My dad has this exact car and bought it in 2001 except its manual. Still going strong in 2024 with only 114K miles. Just some repairs needed ofc but still cheaper than buying a new car. What a vehicle!
Thanks for sharing! I am interested in getting an E46 330XI with a manual. I will watch as 20 year old BMW's as nostalgic as they are. Require some love and attention compared to other cars.
You got an insta for the car? I'd love to see it. Also have you had any issues with youe 2005 325i? I'm thinking about getting one soon but heard they have tons of problems. My buddy is selling his and has 189k miles on it so im skeptical about it. If you can give me any advice I'd really appreciate it!
@@rickyzayas1085 no car insta as of yet sorry. I knew it needed some work when I got it. It leaked oil from the valve cover gasket which is a common E46 thing, and needed a cooling system refresh. In the 2 and a half years since I’ve had it I’ve only had an ignition coil go down and needed a tiny part for the fan. Mine’s only at 101k miles right now, I’d be a little worried about getting one with as many miles as you’re looking at, especially an automatic. Automatic trans and head gaskets are the big things to look out for
I actually like older BMWs compared to the newer models, anything made in the last 5-7 years has serious reliability issues and the build quality of the E46 and E90 was much better IMO. It is not even about the money for me, those silky smooth naturally aspirated I6 engines have a much better note than 4cyl turbo engines.
@@LJsGarage I totaled my 2018 330i a few months ago and purchased a 2005 E46 ZHP. Older BMWs are lighter and smaller and feel more connected to the road, more precise & solid than the newer models.
@True Roman I've replaced the water pump, power steering, front lower control arms, but it drives great, the ac compressor just crapped out, but with cheap used parts and a homeboy that gives me great prices on work, I like the fact it's so old are the parts are readily available, even I bought some new stuff on ebay, way cheap, and I only paid 10% of a new beamer, even when the fan shroud was loose and ran into the fan clutch destroying the blades, punching a hole in radiator, the fan clutch kept on spinning, and I drove 12 miles home, stopping once to top off the coolant and it hasn't thrown a check engine light once
I know this is a bit of an older video but i'm planning on getting an 02 e46 in the next two weeks! its a 5-spd manual with a welded diff, it was maintained very well, and it has a newly replaced fuel cooling system and motor! i'm HYPEDDDD
I just got one too but mine is in a bit better condition just needs a tune up and fan belt be careful with the fan belts and sensors This is the best first car you'll find these days your not buying your coffin with this car probably more like a protector
@@LJsGarage yeah I just put in 800$ to restore all the engine parts like new so I pretty much have a new car again i got it for 2500 flat out so pretty much I paid 3300$ for a new car with 92k miles
I had this exact same car when it came out in 2001. The engine always fired up great, but I had a TON of problems with the electrical systems. It seemed to just eat headlights, tail lights, a/c & window motors, etc. That being said, I did love my little 325 though ( just not the electrical! )
Is it normal to be able to give full throttle and the RPM slowly climbs? I can high revv when in park but not when in Drive.. it's like I'm stuck in limp mode through all gears but I can still get going up to 100
Driving any BMW new or old and of course E46, you need to have Strong nerves and big bank account.One thing for sure you will do a lot of mechanical and electronic work on this car.All this will be great for German economy since your E46 needs A LOT OF PARTS ALL THE TIME ! Another good idea is to have a good car to drive you around, anything like Honda,Toyota,Subaru,Mazda.Dont forget your BMW will be also in need to to towed very often.Three times its junk ,junk,junk.
This video was great, very informative. I will be looking at an 05 325i, with 188,000. Is that kind of mileage to high for these cars? Never owned a BMW.
I’m guessing you do all of your own maintain ? If not do you ever consider doing it yourself . I wanna buy one but don’t have the time to personally fix it .
I bought that same model in 2015 ($1,500) and had many problems but with UA-cam and BimmerForum I've fixed them all. Was not a mechanic but I'm pretty good now at diagnosing and fixing mine.
Hey great video man! I’m thinking about getting a 2003 with 175k miles, and good condition, would you say it would be a good buy? It’ll be my first car and I’m very interested.
What’s up man I got a 2003 325i black interior is fine and the wya it looks I paid 2gs but I agree with the lights thanks man amazing video my lights are very oxidized I’m 17 got this car does have 245k miles but I’m gonna replace the engine anyways window sticker said 40,000 brand new bought in New Jersey new now it’s mine in New York I’m the 2nd owner if I’m correct The car does have a engine service soon light so any ideas for that
Some of the oil leaks on these are in a horrible spot and can be pricey. Right on the back near the trans. Other leaks are usually manageable and not too bad. Depends on the overall car and how much you can take care of on your own if its worth the headache!
thinking about getting a 2002 325i with 150k miles on it, Valve cover gasket has been replaced Entire Coolant system has been replaced, should i get it?
On these you just have to chase them as they come and fix em lol just pray it's never anything major! Oil leaks are the worst some it's pretty compact in there.
@@Fullmetal22 I gotcha, I wouldn't even be worried they are work horses easily getting into the 200k miles. The only really bad leak is the rear main seal. The oil pan, coolant, power steering reservoir etc you can knock out over the weekend. You got it 👌🏿
Hey I just got an 04 325i with the M56 engine. I just figured out that the fuel pump on those are a messy situation. Apparently you have to change the whole fuel tank in order to fix. It’s a 7,000 dollar job. Is it really common for the fuel pump to fail? And at what mileage. Thanks!
Common enough that people have talked about the ridiculous quotes to fix em. They built everything together like you said so it's a lot of labor. I'm not sure what mileage is the most common to start looking out for it though. I've seen it happen as low as 60k miles.
Are these cars reliable? Also is it a great first car? Just asking because I’m thinking of buying one as my first car but my parents always say they are supper expensive to repair if something happens.
Reliable with proper maintenance yes! Prone to leaks that can be a headache. You'll find these with 150k+ miles all day they are champs when taken care of.
Yes indeed A LOT OF PROBLEMS ! In short its a money pit no matter old or new. If its new its sort of covered by warranty for a shot time.But you pay a lot.If its old you pay less but fix the car all the time on weekly basis.Not to be confused with regular maintenance.The car is not reliable in any shape or form.To be sure you need another car to drive because BMW will be mostly in shop getting fixed.
Baltimore roads are absolutely dreadful with a manual, owned a Miata for a couple months and got cut off and run off multiple times from impatient drivers thinking I was leaving space for them... So annoying.
Once again I must say BMWs are a pile of crap. There is absolutely nothing on these vehicles that simple to repair. Changing an upper radiator hose should be a 5-minute job. I'm a professional mechanic and I know how to remove items with care. However these hoses on BMW with the plastic couplings held by clips are very difficult to remove after they've been on the vehicle for a number of years going through numerous heat cycles. The engineers BMW with all of their wisdom, designed the upper portion of the radiator made of plastic. It's virtually impossible to remove the upper hose without cracking the plastic housing on the radiator. This issue and having to remove the entire undercarriage and exhaust system just to change and u-joint are just a couple of examples of poor engineering. BMW vehicles are not user-friendly for the owners and I would strongly advise that you avoid buying a used BMW.
Lmaoo when you pulled the grill out my heart skipped a beat
😂 mine did when it first popped out
Literallyyyyy fax, homie doesn’t flinch tho
My dad has this exact car and bought it in 2001 except its manual. Still going strong in 2024 with only 114K miles. Just some repairs needed ofc but still cheaper than buying a new car. What a vehicle!
Thats awesome! Love to hear stories of these being well loved
Thanks for sharing! I am interested in getting an E46 330XI with a manual. I will watch as 20 year old BMW's as nostalgic as they are. Require some love and attention compared to other cars.
So so true! Worth it in the end
I bought my 2001 E46 BMW 325i brand new and have been driving it all of these years. Now I find out about the coin holder. Thanks!
Haha np!
I bought an 05 for my first car last summer. Needed some work then but it’s been great since then
Awesome first car, mechanically sound cars 👌
Don't forget to press the dsc button
You got an insta for the car? I'd love to see it. Also have you had any issues with youe 2005 325i? I'm thinking about getting one soon but heard they have tons of problems. My buddy is selling his and has 189k miles on it so im skeptical about it. If you can give me any advice I'd really appreciate it!
@@rickyzayas1085 no car insta as of yet sorry. I knew it needed some work when I got it. It leaked oil from the valve cover gasket which is a common E46 thing, and needed a cooling system refresh. In the 2 and a half years since I’ve had it I’ve only had an ignition coil go down and needed a tiny part for the fan. Mine’s only at 101k miles right now, I’d be a little worried about getting one with as many miles as you’re looking at, especially an automatic. Automatic trans and head gaskets are the big things to look out for
Never been into bmw’s but the more and more I watch videos on these e46’s the more I want one
They're fun rides!
I actually like older BMWs compared to the newer models, anything made in the last 5-7 years has serious reliability issues and the build quality of the E46 and E90 was much better IMO. It is not even about the money for me, those silky smooth naturally aspirated I6 engines have a much better note than 4cyl turbo engines.
Second all that! Appreciate the added info 👏🏿
@@LJsGarage I totaled my 2018 330i a few months ago and purchased a 2005 E46 ZHP. Older BMWs are lighter and smaller and feel more connected to the road, more precise & solid than the newer models.
I just picked up an 04 325i with 112k miles, sweet ride
Awesome bro hope it treats you well!
@True Roman I've replaced the water pump, power steering, front lower control arms, but it drives great, the ac compressor just crapped out, but with cheap used parts and a homeboy that gives me great prices on work, I like the fact it's so old are the parts are readily available, even I bought some new stuff on ebay, way cheap, and I only paid 10% of a new beamer, even when the fan shroud was loose and ran into the fan clutch destroying the blades, punching a hole in radiator, the fan clutch kept on spinning, and I drove 12 miles home, stopping once to top off the coolant and it hasn't thrown a check engine light once
I know this is a bit of an older video but i'm planning on getting an 02 e46 in the next two weeks! its a 5-spd manual with a welded diff, it was maintained very well, and it has a newly replaced fuel cooling system and motor! i'm HYPEDDDD
Go for it! I'm pumped for ya and appreciate hearing that these are still loved
I just got one too but mine is in a bit better condition just needs a tune up and fan belt be careful with the fan belts and sensors
This is the best first car you'll find these days your not buying your coffin with this car probably more like a protector
Haha I feel you on the coffin point. Congrats on the new ride hope it treats ya well this one is turning out to be a pain but mostly leaks
@@LJsGarage yeah I just put in 800$ to restore all the engine parts like new so I pretty much have a new car again i got it for 2500 flat out so pretty much I paid 3300$ for a new car with 92k miles
BRO I'm about to buy an 04 325i and this vid got me PUPMPED!!!
heck yeah, hope you find the right one that was loved and taken care of!
@@LJsGarage thanks man blessings
I had this exact same car when it came out in 2001. The engine always fired up great, but I had a TON of problems with the electrical systems. It seemed to just eat headlights, tail lights, a/c & window motors, etc. That being said, I did love my little 325 though ( just not the electrical! )
Dang :/ glad the power train was solid though
I just bought myself a 2001 325I and it's at 188k miles and it is in great condition besides I'm missing Reverse and first gear is in limp mode.
Is it normal to be able to give full throttle and the RPM slowly climbs? I can high revv when in park but not when in Drive.. it's like I'm stuck in limp mode through all gears but I can still get going up to 100
Ouch that is not normal at all. I would check the basics filter, plugs, etc to make sure all is well. You could even have a vacuum leak
Dad got me a 2002 325i, 109k miles on it, but some rust around fender. It’s my first car, i think we’re going to get the rust cleaned up and repainted
Those are low miles for these! Definitely take care of the rust and the rest should last long 🙏🏿 be safe on the road
Im more of a Lexus guy personally but these older BMWs look like the teeets 👌
I can respect that I still want an older IS350!
I have the 2002 model it runs really good with 212k it does burn little oil like all cars that age
The oil issue is for sure a common one but these things are solid 👌
@@LJsGarage yup!
That was a really well done review. I'm more of a Z3 guy, but I'm interested in buying a 330ci.
Love the z3! Good taste my friend 🙏🏿 thanks for dropping a comment
I’m getting a 5 speed manual this Friday !!!!! Super hyped
Awesome! I'm excited for ya!
your seem hella professional dude enjoyed watching this i liked immediately gonna sub lol!
I appreciate ya my Friend! 🙏🏿
Saw a 2001 e46 for $2800. Has 186000 miles and a manual. Might slap a turbo LS3 in it
Haha nothing wrong with that. LS swap the world. An LS3 may be a bit much but right on!
I've got the same car.same yr,color,ect.I really like the car...nice video.
Thanks my bro 🙏🏿 hope yours is treating ya well
🚨 PLEASE post a comment of your year by year cost of maintenance since making the video!!!!🚨
This car is amazing!
Agreed! Sad its gone, Ill have another for sure. A 3 series will always be in the driveway
Driving any BMW new or old and of course E46, you need to have Strong nerves and big bank account.One thing for sure you will do a lot of mechanical and electronic work on this car.All this will be great for German economy since your E46 needs A LOT OF PARTS ALL THE TIME ! Another good idea is to have a good car to drive you around, anything like Honda,Toyota,Subaru,Mazda.Dont forget your BMW will be also in need to to towed very often.Three times its junk ,junk,junk.
Some of this is true, but I have love for the #3 most reliable brand on the market :D
@@LJsGarage ''most reliable brand on the market'' are you totally serious, crazy or never own a BMW shitbox ? ?
I was laughing my ass off the entire time
Appreciate ya! 😂
Nice video mate👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks! Appreciate the support!
I love this car
Heck yeah!
This video was great, very informative. I will be looking at an 05 325i, with 188,000. Is that kind of mileage to high for these cars? Never owned a BMW.
No not at all! If you get bored and check out some of the E46 forums they are still running strong with this mileage.
Make sure to check the service history if the past owners took good care of it then ya it’ll run fine also make sure u take care of it
Great vid man
I appreciate ya checking it out! Thanks ✌🏿
I’m guessing you do all of your own maintain ? If not do you ever consider doing it yourself . I wanna buy one but don’t have the time to personally fix it .
I do most of it yep, and honestly these are fairly amateur mechanic friendly. I'd recommend one if you have the time to wrench 👌🏾
I bought that same model in 2015 ($1,500) and had many problems but with UA-cam and BimmerForum I've fixed them all. Was not a mechanic but I'm pretty good now at diagnosing and fixing mine.
Hey great video man!
I’m thinking about getting a 2003 with 175k miles, and good condition, would you say it would be a good buy? It’ll be my first car and I’m very interested.
Go for it! and thanks for stopping by.
Are these cars reliable? I’m looking at a 2002 325! Coupe ! 152,000! Looks clean ! Automatic! What are your thoughts! What should I look for ?
They are solid little tanks! Oil leaks and fluid leaks are the one negative.
What’s up man I got a 2003 325i black interior is fine and the wya it looks I paid 2gs but I agree with the lights thanks man amazing video my lights are very oxidized I’m 17 got this car does have 245k miles but I’m gonna replace the engine anyways window sticker said 40,000 brand new bought in New Jersey new now it’s mine in New York I’m the 2nd owner if I’m correct The car does have a engine service soon light so any ideas for that
Honestly not sure man 🤔 with these I think that service light means a couple things but it's been so long since I've messed with these. Best of luck;
@@LJsGarage I’m boutta look into an 05 325i with 131k on it, what’s your 2022 opinion about it ? Please reply As fast as you can
Appreciate the video.
Thanks for watching!
4y review?
She's gone 😔 still running well but new owner
i just bought one monday. got it from the original owner. it has 160k on it, with a 5 speed gearbox.
You found a gem! Hope it that's ya well 🤘🏿
How has it held up so far? I found a clean manual with 180k and im considering it
@@rubbertoe. The wife swiped it.......
@@zigwald hopefully you mean she took it and not crashed it. Either way that sucks
@@rubbertoe. after i replace the ccv and water bottle. she just started driving it. and i can't get it back......
Looking into one with an oil leak needs tires and rear struts you is it dont know if I should get it or not I dont know how exspensive it can get
Some of the oil leaks on these are in a horrible spot and can be pricey. Right on the back near the trans. Other leaks are usually manageable and not too bad. Depends on the overall car and how much you can take care of on your own if its worth the headache!
Looking to buy a manual 2002 325i with 166k miles for $1700 almost perfect condition, what do u think?
Low miles for what I normally see on the market. The manual is the way to go. I think the price is right too!
Hey are you still
active I Olán in buying my first car still good? I got in a 2003 one and was nice
I am but I no longer have this one but I do recommend these 3series!
thinking about getting a 2002 325i with 150k miles on it, Valve cover gasket has been replaced
Entire Coolant system has been replaced, should i get it?
for the right price I would. These is are making a comeback
how are your speakers, just got the same car and the speakers sound pretty darn bad
They are toast. Replaced em
just got a 05 128miles ci tech package
I dig it 👌🏿👌🏿
Mine has 130k its a lil loud a/c isn't staying cool
Hopefully some easy fixes to get it running great again!
Any updates?
Unfortunately I let this one go to a new home
That rear view mirror looks like a bubble head
😂 accurate
Overall though. That e46 3 series are a fun car to drive around
And drift
My brother ✊🏿💪🏿💯
👊🏿 🙏🏿
I HAVE A 2001 BMW 325I, THERES A WIRE LOSE IN THE FRONT INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE can anyone tell me what it may be?
Might wanna post a pic on one of the e46 forums cause I have no clue unfortunately bud!
Bro what about the whole located on the left top corner? What’s missing over there? Anybody knows? I have a bmw 2001 serie 3 325i
No clue what spot you're referring to. If you see it drop the time stamp lol
Just got this car and am excited but it's manual
That's the best case! I wanted the 6 speed
How would I go about fixing the leaks? Just completed replacing the parts ? Or is there another way
On these you just have to chase them as they come and fix em lol just pray it's never anything major! Oil leaks are the worst some it's pretty compact in there.
LJs Garage thank you man. I’m getting ready to by a used e46 so I’m trying to get as much info about them as I can.
@@Fullmetal22 I gotcha, I wouldn't even be worried they are work horses easily getting into the 200k miles. The only really bad leak is the rear main seal. The oil pan, coolant, power steering reservoir etc you can knock out over the weekend. You got it 👌🏿
Hey I just got an 04 325i with the M56 engine. I just figured out that the fuel pump on those are a messy situation. Apparently you have to change the whole fuel tank in order to fix. It’s a 7,000 dollar job. Is it really common for the fuel pump to fail? And at what mileage. Thanks!
Common enough that people have talked about the ridiculous quotes to fix em. They built everything together like you said so it's a lot of labor. I'm not sure what mileage is the most common to start looking out for it though. I've seen it happen as low as 60k miles.
LJs Garage damn :( well I’ll definitely have to look out for that
Are these cars reliable? Also is it a great first car? Just asking because I’m thinking of buying one as my first car but my parents always say they are supper expensive to repair if something happens.
Reliable with proper maintenance yes! Prone to leaks that can be a headache. You'll find these with 150k+ miles all day they are champs when taken care of.
I see one on Marketplace for $1500 and it's manual. Should i? 🤔
What's the mileage and what's wrong with it
Good video
Appreciate it my friend! 🙏
I just got a 2002!
Heck yeah congrats!
I always wondered who used the stupid Wingdings font!
😂
the mirror i have the same problem
Lol so much fun right
@@LJsGarage yea but the 325i I have is also a 2001 but manual transmission
@@LJsGarage just found out it's missing a few parts in the engine bay and cruise control doesn't function correctly
@@andysalgado4673 oh man you've got some work ahead for ya!
Stick a piece of cardboard or something in the hole and prob solved
I got a 325xi
👏🏿
that's a really nice car! any common problems to look for?
Other than leaks that's really about it! People joke about the Christmas tree lights but these cars tell you everything they need
@@LJsGarage thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
Yes indeed A LOT OF PROBLEMS ! In short its a money pit no matter old or new. If its new its sort of covered by warranty for a shot time.But you pay a lot.If its old you pay less but fix the car all the time on weekly basis.Not to be confused with regular maintenance.The car is not reliable in any shape or form.To be sure you need another car to drive because BMW will be mostly in shop getting fixed.
@@LJsGarage No they dont tell you anything ! The BMW garage will show the bill every week....
@@LJsGarage No they dont tell you anything ! The BMW garage will show the bill every week....
I’d it just me or does he seem bummed out that he didn’t find stacks of money or cocaine 😂😂 4:54
😂
May I ask how much was this e46?
Got it for 2800!
Am I the only one who laughed on the cocaine joke?
Lol don't draw attention to it
if you could read wingdings, lmao
🤣🙏🏿
Yo I got a manual 2001 💀💀💀 as a birthday present ☠️
That's a great gift! Lol
I got a 2001 automatic😐 still a fun car tho I ain’t complaining
No stash of cash or cocaine lol...
😏 thanks for checking out the vid!
manual separates the boys from the men..
Haha I won't argue with you on that. Luckily this one has a new owner and the next one I find will hopefully be a manual
Unless you drive in San Francisco a lot. :D
@@Aleph1337 true that!
Baltimore roads are absolutely dreadful with a manual, owned a Miata for a couple months and got cut off and run off multiple times from impatient drivers thinking I was leaving space for them... So annoying.
Once again I must say BMWs are a pile of crap. There is absolutely nothing on these vehicles that simple to repair. Changing an upper radiator hose should be a 5-minute job. I'm a professional mechanic and I know how to remove items with care. However these hoses on BMW with the plastic couplings held by clips are very difficult to remove after they've been on the vehicle for a number of years going through numerous heat cycles. The engineers BMW with all of their wisdom, designed the upper portion of the radiator made of plastic. It's virtually impossible to remove the upper hose without cracking the plastic housing on the radiator. This issue and having to remove the entire undercarriage and exhaust system just to change and u-joint are just a couple of examples of poor engineering. BMW vehicles are not user-friendly for the owners and I would strongly advise that you avoid buying a used BMW.
both the upper & lower radiator hoses take around 5 minutes to replace lol