Should You Buy an E46 BMW M3? (Test Drive & Review)

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This might sound like a silly or rhetorical question, but should you buy an E46 BMW M3? Let's see...
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#bmw #bmwm3 #e46 3e46m3 #highpeakautos

[@vx4716]

These videos are the equivalent to having a few beers and a takeaway delivered on a night after a hard day. So enjoyable and chilled hahah

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks! I'll take that

[@vx4716]

@RichJW hahah thanks buddy 👍

[@anthonywhite721]

Get in after a shit day and the mrs doing my head in over bathroom tiles this will cheer me up nice one dude

[@anthonywhite721]

rogue let’s not talk about that 😂😂

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@anthonywhite721 this made me laugh hehe

[@lukeferguson9010]

Classic

[@allanprits3484]

Have you done the tiles yet? It's been over a week and no guy can put up with a weeks worth of bother 😀😀

[@anthonywhite721]

Allan Prits haha funny you should say old tiles taken off this afternoon painting done tiller is coming tomorrow morning 😂😂👍👍

[@rezamotin7305]

The mrs said im not allowed to watch this channel anymore

She’s not the one mate, get rid.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha She doesnt have a Juke does she?

[@richard-bt1lq]

Yes

[@lesvosace602]

Mine used to say that but then I watched shall you buy a range rover evoque 🤣

[@carlplz00001]

Watch it twice then 😉

[@ijaen]

Loved the “pharmaceutical delivery”, “property state” and “not being able to stream your own music” comments. I really like the sarcastic approach to a car review challenge. 10/10 mate!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dickie8184]

Absolutely right about the condition of the house though. If someone can't be arsed to trim the hedge, and paint the rusty gate, they ain't going to be upto date with oil changes.

[@MartinJG100]

In the days when engineers still has some say....

[@MomentsInTheSky]

“If the bill’s don’t exist, did it really happen?” 😀 Can I send you my accountant’s phone number?! 😝

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahaha

[@DermotCarroll]

@@HighPeakAutos actually that should be the opposite! ... why can't bills be transferable??? 😝😝😝

[@brandoncook8300]

I’ve literally never seen a video featuring a e46 M3 without the driver breaking a smile while revving it out. The feel is just amazing how it builds up

[@soldat767]

Great content! I binge watched so many of your videos. I just love that you are realistic and straight forward and show us great used car options alongside issues that might arise. Keep up the great work!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@tariqtvproductions]

Took the recycling out and now sat here on my computer spending my Friday night watching your videos! Rock n roll! lol nice video :)

[@MattCSLnut]

E46 M3s are great cars with great S54 engine and decent build quality. Fantastic overall package 👌🏼 best enjoyed these days as that special occasion / sunny afternoon kind of car. You’ve done a great job with yours Matt 👌🏼 glad to see you’re enjoying it 👍🏼

[@rustydrog]

Its back! What a motor. E46 coupe is the nicest shape of modern 3 series too, will be a classic

[@shib4675]

Glad to see you still love that car, been trying to get a clean one myself and have that love for it

[@bolanditis]

Seen the notification, but saved the video for this morning. I’m biased, as I drive a 520d touring, and a Z3 on the few sunny days. The car is a peach and well worth the few quid spent. Smiles per gallon is crucial. Love your witty presentation style. Keep it up.

[@jamseyp5]

You’ve done such a good job with this! I love a convertible as well!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you like it!

[@mohammedusmanali3476]

Haha this guys reviews are brutally honest! Love it. Great vids! Keep em coming.

[@philauguste7310]

I had this exact spec car, and added the detachable hardtop - which gave the car even better lines. One of my all time favs!!

[@richardallsop5039]

Hello Matt, good to see your M3 again, it looks very sorted, the scenery on your drive looked lovely. Regards, RichardA

[@adamg3938]

Great video, I've done the same thing that you have done ,brought a cheap M3 and I've spent around £6,000 on it getting it back to totally original condition and we have the SMG gearbox and we love it its much faster and smoother .

[@manisking-xk9pr]

i agree 100% this is an amazing car. I remember falling in love with e46 m3 when playing need for speed most wanted. Like you said the only gripe is finding one that has been maintained well. Most would just drive this to the ground without servicing it properly. Could you do a review of a 2008 onward Mitsubishi lancer/evo if you ever get a chance! keep up the good work!

[@ronrichardson3103]

Yes I like this shape better than the later one. More than enough power for me I would keep it standard..I've had a BMW before the arches you need to keep touching up . but a good one to have.you should not loose anything.

[@kyndrydspyryt3867]

I must say my place is a tad untidy as I am a bachelor! But my vehicles are well maintained!

[@gulfstream7235]

So true about the state of the sellers house regarding upkeep of car. Love the vids mate, keep em coming.

[@jamesbaxter904]

I've driven more performance cars than I can remember and the e46 is still the sweet spot for me.

[@jamesbaxter904]

@Ian TB driven a Porsche GT4, amazing car. One of my favourites. Bottomed out quite often and was unable to get in to the hotel's underground carpark 😂 But it's an expensive car to use as a b road slayer.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

"If the bills don't exist, did it ever even happen."

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@R8_Jake]

Love the honest review! I’ve always loved the E46 M3, especially that S54 engine. I went a slightly different route and bought a Z4M as a stop gap fun car after selling my 911 to help fund the purchase of my house. Absolutely love it and it’s a keeper for sure. Might get a mint silver E46 M3 coupe too. Who needs 2 convertibles :)

[@aaronscott988]

I think this is my favourite video on KZbin. This iteration of the M3 is by far my favourite car (but in a manual, sorry) it’s probably going to be a while before I own one but this was a breath of fresh air and I’m glad you love the car as much as I do. Woodhead pass is always (mostly) a good drive if it’s near you too!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@micksmith4994]

Those warning lights for when the engine is cold never seemed to go off? Great car. The early-mid noughties was a great time for sports saloons. Love my ‘06 Boxster S but would like your extra doors! Top work as always 👏

[@spaccaboy]

Stunning car. A passion is always worth the expense. I have a Smart Brabus Coupe Roadster - last edition. Endless expense but endless joy. Excellent vid again. Keep it up.

[@fahadmunib2422]

THE INTRO "i just tore up the bills" 😂😂😂🔥♥️

[@1ridgy]

Torn up the receipts and pretended it didn’t happen. You have a lot in common with my wife 😂

[@callumbird9849]

Everything you have said is bang on. Owned a 330ci for a about a year now, lovely car but now wanting an m3. Trying to hold out for an estoril blue coupe SMG (SMG seems more intriguing for a weekend car) . Not botherd by mileage as long as all essential work has been done. Great video keep it up.

[@shaneweightman]

It’s nice to see someone who’s gone to town and back on trying to get a car, as pristine , to as close to the original and lavish regardless of the cost, be it a BMW or any other vehicle, nothing wrong with that kind of dedication, infact to be admired and like you have to agree , one day in the future , a good example like this will cream the hard cash back, that you put into it,, for that reason you should hang on to it , and it’s something you love , cheers for the video and previous regarding this car, have seen them all great viewing and magic story ,,,,Shane uk 🇬🇧

[@davidish43]

Love that car Matt definitely a keeper just bought a f34 as it suits my life style surprisingly pokey with the space I need and full of the comforts not everybody’s cup of tea but I love it ... thanks for bringing the m3 back great watch 👍🏻

[@danbentley6779]

Absolutely love my E46 M3 SMG vert, like you I would hate it as a daily, mines a summer roof down only car too, your review is spot on, I’ve loved these cars since I was a kid so bought the very best example I could find a few years back, now it feels awesome having a 11,500 mile example in the garage :)

[@raymck2115]

a grin and a smile then a laugh, priceless. great car, keep it as long as you can

[@v3n0x]

You’re right, my foot rarely goes more than half way past the full travel in F80 m3 especially in the rain

[@LHRSBN]

I love my black E36 1998 M3 Convertible 5-speed, bought used, although as a USA-spec it’s not quite as powerful as the Euro-spec - but it’s still a heck of a lot of fun. In Colorado there’s over 300+ days of sunshine a year, but I don’t drive it on the snowy days.

[@MrThaibox123]

I love this car so much

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too

[@rob5944]

@@HighPeakAutos Look at it this way, so what if it's only worth 16k..........the M3 owes you nothing and you KNOW there's nothing wrong with it...........(I always think that the price is+anything that is probably wrong with the car).

[@marklee3703]

Without question the most undervalued car KZbin channel.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you! That means a lot

[@ca9968]

I remember back in the early 2000`s going to an Opel Owners Club vs VW Owners Club high speed event in Pretoria, South Africa at a banked oval track called Gerotek, i`d seen the e46 M3 on the road but never seen one let loose on a track, the first one that had a go blew me away, that sound of the S54 at full wail was intoxicating! Fast forward a few years and I was working in the car trade and managed to get my hands on Imola Red Coupe with the SMG II box, loved every minute of owning that car!

[@muzzammilyounis4739]

Your reviews are by far 1 of the best absolutely superb. Watched you since your first video but my god your doing really well and I wish you the best for the future :)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I appreciate the support :)

[@muzzammilyounis4739]

@@HighPeakAutos The way you use such fine detailing in every review you make it look effortless and to be honest your down to earth aswel all I can do is praise you and ask you to carry on never give up 👍👌👏

[@twfy861]

Honest video Matt! Finally go to see such familiar Peak District views last weekend after so long for me! There’s definitely been some roof down days during lockdown which as sure you were tempted to give the M3 a spin ;) cars of this era - M5 or RS4

[@clivedalgleish5987]

Well done Matt, hang on to it buddy, definitely a future classic!!

[@DeltaDubai03]

A very good and honest review of a great classic car. Very nice!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you liked it!

[@eastsideofthetracks8311]

Many people don’t think twice about the house your living in or the neighborhood when buying a car but that’s very important good thing u pointed that out

[@edsmith4821]

The covid has somehow changed perceptions , people are starting to cherish life pre covid . Cars definitely fall into that category.

[@chrisbryant5681]

Great video and a nice shot of Winnats Pass.

[@StevenCollins]

Love the analogies at 1:02, perfect!

[@whitemoor66]

100% that this E46 and the E39 5 series are the peak of BMW design. Never really been a BMW fan other than the 635CSi but I actually lusted after the coupe version of the E46 for some years, and still think it is good looking now. Yours looks great and so good to see a cared for and unmolested example. It will definitely be increasing in value in years to come 👍

[@usandutz]

Thanks for the video! As BMW fan, I'd go for an E60 M5 in Individual trim, as a weekend car. That V10 is such a gem.

[@supertouring22]

Saw you today heading into marple. I noticed the M3 as I just sold mine, so it brought a smile to my face, but then caught a glance of the driver and i am sure it was you. Nice motor 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes that was probably me. I was out in it today

[@hughjorgen30]

What never happened can't hurt/haunt you. Good work!!

[@3000FAst]

Another great vid. So honest and true.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@n1msu]

Great vide, I think the peak district where you filmed this video. I know because I recognise Castleton, is one of the most underrated beauty spots on our fair Isle. If Caliban from the tempest was describing anywhere in England, in his ‘The Isle is Full of Noises’ speech, he's describing this place.

[@Biosynchro]

That landscape you drove though was magical.

[@jeromeiveson4614]

That’s higher up my weekend car list after this. That sweet spot of sound/experience and usable speed.Have you ever driven any of the v6 Busso Alfa’s of that period, maybe the GT saloon or even 147 GTA?

[@1seipai]

Good buying advice. I had 5 convertibles, all manual, which were fun. Then I got a coupe. The difference dynamically is vast. The extra rigidity makes the body control so much better when driving hard down a back road and on our badly surfaced tarmac. It's so much sharper and more keen to respond to the throttle. You do hear the glorious engine sound better with the convertible but for driving purity the coupe is the one. The optional hardtop with the convertible is nice. If you can get an M3 CS manual then even better. I was able to pair my Note 20 Ultra with the Bluetooth. You do get the phone book on the screen and it works well. The sat nav is dated. Unmodified is best. 👍

[@cjackdude]

love your honesty, may god bless you

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you

[@sinemetu9037]

Great job mate... yes, worth all the effort. Endless joy and you will never loose a penny on this.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Well said

[@kwizikle65]

I really like your review. very honest.... sadly they are much dearer in Australia, but you've convinced me that it should be in my collection... Again I like the convertible so it would be an SMG then do a conversion to manual later on... Thanks... really good.

[@mwatkinsphotos]

Other common issues are the rear subframe mounts can become detached. A squeak from the rear when driving is a give away that these have failed. Also the rear view mirror can leak and drip onto the gear stick surround causing it to melt. I do miss the one I had though!

[@pickup4life225]

I own this car yet I still watch vids about it love it

[@5ebra1]

Great content, great presentation, great countryside and great cat.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great Bimmer, defo one for the classics & I guess values will go up over the next decade

[@paulnewton1410]

Great review car is looking really good now. Time to enjoy. Cheers

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks 👍

[@johnbravo1256]

It looks great, well done for restoring it to it's glory. For some reason I prefer the CSL alloys though.

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

Fantastic review - and the best car buying advice, I have heard to date.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you liked it!

[@ponderer23]

Enjoyed this !! Great review

[@davidr5250]

I have a Golf cabriolet (2012, petro, automatic) which I bought when it was 3 years old. Last year it had a new water pump and a new gearbox. A lot of money but still cheaper than buying another 2-3 year old convertible. The car is lovely to drive so will keep it another few years.

[@flyme195]

Catrina and the Waves 😂 Love the E46, has a 320Ci a few years back. One of the few cars I regret getting rid of

[@TheGreatestPlayerInTheWorld]

I love your videos 😍they make me smile and brighten up my day thank you!!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Very kind

[@iandonkin6762]

Excellent as always!

[@thomascrellin8242]

Finally had my E53 Auto box serviced as per your recommendation and the guys at Darren Wood had nothing but good things to say about you 👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thomas Crellin that’s good to hear. They’re very good there. That’s a wise thing to do on the E53 too. Cheers

[@hummer21483]

This is literally one of my dream cars I hope I can say I own in the future!

[@honestrunescaper]

Love the wheels. Absolutely legendary

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@Northernerdownsouth]

Great video. It’s crazy to think that the 35d can now achieved 0-60 times which leave the E46 in the rear view.

[@vxrbandit2527]

Always a thumbs up from me Matt 👍👍👍 btw More points than Katrina and the Waves ( brilliant ) 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Andy-From-England]

Good evening to you Matt i glad you got the silver fox out to play i do remember it great looking example I know what u mean wanting just right

[@rossbolton4558]

Great review as always! Thanks for making it 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

No worries!

[@MrGusisawesome]

great journalism in this review. this peak district national park bbackground....some nice driving roads there.

[@stephenhadfield7715]

Another excellent review. Beautiful car & amazingly good condition for a 55 reg.

[@peterowen4456]

Another cracking video - the passion for the car shines through. Like the "denial" approach to the costs but I'd go down the "what a bargain for £16k route" - a super car for Dacia Duster money.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha yes that’s right

[@dodgy1954]

Can tell how much you love that car. More GoPro angles than you can shake a stick at and you never stopped smiling. Surely there is some ‘pair the phone that looks right kit’ and then it will be the daily, especially as you have the cup holders installed.😀

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thats right

[@twbtl2372]

Great video as always

[@eugenebarry5376]

Looks brilliant and will appreciate. Great review and I'm burning my bills for repairs as we speak. Sorry Greta. A smile on your face car is priceless for the enjoyment you get. That car sounds beautiful.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks!

[@bahribesimoglu1305]

The same model costs just above 44 thousand pounds in Turkey, at the moment.

[@adr0110]

Such a cracking car! The reason why I subscribed 💙 Lovely colour!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for the sub!

[@stu1701E]

Not even a BMW fan and I love the look of this car. They really nailed the styling and, from your description, the driving experience as well. Can't think why anyone would modify one.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me neither

[@petershorney7504]

Love this episode. Would never buy an E46 and not interested in the marque, but I enjoy the enthusiastic report. Still looking for the ideal Sinclair C5......

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

wise choice ' dont get the bug like me' and have a hareem of motors ' its a proper enthusiast car ' and the feel good factor , nice one

[@davidbest1]

I’d absolutely love to own a laguna seca blue E46 convertible with the blue interior and the SMG, I personally quite like clunky single clutch gearboxes, it adds to the specialness of the car in my opinion. Great Video👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good choice! I love that colour

[@nickcosta4326]

Lovely car and good video mate.. had the exact same car around a year ago and I loved it. Now I’ve got a coupe but supercharged👍🏼 the e46 m3’s are addictive

[@HighPeakAutos]

Nick Costa what have you bought?

[@nickcosta4326]

High Peak Autos supercharged E46 M3 mate. Also a 325i Turbo. Where is your garage based?

[@louisjames1062]

You can get oem looking android headunits for that, looks stock but does everything possible on modern day headunits. Cheap too, Plug and play, keep the original radio back home.

[@bigjohn5460]

i miss mine, me and ex drove it to barcelona in 2012 for the f1.best experience of my life, car was literally the spitting image of yours also..2 months after getting back the engine went lol

[@HighPeakAutos]

Oh really. What happened?

[@comeonman7423]

Fantastic video and a lovely M3! Life’s too short, get the M3 of your dreams! 🙌🏽

[@HighPeakAutos]

Couldn't agree more!

[@JoePineappless]

really nice car. you really have done a great job with it. Time to enjoy it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! 👍

[@marcuscainechambers8310]

Love your video's and honesty , but more importantly let us know some of the roads you use because they look stunning 🚗👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers!

[@hairymonster2000]

Good advice about the receipts, well sort of. I keep all the receipts for every little job and they go in a folder. I then go and drive, I don't refer back to them. To me, the key to enjoying the car is do whatever needs doing, when it needs doing. If you find the need to keep reflecting on what it's cost you, you're no longer enjoying it and should get rid.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha yes mine are now in a folder too never to be looked at again

[@hughjarce9915]

I’d love to see a in depth review on the L494 Range Rover Sport 👊🏻 Hope you’re keeping well through Lockdown

[@sulemanmahmood9088]

I always like your sense of humour

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I like this car now, as it's more M3 than the newer models! I still like the look of the mid to late 90s M3...!!!

[@williamfence566]

Answer YES. Straight six normally aspirated petrol everyday of the week. Buying advice was spot on BTW. I even apply it to dealers , scruffy unkempt lot equals poor uncared for stock usually. .Google map street view the address and then review the car advert.