DON'T GET RIPPED OFF! E46 Buyer's guide

Thanks for watching! SUBSCRIBE please and LIKE please because it gives me (little gremlin that edits these videos) lots and lots of dopamine seeing those funny little numbers go up!!!
Quick summary of things to remember before you buy your e46:
Check how frequently oil changes occured
Check to see if the engine has had an overheat event in the past
-Is it burning coolant?
-Does it reach temperature (Or sit below or above)
-Is there coolant in the system
Check to see when important replaceable items like the expansion tank were changed
Check that there are no strange sounds coming from engine bay
Is the body style your desired choice (4 or 5 doors of sedan and wagon are more practical)
Are the looks your desired choice (prefacelift or postfacelift)
If you are in a region where rust is an issue inspect rust likely locations like chassis rails and subframe mounting points
Is the car in your desired choice of transmission?
DO NOT BUY AN E46 WITH THE N42 OR N46 ENGINES THEY ARE NOTORIOUSLY BAD AND I DO NOT FEEL ANY SYMPATHY FOR YOU IF YOU GET STUCK WITH ONE OF THESE BUM ASS MOTORS. (i do a little bit)

[@moneyshifters]

Check the description once you've finished watching for a quick recap on things to look for when buying your car!

[@cctrno]

It's as if the universe knew I was looking into buying one of these and you guys delivered. Great insights thank you!

[@moneyshifters]

Thanks for watching‼️‼️ Always happy to help and feel free to ask more questions here or @money_shiftersig on instagram, we’re always happy to give you a hand or have a chat!

[@TheShedStudios]

Thank google and Facebook watching your internet usage 😂

[@cctrno]

@@TheShedStudios that also 🤣

[@moneyshifters]

I wasn’t gonna say it ☠️ they can read thoughts too tho

[@Leehuss5582]

I had a 318i e46, had 112thou on mileage and ran perfectly. Just make sure to change oil n filter every 6 months, yes I know every6 months! Only for the longevity of engine. Had the car until 2 years ago mileage was 205thou not bad for 10years

[@dashcamdiary2199]

Good vid! I'm in the States (California) and have a 2004 330Ci ZHP, 2nd owner and I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

[@moneyshifters]

That’s a great spec!! Nice car

[@zaynlabidin9812]

Just bought a 330i and this was a great insight. Well done 👍🏽

[@moneyshifters]

Oh awesome! If you have any further questions when it comes to caring for these motors message us on @money_shiftersig or comment ur questions here

[@moneyshifters]

Thanks for watching tho

[@bentremy]

Buying guide rule number 1: Make sure it has an engine.

[@easydayez]

Excellent! video as usual dudes keep it up ❤

[@moneyshifters]

Appreciate the kind words! New video coming soon ☺

[@JakeB-zo3dl]

SHE WAKES UP EARLY IN THE MORNING!!!!!

[@moneyshifters]

just to do her hair up

[@sussymeet9854]

this vid deserves way more views. good job guys

[@moneyshifters]

thank you bro. We are hard at work at another video.

[@addisonemmert9953]

funny and informative loved this !

[@moneyshifters]

🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@BeatPoet67]

320D in the house! I replaced this with an Audi A4 3.0 V6 TDI quattro and even though this was ballistic in a straight line it was f horrible going round corners. The steering was way too light and I had no real feel of where I was. Thankfully I'd kept the old 320D in a garage and resurrected it 2 weeks ago. Way better fun. And yes kids, I know the straight six is the purists choice but a diesel is always in the torque band on small twisty roads!

[@moneyshifters]

The diesel torque cannot be beat ! That’s true!

[@dannn.f]

keep up the vids guys!

[@moneyshifters]

thanks for the kind words boss appreciate your feature in this one

[@mikolizazi]

Mine is preface but came with the m tech ii kit from factory with m54 motor. It's a convertible, as can be seen in my profile picture.

[@moneyshifters]

Great car ! Look after it well and drive it well.

[@SuperMAZ007]

Very fun and well done overview. I would add that if you buy a tourning E46 make sure the rear hatch dose not have major rust issues. Some also like to rust from the wheel wells, rear hatches rust from the sides and from under the plastic covers. Very typical on tourings is the rust on the body arches where the hatch meets the body. Low spots tend to collect leaves and junk. If you happen to get a N series engine in the E46 you can't swap a M series engine into that without a lot of headache. The only way to get anything good out of the N42 and N46 engines is to send them to be melted up in a furnace.

[@moneyshifters]

Yeah sadly in australia we only got late model 320i auto wagons delivered so they're really quite rare - we also don't really get rust here very much hahah so we're lucky like that and looking back we did over look that and when we remake this video down the line we'll adress that. We have swapped an N42 318 to a m54b22 and it was a big challenge but with a parts car its certainly possible. I certainly agree about that last sentiment!

[@SuperMAZ007]

@@moneyshifters Most E46 that drive in the Rust belts of this planet look really disgusting. Body rust is a issue on them but a lot also depends on how well the car has been maintained over the years. N42 weak point is the vanos system and timing chain. Also these engine are very finnicky so if you skip few oil changes or use wrong oil in the engine. Self destruction is not uncommon. Rare occasions there is a soldering fault in the EMU that prevents the car from starting in freezing temperatures. Repairable by a skilled mechatronic but careful not to harm any date chips. Other wise your in deep waters. Just sharing my personal experience.

[@moneyshifters]

@@SuperMAZ007 Thanks man, appreciate that. Good to know. The n42, I hate to say it but we don't even work on them anymore. We turn away late 318i that need work because we don't really see them worth our time at our current position. The m5x and m4x motors are far more robust.

[@bernatroure211]

Wish I knew this before I bought mine 👍👍

[@moneyshifters]

Well know you do know, which is gonna make you an even better e46 owner 😉

[@NestexBETA]

great video keep it up

[@moneyshifters]

Wow, really appreciate the kind comment ❤️ stay subscribed we have a lot more content coming soon and comments like this keep us motivated 🙏

[@mobbdeep615]

great video, perfectly balanced between entertaining and informative. ive been thinking about getting a e46 or an e36 as a second car for fun. which do you think is a better option maintenance and reliability wise? i dont have an extremely high budget, there are more e46s from where i am, and they are cheaper but they seem to be beat up more than the e36s.

[@moneyshifters]

We actually have a video about this exact thing coming soon 😂 but we won’t make you wait for the answer: The e46 has a lot better interior tech than the e36- it feels like you’re in a modern car when you’re in an e46 while an e36 does not. The safety features in the e46 cannot be beat by an old e36 and if you were to pick a daily out of these beautiful cars the e46 will offer a more user friendly experience - the whole chassis is 10 years newer! However the e36 does offer the unique analogue driving experience. My advice - find a well looked after e46, not one with an n42 or n46, and if you don’t care too much about manual or auto an auto one will usually be better looked after as the manual ones usually get used as drift cars.

[@mars7357]

Great vid

[@moneyshifters]

appreciate that !!! ❤‍🔥

[@JORDO41]

Nice video boys. I've owned my Auto 02 330i for about 2 years + now while being an absolute beast to drive. The only issues I've ever had are my DISA unit flap literally being snapped off, car not starting because of a fuse 😂and an ongoing rocket cover oil leak that leaks onto the manifold, causing some pretty toasty KFC drive-through runs :) aw plus classic centre bearing going bye-bye and blown coils woooo. I'll fo sure look into some of the other stuff you've pointed out.

[@moneyshifters]

Thanks for sharing your stories with this car! If you want to save some coin highly recommend doing the valve cover gasket job yourself it’s dead easy and takes an hour or two. Watch a guide first of course. Look after your e46 and it will look after you. Thanks for watching too ❤️

[@user-kl2yh7id2t]

Top notch intro

[@moneyshifters]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching

[@GTFour]

M-Sport has different steering rack ratio, sway bars and suspension too. If you enjoy driving always buy M-sport. It’s 👌 to drive.

[@moneyshifters]

Shit… this is definitely important and we forgot to mention it. I’ll justify in post and say I think anyone who cares about driving is happy to mod their cars in such a way that improves it. The purple tag is a nice benefit too.

[@lucianmcknight3405]

Yes this is an E46 buyers guide

[@moneyshifters]

Well spotted

[@tyler951]

Get the right E46 and learn how to wrench a bit and you can have a really good ownership experience and then be addicted to BMWs for life. I've had my 2006 330ci ZHP (m-sport with actual go fast bits) with 6-spd for almost 11 years now. She's living the pampered garage queen lifestyle now and I'll probably never sell her unless I get too old to drive manual. I'm about to turn 40.

[@moneyshifters]

Awesome story and 100% true! We love DIY on these cars and love making content out of them even more. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. The manual drive feel per dollar in these cars is unbeatable

[@tyler951]

@@moneyshifters You're welcome, I still love watching E46 content. I test drove probably 24 cars and a slightly tired auto e46 sedan that I thought was pretty fun and engaging led me to looking more into e46s and finding out about the ZHP package. I bought mine for $17K USD with 95K kilometers halfway across the country. First manual e46 I ever drove was my ZHP on the trip to pick it up and drive it home and it was love at first shift. It has around 202K kilometers now. I've spent $1K USD per year on all maintenance/parts/repairs on average.

[@moneyshifters]

@@tyler951 that’s a fantastic ownership story and we’re so glad you decided to share that!! Awesome spec - the 6 speed is my dream box

[@Smokey-mt6ye]

Nice video bro

[@moneyshifters]

thank you so much

[@JoshMB]

I enjoyed watching this video so much I made another KZbin account so I could like it twice 😍😍

[@moneyshifters]

wow! thats fantastic. You should tell all your little buddies to do the same!

[@bernatroure211]

Probably same I don’t know what I’m doing

[@moneyshifters]

@@bernatroure211 if you could try that would be good

[@RoofingConnecticut]

I just changed all the engine related red flags mentioned in this video for my e39

[@moneyshifters]

Nice!!! Going to be a reliable beast. What about the water pump If you’re keeping the car long term?

[@joshuastout4528]

opinions on the m56 low emissions engine I have one don't know if it makes a major difference in working/maintenance?

[@moneyshifters]

Not really, lower in power I believe but I don't think we got any here in Australialand so no first hand experience. I'd say rather similar from what little reading I've done.

[@oversteer_9339]

Thank God i watched this. I nearly bought one with the N42 😬

[@moneyshifters]

Underpowered and very unreliable!! Get a 6cyl!!

[@oversteer_9339]

@@moneyshifters 523i and up any good too? 3 series 6cyls here are so high demand that they cost more than the 5 series 😂

[@moneyshifters]

@@oversteer_9339 yeah 523 has that same engine (M52 or m52tub25) and are very robust engines. They're not as snappy in the big 5 series chassis but fantastic dailies and the large engine bay means that not only is it comfortable in the cabin, but comfortable to work on. If you want to ask more in depth questions feel free to message us on @moneyshifters_ on instagram!

[@oversteer_9339]

@@moneyshifters tru. Thanks. Hard to find manual for both 3 and 5 though. At least where im from. Might settle for the autos

[@moneyshifters]

@@oversteer_9339 not a hard swap. Where you located? We're in australia and its not common to find 6cyl manual 3ers. I've seen maybe 1 e39 5 series manual.

[@josuegarrido8101]

I got one 318i (143 cv) can you give me more details in regards to the common failures in this motor.

[@moneyshifters]

What model year do you have? The 318i can come with an m43 and n42. The n42 isn't as bad as we stated in this video but it certainly has problems on high mileage examples. The M43 is rather bulletproof so recommendations will vary. Thanks for watching too!

[@josuegarrido8101]

@@moneyshifters 2004

[@josuegarrido8101]

@@moneyshifters so I got the n42

[@moneyshifters]

@@josuegarrido8101 yes you did. Higher milage examples will burn oil. There are also issues with the valvetronic system that will present themselves. The motors are not very good to make extra power on but when they work they work really well. You will need to get set up with a code reading software and diagnostics tools to keep the motor in good shape. The largest issue is the valve stem seals whcihs usually got between 200 and 300kkm.

[@Idk-rz8pr]

I bought a e46 for 1400$ 4 months ago as my first car I didn’t even see it run before I bought it never worked on a car either that’s how bad I wanted a 5 speed cause everyone taxing 5k for there shitboxes so I bought a battery 200$ a whole coolin system for like 550 got new spark plugs 60$ and ignition coils 60$ each for cylinder misfire shit sounded like a lawn mower at first changed the oil n oil filter like 65$ coolant 50$ air filter 25$ did everything and the gauge cluster was out when I first started the car bought a new one 50$ pick n pull never changed any oil gaskets mine doesn’t leak tho it sat for a month as I fixed it n ordered parts and was scared to try to smog it I didn’t think it would pass then I couldnt bleed it I thought it was hard there was no hot air going threw I wanted to sell the car 😂 but then the hot air went threw it was all working good I now daily it put about 5000 miles on the car since May just put isc coil overs on it and made the car feel ever better and got a muffler resigantor delete The old owner had the car for 7 years he said he was second owner. the car look like shit in the Facebook marketplace ad but I bought it got no service history but he had all of it lol amazing cars the one I got could’ve lasted forever I drive it fast so I don’t plan on it last and drift it but it’s lasting if I baby it another 150k miles I could get out of mine easy with fixing a few things here n there

[@moneyshifters]

They’re fantastic cars. Happy to hear you’re having so much fun, these cars drive so good, so comfy, so fun. Good luck on your e46 ownership.

[@3amdrifting]

I have a 1998 bmw e46 318i sedan with the m43. They are very reliable. I have problems with the coolant, It gets very hot often then i need to get the air out of it then it kinda fixes it. I mean its a great car i can swap it pretty quick with the 6 cyl but i need to replace the battery to the back. Nice video btw

[@moneyshifters]

thanks for that last comment. Does it get hot all the time or just in traffic? Your fan could be failing. Otherwise it sounds like your headgasket may have failed and is leaking hot exhaust gases into the coolant passages.

[@3amdrifting]

@moneyshifters I mean it get rarely hot. I drive the car every week tho. The problem is the radiator maybe idk. I have fixed it for the moment the coolant its not leaking or hot but i got the air of it so thats good it fixes it for the moment and when its hot hot air will not come so yeah idk .Maybe not enough coolant. Amazing video btw love that!

[@moneyshifters]

@@3amdrifting ah ok. Good luck with your car, the m43 is very strong!

[@3amdrifting]

@@moneyshifters Yes it is very strong engine they are most reliable e46 engine ever!

[@daycrew]

omw to buy an n42 rn

[@moneyshifters]

a couple of things that i hope happen to your n42: -it explodedsers - the timing decides to skip because you got one with a shit tensioner. this causes your engine to explode again. you now how a valve in your bonnet and a rod cap in your subframe - it starts leaking oil from an unreasonably difficult to change location for a 4 cylinder - it overheats because the cooling system decided to trap a bubble of air over cylinder 2 and 3 - your engine explodes from the above BMW sees how shit the engine is and offers a recall on all N42 powered cars, remanufacturing M54 and M44 replacement engines but with the updated manufacturing techniques of today.

[@daycrew]

@@moneyshifters what a wholesome twist at the end

[@BuckeL91]

When it comes to the coupé you don’t want a sunroof, they will leak eventually and cause electrical issues.

[@moneyshifters]

Same can be said for the sedans/wagons with the sunroof!

[@somedude9265]

Would a 330ci have a different experience than the 330i which one would be more reliable?

[@moneyshifters]

They have the exact same driveline and suspension set up. The coupes and sedans are about the same in reliability.

[@lilbreezi1243]

I have a tap every 5 seconds on the vanos when the engine is cold then goes away. My cars only at 94 thousand miles and I don’t have any power loss does it need a rebuild or no

[@moneyshifters]

vanos degradation is usually caused by spaced out oil change intervals (over 5-6000 miles) as this causes extra damage to smooth surfaces and seals, as such milage isn't the only thing that determines when they fail. Make sure you're doing the changes. To answer your question: If you want you can leave it, if you notice powerloss that's definitely a signal to do it, but remember its gradual so you may not even notice it. It's not very difficult to rebuild - valve cover off, vanos unit out, rebuild, retime the vanos and install. Set aside a day if its your first time or new to DIY on your car. It's really not a difficult process. Watch a few guides front to back. If you can find a video where m539 does it he provides fantastic insight every time.

[@feverwifdaVinnit]

those shirts look great! can I buy one?

[@moneyshifters]

yes we will be making moneyshifters branded equipment and since you were the first to ask you get a freebie or two

[@moneyshifters]

[@cal8327]

@@moneyshifters send me e46 shirt now please

[@moneyshifters]

@@cal8327 if u wish to support the channel stay tuned 😀

[@huimori3923]

What about the oil pump nut?

[@moneyshifters]

If you plan on tracking the motor the oil pump nut needs attention, otherwise not really necessary as backing only occurs at consistent high rpm. The tub28 is more resistant to this as well as the shorter stroke means less harmonic issues at higher rpm. If you plan to build the motor then it doesn't matter what you pick to begin with then as you will be sorting the pump nut and likely using a girdle for more strength at the bottom.

[@huimori3923]

​@@moneyshifters Thanks bro I just pick up a 2004 E46 330Ci with only 80K Miles got it from an old fella. Is there anything I should be concern about?

[@moneyshifters]

​@@huimori3923 I'd change (If not done recently): Expansion tank Change the oil with new filter etc Spark plugs Air filter Maybe put a higher quality water pump in too, for peace of mind. Though the later e46s don't need this usually it's not a bad idea. Inspect pulleys and tensioners when the engine is running for squeaks or play, also inspect the belt. Get a look under the engine and inspect the drivetrain for any leaks. Flush the powersteering and brake fluid. All things anyone can do on these cars over a couple of days or just do one or two here and there.

[@DRIFTA999]

Dont worry if u buy a lemon u still got a chasis and some spares, think of the bigger picture

[@moneyshifters]

Actually genius

[@DRIFTA999]

@@moneyshifters more people worried about lemons, just means more second hand interior pieces and panels for me hahaha I think this will be my first and last car I'll ever own anything except for an e46 haha but who knows

[@shakesbjorklund4994]

Listen your saying don’t buy it if it’s overheated in the past , … I bought mine it’s definitely over heated in the past but the entire coolant system was completely replaced and no longer overheats and drives fine what are some things I should inspect I also planned on completing rebuilding next winter anyways but if you have any specific things I should watch for let me know thank you guys !!

[@moneyshifters]

Hey! So the reason we don't advocate purchasing overheated e46s is because the stock motor has an aluminium block and aluminium head. When a severe enough overheated even occurs, the head and block considerably warp and the aluminium becomes softer. If the head cracks from this or the head gasket blows, many will lift the head, replace or repair it with a new headgasket and so on. But the aluminium block has still be soften from the heat treatment, and when they go to torque down the head bolts oftentimes the headbolts just rip the threads straight out of the block. If you're experience that means a big job or an engine swap - though in same cases you can get lucky - for example my m52tu go hot once (not fully overheated but hot) and its still fine. All depends on the severity of the overheat event and your luck.

[@RHYNOMAN12]

Wish u posted this 8 months ago. Damn E46 325xi sport touring is a terrible money pit.

[@moneyshifters]

Oh no 😞 what’s happened? We’re always here to help you look after these cars… a 325xi sport touring is a really good spec!

[@RHYNOMAN12]

@@moneyshifters car was picked up from inspection/certification. It drove 8-11 km and went to full limp mode. The check engine, exclamation mark light, abs light and coolant tank lights are all on. I can clear the codes but as soon as it re starts it throws all these lights on again. My guess has to be something with DSC system. Any help I’m all eye/ears. I’d love to run this car down the road but it won’t really do much at this time.

[@moneyshifters]

@@RHYNOMAN12 msg us on instagram @money_shiftersig - it’s a bit hard to have a conversation here. More than happy to help

[@aldojuarez5292]

Wanting to get a 330 currently have a 325 and its clappeddd

[@moneyshifters]

good luck on your 46 ownership journey boss. Send us pics on @moneyshifters_ !

[@DJRS9045]

buyers guide list for me: don’t buy a 316i compact

[@moneyshifters]

💯💯💯

[@nandivorfi1328]

You just told us not to buy a E46

[@Mark-bd5ci]

Slow ass old car😂 The n52 is where its at for na non m

[@moneyshifters]

The n52 is a great motor no doubt! I think the only issues I have with it is that pesky water pump and the fact that the cars it came in are heavier (with the exception of the 5er which got lighter) makes the bump in power not as noticeable as the powerfigures might suggest. If the n52 has the hydraulic power steering then I’d say it’s a better engine overall than anything before it!