BMW E46 Reliability !!! Can A 20 Year Old 3 Series BMW Reliable In 2019 ??? 

My 2001 e46 was great no problems other than replacing the Vanos, and regular maintenance... I babied it and drove it hard at the same time and it never left me stranded.. still running strong 218 k miles later no issues still looks like it came off the showroom floor

2001 e46 4door 299000 miles no check engine lights on and it's a 5 speed , runs great at 85 mph

I have had an E46 05 330xi for almost 5 years now. I had two major issues, 1st one was a week after I bought it the fuel pump failed. I changed that myself which was pretty easy. 2nd was just recently the Alternator went. I have spend some money over the years on it though replacing things before they went. But this car has been pretty reliable. I'm currently at 160K and from what I was told these go beyond 200k. I might just put like 3k into it and really get it cleaned up. Haven't decided yet.

220,000 miles and still running strong

I bought an 05 e46 330i a year ago from Southern California with 127,000 miles on the clock and drove it back to Dallas and have had no issues since I purchased it. I have only done lots of maintenance to be sure it's all ready to do another 100k. I looked for a newer model knowing of some of the issues with the earlier ones and have been real happy. This is such a fun car to drive!!!

Love the E46's. Great video Nathan

I have a BMW 320i E46 5 speed manual from 1999 with 217.000 miles on it, and it still drives amazingly well 😉 very reliable car 🙂

Great video Nathan!

Like the vid at the end ,great way to check your frame !!! I agree up too 2004 sub frames very questionable ,daily my M3 06 91 K No Issues ! Would be nice to see you find one and fix her up ! Thx Nat

I own a BMW E46 325i,2001 year of production with 205000 miles on the clock.It's been super reliable.It never let me down.The engine and transmission are original and they are very dependable and robust.Besides regular maintenance the only parts that I had to change are expansion tank,voltage regulator,front suspension bushings,front stabilizer bars and intake camshaft sensor.It's interesting that the rear subframe and rear suspension are super durable and I never had problems with that section of the car.

E39 Gang, yours looks soo clean with the LM's I also have black e39 with the RS's😍

Thanks Nathan for the videos

Great video Nathan 👍Have a great weekend

Best bmw ever built

I’ve had my 320Ci E46 Convertible 2002 for 20yrs (2nd owner) 145K mileage, full factory fitted spec rather unique colour still looks & drives like it did the first day I bought it !!!! It drives like a dream nothing compares as I’ve tried a few of the top of the range up to the minute cars but I just don’t get that gut feeling. It’s only EVER failed it’s last MOT on a fault I couldn’t see or feel at the time. Rust has appeared but dealt with immediately. It’s been very well looked after only just replaced the alternator all other replacements have been the normal wear & tear nothing major. This car has been admired & complimented at least once a week it’s entire life with me from complete strangers !!! I can’t speak highly enough of this model. I don’t think I will ever let it go as nothing turns my head like this did & when I’ve test drove other cars nothing gets me in my gut like this did & if I saw it on a forecourt tomorrow I know I’d buy it immediately all over again a fab car !!!!

Here because i am getting one on Monday E46 320i 2001 M Sport with Steptronic

Bought an '05 325Ci auto vert two years ago. 160k then, 171k now. Replaced CCV, valve cover gasket, oil filter mounting gasket, belts, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, cleaned injectors, and cured persistent p0171 & p0174 codes. Drove it 200+ miles, participated in a hillclimb two weeks ago and then drove it home. No problems, no codes, no leaks. Oil change every 6-7 months, Castrol full synthetic. Subframe is good, but I'll probably reinforce it when I start changing bearing & bushings this fall. I love the car. Only time I've been stranded was when the fuel pump failed, and I was in my bank's underground parking garage. I really love the car, and wouldn't be afraid to buy another, if I could just find one of those 330ci's for $3000!

Only a well experienced on these type of vehicles can talk like Nathans, I have a 2001 BMW 325i, still looking good and running fine, but is because my maintenance is on top of it!

I'm daily driving my 2004 ZHP coupe. 122K miles on it.

Yes, it absolutely can - got a 2001 325 as a daily driver. Just do the common problems, take care of the transmission, the subframe deal can be reinforced.

Informative 👍

Never had these problems... 2001 330i and 2004 CI Auto, both had over 300k miles when i sold them. Problems i had, control arm bushings, valve cover gasket, disa, giubo, CCV. drove normal with oil changes with in 15k miles.

I've got a 2000 330ci and no subframe issues. Moral of the story, don't dump the clutch at the lights all the time and don't track it and you won't have a problem.

2004 e46 320d msport 6 speed, 136000 miles, only issue I've had was it needed a dual mass flywheel and the handbrake shoes used to pull themselves out of the dust shield, it's been a great car so far, everyone around here my age has an e90 or f30 and in they're minds I'm broke, but I really do think the e46 was one of the last of the quality driver's cars, forgot to mention, bought it for Nothing as an unwanted trade in at a dealership

My coworker got a 328xi for sale, didn't consider it at first. Might be sold by tomorrow. Got an 01' CRv awd 5 speed, pretty fun and reliable. Still want to have awd for year round use. My Honda CR-V did alot for me moving.

Very interesting Nathan. I wonder why google plays Ford ads on a BMW channel?

Thank you dude,,,,!!!

Have a 2002 E46 with140,000Km,. It shifts, handles , rides, and breaks better than my 2018 XT5 Caddi. Love this car.

I have a '99 auto e46 sedan that had the axle seize in the hub. the weird part is I pulled a trailing arm/hub assembly from an '02 325i sedan. It bolted right up. So what you're saying is my axle on the side I replaced has a different number of splines than the original axle? I never knew this, or took it into account. However, the axle I threw in works perfect. So weird, but thanks again for sharing this all with us.

I am on my second e46. No other car seems to provide such a connected feeling to driving- I am really hooked on them. I test drove two different e39s that were 10 years old at the time. They did not have the same connected feeling as the e46 but I am wondering if it was because they may have needed front control arm bushings. Since Nathan is such a good source, I may look toward an e39 if I can find one that is as nice to drive as my e46.

I have one,320d,its great,just electonic problems sometimes,here in Europe its very good reliable car.

Had an '06 325Ci M sport Special Edition - Beautiful machine but it requires being ahead on maintanence - I eventually sold it in 2017 and by then I had to do the cooling system, window regulators, under hood heat shield, Vanos, bushings, suspensions, satnav reader and refit the rear view mirror, window switches, idler pulley and air vents. My current F22 M240 coupe seems a lot more reliable by comparison but still miss my Monaco Blue coupe .

I would say as long as it's not a BMW diesel, it could be perfectly reliable. Both the straigh 6s and the 4s of the era were easy to maintain and reliable (vanos could be an issue on the 6s).

Hi, I recently changed my e46 320i coupe touring 2003 to a 316 1991. Can you please do a video on the engine? Amazing, it’s drives so well, though not as fast but pretty fast. And it’s a manual transmission. Are there engines for e46 316i with more power? Thanks.

The main thing to look out for is rust onthe jacking points. They start to rust badly behind the side skirts also its the bushings on the rear sub frame goes bad and rear trailing arm brackets rust away.

Haha Nathan, towards the end of the video, it sounded like you had been defeated by an E46 in the past. I've got both an E46 320i and an E39 540i. Both of them are 2001. The e39 definitely feels more solid in my opinion. Although, so far in 2019, I haven't spent a penny (except basic fluid+filter maintenance) on my E46 and its going like a champ, it's pretty much my A to B car these days. I think it'll be a while before E46 are really sought after, and even then it'll only be the better specced models.

Hello Nathan I got an 08 plate BMW X6 3L M Sport TD and it's whining what is it front diff or back diff on a BMW X6 diesel what's the most common front or rear because it's a bit hard to diagnose what do you think mate

Nathan, which bmw chassis is the best to buy with manual transmission? Meaning that there are a lot of cars with manual transmission option available for this chassis and they don't suffer from terminal issues like torn subframe?

I own a 1999 318i (1.9L) with a fully stamped up history and she's the most reliable car I've owned.

E46 one of the best BMW ever made

I had a 2001 e46 330d (m57) and the swirl flaps fell in @ 150k (this was before I was aware of these stupid things) I've now removed them from my m47 120d

Nathan, I'm having an issue with my e46 330ci. My gauge cluster doesnt work except an airbag light which is constant and a convertible top light flashes. No blinkers no lights and no gauges. Also my navigation only displays the "BMW" logo for about 20 seconds then disappears. And 3rd, my convertible top doesnt work as well. Are you familiar with any of these issues?

my 99 328i has had really annoying issues... they are great cars, run great and drive great, but the VANOS needs rebuilding eventually, suspension parts wear out easily, window regulators are a nightmare all the time as is the sun roof and lets never forget the biggest thing about these cars, the subframe issues!!!! had to weld a reinforcement kit on mine.... it's been A TON of work but it's a nice car.... if you don't do the work yourself it's not worth it IMO

Mine only has 120,000 miles on it. 2001 E46, but it has cost me about £1000 in various repairs over the past 3 years -- is that a lot? Repairs are: 2 x suspension bolts, 3 x wheel replacements and alignments, 1 x new heating fan and resistor replacement. A few light bulbs here and there. These aren't huge jobs BUT they cost a lot because of the time involved in e.g. getting to the blower motor resistor. But I think for a 20 year old car, this is very good?

I have an E46 from 2005. It has 275K miles on it. It’s the original engine. As long as you use synthetic oil it will last a long time.

I need a fog light to fit an e46 convertible. Your parts car reminded me.

Ive seen a 99 328i with 91k miles surely that dhould be okay right?

I hope to have a 99-01 e46 330i someday

Im daily driving a 1999 323i auto sedan with 240,000km, its not without some excitement lol

my 2001 330i has 160k miles on it, it has problems but very miner ones like and oil leak of corse bc it’s a bmw and my front end needs to be re aligned again

My 04 330i is still my daily.

Please update this in 2022

I have the identical car except it's an 02, 173K. Over the years, everything has been replaced; axles, transmission, fuel pump, water pump, A/C, starter, engine replaced by previous owner. It wasn't holding a charge recently, mechanic said the instrument cluster is shot (not going in sleep mode). They want $3800+ to fix it. I think we should not repair it and junk it. He says we've put so much money into it, he doesn't want to get rid of it. He found a mechanic that would put in the instrument cluster for $280, problem is we can't find one except on ebay, and I think it's risky. What do you think, fix it or junk it? I say junk it.

Can you interchange 2000 headers to a 2002?

My brother got 330ci without realizing the frame was the damage cuz the vehicle was too low to the ground 🙊🙊🙉🙉 and it hasn't subwoofer in the trunk so you already know what this is going on 💀💀💀

I’ve got 266,000 miles on my 2003 325i e46

Wish I had a e46 330i sport wagon. Im a little butt hurt over your estimate on resale value because Ive put a lot of $ in quality parts and upgrades into my 03' 330i. Always getting compliments and hands down my fav car. The subframe issue gives me anxiety despite barreling through the rockies as fast as possible. In all honesty my biggest gripe is shitty quality of wheels (bending/cracking) and rear quarter panel rust.

Just hit 310K KM on my 01’ E46 330i

109,000 on my 01 325i. It drives like a champ!!

I recently bought a 325i m56 sulve for $2100 that had 150k on engine and 60k-ish on the tranny. Ive dumped alot of money into it so far so no going back, isn't much of a green car anymore as I've gutted almost all the emissions junk and add several aftermarket parts.

This car recently had a recall on the passenger side airbag for those of you watching in 2021

Me crying now 2 years later when prices are now 8k for 85k miles

jeez thanks for this video, i would have made a mistake buying one lol.

Im on 200k miles and the engine still is impressive

I have a 2003 325ci. I have been really lucky I have had none of the issues you mentioned so far, but I am sure over time I will have most of them. Automatic so less likely to have the sub frame issue. I have had vacuum leak codes. I also need to replace the rear window as it has screwed up the am radio and the rear defroster doesn't work. I don't drive it in the winter so not sure if I will replace. Doctor Dean said the rear windows are a common problem also.

Thought bmw subframes were spot welded then seams get an adhesive glue

I bought an E46 2005 330ci 2005 model in 2008. I love it and have maintained it with my own mechanic. Replaced any worn front end parts as needed and it's a 6 speed manual ZHP. I only drive it in the summer months in Canada. It has 91,000 KM. After watching this I feel like I should be selling it before it falls apart. It's a great car. I wonder if I keep maintaining it I will be able to keep it a long time. Last year I replaced the wiring harness for the auto convertible roof. Even though it's cost me a lot of money, I like it. Should I sell it??

If you maintain a BMW properly, do preventative maintenance, and actually take care of your car, it will reward you with a beautiful drive. Gotta pay to play.

I’m glad I own my ‘02 Infiniti. It has reached 119k and only had to replace the radiator, brake pads and a remote for the alarm.

Oh, also believe I need a climate control unit. Checked the fuses and they're good.

Just for bought a e46 318i from 1999 with 234000km on it

Where do you find these so cheap? im looking online and theres one with 191k 4 door 5 speed for 3500

Some incorrect statements in this video. First one that was mentioned is in regards to the ABS module, and how they don't have the fail like the E39 modules. Over the past three years, I've either owned or repaired and sold approximately 10-12 E46's (possibly more...I honestly lost count). Of those, 5 of them had ABS modules that have failed...all of them '01 and up models where the module is located in the driver side/DME box area. All 5 of them had the 5DF5 Control Unit Internal Failure. Swapping them out with a known good used one is a pain, and then the replacement must be coded to the car. I also take exception in regards to the values, specifically stating that a 'super, crazy nice 330i' might sell for $3000....wrong. I mean if the seller has no idea what he has that can be possible, but good luck...that happens but not often. A great condition, well maintained 330i with sport package and manual can bring upwards of $5000, and a 330i ZHP with the 6sp manual in 'super, crazy nice' condition has been known to repeatedly bring anywhere from $9000 to $13,000 and more. I do agree with the 'buy these for $1000 all day long' statement...I've bought many of them for $500 and less, running with titles but with issues the owners weren't willing to pay to fix. I do think that at some point, you'll see those rock bottom deals dry up as the supply of these dwindles down somewhat. Regardless of some of the inherent issues, this is one of the best 3 series chassis that BMW ever built...and it was built at probably the 'pinnacle' of BMW's modern era.

Have a 96 is with 340430

Man I just bought 1 5 speed 323 for 1000 with 170 k replaced the gasket and replaced differential mount bushing for about 800 it’s completely stock but I like to burn tires and do 360s now and then can stock handle these conditions and also do you plan on fixing that one or selling it? I would really like to buy

For Videos on subframe issue see the redish motorsports channel.

Are there any fun rwd sedans that aren't unreliable pieces of shit?

You made me realize that is not a good idea to buy a 20 year old bmw... I really like this model but im afraid im not ready to fix it : (

i have 330i manual transmission run like clock 😋

I just replaced transmission on 325i. But it still stay on limp mode. Anyone know a solution? Thanks probably a parts car now

Give me your headlights lol.

Sell me your rear right window motor

How reliable is it? Says a guy who doesn't drive the car anymore, has carparts in the front seats and a attached tow hook sticking out? Oh wait...he just opened the hood. This car clearly doesn't move anymore.

All this dude does complain about BMWs

I have a 325i 01 and mines is in way better shape than this

fack mine is from 99 XDDD fuck my subframe T_T

Yes is the answer to the Titel of this Video. It's already 2020 and still my S6 E46 is still A1..just maintain the Car and you wont have Problems. By the way, subframes doesn't just "Like" to bust out. This guy is totally stupid. Maybe this guy is anti German Cars or he really is bigtime stupid. Subframes "Can" break but it must not.. dude If you do Drift on a daily Basis then dont go for E46. The subframe can Break but it doesn't when it's used normal. Who goes drifting in a daily basis right?

the cars not running so how could anyone listen to this smh

Fuck no it’s a bmw

Had e46 m3 with SMG - THE WORST CAR EVER. NRVER AGAIN

Once again I must say BMWs are a pile of crap. There is absolutely nothing on these vehicles that simple to repair. Changing an upper radiator hose should be a 5-minute job. I'm a professional mechanic and I know how to remove items with care. However these hoses on BMW with the plastic couplings held by clips are very difficult to remove after they've been on the vehicle for a number of years going through numerous heat cycles. The engineers BMW with all of their wisdom, designed the upper portion of the radiator made of plastic. It's virtually impossible to remove the upper hose without cracking the plastic housing on the radiator. This issue and having to remove the entire undercarriage and exhaust system just to change and u-joint are just a couple of examples of poor engineering. BMW vehicles are not user-friendly for the owners and I would strongly advise that you avoid buying a used BMW.

Bruh this whole car is yikes

you are an idiot