The E46 and E39 BMW'S are just sublime This era was the absolute pinnacle in BMW design and performance that they'll sadly never replicate

Thanks for reviewing my car Jack! Glad you liked it

The design that just DOES NOT AGE! Timeless, especially pre-facelift like this one. Launched in 1997, when I was still in primary school.

I bought my first E46 brand new in 2003 - an 325Ci Sport manual with Alcantara trim and not long after bought a second one [one owner 325i Sport Saloon manual with alcantara trim]. I still have the saloon to this day - so over 20 years of continuous E46 ownership. The saloon is immaculate - 80K miles and has had wanted for nothing all its life. I think I'm qualified to give a verdict on these - they are the best car money can by bar none ! They are everything you said in the video here Jack and more. They're easy to work on, parts aren't expensive. They drive like nothing else and the music that M54 sewing machine makes is to die for. If you're in the market to buy one, buy the most expensive one you can afford as it'll still be cheap for what it is and will appreciate over the years. The most desireable from a buying public perspective seems to be the 330Ci Sport manual with leather. However in my opinion the best one to get is the 325i Sport saloon manual with alcantara trim. The saloon has a stiffer body [it was the one BMW used in touring car racing], is less prone to leaks than the convertibles and is more practical etc... Steer clear of high mileage diesel automatics and convertibles. The number one issue with the non-M3 cars is rust on the rear arches. Every one of them will have rust and it's up to £3K to have them properly taken care of by a bodyshop that knows what they're doing. If the car's leaking oil it will be the oil filter housing seal it will go on every one of them and is an easy fix... just make sure you get a genuine BMW gasket, it's only around £5. The other thing that breaks is the coolant expansion tank - again, make sure you replace the cap as well as the tank when you do it. Other than that, they're bullet proof. One final thing to bear in mind with these gorgeous M54 machines is the fuel economy. It can be thirsty if if you've a leaden right foot ! However nothing else comes near what a great car these are.

E36 and E46 are peak BMW. It all went downhill from there. Between Bangle aesthetics and plastic-fantastic interiors modern BMW´s have taken the credit amassed over 50-60 years of excellence and flushed it down the toilet in a few years time. BMW is still lost in the wilderness with no end in sight.

Just bought an e46 last week. 325i 5 speed sedan in HellRot with 135,000 miles, no accidents, shiny paint and a pristine interior for $1. It has a bum clutch and has not moved in 6 years, prior owner just wanted it out of the driveway. My son and I have started coaxing it back to life.

That era was just glorious. A happy e39 523i owner from Spain (300.000km, no rust, no oil leaks). Your channel is great! Keep up the good work!

The late 90's and beginning 00's were zenith BMW! Double E39 owner here.

Different model though same make. Many reasons why I keep my E39 in perfect condition. Just the right combination of power, agility, and looks. I will never purchase a new BMW again. Hilarious to me that so many people need to be seen in something new by complete strangers.

My dad is 2nd owner of a 1986 coupe 318i since 1989. The heavy "clunk" when you shut the doors just speaks of quality. I remember seeing a new E46 in Vienna in I think Nov. 1998 and thinking that it looked much better than its predecessor

I had an e46 325ci almost identical to this. It is probably still the best car i ever owned and i still miss it now. 10 years i owned it. It was just like the one you tested, but it was loaded to the brim with every option from new. It even had the sat nav system from 2001 which even included a TV. Unfortunately when they turned off the analogue signal and went to digital only, i couldn't watch anything again, unless I installed a digital receiver conversion. I adored my e46, but please don't be fooled into thinking these cars are German engineered, faultless, hastle free motoring. The 6 cylinder engine is absolutely bullet proof! And a joy to drive. Although a bit lacking in power on paper, it never feels underpowered. From the sound, to the power delivery, to the sublime smoothness, it is one of my all-time favourite engines. Unfortunately cost cutting had already started at BMW. So anything with an electrical component, or is made from rubber will almost certainly break. Also, some coupe and soft top specific parts were hard to get and expensive 10 years ago. I dread to think what it would be like now. The e46 325ci is a brilliant car, i definitely recommend owning one. BUT, be prepared to spend some money keeping it on the road.

The last good looking BMW.

E46 325CI owner here! 2000 topaz blue m-tech manual coupe. My first car and ive had it for a couple of years, still love it a lot. Ive got the M3 interior, mirrors, seats, CSL wheels. Full custom exhaust, bilstein B8 + sportline suspension setup, progressive lsd from racingdiffs. Couple of things i would like to mention; my car suffered from the subframe cracks as well, it happens usually to earlier models that have the foldable rear seats, the later models have fixed rear seats which help with stiffening. If ive had to mention some drawbacks of the car; the standard shifter is quite long and it doesnt have a lot of feeling, you can swap it out for an E60 one for a shorter stroke, the 5th gear is a bit hard to find though. The cooling system needs a lot of attention and usually you have to add some oil to the engine, the M54 engines suffer from a badly designed oil scraper piston ring which makes it use some oil. Probably never selling my car! Each year im restoring/upgrading it a little further, next up is the paint and then the interior headliner which usually starts to hang.

I've owned every 3er from E30 to F31 bar the Bangle era E90. Thoughts as follows: E30 320iA 4dr - very solidly built - probably the best of all the 3 series IMO. Slow off the mark but creamy smooth on the cruise. Excellent cabin ergonomics and all round visibility. Watch the tail though. E36 320iA 4dr - sharp looker when it was launched and the shape has aged well (again subjective) but cost cutting evident in the interior plastics. Not as refined as the E30 on the move but not as eager to slide its tail either. E46 320iA 4dr, 318iA 4dr (Valvetronic), 330d Touring A, 330iA Touring A - agree with Number 27's comments. Handsome design that has aged well and the best looking of all the 3ers to date. Chassis struck the right balance between sportiness and comfort. F31 320d Touring Auto - not as sharp to drive as the E46 but much more comfy and refined. This is the car I kept the longest - almost 9 years with nary any issues despite being rear-ended twice and hitting a possum once that necessitated a new turbo unit. The current 3 has grown too much in size and its design leaves me cold, outside and in. Ridiculously hideous grille, profile is a mishmash of lines that makes it look like different designers did the front, rear and mid sections and then tried their best to make it work, Lexus like rear end. Inside, the recent LCI (facelift) moves more functions to the touchscreen (bad!) and I never liked the modern BMW instrument layout with the counterclockwise rev counter and absence of proper, round dials. BMW have, indeed, lost their mantra of being The Ultimate Driving Machine.

".......and the 330 had a nice little bump up to 330" 🤨 Errrrrr.......No! The 330 versions made 231PS/228 HP - Not 330 HP!

The E46 was/is a pinnacle of design and engineering for BMW...it is that simple. The 6's are just sooooooooooooooooooo smooth. The E46 just looks so subtle and understated.

There was a 2.5 litre 323i/323Ci as well, 1998-2000 at the same time as the 2.0 320i (not sold in the UK) and the 328i/Ci. Those had the M52TU engines, replaced in late 2000 by the M54 320i 2.2, 325i/Ci and 330i/Ci. E46's are a good idea on paper but they are very needy in old age and some jobs are ridiculously overcomplicated compared to the E36. An E36 radiator takes 30 minutes to replace including filling and bleeding, the E46 is a pain in the arse with seized on push fit hoses, the separate header tank and the inevitable broken mounting plate. Dead dash pixels, rust, wonky heater blower resistors, rust, knackered driveshafts and diffs (nowhere near as good as E36 ones), window regulators, window switches, front lower wishbones/balljoints/rear bushes and so on. The passenger side rear subframe mounting in the boot floor fails and is a pretty involved job to repair. Oh, and rust. They're a bastard for it. Finding decent quality front wings is getting hard now and even 'genuine' BMW wings (they're not) from the dealer need work to get them to fit and look right. They drive well but there is a very good reason the E36 is worth more money. Lighter, more responsive handling and a lot easier to maintain. E46's are only any good if you buy a really clean one with a stack of history. Trying to resurrect a rough one is a waste of time.

Wow what a synchrony, I just got an e46 325CI with 35k miles still smells like out of the BMW factory. I got it cheap at the auction with a front damage, which most expensive to fix will be the hood. Not even the radiator cracked, only minor things. Picked the main frame and some trim for the auxiliary fan for under 300 bucks at a scrap yard. I bought the shrouds, and some connectors that were smashed for the a/c brand new at the dealer. It is such an incredible bargain, everything inside is pristine. The person that had it apparently bought it from a classic car dealer near Raleigh, NC and put 20k miles and had this lil accident with their kid in the backseat, who spilt some cheerios in the carpet lol. Tires are original Michelin Pilot Sport, is a time capsule, I am so grateful to the higher power for sending it my way. They left me the Bob Marley Legend cd inside :) A few weeks later I was looking for an e90 for a friend and boom! found another e46 02 330CI stick shift I am guessing 5 speed with again 35k miles and same type crash with black leather and aluminum trim. I am getting it but this time it may cost a bit more because I need a dealers license. Send me good luck!

I’ve always thought this car was peak BMW design. Glad I’m not the only one.

This was when BMW WAS truly special. The current BMW’s have become a feature-laden appliance that you’ll eventually replace with no regret.

I'm an E36 guy generally, but I still love these.

Absolutely agree Jack, E46 is peak BMW, and my feeling is the 325Ci is the "sweet spot" of the range. As a bit of a car nut, about 5 years ago I found a high mileage (circa 220k km), '03 325Ci with M-Sport pack (M sport alloys, subtle body kit, M sport steering wheel, sports suspension) at auction, that had only one owner from new, fully documented history, and was attracting not much bidding interest (probably due to the high mileage scaring people off) and looked to me to be a bargain (it was in amazing condition given the age/mileage) - so I cheekily put in a bid for $2800 (just over $3k with fees), and won it. Gave it a full service, new tyres and new battery, and used it as a second/weekend car for just over 2 years (about 9000km), and it performed flawlessly. It was a pleasure to drive every time, firm but still comfortable ride even with the sports suspension, and just the right amount of power and handling verve to make the drive smile inducing and just special. Sold it (I'd scratched that BMW itch) after just over two years, and having not cost a dime in repairs, for $7000. For car/driving enthusiasts on a budget, I can't think of anything better for the money. Cheers!

I preferred the E36, superbly built, lighter than the E46, and imo better looking. I never liked those headlamps on these. They are very good cars though I agree, but more comfortable and more of a luxury car than the E36. The fact so many E36's ended up as track / drift cars, kinda proves they were better at that sort of thing. The E36 325 M50 engine was very strong, reliable, and quicker, with the same 192bhp, as the E36 was lighter, and more nimble with a better steering feel. I had an M140i, and I can understand your feelings about your M135i.

The E36 design has really grown on me, I think it is the best looking one actually. Nostalgic

I think you got it 'spot on' these cars are BMW when that means something to own such a car.. Such a beautiful design and great lines from any angle and the interior is well appointed. I can't think of anything of the same era that can better this car off the top of my head. As for modern BMWs, why? I think it was you that said they look like something out of a computer game and I agree 100%. It is nice to hear that this car is owned by a young person, it goes to prove that young people do have an interest in older cars so well done Dan. A great video Jack thank you for bringing it to us. 👍👍

My wife has an E46 320ci Cabrio. By far, the best car we have ever had. She only allows me taking the car to the dealer, every two years, compared to other brands that ask for a yearly service. The engine note is adictive. If I had to complain, for the interior, be careful with your nails, to avoid spoiling the soft surfaces. Also the CD changer stopped working. Car still attracts attention, luckily, proper one, since in the past we suffered on purpose paint scratches, even corrosive líquid over a panel. It is such a beautiful car.

I have a 2004 325Cic that I drive every time I want to remember what made BMW great, before the company was taken over by marketing people. They need to give BMW back to the engineers.

i owned a 330 in Silver with almost white Leather Trim.Drove all over southern Norway on holiday a truly GREAT CAR not like what BMW produces now. Having owned quite a number of BMW's including a Ravalia M3 the 330 was my FAVOURITE of all of the BMW's i have driven Thank you for your Post brought back happy memories of vehicles that were so much less complicated

I have 330ci M sport, amesome car, just about to restore it. A future classic..

Ive had mine 55 plate since 2018 and it still amazes me, I'm not letting it go!

Don’t dismiss the auto either especially when mated to the 330ci engine, that pairing is also incredible, smooth refined and rapid!

A sweet spot. I owned an E46 330i MSport manual saloon in 2008 when it was then - 8 years old, and it was fantastic both performance wise and ergonomically. There's a lot to be said for those models that are just under the halo cars in a manufacturers range.

I have a 2001 330Ci convertible auto. Had it 8 years, had lots spent on it, but it shows. It's fast, looks great, easy to drive in traffic and an all round excellent car.

Favorite BMWs E46 and E39. Love the 3liter inline 6. love the comfort and handling of both these cars. Plus I'm old school.

Thanks for the review. Love my 330i. She's 22 years young with low mileage, had owners from new, and still looks and drives like new. Regards from Oz.

The E30 was a very good car to drive and it was compact. I've owned a 316 and a 318IS and especially the 318IS was great. I've been driving BMW cats for the past 50 years and yes, I've also owned a 318IA E46. Also great to drive.

I think your comments about the older BMWs being more solid, just rings true for all the manufacturers. Plastic parts on Merc engines, for example. Unheard of , back in their quality days. The BMW you’re driving is very nice, wouldn’t mind one. I like the older stuff, myself. Just feels right.

Great cars Jack. My daily drive is a 2003 325Ci M Sport in Imola Red. At the moment, it still looks totally mint, no rust anywhere, lots of times when I'm out in it people stop to admire it and have a chat about it.

I’ve never had a 3 series but I did have a E39 525i which was a really good car. I’ve owned an E53 now for the last 10 years.

I owned the 4 door version. Absolute magic handling car. the old 2.5 six was best described as having enough power, but only just. The trick is to put the 2.5 inlet on the 2.8. The 3.0 is a heavier engine and throws the balance out. The 2.8 has a restrictive inlet to generate torque.

Couldn't agree more,I have the same car,rock solid,a bit of rust which is to be expected. A keeper. Best review of the E46 I've watched yet

I had a ultra low mileage E46 Coupe in Gelb metallic with the 2.2 6 pot engine. It was a magnificent car, BMW UK used it to launch the new model 3 a few years ago. I swapped it for an 2007 Alpina D3 MT E90. I'm told it's one of the best in the country. Would you be interested in doing a review on my Alpina Jack?

Still have my 320ci E46 with 245,000 miles on it. Love it, perfect driving position and looks great. I don't think for the money there is a better car!

I've had 2 E46s. I want one again. You'e right - there's nothing better for the money. Period.

I think part of the problems with perceived/real build quality is the constant battle between equipment/safety v the desire to keep the weight down (well on ICE cars anyway). I’ve owned BMW approved E36, E46, E90 and G30. The E36 felt very solid. Heavy doors/panels. The bonnet and boot felt like they were made from granite. The E46 felt tinnier on the panels but the interior was very solid and quality. The E90 felt a little less solid. The G30 was a let down. Panels felt very tinny, dash flex was substantial, everything felt thinner and lighter (I think the car was bigger but was lighter than the previous model despite having more equipment). The search for cutting costs and weight was definitely felt in build quality. Side by side my e90 panels felt more substantial and e36 a tank in comparison!

Thanks again for an informative review. My wife adores her '07 328xi sport wagon 6sp manual. My bimmer is a K1200LT. We dread the day it can no longer be driven as a daily driver. Please help your followers like us that suffer that conundrum.

The E46 or E39 plus navigation system and back up camera and you are all set. Do all the maintenance and repairs. It is worth it.

The E46 was, in my view, the second best car BMW ever made. The build quality, looks, driving dynamics and six cylinder engines were outstanding. I owned several of them and could never warm to the models that followed. The coupe is still a beautiful design. Virtually perfect.

I loved my facelift manual 330ci which i owned ten years ago. She was a little leggy even back then but still a wonderful drive. I've now got an F32 430d which is still infused with the DNA of the classics. Absolutely love it.

I have had my 1999 328Ci since 2002 and have kept it pristine. Its also my daily driver and gets properly maintained. I almost cannot go on a shopping trip without someone remarking on it, which wouldn't be the case if I had the absolute latest model. Seems people really are starting to appreciate just how good this styling was.

I love my E39 - 23 years old, with 220,000 miles on the clock, and it's still nicer to drive than modern cars - as a new car delivery driver I think I'm qualified to say that!

Back in the late eighties, I sold BMWs. Both the M3 and M5 were released here in the States. I remember the first time driving them; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!

I owned an e46 325ix and I was surprised how balanced and fun the car was to drive. It was such a great car. More balanced then any newer car from that era

I owned an E46 325Cic Tiag on Grey for nearly six years and I was hooked. I replaced it with an E92 M Sport eight years ago and I plan on owning it as long as it runs.

Got 330Ci'04 for 8 years now and it is perfect car. 6 speed manual, slick Look, can drive fast and economically (last ride to Croatia 2500km 8l/100km average). Good equipment and nice xenons. Almost Gran Turismo car for 2.

Love my pre facelift 2003 325Ci Convertible. Just clocked over 226k miles and still going strong!

I have an E46 330d manual with 212k miles on it. I bought it in 2014 with 93k miles on the clock and had I the usual M57 quirks sorted soon after, since then I have barely touched the engine outside of servicing. It is now a bit crusty on the rear arches, but even with the mileage it still gets down the road with little effort, but am just cruising around in it 9 times out of 10. Ok, it isn't a petrol variant that everyone wants, but I think the only way to separate me and the 330d will be me or the car facing an untimely death. I bought an E92 335d last year and while the extra power and torque of the 335d is nice, I think I prefer to be behind the wheel of the E46. Certainly, in the corners, I have a bit more faith in the E46, but maybe it is the ditch finder tyres (dealer fit) on the rear of the E92 mentally stopping me from pushing it a bit more. However, I do like the fact that I shouldn't need to worry about rust anywhere near as much on the E92...

I used to own an ex BMW demonstrator 2002 320i in a BMW Individual colour Tourmaline Violet and with Nappa Leather Blueberry interior. It was optioned out to silly levels with parking sensors and cruise and a six disc CD changer in the boot etc. I bought it immediately after owning a T-top rev 3 MR2. I had a new son and the MR2 was no longer practical. Despite having 4 less top end BHP (170 vs 174) the BMW was much faster with it's extra torque and very confidence inducing due to the excellent multilink suspension. It did cushion the blow well with no longer driving a sportscar. I miss that car. Like the MR2 I drove it to over 150,000 miles before selling it. Both were legendary cars for me and will forever be remembered. Luv and Peace.

I drove BMW from 1986 to 1997. I had a 318, 323, 520 and a 320. All were geeat cars and better made than most cars of that time. Now BMW have weird designs and could be designed and built in Malaysia or Korea. The best BMW I ever had was the 323 but the best cars I have ever owned were Alpha Romeo.

Looks great in silver!

This really was golden era for BMW. Completely agree about the design, absolutely timeless, still looks great 25 years on! Having previously owned 325s/330s and now have an M3 I will say the M3 is a completely different prospect, however as you say if you can’t quite stretch to M3 money the 325/330 are great cars in their own right!

330i Touring for me please. They had 236bhp from the factory. Had a few when they when they were new from factory (coupe, saloon & convertible also) and now have one again when they’re old and broken 😂

Drive 330Ci for past 10 years already. It really drives better than most new ones, but does need work once a year at least.

The days when the BMW badge really used to mean something

This will sound really girlie .... The E46 M3's came in some absolutely stunning colours . Could never decide on my favourite . Yellow this week .

Yep, mine is 25 now. I’ve saved thousands of pounds that would have been lost in depreciation if I kept changing cars every two years. 155,000 miles, has cost very little on maintenance, it’s even still got the original exhaust system on. 😎

Well, this time we absolutely disagree Jack. I admit this E46 BMW is nice, but for me nothing really special. You asked if one can say another car that is as good and desirable in E46's category as this BMW. My answer is: Lexus IS 200. Even the Sportcross. Try one! :) LEXUS IS 200 IS MORE INTERESTING, LESS COMMON THAN A BMW E46 WHICH YOU CAN FIND IN EVERY CORNER :)

Wa hey! It's Dan's car! I miss that 325Ci so much. We used to do so many drives with my M240i while i still lived in the UK. Loved how it drove. Probably my most vivid memory was chasing this car through the Southern approach to Black Mountain Pass while on tyres that had way too many miles on them while the 325Ci had fresh PS4s... he'd drop me every corner and I'd reel him in the straights only to lose him again through the next corner. Lovely memories. Cheers for the video mate!

...damn. I also have one of these as my daily driver - she's like the millennium falcon at this point - not much to look at (thanks, rusty climate) but it's got it where it counts. Still so comfortable, everything still works - maintenance is cheap enough compared to my wife's newer 118i and every time i think i should let the old girl go, one drive instantly clears all thoughts of that. If i had the money, i'd definitely get all the rust repaired properly.

I had a 325ci in 'Mystic Blue'. Lovely car. But they do have a tendency to burn oil. The 325ci auto wasn't very quick either. I definitely prefer the looks of the saloon.

Correct. This was the pinnacle of 3 Series design. It never got any better looking 😊

I had an imola red one for nine years. I put 74,000 miles on it. The car i drove the most. The M54 engine is a great robust engine. I do still miss it

325ci is lovely - but 330ci is better again. Anyway - the 6 pot E46's were the 320ci, 323ci, 325ci, 328ci and 330ci - so 5 in total.

I got a E46 320i , and I run in 5th gear 6800rpm and I do gps speed over 260kph and I bought it 2nd hand at 90000km and has now 380000km trouble free. Very good car, just changed, services as needed and runs on 20w50 shell helix engine oil, tyres, brake pads and twice crank sensor and intake cam sensor and radiator hose and water bottle.2001 model. people ask me if BMW is got Nos no just normal 95 oct. fuel.

Have had six cylinder, manual, e46s as my main vehicle for over 12 years - first three years in a 328ci, and nine more in a 330i touring. The touring is a pain to own as it's so difficult to replace - I really should be changing cars regularly to enjoy the rich tapestry of tat that is out there!

The E46 is very very pretty and whilst it felt more solid that the E9x cars, my experience is that the E9x cars. Re better built and don’t rust…plus yikes can get the N52 which is a cracking engine. The E9x cars need to be in M Sport trim to look. My E46 325 was a car I loved but it was a pain in the bum. The E90 330i that replaced it was an easier car to live with.

Got myself a 325ci facelift. M package, mv 72 styling 18"inch wheels (car in the video has em too), black cube /alcantara /black roof. 475 black sapphire. 60k miles on it. Will never ever sell this car.

On the money Jack. Old versus new BMWs no comparison.

Three hundred and thirty horsepower, miles out there that figure back then was in rocket ships

Absolutely spot on, peak BMW. I have had a 2001 E46 330Ci Coupe M Sport for 6 years, one lady owner, had 34,000miles on it, now has 63,000miles now. Mechanically sound, engine a peach, bit of rust......who cares when it is such a joy to drive.

@Number 27, today is one year than I have my E46 320 Ci, year 2002 I know than the others engines are better than 2.2 liters, but the feeling drive, the sound, the interior around you when you drive, the seat, the gear feeling, and you can fell all what is under you about the road, it's perfect I know than there are modern cars that are more powerful and better under performance profile, but this car it's still underrated, and this is a shame🥺

I also like the E46 a lot. I would not buy a BMW after this generation. I differ from you with regards to the E36 - I like them a lot and prefer their sharper body styling. The E46 interior is more stylish though, especially the dash.

For those who want smooth shifting,that don't want to throw a stick shift, drives like a solid dream city/highway. 325i is not the car for gas peddle jockies but for the feel, it's solid. Slam a door on any modern car , feels like a tin can. 46 feels like a tank. Solid heavy doors. Great gas milage still gets 25/35! Buy pilot point 4s or all seasons and ride a curve. It's planted, responsive. You know your safe. Replace the bushings, gaskets with better qualiy ones, changed ccv, and coolant hoses. Buy one that's not abused, spend the parts money, save 30k compared to new car and enjoy no debt for the next ten years. 89.5k miles on mine. Could have bought used honda or others, i chose a quality engine with a fun factor.

Thanks for the memories. Loved my 1999 323i. A wonderful drive.

Still regret selling my manual ‘05 325i Sport. I had no idea that BMW would never make cars of its sort again. 😢

The E39 5 series took some beating

And now going up in value! 330ci is the M3 Lite! Auto or manual whichever suits. Love them. Last of the best!

owned two of e46 325ci back in time, one of them LCI. Never had a single issue and they were dream cars indeed. Bought e92 325i after, also a dream car, not a single issue with it after 5 years of owning. Now i'm sitting in a big, heavy 5 series and it's ok, yet a bit boring.

I bought an E30 'sleeper' some twenty years ago - a 325E of the mid-'80's - from a friend who was being deported [long story] for the princely sum of $400. Now, it didn't present the aquamarine blue finish in an enthralling light - being left outdoors for 6 months in the blazing Cambodian dry season - but it drove impeccably for all of its 127hp. I kept it for five years and only needed to change the clutch plates, a $100 outlay. A lovely car to drive on degraded road surfaces, and the first vehicle in which my young daughter didn't get car-sick - later, an embassy official snatched it up for a 'fair' exchange of $1500! After, I went Mercedes, but the Beemer will always have a warm place in my heart - a great review, Jack

Had an E46 330D touring. Dieselness and lardiness considered it was still an excellent driving machine, and 4 up with mountain bikes on the roof and boot full to the roof with baggage it still just about kept up with mates 2-up in their cars with internal load only in some spirited driving through Scotland. Later I had an E90 325i touring which I hated in comparison.

Many thanks for posting the video. A car I aspired to own but never happened. This E46 along with the E30 model was one of the best shapes in the BMW' portfolio. I had three E30's one 325i and two MTECH 2 sports. The six-cylinder engines were sublime. As for the latest design abominations of the BMW, we'll leave it there.

I had that exact model and it was the car I’ve loved most! BMW went downhill from then on. Ab Fab. It was beautiful to drive and look at - and so practical. Room for 4, decent boot etc. unfortunately it became a real money pit after 90,000 miles.

Bought myself recently a 320ci E46 and adore it. Build quality, sound and steering are amazing

Had one these for 12 years .. best car I’ve owned.. I can see the door trim missing ..mine was the same .. brilliant drive

My brother had a black one it was a 2002 325i and I had the E39 528i se individual riptide was a 1998 on an S loved that car traded it in for a E60 525i bought that in 2017 still got it only done 90 thousand miles it was a one owner car from new with a full BMW service history drives perfect to this day never failed an mot

Hey mate, I have a 2003 E46 facelift 330Ci convertible that I love to bits. It's auto so not quite as nippy as the manual, but it's a thing to drive. I can't wait for hot days to get the roof off and just go for a run. For me, this is the best convertible I have owned. Don't knock it. Happy for you to take it for a spin if you so desire and go to prove that it's a great drive, and possibly one of the nicest looking soft tops about.

E30 steering is fine and is a delight to drive. the only issue, if you really need to find one, were the underpowered engines. unless you got an M3 or a 325, it is quite a let down.

Lexus IS300 is a smoothie and has sharper steering but BMW looks more classic.

Imagine a 330 Ci - SMG in black 😮 you are not in conditions to understand how this car make you happy 😂🎉❤

You are doing really good job of showing cars that i have owned, and cars that i still want to own at some point.