E46 aficionados, I have a question (or two, or three...)

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno) 06/10/2014 at 22:35 • Filed to: None

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Since there's an apparent lack of E36s on the local CL, I figured the E46 would be the next possible BMW on the list.

323i, 325i, 328i, 330i?

Should X-Drive be avoided?

How's the automatic transmission? (Yeah, yeah, I want an auto, bite me)

Reliability issues?

Sport package; does it really effect how the car handles?

What would you consider too high of mileage for these?

M3 for your assistance.

M-Powwerr Drives a Ford > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/10/2014 at 22:40

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From what I know, stay away from the bigger engines until after 2002 when the subframe issue was somewhat addressed.

I would avoid Xdrive just because of the complexity of the system. Auto's will be cheaper and less likely to exhibit sub frame issues. The 323i/325i will go to 300k with proper maintenance, so I would say not much more than 150K to ensure it will run for a while

Jay Lauer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/10/2014 at 22:42

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I used to have an 01 330xi for about 3 months. If it's over 150k miles, you'll find little things going bad about once a week, and the CEL will come one about 2-3 times a week. the 3.0 is a great motor. The automatic kind of sucked a lot of the fun out for me, but its the best auto I've driven. There's nothing wrong at all with the X-Drive, it's a great system with a nice rearward bias.

I believe the Sport Package is a must. I have no idea how it affects handling, but i HATE the normal steering wheel. Although the Sport seats are really quite nice.

It's a nice car, but it might start chipping away at your wallet. I can't speak for any below 150k, but that's how mine was. I say find one with the Sport Package, and try to find one with a stick. The automatic is really my biggest regret from buying one. A manual would bring everything more to life.

Any questions or opinions, feel free to ask.

twinturbobmw > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/10/2014 at 22:42

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I would recommend a later year 325 or 330, since they're more reliable and have less problems. Whether you go with X Drive or not doesn't matter too much, unless there's work to be done on the AWD system. Also, X Drives are known to have some understeer. The auto is very smooth but unbelievably slow in manual mode. As far as sport package, it gives you a different suspension, so I would go for it if I could. Anything over around 75k miles you will have to do a ton of maintenance stuff to it, so it's best if you find one that's already done for you, such as a car on BMW forums or car club websites. Hope this helps.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > twinturbobmw 06/10/2014 at 22:55

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That really does.

I knew the 325i was supposed to be the one that will be the most reliable. I didn't know the 330i was considered that too.

So pretty much stay away from any of them with over say, 100,000 miles? Damn...

wabbalosthiskey > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/10/2014 at 23:04

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Everything that was already said is spot on my my experiences... Great cars (probably one of the best ever), solidly built, great to drive. When you start to get up in that 170k mile range silly problems are going to start popping up, otherwise lower control arm bushings at 100k (easy), brake pads and oil changes. I've had (3) 3-series and that 160-170k mile mark has always been where the fixing started; we had great luck buying them at 75-90k and running until then with minimal repair costs and great bang-for-the-buck. A lot of car for the money you can get them for now. Sport package is a must to keep it driver's car. The automatics are probably one of the best there are, quite intuitive, not a downside in my book. xDrive probably unnecessary, kills the MPG by 1-2, and IMO takes a little bit of the RWD-coupe fun away, although it does have anice rearward-bias. 330s are the most problematic of the e46s, but fast and fun. Lots of forums, information, DIY stuff out there, definitely an enthusiast car.

M54B30 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/10/2014 at 23:05

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the 325 and the 330 use the same engine (M54B25 or B30).

E39 owner here. Mine has 162k miles on the B30 engine with no issues. I've replaced a coolant bleed screw, thermostat, and alternator in nearly 100k miles. These are bulletproof as long as you trust your gut. If the owner gives you a bad vibe maintenance-wise, trust it. If he has stacks of receipts, go for it.

E39s and E46s are pretty similar. The issues between them are usually the same (many shared parts and components).

As for the automatics, look for a Steptronic model. The non-Steptronic are characterized by traditional P-R-N-D-3-2-1 markings and steptronics are P-R-N-D/S. Steptronics are 5 speed units made by ZF, non-Steptronics are 4 speed GM units.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > wabbalosthiskey 06/10/2014 at 23:08

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Figures all the ones I've been looking at are right near that point of repairs galore.

I'm glad I asked you guys these questions because I'm stuck in the whole GM engine philosophy of if it's under 250k, it'll run just fine. BMWs are a whole different animal though.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > M54B30 06/10/2014 at 23:12

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So far all the ones I've seen have P/R/N/D and then +/-. Is that the Steptronic?

M54B30 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/10/2014 at 23:13

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Yes. Also just learned that the GM trans is a 5 speed unit, but the E39 had 4 speeds so I'm sure the E46 did too.

E92M3 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/10/2014 at 23:21

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I would get a 330i for the extra hp and the sport suspension. The sport suspension will take a lot of body roll out of the car, and slightly lower it. Possibly keep you from wanting aftermarket coilovers. If you don't need AWD stay away from X Drive. I would try to find a car that's got a good service history, and was owned by an enthusiast. A 50k mile example that was owned buy a non enthusiast likely followed BMWs recommended service schedule (if you're lucky). And are more likely to run it thru a car wash every couple months, over hand washing it (they don't even know what a clay bar is). An enthusiast will most likely change the oil every 5k miles (instead of 15k miles), and follow an old school maintenance schedule. So don't worry too much over mileage. There's lots of E46s out there that have a 100k miles, and are in better condition than others with half the miles. Usually the advice I give is buy the best BMW you can afford. If you try to save money up front, you end up putting it back into the car to get it in good condition. I know someone who bought a 5 series with 200k miles because it was $5k cheaper than one with 130k miles. Guess how much he spent on the car in the first 6 months? $7k, and he still had a car with 200k miles afterwards.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/11/2014 at 02:29

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I've heard that 328's life to crack heads and then have the threads for the head bolts strip out. I could be wrong though. I've seen tons of the plastic and rubber cooling system parts fail and over 100k bimmers like to piss oil from what I've seen. Whatever you decide to do, get a pre-purchase inspection from someone who is familiar with the car. Even if it costs you $200, it will be well worth it.

marshknute > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/11/2014 at 03:28

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Former E46 330xi owner here.

The E46 is one of the most unreliable BMW's of the modern era, so make sure you have extra funds lying around. It MUST have less than 100K miles.

Unless you have your heart set on a convertible/coupe, I'd stick to the sedan. Make sure to find one with the fold-down rear seats.

As for the specific model, there are two routes I would suggest going: analogue or digital.

Analogue choice: 328i. Most people will tell you that the 3.0L engine has a healthy boost in power over the older 2.8L, and they're right. What they don't tell you is that the 3.0L engines got BMW's hopelessly clunky and unrefined electronic throttle. It single handedly ruined the driving experience in my 01' 330xi because the car always had a pause-lurch combo every time I touched the gas pedal. The 328's had an old fashioned cable-driven throttle that was as smooth and responsive as...well, a cable-driven throttle. If I could do it over again, I would gladly give up the extra 30 hp for a not shitty throttle feel. Definitely drive both a 328 and 330, because the difference in throttle response is night and day.

Digital choice: late model 325i or 330i. I had an 01' 330xi, and it was a piece of crap. BMW uses the General Motors method of facelifting a car: they add new pieces every year as they develop them, rather than wait a few years and release them all at once. If you want the 2.5L or 3.0L engine, get a 2004 or 2005. While the sedans were facelifted in 2002, BMW added more and more goodies each year, so look for 2004/5 regardless.

As for X-Drive, avoid it like the plague. Technically, it's not X-Drive, it's BMW's clumsy first attempt at an AWD system. My 330xi offered no appreciable advantages in traction over the Miata I sold it for (seriously, either the Miata had supernatural levels of traction, or the 330xi was just hopeless). It didn't generate anywhere near as much grip as it should have, and was prone to understeer. If you need AWD and you're looking for a luxury car of that vintage, get a B6 Audi A4 3.0 V6. My dad used to have one, and its snow-fording capabilities put my E46 to shame.

For a more in depth review of my particular E46, check it out here .