Is the BMW 325i E46 reliable?
The 325i engine has long been a favorite among BMW enthusiasts for its balance of power, smooth performance, and legendary durability. Whether in the iconic E30, the refined E36, or the modern E46, BMW’s M50 and M54 inline-six engines have proven to be some of the most reliable powerplants in their class. 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 “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.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.They call the fourth generation of their popular 3-Series the E46, which ran primarily between 1997 and 2006 in the coupe and convertible body styles.
Is a 2001 BMW 325i an E46?
BMW 325i – E46 (2001 to 2005) The 325i was a variant of the E46 BMW 3 Series that was introduced for the 2001 model year. BMW M3 GTR (E46) The BMW M3 GTR was a road-going version of the BMW M3 GTR racing car. It was launched as a small series of just ten vehicles and was primarily used to homologate the new V8 engine (P60B40).Best E46 Year For Reliability: 2001 Model We trawled through data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and found that the 2001 E46 3 Series racked up very few overall complaints and recalls.Older BMW Models (Pre-2010) BMW 3 Series (E46, E90): The 3 Series models from the late ’90s to early 2000s are some of the most popular BMWs. A replacement engine for an E46 3 Series typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the engine variant.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.
What are common BMW 3 Series problems?
The BMW 3 Series has several petrol engine problems, particularly with the fuel pumps. The engine will stall, have a rough idle, run rough, and take a long time to crank as a result of this. The variable valve timing arrangement can also be a source of frustration. BMW 3 Series Battery Problems The BMW 3 Series has some prevalent electrical issues, and the battery is one of them. This is because the positive battery cable connector and the matching fuse box terminal can corrode or degrade over time.
Are BMW 325i rare?
The 325i Touring holds a special place in BMW’s history—not just because it’s rare, but because it was never supposed to exist. It’s always uncommon to see an Individual BMW, yet seeing a Ruby Red Metallic E46 M3 is downright rare. Allegedly, only around 25 buyers were willing to spec their new E46 with Ruby Red through BMW Individual, and the left-hand-drive examples were in the single digits.