My experience owning an E46 for one year

Updated: 09 Dec 2024

Just over a year ago I bought my first car, a 2001 BMW 325i with 239,000 km. Since many of you out there are interested in buying an E46 I thought I would share my personal experience with the car. These are fantastic cars they look good, sound nice and if you have the larger 2.5L or 3.0L engine they are fast too. The E46 is also well made everything feels solidly build the doors close with a satisfying “thud”, you can drive long distances at high speeds and its never tiring. Taking this car down a twisty back road on a warm summer evening is one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had, but you have to remember this is a 15 year old car and nothing lasts forever.

The particular 325i that I owned cost about $41,000 CAD in 2001 when it was new and the cost of parts reflect that. I have probably put over $2000 of repairs into this car which included (deep breath) a wiper motor and transmission, 3 new brake calipers, new tires, valve cover gasket, fuel pump, thermostat, coolant tank, passengers side control arm, a rear spring, and a rear window regulator (breath out). I have because of the high maintenance been forced to sell my 325i so for anyone considering one of these cars especially as a first car make sure you prepare yourself.

Here are some recommendations

Being good at diy is a must, these cars are really easy to work on so most of the time taking it to a shop is a waste of money.

Know where to buy parts, cheap aftermarket parts are tempting but are never worth it with any BMW it will not last, websites like Pelican parts is the best place I have found to order parts from.

Any E46 under $3000 (in Canada at least) is usually not worth it at that price something will be wrong with it.

Comments

Manitoban here, bought mine last year with good maintenance history and in pretty good shape for 5200. 153KM ln the clock

Nice which engine? and what year?

How much more are you expecting to pay in maintenance? That seems like all the major things covered. I couldn’t see you paying large amounts like that in a long time. It’d be a shame to sell it after you’ve done all that work

Next up I would be suspension components both rear shocks are wearing out, front and rear suspension bushings would also need to be done. Tie rod ends are seized up so I can’t do an alignment unless those are replaced. So still quite a bit of work to do

thanks for the heads up
im going to buy an e46 as my first car
maybe a 328i or 330i
hopefully i can find one with a manual transmission
(its kinda rare here)

I have the manual and its totally worth getting, more power and more reliable than the auto

Is the engine always powerfull as his origin with 240000 km ?

The M54 engine when it is properly maintained will hold its power after many years. In second and third gear when you put your foot down the car would really take off.

I can also confirm this. I have a 330ci as my first car. It’s an awesome car, everything about it is great, speed, handling, looks, and presence. However it has 130k miles, and needs a lot of work. Power steering pump needed too be replaced, and now I have to replace a center bearing on the driveshaft, as well as a giubo joint. I have a leak in the vacuum system, and my front right suspension is wearing out. Some parts are cheaper than you’d expect, but most aren’t. Center bearing and giubo joint were $80 together, but the power steering pump was $200

It also helps that I have worked on my families BMWs from the same era since I was 12, and am now a mechanic in training

what is with everyone wanting bigger engines in their e46s

More power

Because that straight 6 power is so Damn addictive

I try to sell my Audi S3 Sedan. I am going to buy a E46 as my next car

Oh ok because i’m french and this kind of cars are very expensive with a low millage in france. But with a high millage like over 200000km prices or not that hight. Thanks for the info