What is so great about the BMW E46 M3?

The 2000-2006 E46 M3 is starting to gain in value so new is the time to get one of these gems. This video we take one for a spin
Thank you Xinkang for use of your car.
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[@ChowDownDetroit]

E46 is timeless. A 2004 M3 can still make me turn my head when I see it on the road.

[@ChowDownDetroit]

Michael Broski would love to see that car! Post a video

[@y2ksierra]

ChowDownDetroit [Seoung Lee] Same. I've gotten several thumbs up in mine, my favorite was from a guy in a 911 turbo.

[@heatchamps2011]

A e92 is timeless also . M3 or 335i

[@cintra2]

I agree

[@5times146]

Michael Broski shite e46 better

[@m3lowiesvlog715]

Looking for a mint condition manual E46 M3 coupe it's like finding a virgin in the club.

[@arr0gant1]

Just found a 1 owner, manual, 2003 w 18k miles. Showroom condition.

[@fartgod1099]

Gant B It would cost around 35.000-40.000€ in Europe.

[@PovertyD]

I have a 2006 E46 M3 convertible manual. Bought it in 2012 with 4800 km and now it has 32000 km (Only drive it in summers). Only have ever had oil changes done. Just got it inspected today by BMW and they say it's in mint condition and nothing wrong with it. We will never ever sell it. I get so many compliments on it

[@joshuabarros1411]

Povertyd I need it 😢

[@jasonwildey3924]

Not really...just Bring Money With!!!!lots of it!

[@carllynch8798]

Best M3 ever made period

[@krispewkrem3]

carl lynch the F80 is an absolute monster. The E30 is an icon. The E92 has one hell of a V8. But something about the E46 just gets to me.

[@pistonpoweruk]

Subframe tho

[@jonmy1415]

pistonpoweruk just a time consuming fix. Not too bad.

[@pistonpoweruk]

jon my I disagree. You can weld the floor pan, but then it’s been noticed that the spot welds elsewhere start to fail. The only proper solution is to tie the diff in to the chassis legs. The way it should of been from the factory.

[@jonmy1415]

pistonpoweruk I understand what you are saying. I had to weld in subframe reinforcements on mine. Then get an x brace from mason engineering and change all the subframe bushings. It’s a pain but worth it for this car. Keep in mind, mine is supercharged with meth injection. That’s why I did overkill.

[@ikaustralia]

When cars used to drive like cars!

[@williamgeorge4939]

Well it was the star car in one of the most iconic racing games in history NFS MOST WANTED

[@alonepizza5270]

That's right! I forgot about that car!

[@statesidesupercars]

Best car ever. I am slightly biased.

[@992turbos8]

statesidesupercars I’m bias to but it’s no match for my F10 M5 .

[@992turbos8]

Oh those box you say for the battery is actually the right and left steering box pending what country it’s going to.

[@ramsfan1817]

Yes it is

[@poorcomboz3577]

@@992turbos8 the f10 ruined the m5. Stop comparing m5 to m3

[@squidwardshouse67]

Naturally aspirated inline 6. That is all that needs to be said.

[@bimmerfy4994]

Straight 6*

[@mikesteelheart]

@@bimmerfy4994 What's the difference?

[@7s29]

Absolutely

[@TheVagolfer]

I have a 2002 M3 with 90K, I bought it new off the show room floor. Oil changes, new bushings, scheduled stuff, etc. and it still drives like it's new. Fantastic car.

[@trizkial7592]

I’d chop of my balls to have that car and I’m not even a bmw fan...

[@thespector8587]

need for speed most wanted (2005) made me fall in love wit this car.

[@empireStyle]

I've gone through a bunch of really nice high-end sports cars in my 20 yrs and i always come back to this e46 m3. Theres just something about how you're connected to the chasis in this car.

[@jefffenn5016]

Great review Nick, as always! Been hoping for an E46 M3 review from you! You just made my day a little bit brighter

[@luimarco]

it's the Right Size, the Right Weight, Current M3's are as big as the E39 M5 . Nowadays the M240i is the Real Successor of the E46M3 ( Not the M2, M2 is too hard for the Street and the B58 is better than the N55) and i have to Correct Nick again :) at 4:58 it's 3.0 liter vs 3.2 Litter ;)

[@NickMurray]

Always correcting me : )

[@MrSonUMad]

That's debatable. The M240i also has numb steering, no LSD, and no widebody sheetmetal.

[@luimarco]

nop the E46 is 4,488 mm and the 2 series is 4,432mm IE Shorter

[@luimarco]

LSD is an Option on M240i and My BBs Wheels can fit 265 read tires , plus nowadays we have much more better rubber Michelin 4S .

[@babajungLA]

M You can get LSD on M240. What do mean by numb!? All cars are relatively numb these days compared to 15 years ago. But I bet the M240 steering is far more responsive and accurate compared to e46 M3.

[@K1dPhresh1]

I used to have one, everything is great about them (except maintenance requirements). God knows I miss that sweet sound of the S54. The steering was amazing. I loved heel-toe shifting. It was a natural reflex to press the Sport button upon start up. I regret selling it. I had my subframe fixed, I had my VANOS issue addressed, in 6MT.... Even got a hold of a nice Imoal Red interior. And now the prices just keep getting higher and higher for clean cars..... Such a timeless design. Beautiful. Fun to drive in the higher RPMS. This video makes me happy to have loved, but sad to have lost that love....... Damn you Nick!!!!

[@danielallocca7770]

any car guy worth his salt has the one he lost. I feel your pain.... in my case, it was more the car I didn't buy. Acura NSX seven years ago before the prices went gangbusters.

[@K1dPhresh1]

I hear you. If I could time travel I'd go back in time and buy the good cars before the prices skyrocket. Seems that's all that's happening now. All the good ones are going the way or the air-cooled 911s and '69 Camaro's.

[@LegendInThaMakin]

The E92 is better.

[@K1dPhresh1]

Better because.....? I've never driven nor rode in one, but I would hope the the newer car is better. I prefer the looks of the e46 to the e9X, but a naturally aspirated V8 with a redline north of 8000 has to be good...

[@stefanfreestylez]

LegendInThaMakin nah e46 is better

[@fpsgamingcashcups]

One of the greatest cars that ever came from BMW.

[@daisbestDA9]

Minus the chassis that's known to crack

[@TheBlackdragon936]

daisbest But it can be fixed which I am doing next week.

[@krispewkrem3]

TheBlackdragon936 I need to hop on that

[@gameisgame3000]

E30 M3 change my mind

[@TheBmarshall15]

I bought a 01’ m3 with 187k miles on it. 2 years and 13k miles later NO major issues with regular maintenance done. Get a PPI done before purchase and don’t fear. This is easily my favorite in-line NA coupe of all time.

[@Number27]

Brilliant presenting as always, you're a natural. Love these too but one thing I could not get past on mine was the lack of feel from the steering!

[@NickMurray]

All videos should be this length

[@user-eo1hy6sk4x]

Nick Murray 9:12? KZbin processing adds ghost seconds.

[@yohanns6387]

Illuminati confirmed... also, my e46 325i has the battery in the back as well.

[@aaa84gt]

There's a 911 enthusiast KZbinr who's videos are all 9:11 long :D

[@Corsa15DT]

Did you know that Porsche has the highest profit margin per car... in the known universe?

[@daveh7302]

Japanese 90s cars were producing 100bhp per litre. Honda civic s.i.r. with a 1.6l engine was producing over 160bhp. Toyota glanza turbo had only 1.3l engine and was producing near 190bhp.

[@evorobin]

Nothing better than going back to a video after you bought the car. Love my M3!!

[@robertg1h2]

Gives me those chills, whenever it pumps up the revs!

[@axelhofmann4897]

Informative, funny, emotional, & dense review instead of animal sounds in front of supermarkets - good old Nick is back, finally!

[@FrankSandqvist]

Hahah, jab at Doug? :D

[@36ama60]

Nice Review Nick👍 Love your Reviews, allways very entertaining and informative.

[@aldimore]

Love the look of those. Nice review once again. Thanks Nick

[@marksironi3324]

"Classic BWM M3 E46 manual" Great job as always Nick. :)

[@AndrewNguyenOfficial]

I predict that this is the next car to skyrocket in prices in the upcoming years...

[@ES-REDROT]

This has aged well

[@normandy1140]

I have driven a 135i, and its a very nice car. It came in a 6 speed manual, M-sport package, which was rare. I have also driven the E46 M3, 6 speed manual. Both are great cars. You cannot go wrong with either one. It depends what you are looking for. But I do admit, there is something special about the E46 M3. How it hugged the corners and jetted down country roads made you feel like a freaking rock star. If there were ever a car where you could just escape into and jet down a road and drive endlessly, it is the E46 M3.

[@KlemenJereb]

Still my favorite car and my first love (it wasn't a girl, I was a weird kid). I was waiting so long for this review, thanks for making it happen Nick!

[@jake4030]

Nick has redeemed himself after strapping a horse siren onto his car.

[@TENTHIRTYONE]

I love how the classic BMW red security system indicator light on the rear view mirror is just hanging at the top frame of the video like a dingleberry.

[@youtubejunkie8053]

Don't forget about the 1988 Honda B16B producing 100hp/liter and still getting 30MPG

[@interlagos46]

Best classic M3 I think. Especially in blue.

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

I have watched this video a couple of times now. Every time it gives me a kick to go ahead and buy one right now.

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

It had been an year now. I finally bought one. Gotta fix all those leaks and change all fluids now. 😄

[@driver8M3]

I had an 02 with the SMG and loved it. It was a great transmission and I had a ton of fun driving that car. Some kid on a cell phone hit me and totalled it in 2013 when the car had 175k miles on it.

[@myaccount__7269]

Awesome video as always

[@JoeHan130]

So glad I bought mine two years ago! Still some issues to fix, cause I bought a cheap one, but definitely worth the effort! And it's only technical stuff, no rust issues.

[@Speednote10]

One of my all time favorite cars, such a timeless design. FWIW the 3.2 E36 M3 also had over 100hp/liter.

[@TedwardDrives]

1:45 what about the e39 m5! had the variable redline from 2000 ('98 in europe). Seriously love this m3. Glad you reviewed

[@TedwardDrives]

ahhhh nicky you redeem yourself at @8:09 "this is the first *M3* with variable redline"

[@Exekutioncro]

and a mean V8

[@toastedbutter751]

M5 are a different league

[@ftlaud911]

Own one since 2006...It is an amazing all around great car. FYI - the e39 had the variable rpm gauge first. Also the 05-06 competition package had the M button (first model to have it). Great review

[@mattn5160]

This was the height of BMW drivers' cars. Beautiful car!

[@golfdigest2658]

Been in the market to get one of these - nice to see you drove by my exit off of Route 25!

[@dboucher26]

I have 2 E46 BMW’s. One of them is a manual and the other one is SMG. I was a HARDCORE manual driver until I got spoiled by the SMG. It’s actually the better choice if you know how to drive it.

[@polluxtoda]

true that bro. but for some reason the manual transmission😍🤗

[@AC-wl7ve]

i really wanted manual when i was looking but i just couldnt justify the premium price over smg. ended up with a mint smg 6 years ago and have no complaints. it is a blast to drive. definitely a learning curve though. took at least a month before i could drive it smooth without having to think about it, was like relearning to drive a stick. i can understand why people might test drive one and give it a scathing review.

[@TG-mt6ke]

manual all day long. much more fun

[@platinumj241]

Everything about this car is special! 👍🏻🍻

[@ThrowingItAway]

Most people hate on SMG because they don't take the time to learn the gearbox. They expect that it should do everything for you like a DCT, but it's old school single clutch technology. It actually forces you to learn throttle control, drive train slack, and shift timing. You can't hop in an SMG car and expect to drive it perfectly, it's not a manual, it's not an Automatic, it's not a DCT, it's something different. BMW took an normal manual transmission and hooked up a hydraulic operating system with computer control during the transitional period when DCTs were gaining popularity. Do not turn down an SMG car because you think it will feel like a video game, it's nothing like that at all. SMG cars are still drivers cars and it doesn't take away from the soul of the E46 M3.

[@MexicanFanboy]

ThrowingItAway I have an SMG and thank you for explaining this!! (:

[@Eidrian111]

Nobody cares the excuses every smg owners have to make, the simple fact of the matter is that all smg gearboxes are crap and that’s why the manual cars command a premium over the smg ones. I had a smg m3 for two months before selling and buying a 2004 manual m3 and it is just way better. Sorry.

[@TheBlackdragon936]

Eidrian111 That isn’t true, it’s bad rumors being spread and in all actuality it’s the perfect manual Transmisson. All the good and none of the bad. Most of the time it’s the salmon relay and not the pump butdealerships lie to get the most money out of you and the relay is just a few bucks.

[@Fearzzy]

im more worried about the actual cost of maintaining the smg rather than how it is to drive, the things can add alot of cost on a car that is famous for being expensive to maintain in the first place

[@funk556]

BMW owner here and this was a great review Nick. You're right about budgeting to keep an M car preforming well all the time. I had to put in some work in my 2006 E64 and I know I'd spend double that on the M6 version. I really want an M car soon though haha. In do time I guess. Great video again Nick!

[@bioburn1915]

My mom has had her 2003 m3 for as long as I could remember and I've been interested in it only recently. I own a motorcycle so it feels really familiar

[@stephen9869]

Nice one mate, good video!

[@BiffTannenBTTF]

It's crazy how rare it is to see these now. I don't think I've seen one in a year and I'm in a big city.

[@StereoSoundAgent]

just drove home in a flash blizzard in the M3 and pulled over to take a pic of driving with max performance Michelin PSS tires on :P I've owned 2 of these cars for 5 years now and you never ever take the beauty for granted as a tenant(owner)/fan of the car. Even just the angle of the photo I caught the massive front fender for.. I truly love this car

[@y2ksierra]

Great video, as usual. An E46 M3 and a 911 make a great combo 👍

[@ubzcorleone6835]

I had an e36 in the early days, now have the new M2..these cars not only last but they're fun af to drive. You should do a review for the OG e30 M3, Nick!

[@BMWM3NYC]

I had a 2002 Imola Red 6 Speed one. I LOVED that car . Had it new from 2002 until I traded it in in 2009 for my then E60 M5

[@mavricxx]

I'm waiting 5yrs to get that 2019 M2 Competition, that thing just caught my eye!

[@adamandersson9663]

The package is just amazing. The power is just perfect for everyday driving, you can redline 1st and 2nd gear almost all the time and it doesn't feel dangerous at all. Went from m3e46 to m2f87 and the m2 feels sooo much more powerful but the m3 is alot more fun on the road.

[@dvatp]

Nick, that space under the hood is not and never was for the battery in any E46. It was the original location for the ABS pump in the early models. When they moved the pump to be near the master cylinder they left that space open. Otherwise, awesome vid as always.

[@joebloggs4191]

dvatp - My 1999 E46 320 coupe never had the ABS pump in that location, it was just empty with just a terminal for the battery positive and negative.

[@trevchaser]

I heard in Europe, the 4 cylinder E46 had the battery in the “drug bin” to balance the front/rear weight bias because the 4 banger engine is lighter.

[@ballsdeep604]

It for right or left hand drive. Factory made one for all then down the line they could make a left or right hand drive. If right hand drive then left side empty vise versa

[@kampfspetzle]

joe bloggs My friends E 46 has the abs there mine is on the right site under my breakfluid resourvar

[@SavageBunny1]

I've had a 2 2000 325i E46's one had the ABS pump in the compartment, and one didn't, not sure what was different.

[@tjmcdiii]

The Sport button in my 2000 E39 M5 also tightened the steering in addition to remapping the throttle. It’s possible the steering adjustment wasn’t a feature of the E46 M3 although that would surprise me. There was a notable difference between the standard and Sport throttle responses in my E39 M5 much less so moving from Efficient to Sport to Sport+ in my current 2017 M3. If you popped the Sport button in the E39 M5 while accelerating in 2nd or 3rd gear (only manual offered, no slushbox), you left your head in another ZIP code.

[@scghost]

absolutely fantastic car

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Nice to see a classic review Nick. Just heads up that empty space under the hood is not for a battery on “regular models” they’re all in the trunk.

[@eddiesegal5541]

Nicks word of this episode “clunky”

[@nathanh9320]

This car is in great shape. A e46 in Labuan Seca Blue is one of my dream car of all time.

[@decaygrim8943]

Thank you for doing the review on a manual version.

[@Beck17E]

PSA('02 owner)- getting a tune for the smg clears most issues. I recommend B-Spec tune.👍

[@moonkef]

The thing about SMG is that in auto mode it's virtually like an auto. I loved mine. Really gave the M3 a dual personality

[@PeterEss]

The ///M button came in the E46 M3 ZCP "Competition Package" (2005 and 2006 only). It was the only button on the steering wheel.

[@crossphaded]

Rod bearing replacement and VANOS bulletproofing and the S52 motor is solid as a rock. My favorite M car ever. Its timeless and still retained that organic driving feeling that has been lost over the years. I'ma little biased since I own one! Great vid, Nick!

[@usernamealreadytaken770]

S52? The USDM E36 used the S52. The E46 uses the S54

[@CB-ym9to]

S54

[@thomastsui1384]

Great video! Next time, Albert needs to drive!

[@TheRamosss]

Thanks for not dumping on the SMG. It's really a fine system. You can drive it as clunky or as smooth as you want. I feel you need to own one and daily drive the car to appreciate it. It has a bit of a learning curve but after a bit, I'd say you may just feel as connected to the car as the traditional manual version. A software update also helps :)

[@1seipai]

Yes one of the all time greats, especially the s54. It won the International Engine of the Year award outright in 2001 & the 3-4 litre category from 2001-2006. In 2001 it came second in ECOTY behind the Zonda C12S. Enough said! ☺️

[@2640Busa]

I grew up on that exact highway doing some high speed runs!

[@taylorwestom6914]

Great video, however the batteries still came in the back on the standard 3 series through the whole generation. That empty space up front is actually for the abs/dsc unit if I remember. And it was only on the early gen M3 models. It was empty on all standard 3 series models.

[@theprepperrevelator]

I had an 05 vert that was a blast to drive! Rick

[@djrizon]

E46 M3 def has a special place.. I have a 991.2 and still thinking of purchasing e46

[@blackmancer]

SMG with Frank Smith software upgrade, fantastic! no problems at all, except when the gearbox itself breaks, which is what happened to me, no SMG failure, gearbox. now its a manual conversion, kinda miss the SMG actually, because when you are really driving fast taking your hands off the wheel is not great.

[@hipostang23]

Great review. That empty space in the engine bay is to accommodate right hand drive cars I believe. All BMW’s place the battery in the back...

[@DrCrazyAzz]

I would rather have a manual E46 M3 than an SMG any day of the week, but with that said the SMG is pretty awesome when you want to really get on it and go balls out. Seems like everybody just likes to hate on it without reservation.

[@Sixthpanic]

Had a 99 SS camaro 6 speed and raced one back in 2004 on the freeway we were head to head at 150 mph was really impressed

[@danielallocca7770]

This design has aged so well. In my opinion, this was the pinnacle of BMW design and engineering. Also - honda s2000 was doing 120hp per liter and also bullet proof. But yes, these engines are amazing. SMG.... meh.

[@p.doetsch6209]

After driving the ZHP with manual gearbox and the M3 there is no comparison, the ZHP short shifter is what should have been in the M. So much so that the SMG is an improvement.

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Thanks mate!

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

One of the greatest cars ever made...definitely not biased

[@matthewarant7491]

What’s the classical music you play in between takes? Great video as well. Cheers.

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

Nick, thank you so much for your upload. I’m a Porsche guy, but I’ve been toying with the idea of replacing my Boxster with an M-car. I’ve been comparing the e46 M3, the e92 M3, the e39 M5, and the e60 M5. They all seem to be going for (ballpark) the same money. Can you share your experiences with comparing these cars, or offer any recommendations? Thanks.

[@rauldickhouse4499]

You hit me with this one. 😀

[@krazykat0397]

I just saw an E46 M3! I meant to get a picture of it, and I thought my camera was open.. yet nope.. Lol that's my luck.. oh well, at least I saw one!

[@paulgregroy1986]

Hi there that's such a lovely video love the music I think it's the kind of music you play when you're driving your Rolls Royce.The BMW M3 SO superb looking car all the BMWs are splendid looking some of the best looking cars on the road on BMW. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to give up your Porsche which is in a different League to M3. But the 6 litre twin turbo BMW would probably lose your post in a drag race.maybe.

[@MrCutFolks7]

Very good video

[@jeromelangenderfer8853]

Great car!

[@sasukeuchihaanbucapt]

Also the sport button differs between each make and model version of the BMW some of the models that helps focus on tightening the steering and handling while other models it boosts the acceleration and power from only 3000rpms to the 8000rpms, without that sport button you'll be lucky to even hit 5000 RPMs so it does help

[@373axle]

Nick, a bit off topic. But have you ever driven Lotus Omega/Carlton back in the day in early 90s? I just remembered that beast and wondered what were your thoughts on it!

[@bumblebear6205]

I love it!

[@mushrume]

good vid . the only exception was the integra r making 195 out of a 1.8

[@pw_e46_m3]

All e46 models had battery in boot and the smg model has an M track mode button on the steering wheel it’s just 6mt ones that didn’t. Had my e46 m3 6mt for 6 years now and don’t think il ever sell it.

[@brightbluesmurf]

Still my favourite BMW. Lucky to have owned one of these. Has an engine that needs to be worked hard but sounded so good. That raspy exhaust was so unique. The current turbo'd M3 sounds so dull in comparison!

[@dennism3880]

I love E46 M3. I was planning on buying one and did some research. I was totally put off by the RACP sub-frame issues, tearing the sub-frame. Could be a fatal design flaw. I could probably deal with the Vanos issue but this RACP subframe issue is a real deal killer. Will spending 3K to reinforce the subframe last for the life of the car? I read somewhere that reputable body shops won't even warranty it cause it can still potentially crack.

[@CryMoar_]

Actual spaz for real yo!

[@chriserz94]

Nice 8P Nick, was it a DSG or 6 speed.(assuming you owned it across the pond.) I recently purchased an A3 3.2(DSG) Quattro S-line sportback for a daily.Totally different experience from my manual E24, so it's a nice change.

[@mubitasylvester7868]

A masterpiece

[@Drgoldthumb]

Battery is in the trunk on all e46 models... even non m. The “smugglers box” under the hood held part of the abs system on early m3 models though... until it was relocated mid way through production.

[@mrkzz1514]

If you come to Finland you can review my M3 E46 Hamann spec convertible, its superb and I wouldn't change it for anything

[@DriversSide]

Great review! This M3 makes a great GT car which is what I use mine for! I just got back from a road trip to Colorado in my M3. Did some great mountain driving! You should check out my M3 review and POV drive videos!

[@CK-yl9pl]

The E46 M3 is the last and the best car to come out of Germany before turbo charging became the norm. In the next 20 years, the world will marvel at the E46 M3 as the rawest and purest M3, its ageing perfectly like fine wine and will be a classic in 20 years time and will be part of my future pension portfolio along with other goodies.

[@hkhvr13]

Have you ever driven a Honda S2000? In 1999 a 2.0 was producing 240HP 120 per liter with a 9k redline. Also very reliable. If you haven’t you definitely should drive one.

[@herrbrahms]

Actually Nick, the known rod bearing issues in the S54 engine kinda prove the Porsche engineers' points. You have to baby these engines while cold and deliver them super clean (and expensive!) 10w-60 oil, and even then the VANOS will eventually fail on you.