2005 BMW E46 325i Sport Convertible Modern (ish) Monday

2005 was the last year of the E46 BMW 3 Series convertible, today I take a 325i for a Modern Monday drive - OK, Modernish Monday, we're only just out of lockdown and Ive not timed enough yet!
Thanks to www.stonecoldclassics.com where this car is for sale
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[@aston-martin-internationalist]

E46 Coupe and Cabrio (M-sport versions+late model) are the prettiest 3 series in my opinion. Elegant, neat and understated.

[@mattw8332]

It's a design that has aged very well.

[@brook5406]

aggre

[@TheOfficialGlitchTTG]

Yep

[@histriamagna1014]

One of the last non ultratech BMW. Easy serviceable car with not much electronics nonsenses. Surely an almost modern classic. And the design is pretty timeless.

[@furiousdriving]

Id say the next classic BMW

[@chappy2121]

Probably only the special models though, Ms, clubsport ect, the csl is crazy money

[@FELIPE8226M]

@@chappy2121 I think any clean example can be, they are being used as drift missles,being scrapped, or people don’t want to maintain them so there will be less and less good ones

[@angrymuffinsb]

The early 2000’s were BMW’s best designs. 3,5,X5,8 & even the Z3 are absolutely beautiful

[@brocklewis8356]

We had the x5. It was great

[@MrBestvirginia]

I agree with you, except for the x5. The F15 just looks sooooo good :)

[@tuneink1961]

Major thanks...You've just convinced us NOT to sell our 330ci manual sport. I'm sure anyone who has sold theirs regrets it and found it tough to match the exhilirating drive. Your presentation style is informative, real and the standard top notch. Big ups

[@donello430]

Bought a 2002 330ci convertible with M-sport package for CAN$4k a few years ago. The warnings it would be an endless money pit weren't true (yet). So glad I snapped it up.

[@drivetime1488]

Any issues so far? Advice buying one please?

[@donello430]

@@drivetime1488 the channels 50s Kid and Nathan's BMW Workshop can offer better advice than I can. No major issues that weren't expected. Realistically you have to put $1k-3k/year in repairs and maintenance, depending on how much you can do yourself.

[@algernonwolfwhistle6351]

That straight 6 is superb.

[@LOTPOR0402]

E46 was the best looking of the 3 series

[@woodrow_mayes]

Rather controversially, I prefer the pre-facelift models with the ginger-cators. People gave Chis Bangle such shit when his designs were current but I can't be the only one who think they have aged extremely well, and will only continue to as time goes on.

[@WmAHughes]

I have to say, the E36 was a much better looking car in my eyes but the E46 always looked more premium

[@RichieRouge206]

My friend had a black one of these with a cream interior. Last of the handsome BMWs before they became incredibly ugly snot-nosed motorised laptops and the straight 6 engines were wonderful. BMW really lost the plot after these. Lovely car and great tour and drive Matt!

[@TheGalacticEmperorOfLabels]

One of my favourite cars, in arguably (the coupe is up there) its best form and colour. The E46 was the best looking 3-Series and the last great car BMW made. Thanks for reviewing, Matt.

[@mickles1975]

Summer time? Not any more, Matt. We've had our two weeks and it's back to spring again as per usual.

[@furiousdriving]

filmed this last week!

[@frothe42]

What summer??!! We have been having British weather here in upstate New York! Cold, rainy or hot.

[@chappy2121]

The last couple of summers have been fantastic, up north anyway. Last year was one of my busiest years workwise, fixing fridges

[@shaneweightman]

Thanks for cheerful review , me and the wife had one similar to this 12 yrs ago , sadly was the 2 ltr version and underpowered, had all the toys, dvd screen in dash etc , down tight country lanes it used to pull you into the ruts in the rd, once we were out with the roof down and it started raining, but the roof decided it wasn’t coming up , a sensor had given up and had to drive 25 miles in heavy rain , roof down , will never forget that , cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧, ps my son has the 330 similar to this , think he loves his thanks

[@chriscarrington1363]

Used to own a 330ci of these in black and loved it. Was a bit juicy but now I’m in an E39 530i. Couldn’t stay away, what an engine!!

[@auck1969]

Yes in deed, these are fantastic machines! I have the identical car and love, love, love it! You're a terrific reviewer btw. Much respect from the States.

[@gosportjamie]

You missed a generation of 3-Series, the E21 which was the original 3, two-door only with the shark nose that ran from 1975 to 1983 in the UK...

[@furiousdriving]

Its not always counted for some reason

[@gosportjamie]

@@furiousdriving True, it's not. But it was the first "modern" BMW and the start of the proliferation of 3-Series on UK roads, whether or not it's considered to be a good thing or otherwise...

[@jeanne819]

I have a 2004 325CI 157K M54 E46 black on black manual V6 sitting in driveway a year as no mechanics can fix it - dealer said it needs catalytic converters at 7K in NY CA emissions and I don’t believe it. I love love love my car and miss driving it despite all the problems it has had requiring tows and much money put into it. Debating whether to just sell it but again I do love it -

[@AJC508]

Had a coupe version of this for a short while. I absolutely loved that car, so comfy. And even with 100k miles, creamy smooth and no rattles. When I have a larger garage I shall have to get a 330 coupe, and keep it for when they become classics.

[@maxidyne]

One of the few convertibles that looks good with the roof up. Beautiful sounding engine, and quite a looker too. 1st owner had taste, great colour and nice interior. Sporty and classy. Enjoyed it Matt!

[@furiousdriving]

They did, perfect colour combo and the M sport bits make it

[@JamesThrowing]

Great video. I have had E46 ownership - 03 plate 325i manual touring, m-sport trim. Fairly rare/uncommon with some good factory options. Factory Bluetooth option underneath the armrest there. Thank you furiousdriving. Be safe and healthy.

[@cassconner6023]

I have the 2004 conv. in arctic blue, I get compliments on it all the time. I've seen video where they say this engine was one of the top ten engines in the world. I live in the mountains of North Carolina and this car hugs the curves so well and is wonderfully responsive. Cruising in the Blue Ridge Mountain with the top down is a JOY!

[@admiralbeez8143]

Front passenger panel cutout gives more space to the rear passenger.

[@steveethelston7047]

Had one of these for 10 years, a 330cd. One of the nicest cars ever, classic styling, will never go out of fashion, and the days before everything got ridiculously too large, plus it actually has a key, and no cup holders.......brilliant. will keep it forever even though it's done 135000 trouble free miles. You missed the cubby in the front armrest, it took me a year or so to come across it, being a bloke, never looked at the owners book.

[@mister.c4631]

Totally agree a well looked after one is a dream

[@1andrewclayton]

These cars are very underrated, as you said in your video, offering terrific value for money, these cars will become the next classic must have car, looking at the way E46 M3 are going, the rest of the 6 cylinder range are becoming more desirable, especially the low mileage, and well looked after ones, great review.

[@MAINEiac06]

I bought a 02' 330ci cabrio last year with 40k on the clock. It is almost showroom condition at nearly 20 years old. In the summer, I get offers to buy the car almost daily.... people love them. If you find one, snap them up. Prices will be going crazy for nice examples in a few years. Great vid!

[@JC-kn5fk]

I'm just after buying 1 one. 2003 black m sport cabriolet 325ci with 67k miles. Genuine bmw service history but it cost me 5k euro. Could have got cheaper but the one I bought is in showroom condition, last owner had it for 15 years.

[@chrisplummer5857]

I have 2 e46s a coupe and a cab both 3 litre m sport diesels absolutely brilliant cars still manage to get that bm rasp when you boot them with that added turbo whistle the things sound like like scud missiles when you give it some plus torque for days...

[@donello430]

Bought an e46 330ci convertible w/Msport,

[@brook5406]

nice cameras work . thank you for posting . love this car

[@03Deltaintegrale]

Miss my 325ci. Such a classically good looking car. Glad I had a chance to own one. My brother had a Z3 2.2 and that sounded even better.

[@phillipevans9414]

Tony_1988. I have a 2003 325Ci with the MSport pack, truly a wonderful driving car, and still as solid as the day it left the factory.

[@floatfacebook2013]

just bought the 320 e46 i had hardtop new version before and much as i liked it i gone for a 2006 oldschool look the car with rag top 1st gear is giving me some jip may change the clutch and flywheel for something lighter the steering is so on point you feel road but its such a joy to drive

[@petea7323]

I have one of these on my drive a 330ci version. I plan to keep it for a long long time

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Matt,great video on this BMW E46 cabby,nice and original the way it should be,with the kit in the boot.

[@themanipulator1]

I own two e46. A 320d daily and a 330i clubsport project. My favourite 3 series. The petrol noise, smooth 6 cylinder engines and perfect handling. Also robust build quality. Fantastic cars

[@JamesThrowing]

5?

[@mister.c4631]

Agree wholeheartedly

[@dexietyy7922]

Best looking 3 series ever made

[@bmwchannel7209]

I have an e93 335i with 650whp, an e46 330ci convertible, an e70 x5 50i.... and hands down, my favorite car to drive and look at is the e46 330ci convertible. It's just timeless.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Love the noise these straight sixes make. I do like this generation of 3 series.

[@furiousdriving]

They were such a high point for BMW, the engine and the car

[@timbre7999]

Wonderful car the E46; the last classic BMW and very nice to drive.

[@wallxmedia9490]

Love the great detail you go into! Outstanding. Looking into picking one up in the near future…hopefully with the full tool kit! Lol. Cheers.

[@YarnDrives]

Awesome cars. I had a 330ci hard top, fantastic car. I always had bias against the convertibles, however they’re starting to make more sense to me. These are not fast cars, they’re made for fun and a little quick. Convertible actually makes a lot of sense as these aren’t made to set lap times but to enjoy on a twisty road.

[@nickyboy74]

I have just brought this exact model in graphite grey, FSH with 90k on the clock in amazing condition…….engine sounds amazing

[@Kenny_P_abz]

That cutaway - also seen in the series 2 Marina😀

[@64bakes]

Great vid! I feel bad picking holes but the E46 is the fourth gen. Everybody forgets that the E21 came before the E30!

[@michaeltutty1540]

Back sometime in about there, Ma was thinking about replacing the old Volvo 240 Estate. Since a rear wheel drive wagon is all she would consider, that meant the 3 Series BMW or Mercedes C Class. There were things about both that ruled them out. One was the lack of space for a full sized spare tire. I was disappointed with the torque if the 6 in the BMW. Only marginally more than the 2.3 in the old Volvo. Considering how often the car has hauled near on 1,000 kilos of cargo, it was a consideration.

[@nicolamiriano9150]

Amazing car, for the sport version, the engine, the colour... But i personally prefer the coupé with manual

[@chrisblay]

I had a 328i Coupe around 2001. It was like the convertible, being a 4 seater and very fast. Rear wheel drive was very skittish with all that power plus an auto box and it span 180' on a roundabout.

[@louisjames1062]

Buttons are far better in centre console than on its predecessor on the doors where they are perfectly positioned for rain water to pile strait in to them off the roof shut lines, also preventing you from having window ajar when raining, position of the switches were relocated again on later models

[@Ashw1115]

I drove an E46 coupe from mile 100 to 120,000 for 15 years and buttons on the center console are far more practical and modern than any of these new cars lol. I miss mine I might just have to find a low mileage one just to drive on the weekends.

[@golders99]

The last of the nice looking 3 series

[@frothe42]

This is nice. Now, I like have to switch gears in an automatic, especially in winter, or going down a steep hill. I adore convertibles! I actually had a ride in a 6 series convertible years ago, what a blast! The only negative I have is they are so very common; I like different, like a Saab or even a Mini convertible. This one I admit is very nice. Well done!

[@furiousdriving]

You saw the yellow 9-3 convertible I drove the other day didnt you? That looked so good in yellow!

[@frothe42]

@@furiousdriving Yes, I watch most of your videos recently! I LOVE the Saab 93 convertible! I actually had a ride in one years ago, top down of course. Ever since I was five years old and rode in my kindergarten teacher's 1969 Chevrolet Camaro convertible, red exterior, white vinyl interior and top, and I rode with her to school with the top down. Ever since then, I fell in love with convertibles.

[@tonys1636]

Oh how I miss the pre select gearbox of yore, more so on a vehicle that had the fluid flywheel rather than a centrifugal clutch, which could be a bit grabby if not maintained well. The last vehicle I drove fitted with one was an ex LT RT bus. Last owned a 37 Riley 12/4 and a Daimler Conquest, very rotten with tin worm.

[@nmrsimulator1804]

Very nice car and convertible for me is the best

[@ashtonjay]

Best Shape bmw ever made, ive sold new ones to buy these back, last of the proper Beemers

[@Notellin]

Great video!

[@AndySmallbone]

Love my e46 cabrio fantastic car

[@MGBetts1]

You have a lot of different camera angles when you're driving! 👍🏻

[@furiousdriving]

Oh yes!

[@phil955i]

Last of the good looking BMWs imo

[@johanslecht2636]

so much swirls!! give it a good polish, great car.

[@Oldguynotbald]

I have 2004 in the states with an SMG trans... Already repaired it once. Hoping it holds up.

[@nigel.w]

Brilliant I6 engines available, classic BMW looks, good handling, decent ergonomics, low price, and many are ULEZ compliant. What's not to like? Does anybody actually build a better I6 than BMW? And the convertible's extra weight over the rear axle is actually a good thing, because 50/50 weight distribution actually isn't the best for a rear driven car, but more like 45/55 is best!

[@rscosworthfan]

all these also came with a hard top for winter

[@bellaollie2037]

The pre facelift definitely looks better

[@johnrobbo69]

I would love to prove you wrong with your use of an auto gearbox with Tiptronic...... they can be amazing. Good review though Matt thanks.

[@furiousdriving]

Im sure they can, Ive just yet to experience it!

[@buggs9950]

Ahem, the E46 is the fourth gen 3 series. Don't forget the lovely E21.

[@alchapman1052]

Certainly a nice bit of german car making ,very nice on a warm day in dear old blighty

[@AdamAus85]

I have an E39 and E36. I want to get rid of the E36 though as it's getting crowded with the Alfa 156 sportwagon coming along.

[@thetruthwillout3347]

How bizarre....I've literally just bought this very evening a e46 325ci m sport coupe! It's a very well cared for and unmolested 05 plate in sparkling graphite with black leather. 133k fsh and tons of history.....all for just over £2k Absolute bargain. I've been missing my old 330i m sport touring and needed a bmw in my life again. They are fantastic cars. Your next project car perhaps?!

[@colwyn9]

You didn't mention the centre armrest cubby. I miss my e46 325, fun car to drive but not to fix

[@rickymoule5989]

Great car great engine would love one 👍

[@furiousdriving]

You know where to look!

[@dansgeld]

This is my car . Even the colour. I have the manual thou

[@patgal8588]

What about an early Volvo C70 convertible. Not as popular as the BMW but in my opinion still a very stylish and reliable car. Nice if you got your hands on one for a review.

[@milesborg9812]

Great car. Pre facelift look better imo

[@Mirage8v]

Like the car, love the colour! Paintwork could do with a decent polishing indeed. Doorbins must be a 3 series thing though. They are huge on my E38 750. Ow and who was shot 3 times on 6:28? ;)

[@furiousdriving]

He had it coming

[@sebastianwurtz5294]

Still half a second slower than my remapped Citroen C4 Cactus, hehe!

[@TCKe]

This is a pre Bangle design

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The wood on the interior does look quite nice, sir!

[@furiousdriving]

very classy!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@furiousdriving, you like the classy cars, don't you?

[@AlistairMurray]

It's the 4th generation 3er, you forgot the E21.

[@bentsignpost]

Given that the average BMW driver can't use the indicators, it's no suprise the toolkit is untouched...

[@konradmroczek2496]

New 4 series...OMG this BBQ grill. My eyes hurt.

[@guyemmott4009]

Now for a proper car.!

[@demetrisa.8571]

You didn't mention that it has a tpms, auto lights etc..

[@rockyroshi]

Please do a review of a W208 CLK 😇

[@drivetime1488]

How reliable are those, now in 2021?

[@richardbartholomew1272]

Love your videos mate where u based in Kent mate I would love to work with you doing these cars up mate

[@apowers7783]

Wasn't it the 4th gen 3 series?

[@jamiehall63]

Technically this is the 4th generation as there was a 3 series before the e30. I believe it was the e21? The most famous example that I can think of being the one owned by KZbin's own Queen B herself. Whilst the e21 wasn't as pretty as the e30 (in my opinion) you can't ignore the fact that it paved the way for the future 3 series models.

[@brad7180]

The e46 was the fourth generation 3 series. Not the third 👍

[@Jam3sA]

Really miss my old E46 coupe. Incidentally, not all engine sizes reflected the model numbers - the 320s had a 2.2. Think the same applies to the diesels too?

[@LOTPOR0402]

But detuned

[@JamesThrowing]

320d 2L & 330d 3L?

[@stephen9869]

Love my orientblau E46 325i M Sport. Just wish it had a little more power and a little less rust in the wheelarches ;-)

[@averageeskatereviews]

Is that Maen on your wrist ?

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Yes - I have an E46. The switches in the car are solid indeed. No sense of Lucas anywhere. But the flimsy plastics are all under the bonnet. When the expansion tank splits because it's tired of expanding, they are cheap and plentiful on Ebay - of course they are! But then the plastic connectors on the hoses won't reseal - because cheap old plastic. Then the temperature sender won't reseal - because cheap old plastic... So it goes on. But still it's an endearing thing, which is rare amongst cars these days. My 2004 will stay in our family while newer things will come and go.

[@dang9269]

How much can you pick these up for?

[@chrisxaf1237]

The last of the beautiful BMWs

[@somervillearron]

@furiousdriving have you ever drove a volvo 850r?

[@hater8812]

is it more fun to drive than e90?

[@MrMichaelConstantine]

I had one in silver, had to get rid of it because it was difficult getting the child seat in and out. I miss it so much.

[@robeaton2191]

I made the same mistake, sold my first 330 vert when my first born came along with pressure from the wife, sorely missed the open top and the engine sound, so recently bought another but in an auto and love it, wont be sold unless i die lol

[@mister.c4631]

@@robeaton2191 id of chosen the car over the wife!

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

Do you work for SCC with the amount of content based out of there?

[@furiousdriving]

no, they just keep getting amazing condition cars in stock! Plus I could safely drive them in the first few days out of lockdown into back to work time

[@alexparker4787]

You forgot the e21?

[@StewSims]

OK so I'm seriously thinking about an e46. I see stone cold classics have a non M Sport one which looks ideal but it's an automatic, I think I'll bide my time and find a decent manual.

[@furiousdriving]

They have/had 2 in amazing condition, but both autos

[@mister.c4631]

Mines a manual 330d it is a total dream, stage 1, 270bhp, absoloute juggernaut

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, as normal great review, but the paint work is covered in holograms and marring on the bonnet.

[@furiousdriving]

its just dust, it handnt been detailed yet

[@arkeys74]

11:35 - Canadians must be puzzled here.. (“There is really not much to say - it’s a boot”) It’s a-boot what? Tell us what it’s all a-boot! 😃

[@Martindyna]

Did this engine not suffer from timing chain problems?

[@furiousdriving]

The 6 cylinders have proved very reliable, these didnt get that