Great video! Agree with what you've said here! I bought a £1,000 E46 330ci 2000 model in 2019 from a friend, she just needed rid of it so I gave her a grand for it. Absolutely loved it was fantastic but was high mileage and needed so much work doing that I continued driving my 2015 mercedes and no longer had 2 cars. But I missed it so much that in 2022 I bought another one. But this time I spent £6,800 on one, 2004 m sport, absolutely all the options, only 90k miles, no rust. So what you say is absolutely spot on. They are available cheaper but if you want a good one and honest good one £6k is like the minimum! Mines been bloody fantastic not a single issue, cooling system is on my list soon, looks absolutely fine but is original so fully aware what happens to them when they get old and worn out 🤣 good video mate 👍👍
Thanks pal! It’s exactly what happened to anyone that buys a cheap e46! They don’t exist 😂 sounds like you’ve got a real nice one there mate! I hope it serves you well! Enjoy my man and thanks for watching 👍
I think if you guys were to get a throttle controller I think the reving would be better. That pedal can be quite unresponsive so the controller can make it be responsive. I don’t know maybe try that if see if it works
I used to own a manual 330ci, and I didnt notice as much of a delayed throttle response as I did with an automatic e46 (I also used to own an auto 325i). Something like sprint booster is a must, at least for me, if you own an e46 with automatic transmission.
Subscribed! Very informative video mate! I've got a 2005 330CI Convertible Manual as as my latest weekend car (with last summers being an RX8). Lovely car so far. It's only on 91k miles, having done 15k miles in the last 10 years. Not a spot of rust, but although I've done the various filters (Oil, Maf, Paper, Rocker cover), and dropped the oil for Castrol Edge 5w30, do wonder whether a squirt of brake fluid on the solenoids might help give it a restorative lease of life as they're prone to getting gritty)
Hey man thanks for the sub and the comment! I had a RX8 and they are fun just a pain. Sounds like you've got yourself a nice car there mate. Definitely doesn't hurt to do some cleansing and maintenance, I always have mine looked at by a BMW specialist to make sure its all tickity boo!
Thanks buddy! Glad you enjoyed! When we have the budget we would be buying some better equipment. Doing it all on a phone currently. Pedal views for normal vids wouldn’t be very exciting I doubt, but would like it for track day videos when we get the car on the circuit 👍
Buying an M3, the prerequisites include having the money to fully replace the entire motor on a set schedule, pay for regular service, and afford to replace the entire car if wrecked. That's just being realistic. Any E46 is a fantastic substitute for the M3, with some work, and affords the owner the reliability of the standard engines. I prefer the 2.5L blocks, over the 2.8 or 3.0L, because it has higher compression ratio. And for a few grand, you really can't go wrong.... Beats the hell out of a crappy Toyota
Thanks for watching and commenting bro! I can certainly agree that the bigger engined E46's for a few grand are a fantastic buy and you can't go wrong! The M3 is one you have to prepare for financially for sure, no E46 replaces that S54 and they way the car is set up though bang for buck imo. The higher compression is good for sure on the smaller displacement for reliability etc, can't argue with that, I just can't say it's enough to bridge the gap efficiently to the 330 power though. We're building this into a track/race car so welcome to check that out man, it's gonna be costly though, it will be a fantastic set up when it's done, but it will always be missing that wonderful S54 🙃😂 Thanks again for supporting pal! Happy New Year!
@@GregandCraigsGarage Just seen your video on the blown rack being replaced :) Ah so it still doesn't feel as engaging now it has one? Damn. I've had 5 E36's and never did the purple tag rack, but people swore by it on a E36, disappointing to hear these are more cruisers than E36's :( Hopefully coilovers and an LSD will fix that.
@@GregandCraigsGarage Ah good to hear mate. I plan on getting a 330ci facelift m sport coupe next year so hoping coilies, poly bushes, and a plated diff etc will solve it.
What short shifter do you have installed? I fitted one and then discovered it was only compatible with the earlier 5 speed cars (of which ive also owned 2 previosuly)
If you want the e46 to feel tight and snappy and more sporty like how it was with 30k miles than you need to replace every single bushing and rebuild vanos seals 💯 like any other 24 year old car kinda a money pit 🤷♂️
Watching this review, which, by the way, is excellent, makes me wonder if the 330d e46 is the better all round road car - It still has the torque lower down to keep pulling when going up through the gears. Would this or the 330d be a good choice for someone who wants to take an unmodified road car on a track two or three times a year?
Thanks for the feedback pal really appreciate that! The 330d is just different, they are a great car, I remember my dad buying one new in 2002. The torque is fantastic for sure, it really depends on what you want out the car but all I would say is maybe drive both before you decide. The diesel has more to go wrong and maintain and doesn’t give you the petrol noise, personally I’d have the petrol but it’s all about preference, diesel is more tuneable and better on fuel for longer journeys. Wouldn’t want to sway you either way my friend. Loads of parts available so easy to track for sure, just ensure the maintenance points are covered and it’s a fantastic car 👍
Great video! Agree with what you've said here! I bought a £1,000 E46 330ci 2000 model in 2019 from a friend, she just needed rid of it so I gave her a grand for it. Absolutely loved it was fantastic but was high mileage and needed so much work doing that I continued driving my 2015 mercedes and no longer had 2 cars. But I missed it so much that in 2022 I bought another one. But this time I spent £6,800 on one, 2004 m sport, absolutely all the options, only 90k miles, no rust. So what you say is absolutely spot on. They are available cheaper but if you want a good one and honest good one £6k is like the minimum! Mines been bloody fantastic not a single issue, cooling system is on my list soon, looks absolutely fine but is original so fully aware what happens to them when they get old and worn out 🤣 good video mate 👍👍
Thanks pal! It’s exactly what happened to anyone that buys a cheap e46! They don’t exist 😂 sounds like you’ve got a real nice one there mate! I hope it serves you well! Enjoy my man and thanks for watching 👍
@@GregandCraigsGarage cheers mate!
I think if you guys were to get a throttle controller I think the reving would be better. That pedal can be quite unresponsive so the controller can make it be responsive. I don’t know maybe try that if see if it works
I used to own a manual 330ci, and I didnt notice as much of a delayed throttle response as I did with an automatic e46 (I also used to own an auto 325i). Something like sprint booster is a must, at least for me, if you own an e46 with automatic transmission.
Subscribed! Very informative video mate! I've got a 2005 330CI Convertible Manual as as my latest weekend car (with last summers being an RX8). Lovely car so far. It's only on 91k miles, having done 15k miles in the last 10 years. Not a spot of rust, but although I've done the various filters (Oil, Maf, Paper, Rocker cover), and dropped the oil for Castrol Edge 5w30, do wonder whether a squirt of brake fluid on the solenoids might help give it a restorative lease of life as they're prone to getting gritty)
Hey man thanks for the sub and the comment! I had a RX8 and they are fun just a pain. Sounds like you've got yourself a nice car there mate. Definitely doesn't hurt to do some cleansing and maintenance, I always have mine looked at by a BMW specialist to make sure its all tickity boo!
Look forward to putting this next to its big brother in a future video 👀
Really want to get a video of that as a stand alone just cos it’s sooooo good! Then do a back to back comparison.
Very great job man! For your next driving videos, it could be possible to fix a camera on the pedalbox to film your footwork please? :D
Thanks buddy! Glad you enjoyed! When we have the budget we would be buying some better equipment. Doing it all on a phone currently. Pedal views for normal vids wouldn’t be very exciting I doubt, but would like it for track day videos when we get the car on the circuit 👍
@@GregandCraigsGarage Yeah, on the track or on a ride! Thank you very much man!
@@constantinrenoir8273 no worries mate! Thanks so much for the support and feedback!
@@GregandCraigsGarage You're welcome! Are you planning to drive to a trackday soon?
@@constantinrenoir8273 Yeh soon man, May time at Castle Combe I would suggest
Buying an M3, the prerequisites include having the money to fully replace the entire motor on a set schedule, pay for regular service, and afford to replace the entire car if wrecked. That's just being realistic. Any E46 is a fantastic substitute for the M3, with some work, and affords the owner the reliability of the standard engines. I prefer the 2.5L blocks, over the 2.8 or 3.0L, because it has higher compression ratio. And for a few grand, you really can't go wrong.... Beats the hell out of a crappy Toyota
Thanks for watching and commenting bro! I can certainly agree that the bigger engined E46's for a few grand are a fantastic buy and you can't go wrong! The M3 is one you have to prepare for financially for sure, no E46 replaces that S54 and they way the car is set up though bang for buck imo. The higher compression is good for sure on the smaller displacement for reliability etc, can't argue with that, I just can't say it's enough to bridge the gap efficiently to the 330 power though. We're building this into a track/race car so welcome to check that out man, it's gonna be costly though, it will be a fantastic set up when it's done, but it will always be missing that wonderful S54 🙃😂 Thanks again for supporting pal! Happy New Year!
2.8 burns less oil as well from the old piston design. people use a m50 manifold and get back all the missing horsepower
Mate, non sports didn't come with the purple/yellow tag quick rack (both same ratio). Chuck one in.
Shes got a purple in 👍
@@GregandCraigsGarage Just seen your video on the blown rack being replaced :) Ah so it still doesn't feel as engaging now it has one? Damn. I've had 5 E36's and never did the purple tag rack, but people swore by it on a E36, disappointing to hear these are more cruisers than E36's :( Hopefully coilovers and an LSD will fix that.
@@otacon4065 The steering feels great now, its not fully engaged though because of the standard suspension, very wollowy! But the chassis feel good.
@@GregandCraigsGarage Ah good to hear mate. I plan on getting a 330ci facelift m sport coupe next year so hoping coilies, poly bushes, and a plated diff etc will solve it.
@@otacon4065 That will do it mate 👍
What short shifter do you have installed? I fitted one and then discovered it was only compatible with the earlier 5 speed cars (of which ive also owned 2 previosuly)
We’ve got the gravity short shifter kit mate. Transforms the car 😁
If you want the e46 to feel tight and snappy and more sporty like how it was with 30k miles than you need to replace every single bushing and rebuild vanos seals 💯 like any other 24 year old car kinda a money pit 🤷♂️
Thats about right, it will eventually need you to spend the money! Thanks for the view and the comment! :D
Watching this review, which, by the way, is excellent, makes me wonder if the 330d e46 is the better all round road car - It still has the torque lower down to keep pulling when going up through the gears.
Would this or the 330d be a good choice for someone who wants to take an unmodified road car on a track two or three times a year?
Thanks for the feedback pal really appreciate that! The 330d is just different, they are a great car, I remember my dad buying one new in 2002. The torque is fantastic for sure, it really depends on what you want out the car but all I would say is maybe drive both before you decide. The diesel has more to go wrong and maintain and doesn’t give you the petrol noise, personally I’d have the petrol but it’s all about preference, diesel is more tuneable and better on fuel for longer journeys. Wouldn’t want to sway you either way my friend. Loads of parts available so easy to track for sure, just ensure the maintenance points are covered and it’s a fantastic car 👍
If anyone is interested in doing a review on my e46 330ci, convertible let me know. Thanks