My BMW e46 has a Major Problem and yours could too!!

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Must buy bmw e46
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Major Problem on e46
Get this fix ASAP
#BMW #e46 #MajorProblem

[@iiplaya]

This and the subframe are my worst fears… I’d buy a rust free E46 with a blown engine and transfer everything out of your car to that one it would be a good series

[@I6N54]

Some shops will tell you to not bother doing the work because its their way of saying they dont feel like working on it. Bring it to couple of more shops and get more opinions. If you love the car and its worth it to you, I say get it fixed. You have already done ton of work to it and its a special car.

[@bassboosted_rdz2269]

this!

[@nonimo4855]

This ! My e36 had all these rust holes, and i got it fixed after searching for a long time for someone working on it. He even did it for cheap, including a full respray. Of course i cant recommend you the shop, as i live in europe. But id say keep on searching for a guy willing to work on it, plus have the right knowledge of dealing with rust. Welding in a new piece of metal isnt that difficult, but making sure it does not come back is something else.

[@timd518]

Anything can be fixed, before making the decision do more investigation, pull out the interior and inspect as much as you can behind the panels to get an idea of the extent of the problem. This could save you money on the repair and at worst you are pulling everything out to put into another car or sell. Also consider shops outside of mass. Competency for repair matters more than location.

[@backblockbully]

Hey Ev im so sorry this happened to your car. I understand how it is because my father passed away unexpectedly when i was 19 and to this day i find it hard to let go of anything we shared. I want my advice to you to acknowledge both your finances and emotions. By no means should you get rid of this project that you’ve came so far on in your father’s name, however we both know fixing it doesn’t make financial sense. I would say if you have the budget to do the repair, by all means go ahead and do it. If not, i would suggest getting another bmw project car maybe an e39 manual 540i or something just to grow your channel a little more so you can get the e46 as perfect as possible, while keeping the e46 safe in a garage or storage in the meantime.

[@rossstoneman832]

This is a good life lesson. Nothing last forever. Swap out all the cool stuff into another e46. Move on but keep the memories. Sometimes these kinds of things can lead to even greater things you can’t see right now.

[@nleeumd]

I owned an e46 330Ci for 19 years straight, original owner. Hard to sell a car I held for so long, but I picked up an e46 m3 while i owned the 330 and ended up selling the 330 and i really do not miss it. My non-emotional advice is to find another e46 and carry components that you want to the next e46. My emotional advice is that you are young, and as you get older, your financial factors may change where maintaining these cars are not a burden. If you can save this car with $$$, do it.

[@JohnFaire]

I agree here. Best way to get over your girl, is to get under another. Will it be the same after the repair? If you can buy an M3, the e9x chassis is way ahead of E46, on upkeep and at the track. And, there comparatively priced right now. E46 is not a reliable chassis. You have to already be worried about it before you even buy one. IMO the E46 M3 market is in a bubble. It's subframe a very real problem that hype has hidden from new buyers. The rear carrier access panel is like having a car with rot already. Weld in patches are band-aids if there's a crack already, which is most all of them. Even if patched before any cracks, the entire panel is weak, and it tears from anywhere. I've seen entire upper spring perches torn out. WTF... E9x chassis, no problems there. Keeping up with the E9x will payoff more than the E46. It's also the last NA engine for the BMW M3 series. Just as "raw" as any other NA. If you decide to go with another car, either spend the $2k on another non-M E46 without rot, and enjoy your car, or buy the upgraded car, and your emotional connection with your old car will vanish faster than you can say 330ci

[@deseancarter9643]

Daaaamn. After putting so much work and $ into this car. Sorry to hear man. You’ve really helped me out with my E46 build

[@spencerydc]

Heartbreaking. I Hope theres a good solution out there! get a cheap m3 shell and swap interior and etc over 😎 keep the project alive brother

[@EvanGoyuk]

But it’s not the same car anymore doing that in my opinion

[@Keyynann]

Sorry to hear about the rust Evan, I don't see that you would have to abandon the shell because of the rocker panel however. The damage isn't really that bad if you compare to what people restoring classic cars have to deal with IMO. If I were you I would try to fix it, 'cus of sentimental reasons mostly, I hate the thought of giving up on a car that I love even if it needs a lot of work, especially after all the hours you've put into this CI, It's probably not the best thing to do from an economical standpoint, but money isn't all that matters.

[@user-hu2xr1ur1x]

I’m here to

[@devenpersaud5652]

Rust and the northeast are the worst combo for car enthusiasts. Best of luck to you bro!

[@PigToots]

Really sorry that's happening man, best of luck with everything

[@TR4G]

Lessons learned. Respect, Evan. Tough situation but I ultimately think you should get into a different e46. My first BMW was a 325xi and it brought me into the world of cars. Loved it so much. Unfortunately I lost it in a fire, complete loss. SInce then I'm onto my 7th BMW and I realize that these are just cars and there are so many cars out there. Learn from them and stay safe. Spend this time to find the right next car for you. I ended up going through 2 more e46s, 2 e30s, a z3 coupe and an m coupe. Lots of stuff out there!

[@mikeymagic117]

Damn! Sorry to hear that Evan. It's a tricky situation to be in. If you can get it done cheaper then keep it.

[@emilian.parvanov]

I've been through that nightmare once with my '02 325i! I hated myself after that repair! It costs a lot and even if the particular areas you re-fabricate stay clean another ones will pop-up and they will pop-up for sure! The rear end of the E46 rots inside-out and you only see the tip of the iceberg on the outside! I'm also very attached to her(yes, the car has a name) but would NOT go through that again! It's rust free for now but that brown plague always comes back! Think of something else - a unibody design car that has started to rot is extremely dangerous in an eventual accident!!! Re-fabricating some areas could make things even worse! Find a clean body from any of the southern states and transfer all your work on the current one into it - it's going to be a great journey for you as well as for us as your viewers.

[@shaunsynyer1962]

KEEP The Car and have it done you know everything about that car inside out if you buy another you might have to start all over again spending on the engine or other mechanical problems you carnt see. Try other places for the repair some people just RIP you off. You've spent all that money getting it right and looking good dont go someone else's mess chin up keep up the good work ......Shaun

[@zookyook1]

I also have this issue with my e46. I'm also emotionally attached to the car, I bought it with the little money I got when my dad passed away and told myself I'd never sell it. I've just been jacking it up by the rear center jack point for now. My plan is to buy a f10 335i next year and keep my e46 in the garage to tinker with in my free time. All I can say is buy a welder and attempt fixing it yourself with a donor panel. Sorry to hear this man, good luck.

[@sergiomiranda3534]

Pick up a clean E46 from another state with a bad motor and swap your interior and parts you want to keep and paint it. I see e46's with bad motors in Florida for $1000.

[@bog_paint2875]

That is true

[@christopherldavid]

Same out here in California, they are as common as Corollas

[@PEIVOLILLO]

Hope you get it fixed it mate! Here in the uk we suffer a lot from rust…

[@cuban8ight]

Keep it and fix it..just make sure it gets done the rite way..you can cut all that bad rot out.

[@mareoj]

this made me feel so sad, what i would do is finding a good condition example, dont worry about the powertrain, and try to transplant everything from your chassis to the new one as diy as possible, maybe even the engine at some point, that could really boost the channel and your own skills

[@BlizzardKingE46]

So sorry to hear that Evan, that sucks and its a tough pill to swallow. My recommendation would be to find a nice rust-free E46 (perhaps something located in a southern state) and transfer your modifications to the new car. Unfortunately rust and especially rot like that is a never-ending battle, and you'll spend as much if not more than just buying a new shell and transferring things over. As far as the emotional attachment (mainly the connection to your Dad), that's also tough. I don't have experience in that area, but perhaps you could consider transferring your modifications to a new chassis as a way of giving your Dad's E46 legacy new life? Also, don't beat yourself up about painting it. We all make mistakes (I've made similar mistakes), and you followed your best judgement at the time. Additionally, I'm sure you learned a lot during the process, and next time you paint a car you'll be able to do an even better job. Best of luck to you Evan.

[@BlizzardKingE46]

Also, if you do pursue repairing the rust be sure to evaluate repairing ALL the rust on the entire car.

[@daancontent]

same probs here. to fix the panels and skirts around 2000 euro. Also in the struggle to fix it or not... plus it never ends with the e46, but maybey that is what makes the fun to the e46. always busy with the car! if the car brings memorys, better keep and fix it. chears!

[@leoninox7174]

Greetings from Greece. Sorry about your dad. Is always heartwarming father and son working on a hobby project together. I am not good in advices... but if i was having this car and wanted to keep it alive as best I can...I would have buy a clean new donor, i would transfer all the components from my dad's car, to the last nut and bolt, and I will keep the bare body to my warehouse. So with this done I wouldn't sell nothing that I have so much memories with it, i keep the project car alive, and maybe in the future if I have the money, I will give the body shell to a really good craftsman for total restoration. I like your work, keep it up! Best regards

[@EvanGoyuk]

Thank you man

[@stefanivanov2382]

I guess the best way to go is to buy another e46 with the same color, find one without an engine for example. Transfer all the stuff you wish to keep from that one, sell the others and junk the chassis.

[@david_vash]

It really comes down to how attached you feel to this car. From watching your past videos (primarily your headlight upgrade video and why you got the initials), it seems like this car is pretty up important to you. I recently had my F10 535i slip a rod bearing and I was forced to sell it as is (which of course meant significant financial loss). After doing so I tried to move on and I’ve bought a c55 amg instead. It’s sometimes best to let go and try something new in store. But then again, it really comes down to how attached you are. I wasn’t too attached to my F10 even though I thought it was an amazing car

[@DerKopfsammler666]

It's a cronic problem about these cars, that and the weak subframe issue they have, which eventually will crack and needing reinforcement. I hope you're able to find a solution that doesn't involve replacing the shell.

[@dironizareyes596]

omg i just commented on your other video about rust. surface shield and fluid film are the best

[@beehauss]

I vote fix it. Considering the history you have with it. I’ve owned my 330ci since ‘09 and would be crushed if I had to part with it, so I feel your pain. Good luck with making your decision either way

[@bobmarly555]

Sorry dude I feel your pain, not that mine is this rusted but I love my E46 and I'd feel gutted. I mean you could spend the money....or maybe create something unique. Like a Saloon with your m3 lump in it. Best of luck to you regardless.

[@bobafittness1346]

I feel you exactly. Mine busted piston rings and mechanics are telling me to repair the whole engine ($4000) others to part out and I can’t. I’m just attached to the e46 too

[@RobZillanator]

Sounds like a great opportunity to retrofit M52TU rings that don't burn oil

[@StreetRocketJoe]

Keep your head up and keep looking for shops. You’ll figure it out you are way to far into this car to give up. Try to keep it out of the rain and snow and only drive it on nice days till you get it fixed that will help slow the rusting down.

[@Wipsplash]

Most of the rust areas on your car have replacement panels available. If you love the car then bite the bullet and buy the panels and have them welded in. Or you can save money, buy a welder and cut tools for under 500 bucks. Do it yourself. Life is a journey but sometimes you have to pave your own road to get to where you wish.

[@ExclusiveAutoClub]

My e46 has same sort of rust issue. Rusty and gone through but the structural integrity is still there. So want to sort it before it becomes such a big as an issue as yours. But i do have some people saying about swapping cars. But like yourself the car is just so much value to me. So doing that soo even swapping everything it’s just not the same car. So I’m sorting it out. And I think if it’s a lot of value to you just to get the part and get the body shop to replace it.

[@thinhhmai]

Buy another e46 shell and keep the project going.

[@enzoperez5095]

Buy another e46 and swap everything you did onto the new one, you will have an extra motor, trans & diff then scrap your original. This suck to hear but you can still save all the work you have done to this beauty.

[@FELIPE8226M]

Damn that sucks, I’m attached to mine also, thrown thousands into it. Glad I live on the West Coast where rust isn’t a issue

[@Steve_K88]

I bought a zhp that has rust issues drove it for two years. I just bought a clean 330i slick top, ssg. I'm going to take my engine and 6sp and make a clean sedan.

[@wrzeworz3202]

Cost effectively you probably should get into a new e46 and transfer the stuff. But it's got the sentimental value which is special just for you. The question you have to ask yourself is if the sentiment is worth the price shops will ask for the fix.

[@ChristopherAalto]

that sucks man i would recommend since you love the car defiantly look into a shop in another state nearby

[@icemanleo]

Get an Arizona shell... Transplant whatever it best... U gotta take the loss on the paint job. My E46 is rusting and i can only sand and paint so much but eventually it's going to give up. Good 🤞

[@jzx5467]

We wanna see, this project going. Rust kills the car but u have long way to get the kind of rust.

[@kevinmaldonado4915]

I'd say junk it after swapping into a similar car and just get a piece that was sentimental part that your dad or you cared about like headlights steering wheel something that can go on the donor and it will always be part of it more than likely a hood because it has the vin you can put it on there and it will part of it

[@fattyshtc]

It looks like a untreated repair but I seen worse repaired its just down to how much you want to put into it. Once it gets rusty you are just chasing it. What is the other side like and the rest? If it were just the quality of the quarter repair then I'd say fix. If it's setting in I'd say donor or break. There's a few clean ones left here in the UK.

[@BaoTieuActor]

If you love the car that much then the cost shouldn't even matter because you will be keeping it, so get the panels and sections needed and pay a reputable body shop to do the repair work for you.

[@Bemaritohtori]

This just stopped my heart😢 My E46 has been upgraded along with yours and I feel like this just happened to my car 🥺

[@chrisnobles8114]

Honestly it’s probably not worth it to most people but you can find someone to repair it. I personally would hold hope and try to save it. But it’s your call.

[@qwetv7071]

Its okay bro

[@TheRafelito19]

I had a similar problem. I ended up just giving up and junking it. I found a much nicer e46 the next year. My lesson is learn when you have los and move on.

[@clubsport_46330]

You can get any bmw sills ect new from bmw, your car was over 40 grand new, so spending 15k max to bring it back to brand new and good for another 30 years its worth every penny spent on restoring it

[@ignacioromero5014]

if you decide to do it make sure the person who does it sees this video. You want them to "get" why you are doing it, and if you do it go all in...no regrets. You stirke me as a guy who sees things through...Good Luck!!!

[@ivanfilipovic3296]

Had simmilar issue on my 2000 330ci, on drivers side rocker pannel was kicked in from accident, and floorboard messed from somone jacking up car wrongly, side skirt was held by expansion foam, not clips... Went to junkyards but had no luck finding clean E46 for donor parts, and you don't have replacement rocker panels for coupe, then i ordered replacement rocker panel for E46 sedan and it had same contures and holes for Jack points as coupe, just it was bit longer and has different top section as it fades into rear Doors, so you cut and weld it make it fit your coupe

[@ivanfilipovic3296]

Also had major structural issues with front strut towers and i had allready rear subframe reinforced and by time i realized all problems i was balls deep into my E46... No bodywork shop wanted to do all work so i resorted to diy as i had years of experience fabrcating and engineering from well, BMW shitbox life and formula sae

[@ivanfilipovic3296]

If you live in east europe and have shortage of coupes, you do what i did, but if not find a clean donor without major accidents... As much as you care to make a car as nice as possible there is Always an itch at back of your head which hits you at 3am when you try to sleep as you realize your car is glorified shitbox which you pour money into to mask the truth of how bad it is

[@UltraVioletgr]

One thing that rotates around my mind right now, is, how much of your fathers car is left since all the changes you made. If im being honest, since almost everything is replaced (interior/ paint/ and various little things in cosmetics) if you really love the platform, just cut out the VIN and have it as a keepsake while you scrap the car, get a new one and fit everything you have on that. I know its sentimental value that pushes you back, but in a state of mind, your fathers memory stays where you want it to. In a far fetched scenario, just keep the car as is, somewhere safe. And start building another e46 and bring that to the point you'd like it to be..

[@UltraVioletgr]

Mostly what i just said, revolves around the story of Thysseu's Ship..

[@dansherrill6095]

I'd look for a rust free southern car and transplant the two cars. I'm in Raleigh NC, lmk if I can help

[@teeceehonda]

1st find a diff shop. There should be part out there that you can get to replace that. 2nd save that car as a side car. Something to work on and buy another work car. Take your time and fix it little by little. 3rd. If all else fails get another shell and tranfer part.

[@chrisbustos5321]

Looking for a front bumper for my zhp, anyone have any suggestion or sites

[@bog_paint2875]

You can fix it and for the followers who are at snow please put under coat to protect the body

[@raihanmohammedjahirmiah1101]

with enough money, anything can be saved bro!

[@Manchild..dadchild]

That sucks.. I bought my aunts 03 325xi 5speed an it's bin nuthing but problems. An not cheap now it need a alternator wich I'll try myself I hit a deer 3days after got so front passenger side front lil bitched up but I got the fender need light an a hood but love it.. Also it runs like it got no piwer cel sometime come on an it runs better lol dumps extra fuel in. So a fuel issue idk maybe just o2 sensors like I was told but not sure.. Not sure what I shld do I love it but man I really can't afford it.. I put 1800 just to get a starter put in An a battery was 240 this car is amazing I love it.. but yet hate it

[@viperocco]

damn dude. Might be best to bail and move on. I need to check under mine

[@metno_]

That sucks man, mine has rot in the same exact place

[@MrBilards]

Mby drive it as it is and look for donor shell wihouth rust

[@jasonson86]

Save it!

[@johnstuart3851]

This is the result of all the salt and corrosive chemicals used to deice roads. Severe rust damage like this does not occur like this where salt is not used on the roads. Overall, this is much more property damage than would be the case if salt was not used, and fender benders happened more often as people learned to drive on icy roads. Roads are not salted in Alaska. Sand only.

[@jorgemiranda822]

Fix It , that's the fun part of BMW's you allways have something to fix every weekend . My 330ci every weekend on Jack stands and my hands full of Grease . But i love every minute spend on It . Have a1992 E36 coup stored for 17 years now since its last run . Get a cheap E46 for spare parts and fix your car . Good luck .

[@Star_Taro]

Sorry dude. Save it tho!

[@AgentMrX7]

that sucks man, i'd recommend doing what a friend of mine did. instead of paying $$$ to fix. pay the same amount to convert the seats into furniture then junk the car. acts like homage or tribute to the car. i've done similar for my last car, kept the wheels as a tribute. it still hurt like crap sending it to the junk yard. but looking back, i'd spent so much on a car that wasn't safe.

[@andrews1722]

Sorry man

[@011sale]

I'd say don't give up on it, that's what I'd do or at least try to, it's easy to say it in our end but I'm weighing how much sentimental value it would have to me being in your situation. Only you know the real worth of that car and you know its not measured in money

[@James-js7ih]

Evan I am sorry to hear that your car has that much rust. The good news is that you are not the first car enthusiast to experience this. You have come to a fork in the road. Do you fix a car that has sentimental value, or do you sell it and get an E46 M3. I am not as familiar with your channel, but if you are looking for a daily driver the M3 would not be a good choice here in MA. I love mine but it does not see winter. The maintenance costs for these vehicles are very high. Tons of fun but not always practical. If it’s a car for the backroads or to take to the track it is perfect. What you are looking at is 3K job. I say that because to get this done right you are going to have to pay someone who is good. I would take the car to Wile Motorsports in Walpole. They do services like restorations and are very familiar with E36 and E46 BMW’s. These guys are serious track drivers and have taken the worst cars and turned them into track machines. They will tell you if it is worth it and how much. I wish you luck!

[@EvanGoyuk]

Thank you man! I already talked to Jake about this!

[@James-js7ih]

What did he think?

[@EvanGoyuk]

He goes it’s pretty bad. He has only seen pictures. He knows I want to keep he is looking out for a coupe that’s dead

[@gasnikas]

Just reweld it and that's, what's the problem... I am doing my e28 rewelding now, and it is reaaaaly a lot more of work than your e46.. Everything can be fixed, don't give up.

[@user-lt1wm4nl8e]

Bro if that’s your fathers car then you should definitely fix it. 👍🏻

[@sydewayzmo3905]

Dam that sucks living in them rusty states!

[@EvanGoyuk]

It does. But this rotted due to improper repair! Everyone thinks they can do body work with no training or school!

[@fowanlee6986]

fix it and keep it

[@jzx5467]

Remember car is various sheets of metal welded together.

[@jasonh5220]

Just have it repaired nicely by body shop. No biggy

[@overstandingontherealstory6313]

Change the oil

[@boyasia5874]

Junk it or sell it for parts. Your safety and peace of mind is foremost. Spend your money for a purchase of another E46 ,and 330ci or M3 that are in best condition.

[@zkramez]

Also to add to my original comment. These cars don’t have a lot of rust issues. Yours was in an accident and poorly repaired. That would happen on any car that is improperly repaired

[@essing8173]

If the car really has sentimental value, keep it, get it done you have done so much to the car already. You will be glad you saved it, money is just money. If it was just the car you picked together good pick bad pick, don’t care that much. Buy a M3, “REAL” driving machine

[@matthewnicholas6365]

If you get an M3, you'll be busy with subframe, rod bearings, vanos, head gasket and the manual box is an absolute dog.

[@albatross7439]

If you love the car, id say try and save it. If you have the time and money to fix it up then dont give up on it. Don't spend all your money on it though, also maybe set up a gofundme so that your subs could help out with the costs. I know i'd send you a few dollars

[@leeghany5163]

Fix it...

[@bigboi5647]

Buy another and swap everything over as a spiritual successor?

[@Mtech_garage]

Lemme fix it

[@EvanGoyuk]

Yes please

[@EvanGoyuk]

I messaged you instagram

[@stubbk3]

scared to look at mine to be honest im in denial

[@boostedsc4040]

Either pay up big $$$$ to fix the car and never ever sell it because you’ll never get that money back if you care about the shell, I understand where you’re coming from with everything, so I would say if you don’t want to sell it you’ll just have to cough up the big bucks and a lot of time to get it fixed right and have it look good, but if you just want to have a 3 series coupe e46 you’re probably better off just taking out everything you want for a swap into another shell and sell the one you have

[@giovannilegue2177]

unfortunate man

[@abualghoul]

I am Sorry for you bro, but you can Buy an e46 body shell and move everything to the new shell better than repair it and as you say it will never be perfect

[@EvanGoyuk]

I think it’s not the same car at the point

[@abualghoul]

@@EvanGoyuk In some cases, sacrifice is necessary, and in your case, you need the mind and the heart(engine and transmission), not the body

[@tsnaha]

Should have bought a mercerdes

[@FollowMinksENT]

Do you love the model car or do you love the history of that particular car. Cause if you just love that model car you can fabricate a different one to look just like it…if you love the history of that particular car then just keep it and fight to keep it alive.

[@FollowMinksENT]

I have a e46 I just love that model car..but if something happens to it..unfortunately I’ll just have to look for another one cause the e46 took my virginity lol I’m a e46 fanboy but I understand the torn heart of letting go of your baby

[@Dre1485]

Junk it and get a e46 M3. Best of luck!

[@davidcousins3938]

Sell it , your dad would understand, you can have photos for the memories

[@jaimerodriguez7917]

Don junk the car after everything u did just find a donor car

[@itzjuztwillie6346]

First

[@lariuunoff]

I had The same issue. In Finland The car doesn't pass The inspection If sides are that bad... My friend fixed both sides. Yes IT looks Bad but it's not that big project. Cost me 700€ with new sideskirts and without painting. My best friend IS a car painter so he Will paint IT For Free.

[@leonardoferlinghetti4933]

Just buy another one

[@shambles416]

Lol you still stand by that last video u made? E46's remind me of a girl you love too much but at the same time toxic for your health lol

[@rotorshed4115]

You have put a lot of money, blood, sweat and tears into this car. You're this far in you should get it repaired. Most panelbeaters these days have no interest in these kind of jobs. Look for someone who does classic car restorations.

[@deamonkiller2852]

Don’t drive it in the winter period. These cars nowadays are purely summer vehicles. Salt will eat these cars alive

[@overstandingontherealstory6313]

For free

[@claydavis4742]

My man that fucking sucks really sorry