For a sportier ride, consider the BMW 1997-2006 E46 3-Series. Although the M3 is known for high maintenance costs, even the non-M versions handle extremely well, Autotrader reports. Many consider the E46 to be one of the best-handling cars BMW ever made. And because so many were made, it’s not terribly difficult to find one. 16 comments Say the name ‘BMW’ to nearly anyone and the first car that comes to mind is likely the BMW E46 3 Series. It’s easily one of the most popular BMWs of all time and is the best The BMW E46 is probably the most popular BMW series of all time. It is also the best-selling model in the BMW generation. You will hardly go one day without seeing one driving around. It is a good choice for you if you are in the market for a BMW. The E46 is very affordable, looks great, reliable, small, fast, and very exciting to ride. Change the oil, check the hoses and belts, check the coolant, wash the car with some regularity, replace stuff critical to the mechanical integrity of the car as soon as it wears out (especially belts and the like). Common problems to look for and expect on 2000 323i/323Ci: -Window regulators. But fun fact: BMW did build more E46 M3’s with a manual transmission than the SMG, so they’re plentiful! Much of the E46 M3’s popularity is due to its versatility and appeal to multiple demographics. For example, young guys want a good looking and precise track car, a highly modified E46 M3. Or if you’re a purist seeking a functional In each and every instance, all three valve covers were cracked in the exact same place, near a bolt hole above the rear exhaust manifold heat shield. Cover must be thoroughly cleaned with a good degreaser to ensure good adhesion. Let it dry really good, whatever the RTV tube says. Reinstall and be amazed at how long it lasts. CimZ. Back in 2004, the E46 BMW 3 Series, specifically the BMW 325i, took on the Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Jaguar X-Type, Saab 9-3 Arc and Lexus IS300. All cars in this test had manual I fucking love my e46. You HAVE to do rear subframe reinforcement plates tho. Its not difficult by any means, but it takes a good amount of time to do if you've never touched cars before. Do reinforced subframe, adjustable rear camber arms, weld the diff and get coiloverss and an SLR steering angle kit and you will be doing realllllll gooood. The heart of any M car was the engine, and in the case of E46 M3, it was the S54, 3.2-liter, a straight-six unit with 343 hp and 8,000 rpm redline. In 1978, BMW's Motorsports division worked with Lamborghini to develop their first road-going sports car, the BMW M1. The 1979 M1 was the first of many road-going cars to bear the M nameplate, but the only mid-engine car BMW would produce until the 2014 BMW i8 Hybrid. BMW currently sells over 2.5MM vehicles annually, and yes, all of them come Guide to purchasing a used BMW 3 Series (E46) In BMW circles, knowing your E numbers is considered a rite of passage. Since nobody talks about markings, the 3 Series featured here is the E46 from 1999 to 2006. (or, whisper it, the Mk4). The E46 is still a lovely car today, and one in excellent condition is highly sought for.

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