airbags, and a backup camera.

 

I still like driving my 2001 325ci 5 speed manual transmission car. That's about it. It's not fast enough or powerful enough to get away from me and I always feel in control. It's also one of the most comfortable cars I have that I can take on a nice long road trip and it gets decent gas mileage given it's age. With the help of this site I can wrench on the car and keep it going. I do need to take care of some interior issues (e.g. sagging cloth and lining separating from side cushioning) that are a bit embarrassing. I could get a new car but again I still enjoy my 2001 325ci.

 

My sister offered it to me at a bargain price (and I was going through a mid-life crisis, as I would never have thought
about buying one). I was also able to sell my SEAT Arosa in the same week, so the decision was made easy. My local
indy mechanic thinks it's in good condition and has been looked after well.

My only concern is getting rear-ended by some driver not paying attention, thus rendering my car uneconomical to repair
from an insurance company point of view.