BMW E46 | The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly…

Hey guys welcome back to the channel and in todays video we will be going over the good bad and ugly on the wonderful bmw 3 series e46! This cheap tuner sports car from the 90’s has been a legend in the euro world forever since it fits both the German sports sedan needs, is decently reliable, and cheap enough for a good first car for high schoolers! Also it’s kinda got Jdm car roots lol. I hope you enjoy and if you do, please be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more!!
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[@Audaz_Firme]

"Trim levels let's go over these real quick. This is going to take a very long time...ok" " Good job BMW, my nose is bleeding gonna have to deal with it." You gotta love Mark's ability to be unintentionally funny all the time

[@FELIPE8226M]

Lol

[@soloh4359]

E46 owner here (3 non m) just wanna put my experience here for anyone looking to buy one or just wanna know more of the car. They're fun depending on what you wanna do honestly any Non m shouldn't really go over 7k even then id buy one for 5k usually those have the least amount of issues but still needs some light fix ups. just do maintenance first (Upper rad hose, valve cover gasket, spark plugs, and pulleys) and it'll easily be daily drivable (def recommend a 325 if you wanna do that)

[@soloh4359]

I've been able to Drift my last 325 with 18x9.5s BC Coils as well as auto with open diff, just gotta kick that button on the bottom of the gas pedal like it's a clutch lol. I've (allegedly) pushed the 325 to 120 mph down a GT style course (in Mexico ofc🤭) and handles perfectly down it no power mods needed. easily a car that'll allow you to learn how a car handles and let's u feel without almost killing you if u fuck up a little. There are ways to make it efficient and overall a faster car but nothing too crazy if you aren't willing to spend thousands on a TC or whatever.

[@soloh4359]

Special tools aren't as bad as it really seems just Metric Torx and the rare Reverse torx, can allow u to fix a lot of the common issues. ORDER A FAN CLUTCH TOOL THO YOU WILL THANK ME LATER (automatic mainly, and in rare cases auto) obviously double check if it has the mechanical fan or the Electronic while you're buying

[@fendrzwag2196]

I bought a 330i E46 about 1.5 years ago and it's a great car to daily and drift from time to time. The car is all over very easy to work on (until you have to replace the starter motor for which you need to take appart half of the engine......very fun). Slapping on some grippy tires will make it an AMAZING track car, even without modifying anything else. If you ever damage the guibo REPLACE IT IMMEDIATELY, because if a broken or flexed guibo breaks your driveshaft it will set you back an easy €1000. Overal great car, easy to work on but very high maintenance costs. Be sure to spare up a few thousand bucks just for maintenance when buying one of these. And do go for the 330, it's just so much better than the rest. FYI the car does not sound great. It's got this weid low power raspy sound to it. It will sound great when modifying the exhaust slightly. A ton of people remove 2 of the 4 exhaust to manifold bolts to get an exhaust leak, which makes it sound way better for some reason.

[@deanjohnson7283]

E46 328Ci owner here, but from Europe. Here are my "Good, Bad and Ugly" 2 cents. Good: Parts are everywhere here (not like he said), you can also mix and match between the models, for example, I stroked my 328i to 3.0L with M54B30 parts... B30 Crankshaft, B30 intake camshaft, B30 intake manifold with DISA valve, MS43 ECU from a facelift 320i (M54B22) mapped with 330i software, air filter housing, brakes from 330i and you are off, parts are quite cheap, I think everything for the swap was about 500 Euro ($550) and some parts were bought new. (and you can do the same to any 323i, 325i or 328i, as the cylinder bore is the same as the 330i) Car handles exceptionally, its a bit worse than an E36, but it feels a lot safer. You have an exceptional amount of wheels to choose from with the 5x120 bolt pattern including cheap replicas for like 200 Euro. Aftermarket support is exceptional as well, you can find pretty much everything, from a high compression NA build, to a Turbo or Supercharger build. You can run 0.8 (about 11psi) of boost on stock internals and make good power and fun sounds. Aluminum block with iron sleeves means its quite durable, with some people pushing it to 800hp on just forged rods, pistons, and ARP head studs. Slicks and semi-slicks are in quite popular sizes as well, so they are on the cheaper side of things. FE M3's on their iron block make over 1000-1200hp, but I would just get a M50B25 block if thats what you want, its way cheaper than the S54, can be stroked to 3 liters easily and are quite reliable under boost if built properly ("properly" includes upgraded cooling system, as it gets quite hot under boost, like every other boosted iron block). Bad(things to consider checking when buying, but even if they are in need of a fix, its extremely cheap to do it): Steering rack leaks from time to time, repair kits are cheap, racks are cheap from a junkyard as well. Steering pump fails on all models, but its relatively cheap to get from a junkyard or parts car. Oil filter housing does not go bad, the little gasket between the housing and the block does, and its like $10, just do it. Electric fan module might fry itself, but they are cheap. Vacuum leaks from DISA valve, cracked hoses or PCV system, it might cause the RPMs to "ocellate" up and down, but fixes for all of those are cheap. VANOS unit might have issues, but these dont really go bad, they just need a good clean and a new set of O-rings. DISA valve might need a repair kit, as its plastic and it breaks, there are metal replacements in the aftermarket and they are not expensive. Its a 20-25 year old car, some of the bushings might be bad, replace them and if its your "fun car" or "track car" consider going polyurethane. Some sensors might go bad, get OEM second hand, as they can be expensive, and the car does not always like the aftermarket variants, most of them are either Siemens/VDO/Continental. Coolant expansion tank can break, if you drive hard, consider getting an aftermarket aluminum replacement. Coolant hoses can rot, especially if oil dripped on them, consider replacing them if there are cracks or abnormal bulges. -Again, keep in mind its a 25 year old car. It all depends on how neglected it was, mine had 360k kms and was neglected and I had to do all of these things, now it has 530k kms and I havent touched any of those things anymore. Even if all these things go bad, it wont be more than $1000 to fix every single one of those with a combination of new, aftermarket and second hand parts. Ugly (things you should know, that might be quite expensive). Main one is rust, check for it, especially if you are buying a 328/330/M3, as you are already giving quite a bit of money. Rear subframe can rust as well, if you are changing its bushings, consider spray painting it, cheap and can save you some trouble. Check where the rear subframe mounts to the car, it tends to crack there, if you see some cracks its not critical and can be repaired cheap (drill a hole where the crack ends and weld it, you can also put reinforcement plates, they are cheap too), but if those cracks started to rust and you now have holes and rust there, its better to run from that car. If it was modified a lot, you should have a good idea on what it was done to it... if the person is flipping the car, or just got it and saw some major issues consider running away if you are inexperienced, as some projects can be botched quite badly. Buy either a stock car or one that was modified by the person selling it, ask him to run you around everything that was done to the car AND TAKE NOTES, so you know what was done to it if something breaks.

[@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz7]

You know much so I want to ask you something about 328 ci. Cars battery is dead and I cant get inside xd not even with the physical key. It only has one lock on passenger side door and trunk and the trunk is jammed. Passenger door lock the key spins 180 degrees left and does nothing. Doesnt open the car. I have tried to jump the car from starter but the car doesnt unlock and I used wd-40 and lock defroster on the locks but nothing helps. How do I open it? Bonus question, the car doesnt blow hot air inside or its really soft on max maybe blocked? But the first problem is the deadly one. without hot air I can live but I have to get inside of the trunk atleast to replace the dead battery.

[@bradleybossness9150]

Just got my first car today, it’s a lil torn inside with the seats and the main light being broken, but it’s a 4.8. V8 grand marquis. It’s one of my dream cars (I love cars like the crown Vic with smooth driving) and I’m really happy 😁

[@senorblacktoservicia]

My freind has 1

[@noodlezhp]

I've own e46 all my life they're amazing cars. Rn imma give my mom my limited edition zhp sedan so I can focus on my coupe to modify them

[@lemoneggs5897]

Get one NOWWW. They are rock bottom and are more durable than any 240/180sx. Auto or manual it doesnt matter get it now. These cars are tanks and easy to work on!

[@controll8777]

I'm getting a wagon here within 2 weeks

[@mattimcft]

@@controll8777did you buy it? Which engine did you get? I’m getting a 330d sedan or a 320d coupe the next 2 weeks.

[@controll8777]

@matejuhasz7204 I got it. 323it with the m52 motor. Manual trans. And I'd recommend and 328 or 330

[@controll8777]

@matejuhasz7204 330 will have lsd so if your gonna be drifting you'll be good to go, but lsd will be a lot more fun driving then open or straight welded.

[@jasonbaker3701]

@@controll8777…no.. no it won’t. Same thing with the person making this video, why are we talking about things we know nothing about?

[@GioBMX]

I’m not gonna say you did a bad job. Because it was almost on point but there’s a LOT of things you said that I’m glad you said like oil filter housing. But what do you mean go out? They leak. Replace the gasket is what you meant right? And vanos solenoid? No for the M3 vanos can rattle or break completely and non M vanos simply the seals go bad and it lacks power. The subframes aren’t the weak point it’s the subframe mounting points on the physical chassis. They fail because lack of maintenance. Bad bushings causing play in the rear end.

[@Ozarkoh2]

idk why, i've always preferred the e46 over the e36.

[@PorscheGT1]

I like the Miata 😉

[@ethangrimborne8427]

Btw, congrats on your 700th video.

[@imagenius9574]

Bro Mark, you did a complete 180 on BMW reliability. I honestly thought 90s BMWs were more reliable, which works for me cuz I think they look better than some of the lashy bulbous abominations we see today. Guess they are still German cars with complicated parts.

[@Karl_Kampfwagen]

Completely unmodified and well maintained, the E36 with M52 is reliable AF, but any modifications or electrical issues wreak havoc on all of the electric pumps, which were taken off the engine for E36 generation, and relied heavily on alternator. E46 put the pumps back on the engine, because there wasn't enough Amps to go around from alternator, and this causes parts to fail.

[@Cynical.Photos]

This guy is lowkey funny😂 I’m subbing

[@MhackChicken]

HE DID IT

[@FELIPE8226M]

Yeah there's still a ton of them out there but they are going to scrap yards fast and it's not the easiest to find a clean one

[@Editd1]

Just got one to restore! 330i and I’m going to hopefully have a blast doing it

[@housespider]

if you're looking at these, the DSC/ABS control unit (might be named either or depending on your car) tends to go bad around 120-140k for older model E46s. If you aren't planning to do the repair yourself it can definitely cost you a pretty penny

[@clarkbryan6425]

I learned the hard way Hydroplaned in my 330xi 😢 shes gone and now I have a 325i 😅

[@BKNY-s7g]

He said: 👁️👄👁️ … “HELLO”

[@spencerpine4180]

I'm now baller as hell. Thank you

[@zmure2279]

could you make a video showin some love to the ralliart? love that car would be dope to see it in a vid

[@ducks4039]

This guy was speaking out of his ass for some of this vid.

[@hectamus_]

The Skyrim music in the background lmao

[@talecy7938]

clicked off when he said he never drove one lol

[@G87_Toji]

So we forget the diesel counterparts? 320d? 330d?

[@Aiden.skates]

w video w car w mark

[@jevmat5263]

12:39 this is where vanossgaming got his name I think, or some other bmw part named vanos

[@kxdi1308]

can you make a good bad and the ugly for the e34 5 series

[@daniel_winieck]

Do the audi s3 8p next pls

[@infadelakainf]

What about a subscribers review

[@controll8777]

So im getting the 323i wagon. Manual obviously and plan on making it a good daily car, then show/drift car. Had a bmw e12 528i i tried to bring back but failed and said fuck it no more 🤷. E46 the wield

[@cookieboy2335]

Hey, could you do the r32 skyline.

[@hoodoocanyonsyndicate]

You feel like the model that will sell the most is the 328i? You know they only made them for two years right? there aren't THAT many of them.

[@Cynical.Photos]

I bought a e46 for 600$ has a sump gasket leak and needs radiator replaced and blower fan problem and that’s about it

[@cameronscotty3671]

e46 tax ain’t even real compared to other cars

[@cwbusrides]

Do a Good Bad and Ugly on the Nissan Altima SER from 2005 to 2006

[@Ultixa]

Can you do E28 next time

[@trini_sniper7011]

I has returned from over more than a year😭 look my fav car that's 60-100k ttd

[@viennois0123]

Good luck with the nosebleed. ;)

[@kazorcarbon]

Do the e92 plz

[@shedrackobuene2521]

Mine is 323i

[@noodlezhp]

11:03 I am trying to make my e46 look different from the rest like instead of putting a csl wing I put a big JDM wing and got a Mtech 2 body kit with additional fender flares cuz I know my e46 isn't a m3 but a car that's build to retain the 330ci look

[@rcklz2833]

So riced?

[@rcklz2833]

Mtech body kit fine i actually want that. But the wing cmonn

[@massa2419]

4th and day 2 million of asking for german/mercedes content

[@Extrinityishere]

Asking for german/Mercedes content for 5,479.452 years. Respect

[@elliottwalton671]

This is my dream car it’s been down 3 month 330 girl wants me to sale I’m not

[@1998kid1]

I’m about to buy a 2003 , very excited but not looking forward to potential costs

[@mrexplosive6355]

Many day of asking: GOOD BAD UGLY on the M140i

[@silkee]

Hate seeing E46 M3's set up for drifting. You have to completely destroy everything that went into making this thing grip like it's on rails and ruin it's balance and looks. They're not meant to be slammed, they look daft.

[@Rami-L]

damn uploaded 34 seconds ago

[@image-lg8yl]

why people paying for a car 25 years old unless you guys hove lot of money to spend you can get super car for this sprice

[@roobzruckers7626]

Please may I make a request? S l o w d o w n I love your videos so much, but in some videos, especially this one, you talk so fast that I can't keep up! (Because a lot of it is new information that I'm learning from you, so it takes a sec to process!) Please take this as the constructive criticism that I intend it to be! I think you're great, and your videos are so enjoyable and informative ❤️

[@ryancortez7147]

Just bought a mk7 gti hook me up plzzzz

[@jessicaimaly6395]

My BMW e90 2011 328i got an error code 56bf. Is it expensive to fix? Thanks

[@Shepherdservices317]

Who this dude in a basement?

[@eatano]

third

[@hoodoocanyonsyndicate]

The longer I listen the more I realize you have no idea what you're talking about, zero. You should stop talking.