@@mislavkonjik2827 I would say it's the perfect balance between the two. It's modern enough to have everything you need (aside touch screens etc) but old enough that you can fix it yourself, the driving experience is raw and has that iconic look. Ultimately it's personal preference, but the E46 in my eyes is the perfect all rounder.
Key points as touched on with these cars. Expansion tank, get it changed, rust keep the rear arches inside the wheel well clean, stone can chip the painted surface and cause rot. And treat these arch areas with a rust proofing product. They rust from the inside out a lot of the time. Same on the front but will have to remove the arch liner on the front. Also keep any leaves out of the front of the car where the water drains. This can turn to mush and rot the inner sills. When changing the valve cover also buy the 15 rubber grommets that get bolted in they can leak from the bolts. When changing the gasket make sure the surface on the engine is totally clean and use a sealant especially on the lower part of the engine. Suspension refresh is a good idea as they are getting on a bit now. Regular oil changes with quality oils. Then replacing any parts that get worn such as door sills and interior pieces all available at bmw for reasonable price. Using a fuel addictive is a good idea if the car has stood. Changing plugs is an easy job like a lot of maintenance on these cars. You can also change the lower grill as these fade and become grey, they should be black. Front bumper off job to do that. You can also plastic dip the rear diffuser to make that stand out as these also fade. When looking underneath the car make sure all 4 of the rubber bungs are in place on the floor if they are not there water will get in and rot the floor. Same for the bungs in the rear arches.
I recently got a green 323i manual. It's the 5th E46 we've had in our family now. 318, 320, 323, 328 and 330. They really are the best. My father still has the 330i which he bought from my uncle, who I think bought it new. It's still mint inside and exterior and going strong at 320,000km. I've seen many examples here in South Africa. I often look at 2nd hand ones. The interiors are generally very robust. The parts that tend to wear badly are the roof lining, a, b and c pillar lining. The leather on seats and armrest (if it has one) tend to go after 15 - 25 years, so you can almost expect that on any example now. The rear ashtray cover breaks quite easily and is broken on most examples. Steering wheel leather will be close to end-of-life for most models. The small driver cubby is very prone to scratching and will have some black visible where the trim colouring came off. Be sure to check that the clock can be set by twisting the right-side push-pin on the dash. This mechanism is prone to failure. Also look for a red light near the mile/km symbol on the dash. This is the tamper indicator and means the dash has likely been changed so the odometer reading cannot be trusted. Cars that are well looked after should show very minimal interior wear with the exception of the above mentioned issues.
Incredibly indepth, well written and some fantastic camera work. Loved to hear ur more personal thoughts on the car as well as some of its drawbacks. Fab work guys :)
Cars made post 2010 have no soul, the 2000s was the last great decade. I love my 2005 BMW E46 330i ZHP, almost 286,000KM (around 177,500miles) on the odometer. Other than the usual oil and filter changes every 4800KMs, spark plugs, brake fluid changes, engine coolant changes, serpentine belts it is still factory under the hood.
They're brilliant cars even stock. I've been struggling to work out what I'd want to change on mine. A little more power is always welcome but, it's not 'needed'!
An absolute classic…. I have a 2005 M Sport Special edition…. 43,000kms…. A pure joy to drive today in 2022 and arguably the last of the best built and solid BMW platforms we have seen. Nice video.
Amazing work on the video gents. Amazing car, the E46 has to be one of my favorite cars ever. Excellent review, if you said this was a production from a 1M+ channel, I'd believe you without a doubt. Great watch, thanks!
I bought a 2006 318Ci for my son who is learning to drive. What a wonderful car. Timelessly elegant, with an obviously loved interior that looks incredibly fresh. I may be hooked.
I think too much degree those of us in the Western Hemisphere are guilty of deposable societies. What I mean by that is we do not repair much of anything, we buy news telly, new appliances, new cars, new mobile phones every 3-5 years, most items are designed to break after 3-5 years so the days of having these machines last past 10 years is a marvel in of it's-self. Older BMWs were made better, you are not going to see many F or G generation models on the roads 15-20 years from now.
I've been fortunate to own an 05 330ci new since March of 2003. I have also owned WRXs, a B8.5 S4, M235 as well as a few others. While I tune/modify all of my vehicles including the E46, that is the only one I still love and will never sell. The chassis, steering, gearbox, and most of all the looks of it, will never be replicated. That may be objective, but based on the compliments I get every time I drive it, it almost seems a fact!
Good video with excellent points regarding the coolant header tank and arches. One of my cars is an E46 325ci sport with auto box and it’s superb. I’ve had it for 8 years now and maintained at no expense spared (find a good trustworthy specialist) and will likely never sell it. Mine has now done 242,000 miles and I replaced the dampers and springs a couple of years back, after some research I decided to go with the Bilstein B12 Pro kit that has mono tube gas dampers matched to Eibach springs and maintains the factory Sport ride height. Also I can recommend the AFE intake kit as you can then have some nice induction roar above 3,000 rpm - a baby CSL lol. Aside from that mine is all standard but I would love some gold BBS LM’s if they ever start doing them in 18” 5x120 again :-)
I picked up a 2002 330xi in 2005. Didn't get near as good a price as you. Rear springs are a maintenance item in areas where they salt the road. Really helps if. you can do some of the work yourself. Plastic is a problem, esp. in the engine compartment. They are fun cars, considering the payments on new cars, you can spend a lot on repairs and still come out ahead.
Love seeing the shared passion for this iconic platform! I’ve got a 325i as well and find myself saying the same thing…can’t think of anything I’d want to replace it with.
'Bonnie' is the name of my pride & joy - she's a 2005 330i M-sport touring. So rare & so lovely to own & even more lovely to drive. This is the second E46 I've owned. My wife told me to get an estate car for the family (I didn't tell her about the nuke under the bonnet). She's still quick & sounds amazing - I wouldn't buy anything else!
I was given the opportunity to rescue a lonely 2003 330Ci Cabriolet that spent many years alone at an airport parking lot as the former owner regularly visited the United States and rarely paid any attention to her. Just in the nick of time, I found her and began to restore this gem to Her former Glory! Now she spends her off time under my carport and she thanks me daily, only if I let her loose on the turnpike. Yeah, The Ultimate Driving Machine, for sure. Shalom to my Bimmer family from Texas
These where Last best bmws in looks and timeless design, the e46 and e39 had enough tech but wasn't over done and even today what tech you need replace the head unit if you like to a oem fitted toch screen android headunit with all the Bluetooth etc and it's modren enough with the sporty feel, the new bmws are nothing what they used to be all those big screens and ugly front ends with big grills.
@@NoneofYourbusiness-s8f Since that comment, you're now able to have carplay installed on the OEM head unit, while still being able to switch to the old interface at the touch of a button. Check out carphonics.
@@NoneofYourbusiness-s8f As an update to my original comment, yeah I'd agree. Much better to let Carphonics update the factory head unit to run carplay.
I love you guys. Such high quality content with so much effort and time put into them. One of my favourite cars of all time, but I personally like the E36 more in terms of appearance. Again, love you lads, such amazing content. Hope you both are doing good.
1:04 dude why is your hood latch release sticking out... That thing is going to flip up and blind you on the highway oh my god! But also, that is a clean ass e46 and I give you tons of props for that... Just... The hood latch needs to be secured bro!
Hey, I am 19 year old and driving a 1999 323Ci in the very same blue that you do. Every time I get into this car it is just pure joy you experience. Driving a 6-cylinder car with a 2.5 liter engine as your second car ever, what more can you wish for 😁 Keep up the work dude, greetings from germany!
@@vladvasiloni1577 Did you end up getting one? I would be too scared to, even driving my 2013 kia picanto had me bricking it the first few months of driving.
@@kierannm7646 i am actually getting one ,but i will use my moms car for daily driving and learning (2015 a3) . I made a promise to myself that i will not push the car or do any 'dynamic' driving till i get a good understanding of how it reacts on the road.
I own a Facelift 320i(150hp) mystic blue , added Nbt evo id6 to it , fited in interior as a f30 , all functions work even the warnings . Made a polish and I fall in love each time I see her . She’s my beauty.
The entire cooling system is made of chocolate on this era of BMW’s. The radiators warp and need replacing. And it’s a BMW, so it will leak oil from somewhere. I loved my E46 325ti, but it was quite a needy thing; new rad, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, snapped rear springs and generally a healthy appetite for wishbones. Sounded nice though. Interestingly enough it was better on fuel than the E90 330 that replaced it, my 130i, M140i and current 335i.
I’ve had my 320Ci E46 Convertible 2002 ( Honey Boo) for 20 yrs ( 2nd owner) 145K mileage full spec rather unique 100% me & still drives like a dream !!! Very well looked after just replaced the alternator otherwise just wear & tear replacements only ever failed 1 (last )mot 😢 in its history on a fault I couldn’t see !!! Rust has appeared but dealt with immediately. There is not a week that has gone by in its life that this car has not been complimented by strangers I can’t speak highly enough of this model. I don’t think I will ever part with it I’ve looked at others along the way but NOTHING has compared !!! If I saw it on a forecourt tomorrow I would buy it again immediately nothing gives me the thrill I got when I saw it & drove it on the road today I’ve tried other top of the range up to the minute cars but I don’t get that gut reaction. Fab car !!!!
@@TheBackRoads just to update I’ve taken the plunge on the 325ci m sport, ok it needs some cosmetic work like new front fogs and wheel refurb but on the whole it seems ok, the only thing I’m slightly concerned about is that the guy said he tops it up with 1/2 a litre every couple of months, he said this is normal for these engine’s I owned a e90 325d for 3 years and it never needed a drop.
@@JockJaimeRadfordBromley At 340,000 I would be incredibly susprised if it hasn't been done at least once in it's lifetime. Normally you know it's on it's way out when you here a grinding noise for a few seconds on start up.
I had an E46 330ci for 3 years in 2015, i reckon i spent the equivalent in keeping it going, partly because of the garage i was using which wasn't very good and also components that shouldn't fail so early in their life, Cooling system, power steering pump, fuel pump, Disa Valve and finally the nail in the coffin was the automatic gearbox which webt wrong, i was looking at over £2000 to get that refurbished! I got rid after that I did love it when it worked though, great engine, good steering and would have been miles better in manual, i might have still had it if it wasnt for yhe gearbox.
The 330's are certainly more powerful. But the 2.5L is often seen as the strongest block of range and nearly 200bhp in a daily driver is still nothing to shake a stick at! Would I prefer a 330? Only if I could find a similar spec car.
I suppose it depends how far you want to go! But for example, with a free flowing exhaust and a slightly better intake - we can get my 325 up to 220bhp with a tune. So roughly £500 (inc tune). But they're so easy to turbo charge that you might as well go that route.
Mine is a 2003 with 87K miles. Always garaged and maintained. Still a interesting trade off everyday to my Macan S, especially when it is a top down day
10:45 and that's why I'm still keeping mine 💪 still owning one for over 6 years and never had let me down ❤obviously you would have to change bits and bobs because of age and use but overall the pleasure of driving this car is worth it 🤩
I have owned a 2001 330ci sport for last couple of years after sorting out some issues , rear springs , small areas of rust on boot lid , brake line corrosion , it’s now a perfect car and amazing to drive 230bhp from a naturally aspirated straight six engine and 0-60 in just under 7 seconds . The straight six sounds deep and growling, I actually prefer the sound of the 330ci over the M3 which is a bit raspy , if you can’t afford M3 prices , go for the poor man’s M3 like I did .
Wow you guys have got a lot of subs now! I remember a few years ago when Phly sent me over, you guys had like 400 subs. Look at you Go! I love this kind of content and glad I stumbled upon you!
A 325 for 2.5-4k depending on mileage and condition? Seems the market is sitting a lot higher than that at the moment unless there's something I'm missing... I'm looking for a manual coupe. What mpg do you get in yours?
Currently from what we're looking at in the UK, that's still about right. I picked mine up for £2,500 in 2020. But it won't be long before they're fetching more for sure! I'm perhaps not the best example as I get around 30mpg 😂
I had an E46 for many years. It was a 320i so a Six but only a 2.2. 170bhp so not crazy quick but I was getting out of a 94 Mr2 with 174bhp. The BMW was faster because of the torque. The BMW was great to drive and a timeless design. I also had to replace the coolant tank. I bought a couple of new front wings. I sprayed them myself and was ready to fit them then I got an offer to buy the car that I couldn't refuse. It had done 150,000 miles. It was pretty special. BMW Individual Tourmaline Violet. Blueberry Nappa leather interior. I wish i'd kept it. My Z4 is still fun tho. Luv and Peace.
Great video! I have exactly the same car and colour. Easy to service,rock solid engine,great performance. Always puts a smile on my face. Have you upgraded the disa valve? Not sure if i should do mine.
@@TheBackRoads you're welcome, i recently had to get the heater interior blower fixed..can't remember what the faulty part is called but it's under the steering wheel..pig to get to. Also got my serpentine belts changed. Not sure about doing my disa valve,I've checked it though and mine is fine..I've got the upgrade kit though to do it. Thinking of getting dry ice treatment on the underside. I think bmw e46 2 door coupes will rise in price.
I have the exact same car with some m3 CSL wheels and bumpers. Wouldn’t sell or swop it for any other car. With a sick tune and some great exhaust work these cars drives like a 10 year old and not 20 year old
Enjoyed the video. I bought a 2000 328Ci in October 1999, topaz blue, grey interior, factory areodynamics package, and with a 5 speed. So, a real soft spot for your car! Easy car to work on! The car is not a fast car like my E93 335is, but the fun factor makes up for it. If you own and maintain the car over time, it's not that expensive to own. To directly answer your question. Hell yeah and still holds up in 2024!!! Cheers from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
@@TheBackRoads If I didn't tell you, there would be little suspicion that the car has seen 252+k miles. 😅 Probably the best chassis BMW ever made, and the M54B25 is my favorite engine. High compression 2.5L is better than the lower compression 2.8 and 3.0L blocks, and miles ahead of the problematic S54B32 🤦
A drivers car, had a 00 328i Ci SE (auto) and just picked up a 03 325i Ci Msport (auto) couldn’t disagree at all, being honest I was uneducated with the 1st e46 and got a gem with my 2nd e46.. amazing timeless cars.. great video for an amazing car
These are analog, balanced, direct driving cars when BMW still made "honest" cars. There's nothing you want to replace them with because there is nothing in 2022 to replace them with. 🙂
Just finished performing a Zf8hp45 swap into my 330ci from a 435i. It absolutely changes the driving experience, snappy shifts and pulls the fuel economy into the present day.
Very nice review, love that you showed it from the outside while driving, always brings a smile to my face whenever I see a E46 on the road! Mine is an E46 318i M3 year 2001 yellow 💛 same first letter in my plate as yours (V) even though mine is registered in Malaysia. Neat! Bought in October 2022 and absolutely the ultimate driving machine, such a joy, truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to know and love her! Previous owner didn't supply any documents on her maintenance records, which is a bummer, but she's so solid, and so efficient that I'm learning her subtle ways of "speaking" to me. A true dream machine with a lovely personality! Great mileage too, fabulous in fact, especially considering the power she produces! Almost the same mileage vs fuel (petrol) as the 1994 1,000 cc Daihatsu and Daihatsu sub-contracted Perodua Malaysian manufactured, 900cc "Kancil" (the Malay word for "Mousedeer") of the same year (2001) And even though the annual road tax and insurance (title/deed/"grant" says she's 1895cc) are just over double the cost of the latter two mentioned sweetie ones, the driving experience is soooo worth it! Plus, the cost of insurance should get reduced every year upon renewal, God Willing, with the NCD % policy.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to know what the market is like outside of the UK for these but I would certainly never pay 15,000 for a 325Ci even with 70,000 miles on it. 5,000 maybe...
@@BMWiE-lz3nu Modded. about $35K or more since 2009. Plus, the new coils from Eldor I just installed seem to add throttle response and smoothness than I never had with the OEM Bosch. 17 years old. 65K miles on a 2005 car. I am not sure I can explain the unusual lack(complete absence) of oil burning other than built on a Wednesday? And HOW I do my warm up procedures. The car gets Liqui Moly GT 10W-60 oil and Ceretec every oil change Mahle filter. Also a regular high dose of PEA solvent in the form of Redline fuel system cleaner. And occasional Marvel Mystery oil added to the gas tank for lubricity of fuel system parts. What I also do that is different is totally ignore the red lights on the RPM gauge as the car warms up. I start the car and DRIVE it within 45 seconds. Slowly. I keep the RPM 3,000 or LESS until the oil temp is at least 180 degrees F. The thick oil we use has a hard time getting under our con rod bearings until it is nice and hot. I have an expensive Mustang dyno tune done years ago at Active Autowekre by Barry. 8100 RPM redline. top speed limiter lifted, a smooth reliable power curve. Throttle body opening time has been drastically tweaked. I have had a deep dive into the VANOS for an expensive refit and preventive maintenance. Extensive above and beyond sub frame chassis plates and welding in 2009. The rest of the mods are in Brembos and floating rotors and significant suspension upgrades. Since 2017 I took over ALL repairs and maintenance and improvements. I am so glad I did. It gets done right with no shortcuts taken. I have done a lot of HPDE. Sebring 3.75 mile race track is simply an incredible experience., The car loves that course and passes cars many other cars that people say that it should not. So, I do know my car. Just a bit. The recent upgrade to Eldor coils has given the car a smoothness and throttle response that it never had on the OEM Bosch coils. I make CERTAIN the car get a minimum of three 8100 RPM pulls every time she goes out. After full oil temp is reached of course. Its not babied. Just well maintained and driven...HARD for most of its life. My HIGHWAY and city combined 80/20 is between 14.5 and 15.6 MPG. It can go as low as 11MPG. I can get almost 20 MPG, but it is excruciatingly painful to drive the car like that. So, I don't do it. I have had to buy a NOT FOR SALE SIGN from Amazon that is on permanent display behind the left head rest. Getting tired of notes and my doorbell ringing all the time. Are you in South Florida by any chance? Lets meet up sometime. On the other hand my 280, 000 mile Lexus SC 300 has seen some power loss in its OEM 2JZ motor and is just starting to burn .25 quart of oil between oil changes.
@@oni5909 Well we also do build series on this channel and there's a few videos on my E46 where we do oil service, spark plugs, filters and brakes which may be of use to you! We are beginners ourselves so if we can do it, you can! But the best way is watching tutorials and having a decent took kit.
*So what do you think? Does the E46 still hold up in 2022? Let us know below!*
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Great cars, and good video :) I have owned only e46'es
@@niklasnaper6596 Thank you mate! Not bad for a first go at a video review. They really are amazing cars!
Bien sûre que Oui
@@mislavkonjik2827 I would say it's the perfect balance between the two. It's modern enough to have everything you need (aside touch screens etc) but old enough that you can fix it yourself, the driving experience is raw and has that iconic look.
Ultimately it's personal preference, but the E46 in my eyes is the perfect all rounder.
Gear shifter is not original. It is from a e90 msport.
We love an E46, really doesn’t feel like a 20 year old car
They've aged very well!
Brilliant cars
🥰
Comfortable reliable and decent gas mileage of a modern car. The feel of a classic
Key points as touched on with these cars. Expansion tank, get it changed, rust keep the rear arches inside the wheel well clean, stone can chip the painted surface and cause rot. And treat these arch areas with a rust proofing product. They rust from the inside out a lot of the time. Same on the front but will have to remove the arch liner on the front. Also keep any leaves out of the front of the car where the water drains. This can turn to mush and rot the inner sills. When changing the valve cover also buy the 15 rubber grommets that get bolted in they can leak from the bolts. When changing the gasket make sure the surface on the engine is totally clean and use a sealant especially on the lower part of the engine. Suspension refresh is a good idea as they are getting on a bit now. Regular oil changes with quality oils. Then replacing any parts that get worn such as door sills and interior pieces all available at bmw for reasonable price. Using a fuel addictive is a good idea if the car has stood. Changing plugs is an easy job like a lot of maintenance on these cars. You can also change the lower grill as these fade and become grey, they should be black. Front bumper off job to do that. You can also plastic dip the rear diffuser to make that stand out as these also fade. When looking underneath the car make sure all 4 of the rubber bungs are in place on the floor if they are not there water will get in and rot the floor. Same for the bungs in the rear arches.
I recently got a green 323i manual. It's the 5th E46 we've had in our family now. 318, 320, 323, 328 and 330. They really are the best. My father still has the 330i which he bought from my uncle, who I think bought it new. It's still mint inside and exterior and going strong at 320,000km.
I've seen many examples here in South Africa. I often look at 2nd hand ones. The interiors are generally very robust. The parts that tend to wear badly are the roof lining, a, b and c pillar lining. The leather on seats and armrest (if it has one) tend to go after 15 - 25 years, so you can almost expect that on any example now. The rear ashtray cover breaks quite easily and is broken on most examples. Steering wheel leather will be close to end-of-life for most models. The small driver cubby is very prone to scratching and will have some black visible where the trim colouring came off. Be sure to check that the clock can be set by twisting the right-side push-pin on the dash. This mechanism is prone to failure. Also look for a red light near the mile/km symbol on the dash. This is the tamper indicator and means the dash has likely been changed so the odometer reading cannot be trusted. Cars that are well looked after should show very minimal interior wear with the exception of the above mentioned issues.
They really are the perfect, affordable, all rounder.
Man, sounds exactly like my 2001 330D at 340,000 km. I love it to bits. Every bit that comes off and I have to replace, too.
Hi. Is it more fun to drive and enjoyable than e90?
Incredibly indepth, well written and some fantastic camera work. Loved to hear ur more personal thoughts on the car as well as some of its drawbacks. Fab work guys :)
Appreciate that Shiivu, and thanks for being a channel member!
Cars made post 2010 have no soul, the 2000s was the last great decade.
I love my 2005 BMW E46 330i ZHP, almost 286,000KM (around 177,500miles) on the odometer. Other than the usual oil and filter changes every 4800KMs, spark plugs, brake fluid changes, engine coolant changes, serpentine belts it is still factory under the hood.
They're brilliant cars even stock. I've been struggling to work out what I'd want to change on mine. A little more power is always welcome but, it's not 'needed'!
@@TheBackRoads Just leave it as it is :)
An absolute classic…. I have a 2005 M Sport Special edition…. 43,000kms…. A pure joy to drive today in 2022 and arguably the last of the best built and solid BMW platforms we have seen. Nice video.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for your support Jordan.
I daily drive my 2001 325ci 5spd. It has 279,000 miles and I love it.
They really are amazing cars, aren't they?
Amazing work on the video gents. Amazing car, the E46 has to be one of my favorite cars ever. Excellent review, if you said this was a production from a 1M+ channel, I'd believe you without a doubt. Great watch, thanks!
Thank you so much mate, that really means a lot! Glad you enjoyed it.
I bought a 2006 318Ci for my son who is learning to drive. What a wonderful car. Timelessly elegant, with an obviously loved interior that looks incredibly fresh. I may be hooked.
They have such a great design and are mega fun to drive.
I have a 330 manual sport saloon bought new in 2003. It’s a joy to drive today as it was back then.
They're such enjoyable cars!
I think too much degree those of us in the Western Hemisphere are guilty of deposable societies. What I mean by that is we do not repair much of anything, we buy news telly, new appliances, new cars, new mobile phones every 3-5 years, most items are designed to break after 3-5 years so the days of having these machines last past 10 years is a marvel in of it's-self. Older BMWs were made better, you are not going to see many F or G generation models on the roads 15-20 years from now.
E46 are one of the best cars ever
Strong agree!
I have a green 325ci with 215k miles, it still runs great and has honestly convinced me to buy more bmws in the future.
I've been fortunate to own an 05 330ci new since March of 2003. I have also owned WRXs, a B8.5 S4, M235 as well as a few others. While I tune/modify all of my vehicles including the E46, that is the only one I still love and will never sell.
The chassis, steering, gearbox, and most of all the looks of it, will never be replicated. That may be objective, but based on the compliments I get every time I drive it, it almost seems a fact!
That's what I feel the E46 excels at, being good at everything but not nessicarly mastering all either. It's a 'do it everywhere' car.
I have a 320ci, 2005, 65,000 miles. Brilliant had it for 9 years. Superb!
I have 320Ci,2002,manual gearbox,saphhire black colour.242Kkm,have it now 10 years.
Good video with excellent points regarding the coolant header tank and arches. One of my cars is an E46 325ci sport with auto box and it’s superb. I’ve had it for 8 years now and maintained at no expense spared (find a good trustworthy specialist) and will likely never sell it. Mine has now done 242,000 miles and I replaced the dampers and springs a couple of years back, after some research I decided to go with the Bilstein B12 Pro kit that has mono tube gas dampers matched to Eibach springs and maintains the factory Sport ride height. Also I can recommend the AFE intake kit as you can then have some nice induction roar above 3,000 rpm - a baby CSL lol. Aside from that mine is all standard but I would love some gold BBS LM’s if they ever start doing them in 18” 5x120 again :-)
Thanks for your support Martin! Glad you liked it.
I picked up a 2002 330xi in 2005. Didn't get near as good a price as you. Rear springs are a maintenance item in areas where they salt the road. Really helps if. you can do some of the work yourself. Plastic is a problem, esp. in the engine compartment. They are fun cars, considering the payments on new cars, you can spend a lot on repairs and still come out ahead.
Love seeing the shared passion for this iconic platform! I’ve got a 325i as well and find myself saying the same thing…can’t think of anything I’d want to replace it with.
The only thing I can even think of replacing it with is a 2018 M2 as it's the closest modern counterpart I can think of.
'Bonnie' is the name of my pride & joy - she's a 2005 330i M-sport touring. So rare & so lovely to own & even more lovely to drive. This is the second E46 I've owned. My wife told me to get an estate car for the family (I didn't tell her about the nuke under the bonnet). She's still quick & sounds amazing - I wouldn't buy anything else!
I have a 2000 328i E46....and i absolutely love it....254,000 miles and still strong....13 years after i got it.
I was given the opportunity to rescue a lonely 2003 330Ci Cabriolet that spent many years alone at an airport parking lot as the former owner regularly visited the United States and rarely paid any attention to her. Just in the nick of time, I found her and began to restore this gem to Her former Glory! Now she spends her off time under my carport and she thanks me daily, only if I let her loose on the turnpike. Yeah, The Ultimate Driving Machine, for sure. Shalom to my Bimmer family from Texas
Shalom bruv
@@thereallotharmatthaesoon the buy the most gorgeous looking coupe which is e36😊
Great video. I find that the pro blem with owning an e46 is that now, 22 years later, I can't find anything that I WANT to replace it with.
These where Last best bmws in looks and timeless design, the e46 and e39 had enough tech but wasn't over done and even today what tech you need replace the head unit if you like to a oem fitted toch screen android headunit with all the Bluetooth etc and it's modren enough with the sporty feel, the new bmws are nothing what they used to be all those big screens and ugly front ends with big grills.
Fun fact: You can get a modern idrive system installed in the E46, brings it right up to date and it looks really good!
Dont need it! I'd avoid it!!!
@@NoneofYourbusiness-s8f Since that comment, you're now able to have carplay installed on the OEM head unit, while still being able to switch to the old interface at the touch of a button.
Check out carphonics.
@@NoneofYourbusiness-s8f As an update to my original comment, yeah I'd agree. Much better to let Carphonics update the factory head unit to run carplay.
I love you guys. Such high quality content with so much effort and time put into them. One of my favourite cars of all time, but I personally like the E36 more in terms of appearance. Again, love you lads, such amazing content. Hope you both are doing good.
Really appreciate your kind words dude! It's awesome to know our content is enjoyed, makes creating that extra bit sweeter.
Aww man, This is just incredibly well done, thank you for the timeline events as well^^
Thank you dude, really appreciate that!
Why did you have to say that about the steering wheel being off-centre :(
picking up my first e46 later today. excited is an understatement!
Enjoy! Let us know what you think of it.
@@TheBackRoads love it love it love it
1:04 dude why is your hood latch release sticking out... That thing is going to flip up and blind you on the highway oh my god!
But also, that is a clean ass e46 and I give you tons of props for that... Just... The hood latch needs to be secured bro!
I own a 330ci .A fantastic car to drive
They really are, aren't they?
Fantastic review! Comprehensive too. Great production quality
Thank you mate, appreciate the support!
I bought an e46 2 months ago and I’m loving it. It’s an Oxford green manual 325ci m sport, and I only payed £1500😂
They really are mega cars aren't they!
Almost congrats on 10K!
how reliable is a 330ci e46? started life as a 2.5 tho.
Not too dissimilar in terms of reliability! As long as you look after them.
Hey, I am 19 year old and driving a 1999 323Ci in the very same blue that you do. Every time I get into this car it is just pure joy you experience. Driving a 6-cylinder car with a 2.5 liter engine as your second car ever, what more can you wish for 😁 Keep up the work dude, greetings from germany!
They really are a brilliant car even 20 years later, aren't they? Thanks mate, really appreciate your support!
I'm really considering getting a 325 ci as my first car
@@vladvasiloni1577 Did you end up getting one? I would be too scared to, even driving my 2013 kia picanto had me bricking it the first few months of driving.
@@kierannm7646 i am actually getting one ,but i will use my moms car for daily driving and learning (2015 a3) . I made a promise to myself that i will not push the car or do any 'dynamic' driving till i get a good understanding of how it reacts on the road.
@@vladvasiloni1577 I'm looking at a 325i wagon as pretty much my first car! Only thing i'm worried about is maintenance cost.
Jus picked up a 2003 325i 5Speed coming from a z3, 335i coupe & 335i sedan and I always wanted a e46 but was always scared of them ! Loving it so far
They're fantastic machines and as long as you don't skip maintenance they're brilliant.
I own a Facelift 320i(150hp) mystic blue , added Nbt evo id6 to it , fited in interior as a f30 , all functions work even the warnings . Made a polish and I fall in love each time I see her . She’s my beauty.
They're incredible looking cars.
The entire cooling system is made of chocolate on this era of BMW’s. The radiators warp and need replacing.
And it’s a BMW, so it will leak oil from somewhere.
I loved my E46 325ti, but it was quite a needy thing; new rad, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, snapped rear springs and generally a healthy appetite for wishbones. Sounded nice though. Interestingly enough it was better on fuel than the E90 330 that replaced it, my 130i, M140i and current 335i.
I’ve had my 320Ci E46 Convertible 2002 ( Honey Boo) for 20 yrs ( 2nd owner) 145K mileage full spec rather unique 100% me & still drives like a dream !!! Very well looked after just replaced the alternator otherwise just wear & tear replacements only ever failed 1 (last )mot 😢 in its history on a fault I couldn’t see !!! Rust has appeared but dealt with immediately. There is not a week that has gone by in its life that this car has not been complimented by strangers I can’t speak highly enough of this model. I don’t think I will ever part with it I’ve looked at others along the way but NOTHING has compared !!! If I saw it on a forecourt tomorrow I would buy it again immediately nothing gives me the thrill I got when I saw it & drove it on the road today I’ve tried other top of the range up to the minute cars but I don’t get that gut reaction. Fab car !!!!
Cheers for all these tips Liam, I m going to get myself one NOW.
You're very welcome!
Good to see all the hard work paying off. Great video fellas 👍
Thank you mate! Means a lot.
Going to look at a 325ci m sport tomorrow hopefully it’s as good as the snaps and what the guy has told me about it.
Good luck mate and let us know how it goes!
@@TheBackRoads just to update I’ve taken the plunge on the 325ci m sport, ok it needs some cosmetic work like new front fogs and wheel refurb but on the whole it seems ok, the only thing I’m slightly concerned about is that the guy said he tops it up with 1/2 a litre every couple of months, he said this is normal for these engine’s I owned a e90 325d for 3 years and it never needed a drop.
Hot take - this E46 is the best looking BMW of all time. No, not the M3... the pre-facelift M-Sport coupe!
If anyone is interested in doing a review on my 330ci, convertible let me know. Thanks
I love w46 some much I bought it twice. Literally haven't taken mine apart in all ways.
The last good 3 series BMW made.
The E90/E92 was a great car to drive. Admittedly, not as pretty as the E46 - in fact nowhere near - but it was a great car.
I have a 2003 330ci and I totally agree with everything you say. And if you keep up with the maintenance it will run forever.
And of course keep an eye on that timing chain at the rear of the engine!
@@TheBackRoads How can you keep an eye on that? I have a 330D with 340,000 km and I don't know if it has ever been done. Should I worry?
@@JockJaimeRadfordBromley At 340,000 I would be incredibly susprised if it hasn't been done at least once in it's lifetime. Normally you know it's on it's way out when you here a grinding noise for a few seconds on start up.
So last year they priced the e36 outta existence(and HEAVILY increased the value of mine)and now we're onto the e46...good
I had an E46 330ci for 3 years in 2015, i reckon i spent the equivalent in keeping it going, partly because of the garage i was using which wasn't very good and also components that shouldn't fail so early in their life,
Cooling system, power steering pump, fuel pump, Disa Valve and finally the nail in the coffin was the automatic gearbox which webt wrong, i was looking at over £2000 to get that refurbished! I got rid after that
I did love it when it worked though, great engine, good steering and would have been miles better in manual, i might have still had it if it wasnt for yhe gearbox.
I have a e46 m3 now but used to have a e46 325 years ago with the same exterior and interior color as yours. Absolutely love the color combo.
Topaz blue and the tan interior is the best combination in my opinion. Only beaten by Techno violet and black!
Here in the US we only got 330i/330Ci's with Msport, the 330's are a complete different animal than a 325.
The 330's are certainly more powerful. But the 2.5L is often seen as the strongest block of range and nearly 200bhp in a daily driver is still nothing to shake a stick at! Would I prefer a 330? Only if I could find a similar spec car.
Lol the 330 is essentially the e36 m3 with dual vanos and different appearance
I'm on my second one and they really are great cars. There's something magical about how they handle.
I have the same car....love it. Still a few electronic grimling nobody can sort out but it works great.
Got mines for exact same price it’s The Best one They Ever Built And I’m Keeping Mines for awhile
I get the feeling they won't be this price for too long!
After 20 years, having paid the car value in repairs, i believe its a great car !
Nice review. I didn’t realise there were ways to get more power out of these? What’s the secret?
I suppose it depends how far you want to go! But for example, with a free flowing exhaust and a slightly better intake - we can get my 325 up to 220bhp with a tune. So roughly £500 (inc tune). But they're so easy to turbo charge that you might as well go that route.
Mine is a 2003 with 87K miles. Always garaged and maintained. Still a interesting trade off everyday to my Macan S, especially when it is a top down day
10:45 and that's why I'm still keeping mine 💪 still owning one for over 6 years and never had let me down ❤obviously you would have to change bits and bobs because of age and use but overall the pleasure of driving this car is worth it 🤩
haha the 944 is a poor mans Porche and the e46 are nothing but dramas well past their used by date
What’s the mpg like?
Hi. I have a 2003 330 saloon and get around 25 mpg round town but up to 40 on long journeys (careful driving)
I have owned a 2001 330ci sport for last couple of years after sorting out some issues , rear springs , small areas of rust on boot lid , brake line corrosion , it’s now a perfect car and amazing to drive 230bhp from a naturally aspirated straight six engine and 0-60 in just under 7 seconds . The straight six sounds deep and growling, I actually prefer the sound of the 330ci over the M3 which is a bit raspy , if you can’t afford M3 prices , go for the poor man’s M3 like I did .
They're honestly brilliant cars.
Owning one 328 ci as a daily and the iconic ///M3, both manuals, I have to say that I totally agree with you!!!!
They're such versatile and honest cars. Great daily drivers that you can have fun in.
Love love the camera work and the script is just amazing 🔥🔥😍.
Keep the good work man😉.
New subscriber
Thanks Ahmed! Appreciate that.
Sport seats and steering wheel make a huge difference
Absolutely love my e46. Got one with a cooling problem for £700, £55 for a new radiator and it’s good as new, absolutely fantastic car
They're brilliant! Hope you enjoy it 👍
@@TheBackRoads looking forward to getting it out on the b roads today!
I love my E46, probably never sell it...
I just brought a e46 330ci m sport I wanted the 325 in a Manuel but wow they have rose in price I love it but don’t love the mpg 😑
They really are incredible cars.
I have my 2005 330ci M Sport (ZHP Pkg) which I shipped to Spain from Canada.....love the car and it certainly loves the Spanish roads!
I bet they do! Mega cars, they really are.
Is it better than e90? As a sporty car
Wow you guys have got a lot of subs now! I remember a few years ago when Phly sent me over, you guys had like 400 subs. Look at you Go! I love this kind of content and glad I stumbled upon you!
Welcome back! Appreciate that mate.
A 325 for 2.5-4k depending on mileage and condition? Seems the market is sitting a lot higher than that at the moment unless there's something I'm missing... I'm looking for a manual coupe. What mpg do you get in yours?
Currently from what we're looking at in the UK, that's still about right. I picked mine up for £2,500 in 2020. But it won't be long before they're fetching more for sure! I'm perhaps not the best example as I get around 30mpg 😂
@@TheBackRoads 30 is very impressive! Clean examples are looking more like 4-9k! I’m interested in one for 6.5, is that overpaying?
Love you brought up my pet hate of the off centre driving position! Really top end review and great film shots 👌
Glad you enjoyed the review mate!
Hi. Is it more fun to drive and enjoyable than e90?
In a word: yes.
The E90 is roomier, more economical and more practical, but who gives a shit.
i do doordash in my e46 ^^
11:37 not even e90?😢
I had an E46 for many years. It was a 320i so a Six but only a 2.2.
170bhp so not crazy quick but I was getting out of a 94 Mr2 with 174bhp. The BMW was faster because of the torque.
The BMW was great to drive and a timeless design.
I also had to replace the coolant tank. I bought a couple of new front wings. I sprayed them myself and was ready to fit them then I got an offer to buy the car that I couldn't refuse.
It had done 150,000 miles.
It was pretty special. BMW Individual Tourmaline Violet.
Blueberry Nappa leather interior.
I wish i'd kept it.
My Z4 is still fun tho.
Luv and Peace.
Great video! I have exactly the same car and colour. Easy to service,rock solid engine,great performance. Always puts a smile on my face. Have you upgraded the disa valve? Not sure if i should do mine.
Thanks Andrew! Not yet, completely stock in that kinda terms. May be that we slowly go through that kind of thing though.
@@TheBackRoads you're welcome, i recently had to get the heater interior blower fixed..can't remember what the faulty part is called but it's under the steering wheel..pig to get to. Also got my serpentine belts changed. Not sure about doing my disa valve,I've checked it though and mine is fine..I've got the upgrade kit though to do it. Thinking of getting dry ice treatment on the underside. I think bmw e46 2 door coupes will rise in price.
I have the exact same car with some m3 CSL wheels and bumpers.
Wouldn’t sell or swop it for any other car. With a sick tune and some great exhaust work these cars drives like a 10 year old and not 20 year old
You've got a very similar set up to what I'd like to do with mine. CSL wheels, boot and LED tail lights then I'm happy. Such brilliant machines!
@@TheBackRoads keep the videos coming 🔥🔥🔥
Insane work brother ❤️
@@rafeeqadams4693 Thank you mate! Really appreciate that.
Enjoyed the video. I bought a 2000 328Ci in October 1999, topaz blue, grey interior, factory areodynamics package, and with a 5 speed. So, a real soft spot for your car! Easy car to work on! The car is not a fast car like my E93 335is, but the fun factor makes up for it.
If you own and maintain the car over time, it's not that expensive to own.
To directly answer your question. Hell yeah and still holds up in 2024!!!
Cheers from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
323ci 2000....still have it 178000 kms....german silver black interior...5 speed sport package...
ooh, its review time
And about time too...
One of the greatest economy cars ever produced
Strong agree!
Found a manual 325xi Touring wagon for $2k. Good condition, high miles. Everything but the original stereo, and a saggy headliner. 😅
Very nice!
@@TheBackRoads If I didn't tell you, there would be little suspicion that the car has seen 252+k miles. 😅 Probably the best chassis BMW ever made, and the M54B25 is my favorite engine. High compression 2.5L is better than the lower compression 2.8 and 3.0L blocks, and miles ahead of the problematic S54B32 🤦
A drivers car, had a 00 328i Ci SE (auto) and just picked up a 03 325i Ci Msport (auto) couldn’t disagree at all, being honest I was uneducated with the 1st e46 and got a gem with my 2nd e46.. amazing timeless cars.. great video for an amazing car
These are analog, balanced, direct driving cars when BMW still made "honest" cars. There's nothing you want to replace them with because there is nothing in 2022 to replace them with. 🙂
Just finished performing a Zf8hp45 swap into my 330ci from a 435i. It absolutely changes the driving experience, snappy shifts and pulls the fuel economy into the present day.
That's a pretty interesting change! I'd rather like a six speed in manual in mine so that you can have slightly lower rpms on the motorway.
Any videos or build thread?
@@davidmitchell5638 full write up is coming soon. Just need to finish off a few things.
Believe it when there's proof
@@BMWiE-lz3nu check out my uploaded videos
Very nice review, love that you showed it from the outside while driving, always brings a smile to my face whenever I see a E46 on the road! Mine is an E46 318i M3 year 2001 yellow 💛 same first letter in my plate as yours (V) even though mine is registered in Malaysia. Neat! Bought in October 2022 and absolutely the ultimate driving machine, such a joy, truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to know and love her! Previous owner didn't supply any documents on her maintenance records, which is a bummer, but she's so solid, and so efficient that I'm learning her subtle ways of "speaking" to me. A true dream machine with a lovely personality! Great mileage too, fabulous in fact, especially considering the power she produces! Almost the same mileage vs fuel (petrol) as the 1994 1,000 cc Daihatsu and Daihatsu sub-contracted Perodua Malaysian manufactured, 900cc "Kancil" (the Malay word for "Mousedeer") of the same year (2001) And even though the annual road tax and insurance (title/deed/"grant" says she's 1895cc) are just over double the cost of the latter two mentioned sweetie ones, the driving experience is soooo worth it! Plus, the cost of insurance should get reduced every year upon renewal, God Willing, with the NCD % policy.
I own a 2004 E46 330ci m sport with the 6 speed manual gear box in sapphire black absolutely love it I have had it 6 years.
Rust, Or the car has been imported from a country that doesn't suffer with rust as much as the uk. Japan and NZ for example.
Just purchased a 330 convertible sport 56,000 miles in orient blue 🙌👌🤠
Just bought a 2004 e46 325i touring. I'm in love ❤
Is it too much to pay 15 000 euros for 2001 325 ci but with only 70 000 miles
I'm not knowledgeable enough to know what the market is like outside of the UK for these but I would certainly never pay 15,000 for a 325Ci even with 70,000 miles on it. 5,000 maybe...
@@TheBackRoadsi live in croatia and i compare price with UK, and cars are so much cheeper in UK
My E46 M3 is faster than when it came pout of the show room. Daily driver. Burns ZERO oil between 4,500 mile oil change interval.
Nice! Enjoy it.
Unless u modded the car I call BS that a 15-20yr old car goes faster the older it gets
@@BMWiE-lz3nu
Modded. about $35K or more since 2009. Plus, the new coils from Eldor I just installed seem to add throttle response and smoothness than I never had with the OEM Bosch. 17 years old. 65K miles on a 2005 car.
I am not sure I can explain the unusual lack(complete absence) of oil burning other than built on a Wednesday? And HOW I do my warm up procedures.
The car gets Liqui Moly GT 10W-60 oil and Ceretec every oil change Mahle filter.
Also a regular high dose of PEA solvent in the form of Redline fuel system cleaner. And occasional Marvel Mystery oil added to the gas tank for lubricity of fuel system parts.
What I also do that is different is totally ignore the red lights on the RPM gauge as the car warms up. I start the car and DRIVE it within 45 seconds. Slowly. I keep the RPM 3,000 or LESS until the oil temp is at least 180 degrees F. The thick oil we use has a hard time getting under our con rod bearings until it is nice and hot.
I have an expensive Mustang dyno tune done years ago at Active Autowekre by Barry. 8100 RPM redline. top speed limiter lifted, a smooth reliable power curve. Throttle body opening time has been drastically tweaked.
I have had a deep dive into the VANOS for an expensive refit and preventive maintenance. Extensive above and beyond sub frame chassis plates and welding in 2009.
The rest of the mods are in Brembos and floating rotors and significant suspension upgrades.
Since 2017 I took over ALL repairs and maintenance and improvements. I am so glad I did. It gets done right with no shortcuts taken.
I have done a lot of HPDE. Sebring 3.75 mile race track is simply an incredible experience., The car loves that course and passes cars many other cars that people say that it should not.
So, I do know my car. Just a bit.
The recent upgrade to Eldor coils has given the car a smoothness and throttle response that it never had on the OEM Bosch coils.
I make CERTAIN the car get a minimum of three 8100 RPM pulls every time she goes out. After full oil temp is reached of course.
Its not babied. Just well maintained and driven...HARD for most of its life. My HIGHWAY and city combined 80/20 is between 14.5 and 15.6 MPG. It can go as low as 11MPG. I can get almost 20 MPG, but it is excruciatingly painful to drive the car like that. So, I don't do it.
I have had to buy a NOT FOR SALE SIGN from Amazon that is on permanent display behind the left head rest. Getting tired of notes and my doorbell ringing all the time.
Are you in South Florida by any chance? Lets meet up sometime.
On the other hand my 280, 000 mile Lexus SC 300 has seen some power loss in its OEM 2JZ motor and is just starting to burn .25 quart of oil between oil changes.
@@TheBackRoads
I do. Every day. Its my DD now.
I had an E46 once... ONCE.
ANOTHER IS REQUIRED ADI.
I had one. 325CI Msport❤
They're incredible cars!!
i just got my e46 m3 this month! handles like a dream! still learning how to maintain it and stuff tho
Congrats on the purchase mate! Enjoy it. Fortunately they're pretty easy to work on.
@@TheBackRoads and recommendations on how to get started? im sort of a noob lol
@@oni5909 Well we also do build series on this channel and there's a few videos on my E46 where we do oil service, spark plugs, filters and brakes which may be of use to you! We are beginners ourselves so if we can do it, you can! But the best way is watching tutorials and having a decent took kit.
@@TheBackRoads oh alright thank you sir!
The E46 325i came in preface body?
Mine- 280k miles & the engine is still strong as hell. My only complaint is the interior plastic trim parts
i love my E46, i can't feel it's age. Too fun to drive