What years are the E46 sedans?
Nonetheless, today we’ll review the fourth-generation 3 series, codenamed the e46—which more or less matches the e30’s aura and stature. It was produced from 1997 to 2006 and was available in sedan, coupe, convertible, estate and hatchback body styles. As detailed above, the 2002 version is the troublemaker of the e46 m3 family. Skip this year due to its many engine problems and risk of major breakdowns.The BMW E46 M3 with the S54 engine is an incredibly powerful and capable vehicle, but it has some notable points of failure. You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement.Whilst it is very probable that this will one day be considered a classic, the E46 M3 is now between 15 and 20 years old. We like to call this the ‘minefield phase’ here at The Car Investor.Verdict: Buy an E46 in 2025? Oh yes, absolutely. The E46 3 Series is still one of the best ways to get into the brand and one of the best bang-for-buck cars on the road today.
Which E46 is the best?
Best E46 For Everyday Performance: 330i ZHP Manual The 330i replaced the 328i for the 2001 model year and delivered outputs of 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Two years later, the 330i ZHP, effectively a performance package, had its numbers bumped up to 235 hp/222 lb-ft. Models equipped with inline-six engines like the M54, N52, or B58—and diesel workhorses like the M57 or B57—frequently reach 300,000 miles or more. From million-mile E30s tested under lab conditions to 500,000+ mile M5s driven daily, the high-mileage BMW isn’t a myth—it’s a well-documented reality.The BMW M3 E46 Coupé took the hearts of real sports car fans by storm when it launched in 2000. With a low weight construction and the high-rev concept of its inline 6-cylinder engine, for many it embodied a return to the virtues of the iconic BMW M3 E30.The 325i engine remains one of BMW’s best inline-six powerplants, combining durability, smooth performance, and great tuning potential. While it has its share of common issues, proper maintenance ensures it remains a reliable choice for years to come.The “Big 3” (BMW E46 M3) You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement.
What’s better, E36 or E46?
Comparing the two, there’s no doubt that the E46 was given the better cabin space. The E36 has an almost utilitarian layout that feels far more dated than the E46’s, which holds up better today. The much-rounder M3 has an interior to match with flowing lines and reduced button count, even by today’s standards. BMW M3 Sedan Other than the first-generation E30 M3 and third-generation model, BMW has always made a four-door sedan variant of the M3. It’s a pity that the E46 was skipped for this more practical body style, as many consider it the finest generation of the 3 Series and M3.
Why is the BMW E46 so special?
What Makes the BMW E46 So Special? The BMW E46, produced between 1997 and 2006, is part of the legendary 3 Series lineup. This range has long been recognized as the backbone of BMW’s success, offering drivers the perfect mix of handling, comfort, and performance. The M54, produced from 2000 to 2006, is often hailed as one of BMW’s most reliable engines. This inline-six engine is known for its smooth operation, impressive durability, and balance between performance and efficiency.The 328 is a lot faster. You can find really plain 328s and really loaded 320s, but the 328 has better option packages in general. The 320 has bu cam, nav, and sensors but no heated seats, comfort access, or roof.If you desire even stronger acceleration, step up to the 330i model. Although its engine is similar to that of the 320i model, BMW tuned it to produce a more formidable 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both models are incredibly efficient.