What E46 is 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. The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000.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.A replacement engine for an E46 3 Series typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the engine variant. The E90, which ran from 2005-2011, may cost slightly more, around $4,000 to $6,000 for an engine replacement.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.
What BMW has an N42 engine?
E46 316i and 316ti. 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 E21 3 series, E34 5 series, E38, E83, and E36 models come highly recommended for their enduring quality and value. On the other hand, it’s wise to steer clear of the E46, E60, and E65 due to their less-than-stellar reliability records.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.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.Conclusion: The E36 BMW Is the Drift King While other BMW models like the E30 and E46 are excellent platforms in their own right, the E36 strikes the perfect balance between cost, performance, and modifiability.
Which BMW is the E46?
The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000. Buying A BMW M3 GTR Street Version In 2025 Even though the M3 GTR Street is the rarest production BMW of all time, chances are you have driven one.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.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.
How much does an E46 BMW cost?
The smaller footprint and timeless styling of the E46 M3 make it a highly desirable M Series car. The E46 M3 had substantial sales, and plenty of well-kept vehicles are still available, with an average sales price of around $30,000. The 3 Series also has solid build quality and lower maintenance costs compared to other BMW models. When buying used, it is important to check for cooling system issues and inspect the suspension. These components may need attention, especially in older models, but the 3 Series remains a top choice for reliability.The F30 BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) The BMW 3 Series, particularly the F30 generation, is one of the most reliable and best-selling models BMW has ever produced. It strikes a perfect balance between sporty handling, luxury features, and long-term reliability.The “Big 3” (BMW E46 M3) 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.
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. Because the E36 M3 was available with more power from the factory, it edges out the E30, but speed is not what makes these cars special. These cars were able to beat far faster opponents with higher displacement engines on track due to their superior handling, and this still holds true today.