Is BMW M3 E46 a good car?

Is BMW M3 E46 a good car?

It had a high-revving inline-6 engine, and lightweight construction, capturing the essence of the iconic BMW M3 E30. Since then, people considered the E46 generation as the greatest M car built due to its simplicity, appeal, and just overall design of it all.

What year E46 M3 is best?

The BMW E46 M3, produced from 2000 to 2006, is arguably the closest to the ideal of what the M3 should be and amongst one of the best driver’s cars.

What year E46 M3 had rod bearing issues?

The M3 vehicles produced from October 2001 through February 2002, which already had the Connecting Rod Bearings/Oil Pump Campaign 356 (SI B 11 02 03) previously performed, are also affected by this Service Action.

Does E46 M3 have rod bearing issues?

BMW is not the only car manufacturer to have engine bearing issues. It is just the most widely known of recent times because it has affected several of the world’s most popular BMW car chassis, the E46 M3, the E90 M3, S60 M5 and S63 M6. In BMW, the engine bearing failure affects the rod bearings.

Are E46 M3 fast?

Fresh from the dyno, the M3 claimed the title of “Fastest BMW” with a speed of 178mph.

How much is an E46 M3 worth?

A: The average price of a M3 – E46 is $28,539.

Which M3 is the most reliable?

F80. Probably the most reliable M3 since the E30, the F80 does not have many common issues. There have been reports of the crank hub failing, and while this is mostly a problem related to modified cars, it still rears its ugly head occasionally with stock cars.

Is M3 expensive to maintain?

How Frequently Does a Bmw M3 require maintenance? Overall – the Bmw M3 has yearly car maintenance costs total to $1,161 .

What problems do E46 M3 have?

The E46 3-Series suffered from a design flaw in which the mounting points for the rear subframe would crack or tear over time, causing some serious damage to the chassis if left untreated.

What are common issues with E46 M3?

Most Common Problems of BMW E46 M3:

1. Engine. The high-revving characteristic of the S54 can cause multiple difficulties with the solenoids, throttle bodies, and VANOS system in high-mileage vehicles.
2. Interior problem.
3. Transmission problems.
4. Rod Bearing Problems.
5. Cracks in Subframes.
6. VANOS Issue.

How much HP can you get out of a E46 M3?

The first attempt nets 284.89 hp (212.4 kW) at 7,250 rpm and 238.43 pound-feet (323.3 Newton-meters) at 4,500 rpm. In Sport mode, the BMW puts down 289.48 hp (215.9 kW) at 7,250 rpm and 240.78 lb-ft (326.5 Nm) at 4,530 rpm.
…
The owner bought it for just $3,000.

Does E46 M3 have carbon roof?

7 Carbon Fiber Roof

The E46 M3 was the first M3 to come with a carbon fiber roof as standard in the CSL model to save weight and lower the car’s center of gravity.

Is the E46 M3 a future classic?

Screaming, high-revving six-cylinder engine, understated but unmistakeable looks and the perfect balance of power and performance make the E46 M3 a definitive future classic…

Will E46 M3 rise in value?

Is the BMW E46 M3 going up in value? Values of the E46 M3 have started rising in recent years, and this upward trend is expected to continue. Despite it not being the rarest M car, it’s still a very sought-after model.

How long do M3 engines last?

150,000 to 200,000
The BMW M3 has a life expectancy of up to 150,000 to 200,000 but there are a lot of variables in play. The most important factor is always giving Your car proper care and keeping up with the routinely scheduled maintenance intervals.

Is an M3 a daily driver?

Based on the latest 3 Series sedan that came out for 2019, this new M3 fits the more recent M3 theme of being a practical daily driver but with plenty of performance capability to support recreational track use.

What is a common E46 issue?

Valve cover gaskets and valve covers are one of the most common issues on all E46 models. You identify this problem by seeing oil dripping from the valve cover and smelling burning oil. Replace them as soon as you notice the first signs of trouble! Another issue with older vehicles, in general, are the worn bushings.

Do all E46 have subframe issues?

Despite the beliefs of some, all E46 3-series BMW’s are prone to cracking at and around the rear subframe mounts. No matter the shape, model or way it is driven, subframe cracks are inevitable.

How fast is the E46 M3?

The M3 seems to be effortlessly reaching 155 mph (250 kph) too, and there’s potential for even more. The highest speed it reaches in this video is around 168 mph (270 kph) with the engine being just under 8,000 rpm.

What engine is in E46 M3?

S54 straight-six engine
The E46 M3 is powered by the S54 straight-six engine and has a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 5.1 seconds for the coupé, with either the manual or SMG-II transmission.

Is the E46 M3 analog?

Of all the M3s throughout the generations, the peak of the car’s existence is the E46, built from 2000-2006. It was the last relatively analog M3, and it struck the perfect balance between power, weight and handling, more often than not, is still used as a litmus test for modern performance cars.

Is there a 4 door E46 M3?

Together with the first-generation E30 M3, the car did not have a 4-door sedan layout that the current generation M3 follows. Instead, the E46 M3 was offered with a 2-door convertible layout for open-top motoring in 2001. It went on sale until 2006 when it was replaced by the V8-powered E90 M3.

Why is the E46 so good?

As mentioned, the design characteristics of the E46 is a well-rounded, balanced car with just the right curves. With powerful proportions like a bulged hood, wider fenders, and aggressive front bumper that allows for better cooling, it still lives up to modern-day car designs.

Is the E46 M3 a classic?

Are you’re keen on buying a modern classic car? The BMW E46 M3 – widely regarded as one of the finest M cars ever made – offers visceral performance thrills at a (currently) enticing price and could be just what you’re looking for. Here’s what you need to know when searching for one on the used market.

Why are older BMW M3 so expensive?

So, why is it that these cars have risen so much in value over recent years? The simple answer is : because they have great build quality, they’re getting rarer, they look great and they’re just fantastic fun to drive. They also have a huge fan-base, of both young and old.