Should You Buy an E46 BMW M3? (Test Drive & Review)
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
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This might sound like a silly or rhetorical question, but should you buy an E46 BMW M3? Let's see...
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#bmw #bmwm3 #e46 3e46m3 #highpeakautos
The mrs said im not allowed to watch this channel anymore
She’s not the one mate, get rid.
Haha She doesnt have a Juke does she?
Yes
Mine used to say that but then I watched shall you buy a range rover evoque 🤣
Watch it twice then 😉
Get in after a shit day and the mrs doing my head in over bathroom tiles this will cheer me up nice one dude
rogue let’s not talk about that 😂😂
@@anthonywhite721 this made me laugh hehe
Classic
Have you done the tiles yet? It's been over a week and no guy can put up with a weeks worth of bother 😀😀
Allan Prits haha funny you should say old tiles taken off this afternoon painting done tiller is coming tomorrow morning 😂😂👍👍
Without question the most undervalued car UA-cam channel.
Thank you! That means a lot
I love this car so much
Me too
@@HighPeakAutos Look at it this way, so what if it's only worth 16k..........the M3 owes you nothing and you KNOW there's nothing wrong with it...........(I always think that the price is+anything that is probably wrong with the car).
Many people don’t think twice about the house your living in or the neighborhood when buying a car but that’s very important good thing u pointed that out
love your honesty, may god bless you
Thank you
Took the recycling out and now sat here on my computer spending my Friday night watching your videos! Rock n roll! lol nice video :)
You still got this? The lights go backwards for change up lights , and with traction off and the extra Smg mode, push the gearstick forward , Rev and release for launch control. Flat shift up to say half throttle and maybe lift off at full throttle. Smg is actually a great mix of easy but faster, more accurate yet still mechanical changes.
Other common issues are the rear subframe mounts can become detached. A squeak from the rear when driving is a give away that these have failed. Also the rear view mirror can leak and drip onto the gear stick surround causing it to melt. I do miss the one I had though!
Ok review. You might need to do some homework. As for connecting your phone to the radio head unit. Of course you can. For a small upgrade on the GM module you can enable Bluetooth music streaming, AUX, and a phone connection. You can also update the satnav and get new maps for it. So what’s the issue? There is digital TV as well for that unit. Again simpler to activate. The best one is the reverse camera which can be installed for £30! So with all that how is that so antiquated? The SMG is the exact same gearbox as the manual too. You gust need to remove all the plumbing. Not too hard either with the bonus of all that weight removed. All this is easily done, not expensive, which i have done all this and more myself.
It’s an older car. They are all money Pitts. But as enthusiasts. It’s not always about the best financial decision. If that was the case. We would all be driving Toyota Prius.
a grin and a smile then a laugh, priceless. great car, keep it as long as you can
E30 aside, this is the prettiest 3 series; so much nicer than the current stuff and seems timeless, still modern looking.
I wouldn’t have got rid of receipts come sale, it helps massively having paperwork.
That was a joke. I filed them away
I have 2 e46 m3 cars both 2006 models a coupe and a manual convertible both are fantastic cars and I love both gearbox it really makes no difference to me enjoy and have fun 😀both have less than 30k on the clock there here to stay and are only going up in value i startid with a Z3M then had to get the z3m coupe now with 4 cars need a bigger garage and I love all 4 cars
I’ve got exactly same colour etc apart from my roofs blue , 132000 miles on clock deep dish alloys, drives perfectly but has no service history hopefully nothing serious brakes 😬🙏cost £7000 , fixed some tiny problems that cost £600 , well happy with it , looks amazing and drives amazing, love your vids 👍
Very nice! I had a silver 330 with a blue roof a few years ago and thought it looked great. Find a good BMW specialist and you'll be fine
High Peak Autos I have done yeah , before I bought it , it had a full respray , alloys refurbished, full brakes/pads all round new tyres all round ( hankooks ) not sure if they are any good or not ? 🤷🏻♂️ , no rust whatsoever, subframe looks like it’s been done , I think I found a gudd”n , high mileage but like calvins car diary says most of the usual things that go wrong have been fixed with the high mileage m3’s . The specialist even said it’s the best one he’s ever seen , I just wish I bought one a long time ago , never knew how nice they are.
@@HighPeakAutos 4 months and £3400 later it’s fine now 😂
I think it's a great call to keep it; not only is it an outstanding car but if kept for 5-10 years it will probably be a very sound investment worth at least £15k in 5 years time? Yes stuff will break but you are not loosing shed loads in depreciation (often 50%+), which is easily the biggest cost of ownership most people conveniently forget...
Matt I love your car reviews dude.
If possible please could you review these cars:
1) Newer (2016 onwards) Toyota Prius
2) V12 Toyota Century and 3) new Hybrid V8 shape
4)Ford Raptor
5) 200 Series Landcruiser
6) 2005 Toyota Prado V6
7) Mustang V8
8) R34 GTR V Spec Skyline
9) R33 GTR V spec Nismo Skyline (Childhood fav)
10) Toyota Supra manual
11) Nissan 300zx manual
12) Volvo s80 V8
13) Volvo XC70 T6 (2010)
14) Volvo 740
15) E60 BMW M5
16) Volvo 850 T5 R
17) Audi RS4
18) 100 Series Landcruiser diesel
19) Lexus LC500
20) E28 BMW 535
Would be awesome! :)
Nice cars. Could never stretch to an m3 version but had a bog std. E46 convertible. We did laugh when we bought it because in all the excitement of finding a mint one at our local bmw dealer we hadnt noticed it was only a 4 seater, only spotted when we got home! The electric roof is a right pose (untill it sticks half up half down in Morrisons car park). But all in all a great car which I loved.
Haha Snap! I've had an E46 for 13 years and picked up a cupholder insert last year. I have 2 later model BMW wagons but I love that there are so many little detail things like that for these E46's. So many modular trim and dash components simply clip in and out.
I love your videos 😍they make me smile and brighten up my day thank you!!
Thanks! Very kind
great journalism in this review. this peak district national park bbackground....some nice driving roads there.
E46 M3 is classic shape nice! At least you can take pride and can say its well looked after, rather have this m3 then a new ford focus
Another excellent review. Beautiful car & amazingly good condition for a 55 reg.
What else from the early 2000s is as good as the M3? i think the Nissan 350Z is a better sports car, better chassy, balance, engine and reliability for the same price maybe cheaper.
Lovely Jubbly, not a BMW fan myself, but that is a pretty car with a beast of an engine.
Winnats Pass 😱 and Castleton ❤️
However I’m not selling it. But why tear up the receipts as they add value should you ever sell it.
Good Review
Sounds epic.
I didn’t really rip up the receipts. They’re filed away
Good Lad yer know it makes sense.
You should have had the roof down going Up winnats pass at 70mph 🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪epic noise.
Great advise Matt.. looked like castleton..in Derbyshire was it?
Yes it was!
Thinking about buying one to tow my caravan. Should get me to Devon in a couple of hours. 😁
Hands down one of the most desirable future classics there Mat...in 10 years time you will double your money for sure😈
Sounds nice
Best looking m car ever. Love the convertible with the top down would love one of these maybe as a weekend car when I win postcode lottery
Those receipts would've been good documents to keep if you do sell the car down the line 😅
I kept them really. They're filed away
Mate do a review of the focus 2015-16 please
What other similar car could you of had from the early 00s? Well, the Boxster S would be the closest desirable equivalent. And the Boxster would probably be more reliable, and is cheaper to buy... You gonna go looking for a Boxster now?
I’ve already had one of those. I had to have it recovered twice
@@HighPeakAutos A miss eh, then how about a 350Z?
I’ve got an e46 m3 coupe. Lovely car and timeless design. Which roads are you driving on? Would love to take mine for a blast
Thanks i enjoyed that
Glad you enjoyed it
The scenery is fantastic @ 5:30min Where is it?
Winnats Pass, Derbyshire
If it was MY car, as a mechanic, I would prefer this configuration: 1- 18 inch wheels (at most)
2- coupe
3- manual transmission
4- left hand drive 😂
Haha yes
Hi I like the scenery where you drive in the countryside . Whereabouts is this
Where abuts is this area I like the scenery I want to drive
Buy one and spend 8k to put it right, only if you have the brass to throw away if you get my drift. Certainly not one for the masses despite how good it is.
E92 M3 manual V8 is the BEST M3 EVER!! PERIOD
E46 M3's get better looking, or is it that their later creations are getting bigger and bulkier?
Could be that too
O-BMW-An-Kenobi SMG Master! Who needs a light saber anyways?
Haha quite
The E39 M5 has always been my attainable dream car. Now I'm stuck with the choice of saving for a house or buying an E39..... Which do you think will rise in value quicker? :D
Thanks for the review! That cupholder, is that an OEM part or a China special ?
It said ‘genuine’ but the sharp edges make me think it is a Jekyll. It works though so I’ll live with it for a bit and see
Did you sell the s class? Looked awesome
Hello. I know where there is a 2006 Alpina B3S coupe for sale with 9000 miles and one owner from new in Manchester area.
Oh really
High Peak Autos it’s in Knutsford area I believe. It’s for sale on line. Blue metallic cream leather as new. But it’s been stored for 10 years and just driven round the block on a private road. Last MOT was 2010. Advert says as new. Chap selling it might be a bit strange though. All I know is car has been in once to Darren Wood. Has original tyres. E46 body shape
Fab car mate so kool
My m6 5.0 v10 over 500bhp would not be happy in the low 300bhp
Great advice. Riff raff can't take care of themselfs, let a lone a sexy lady.
I bought my e46 M3 convertible also in silver, shortly after watching your M3 videos. Love mine too.
I think with its roof down, the lines of this car are simply stunning to look at from any angle.
Driving it is like a drug, which I simply cannot resist taking everyday.
Mine's a 6 speed manual, with a Scorpion exhaust, which increases horsepower & replaces the standard raspy sound with a much deeper sound, which always delights me, particularly when starting her up.
As far as 0 to 60 times are concerned, I've seen 5 seconds dead quoted for the e46 M3 convertibles & perhaps even as low as 4.6 seconds for the e46 M3 coupes. Not at all bad for a naturally aspirated 3.2 litre engine. www.zeroto60times.com/vehicle-make/bmw-0-60-mph-times/
Good choice! I think they're ageing really well
Having watched this I wonder what your opinion on a 996 is?...
I'd rather have this
Lovely car👍
Thank you 👍
These videos are the equivalent to having a few beers and a takeaway delivered on a night after a hard day. So enjoyable and chilled hahah
Haha thanks! I'll take that
@RichJW hahah thanks buddy 👍
“If the bill’s don’t exist, did it really happen?” 😀 Can I send you my accountant’s phone number?! 😝
Hahaha
@@HighPeakAutos actually that should be the opposite! ... why can't bills be transferable??? 😝😝😝
Loved the “pharmaceutical delivery”, “property state” and “not being able to stream your own music” comments. I really like the sarcastic approach to a car review challenge. 10/10 mate!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely right about the condition of the house though. If someone can't be arsed to trim the hedge, and paint the rusty gate, they ain't going to be upto date with oil changes.
In the days when engineers still has some say....
Torn up the receipts and pretended it didn’t happen. You have a lot in common with my wife 😂
I've driven more performance cars than I can remember and the e46 is still the sweet spot for me.
@Ian TB driven a Porsche GT4, amazing car. One of my favourites. Bottomed out quite often and was unable to get in to the hotel's underground carpark 😂 But it's an expensive car to use as a b road slayer.
The covid has somehow changed perceptions , people are starting to cherish life pre covid .
Cars definitely fall into that category.
I own this car yet I still watch vids about it love it
i agree 100% this is an amazing car. I remember falling in love with e46 m3 when playing need for speed most wanted. Like you said the only gripe is finding one that has been maintained well. Most would just drive this to the ground without servicing it properly. Could you do a review of a 2008 onward Mitsubishi lancer/evo if you ever get a chance! keep up the good work!
Yes I like this shape better than the later one. More than enough power for me I would keep it standard..I've had a BMW before the arches you need to keep touching up . but a good one to have.you should not loose anything.
"If the bills don't exist, did it ever even happen."
😂
E46 M3s are great cars with great S54 engine and decent build quality. Fantastic overall package 👌🏼 best enjoyed these days as that special occasion / sunny afternoon kind of car.
You’ve done a great job with yours Matt 👌🏼 glad to see you’re enjoying it 👍🏼
You’ve done such a good job with this! I love a convertible as well!
Glad you like it!
I must say my place is a tad untidy as I am a bachelor! But my vehicles are well maintained!
"Smiles per gallon!" 🤣🤣
You’re right, my foot rarely goes more than half way past the full travel in F80 m3 especially in the rain
of course you should if you can afford it. i would personally not go for the cabriolet tho.
I would.
I have the Cabrio. Its great to put the top down and blast up the coast with a lovely in the passenger seat.
@@BlackCeII the main reason why i would not buy the cabrio is: i live in a bigger city and my car is parked on the street. people are jelous, dumb, drunk whatever - it happens so often that they cut/ruin the soft top of cars for fun. i would get a headache leaving a car like this parked on the streets. if you have a garage that is something else, but for me it is not the right choice.
100% that this E46 and the E39 5 series are the peak of BMW design. Never really been a BMW fan other than the 635CSi but I actually lusted after the coupe version of the E46 for some years, and still think it is good looking now. Yours looks great and so good to see a cared for and unmolested example. It will definitely be increasing in value in years to come 👍
Its back! What a motor. E46 coupe is the nicest shape of modern 3 series too, will be a classic
I like this car now, as it's more M3 than the newer models! I still like the look of the mid to late 90s M3...!!!
Ugh all the M3 bores talking about manual coupes. Just enjoy it, it’s a beautiful car!
Cracking motor... this and the Range Rover would be my perfect 2 car garage....
Love the wheels. Absolutely legendary
Thanks
Catrina and the Waves 😂 Love the E46, has a 320Ci a few years back. One of the few cars I regret getting rid of
My dream car, my favorite car, these are going up in prices as well that's what worries me and I'm only 19 so one i can't afford it right now and second I can't even get insured on an e46 330d or 330i let alone e46 M3, but i will get one in my life at lest, its truly a wonderful car ever made and the last bmw that was well made with good looks a design that after 20 years now it still looks fresh, thats why I love it and speacilly manual version is even rare and also expensive as they are most reliable gearbox for the e46 m3. I would buy this car over any modren or new car, why buy a tesla when you can get modren classic bmw m3, that sounds good, looks good, will go up in value, and also a real man's car, tesla just a traah car, it will break down more, looks ugly, sounds well nothing, more as it sounds like electricity going trough you. And its just waste of money buying it, as they loose value quick and also no want to fix those shit boxes. So go with real cars that will give good feed back, good results, good looks on peoples faces, and sounds good.
That’s higher up my weekend car list after this. That sweet spot of sound/experience and usable speed.Have you ever driven any of the v6 Busso Alfa’s of that period, maybe the GT saloon or even 147 GTA?
THE INTRO "i just tore up the bills" 😂😂😂🔥♥️
Great video, I've done the same thing that you have done ,brought a cheap M3 and I've spent around £6,000 on it getting it back to totally original condition and we have the SMG gearbox and we love it its much faster and smoother .
Loved my old Phoenix yellow E46 coupe, sold it 10 years ago for an E92 (better drive i think, it's just not as clunky)
I love Phoenix Yellow!
@@HighPeakAutos yea, it was the M colour..chipped it in mint condition for the 92 Alpine edition..
Love that car Matt definitely a keeper just bought a f34 as it suits my life style surprisingly pokey with the space I need and full of the comforts not everybody’s cup of tea but I love it ...
thanks for bringing the m3 back great watch 👍🏻
Got a bit judgemental in this one.
Against who?
This shouldn’t even be up for debate. You should ALWAYS buy an E46 M3 (as long as it’s mechanically sound). Timeless motor
can you do a better comparison from the 330 to the m3 i didnt really understand your european slang lol i own a 330 so just curious
I love my black E36 1998 M3 Convertible 5-speed, bought used, although as a USA-spec it’s not quite as powerful as the Euro-spec - but it’s still a heck of a lot of fun. In Colorado there’s over 300+ days of sunshine a year, but I don’t drive it on the snowy days.
I’ve literally never seen a video featuring a e46 M3 without the driver breaking a smile while revving it out. The feel is just amazing how it builds up
Picked up my m2c last week. At 35 the e46 m3 was the car I badly wanted when I was younger. Love my m2c but arguably its stupidly quick and I picked dct. Should of just bought my dream m3 n been done with it.
One person gives it a 👎 what a bellend that person really is
A jealous one?
Must be a bell end
Cheers lads
It was me lads. I didn't like the fact he has an m3 I don't 😂 😂
@@namegoeshere6638
I feel for you
Maybe you need to ask your wife for more pocket money 💰
Good buying advice. I had 5 convertibles, all manual, which were fun. Then I got a coupe. The difference dynamically is vast. The extra rigidity makes the body control so much better when driving hard down a back road and on our badly surfaced tarmac. It's so much sharper and more keen to respond to the throttle. You do hear the glorious engine sound better with the convertible but for driving purity the coupe is the one. The optional hardtop with the convertible is nice. If you can get an M3 CS manual then even better. I was able to pair my Note 20 Ultra with the Bluetooth. You do get the phone book on the screen and it works well. The sat nav is dated. Unmodified is best. 👍
If you put your foot down in this car you could accumulate more points than Man City 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 ( only joking Matt ) Regs Steve.
😂 Yes. At least we gave Liverpool a lesson last night 😉
@@HighPeakAutos Very true !!!!! I even heard that Liverpool put a couple of first team players in their line up towards the end of the match 😂😂😂😂
Another great vid. So honest and true.
Glad you enjoyed it
To answer your question you could have got an R33/R34 GTR Skyline V Spec, Toyota Supra, NSX in the early 2000's :)
Great content! I binge watched so many of your videos. I just love that you are realistic and straight forward and show us great used car options alongside issues that might arise. Keep up the great work!
Thanks! I appreciate it
Yes you did spend a lot of money on the car that you love but still I think the Range Rover 2013 it suit you better. Best regards
😢😢😢 I look after my cars and always put a pressed plate on my cars.
Haha each to their own. I always see those kinds of plates on modified cars with Nurburgring stickers on the rear
A fantastic headunit for the E46 is this one. It will bring a huge smile to your face once installed. You can install literally any app on there like Spotify, SoundCloud, YT Music, even the eBay and Amazon app! You can install a multitude of GPS and speed warning apps too. Check it out when you get a chance. It also has Bluetooth for calls and music:
xtrons.co.uk/bmw-rover-mg-various-android-9-0-hexa-core-4gb-ram-64gb-rom-pq8946bipl
For those of you interested in the convertible, if you get cat-less headers, Turner csl airbox and the Alpha N tune. The induction sound and the new 340+ whp is AMAZING! And it gets even better with the top down on a nice sunny day. The convertible is the perfect street/canyon car! If you are hitting the track then the coupe is a better option but for spirited street driving you can not beat the convertible. And with the hardtop on it completely changes the look and feel (feels like a coupe) of the car! Enjoy!!
My LOW mileage 2005 E46 M3 is not aging well. Always something. ALWAYS, after 2015
My VERY high mileage 1998 Lexus SC300 IS aging well!
I like my M3 more, but I could not own one with out owning a Toyota/Lexus as a second car.