BMW · Sedan · 1998–2006
BMW 3er E46 Limousine
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
★★★★★
2.1 / 5.0 · Based on 14 engine variants Most Fun Engine
204–272 PS
3.0L Magnesium Benzin
Rewarding at Every Rev
Fun to Drive! Problem Engine
211–286 PS
3.0L Diesel Biturbo Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The BMW 3er E46 Limousine is available with 8 engine variants — from 116 to 286 hp.
318d
1998 2001
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
320d Engine Change
1998 2001
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1998 2001
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2001 2005
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2001 2006
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
330d Engine Change
1999 2003
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
1999 2005
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
318i Engine Change
1998 2001
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1998 2001
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
320i Engine Change
2000 2006
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2000 2006
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
323i Engine Change
1998 2000
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1998 2000
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
325i Engine Change
2000 2006
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2000 2006
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
330i
2000 2006
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant expansion tank bursts The plastic coolant expansion tank becomes brittle through thermal cycling and cracks or bursts — on almost every E46. A typical 3–4 cm crack appears along the housing edges. Risk of engine damage through overheating. Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss; coolant smell in engine bay; temperature rises sharply; steam from engine bay. from 120,000 km | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 3er E46 Limousine have? +
The BMW 3er E46 as Limousine has 86 known weaknesses, 7 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: M43B19 (1.9L 8V), M52B20 (2.0L 24V), M52B28 (2.8L 24V), M54B25 (2.5L 24V), M54B30 (3.0L 24V), N46B20 (2.0L), N52B25 (2.5L Magnesium), N52B30 (3.0L Magnesium). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the BMW 3er E46 Limousine worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW 3er E46 Limousine — 6 of 14 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee