A "classic" car ....

3LOU5 · 07-03-2022, 02:57 AM

.... that is my E46 BMW.

With "only" 185,xxx miles, she still runs as good today (maybe better ??) as she did when I bought her brand new 20 years ago.

Now that summer is here and gas is at an all-time high, I figure I'll give her much-needed rest and use my more fuel-efficient Harley or Spyder to commute to work.

Maybe then, she'll last another 20 years ....

John V · 07-03-2022, 07:09 AM

They really are great cars.

wdc330i · 07-03-2022, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3LOU5

.... that is my E46 BMW.

With "only" 185,xxx miles, she still runs as good today (maybe better ??) as she did when I bought her brand new 20 years ago.

Now that summer is here and gas is at an all-time high, I figure I'll give her much-needed rest and use my more fuel-efficient Harley or Spyder to commute to work.

Maybe then, she'll last another 20 years ....

You really got a sweet spot model year, too. What were the specs? I kept my 2002 330i for 7 years, which is a relatively long stretch for me. Only my Japan-built Honda Accord hatchback stuck around longer (9 years).

Alan · 07-03-2022, 08:58 AM

Love the E46 …. You have to post some pictures !!

SCA · 07-03-2022, 09:29 AM

The E46 was truly the pinnacle of the 3-Series. I greatly miss my 2004 ZHP, manual! It was probably one of the best BMWs I have ever owned and defiantly the best E46 that I owned.

GimpyMcFarlan · 07-03-2022, 10:46 AM

I frequently miss my Imola/Black E46 M3. I understand the criticisms about it but I truly loved it a lot. Probably the closest thing to a sports car I have (or ever will) drive.

3LOU5 · 07-03-2022, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

They really are great cars.

For my first BMW, I really couldn't ask for any better.

It will most likely be my last, sadly enough.

wdc330i · 07-03-2022, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GimpyMcFarlan

I frequently miss my Imola/Black E46 M3. I understand the criticisms about it but I truly loved it a lot. Probably the closest thing to a sports car I have (or ever will) drive.

Yep. My 2006 E46 M3 convertible is the one I miss most. It was Jet black with gray interior (bought used). If it had been Imola, I could have never let it go.

3LOU5 · 07-03-2022, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc330i

You really got a sweet spot model year, too. What were the specs? I kept my 2002 330i for 7 years, which is a relatively long stretch for me. Only my Japan-built Honda Accord hatchback stuck around longer (9 years).

I ordered it with only the Premium Package (sunroof, Xenon, 5-speed, cruise, leatherette .... I forget what else). I thought about getting the Sport Package as well, but I wanted a ride that would be supple and not too stiff, so I didn't order it. Part of me is somewhat saddened I didn't get it, but mostly, I don't regret it at all. I've never driven a BMW with Sport Suspension, which is probably a good thing; otherwise, I'd have most likely ordered it.

3LOU5 · 07-03-2022, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

Love the E46 …. You have to post some pictures !!

Funny you say that.

To be honest, I feel odd posting pics of my car around here. It is just a lowly 325i, and most (if not all) of the people on this board have high-performance vehicles like Porsches, Audis and M3s.

07-03-2022, 02:57 AM	#1
3LOU5 Slacker Extraordinaire Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 3,717	A "classic" car .... .... that is my E46 BMW. With "only" 185,xxx miles, she still runs as good today (maybe better ??) as she did when I bought her brand new 20 years ago. Now that summer is here and gas is at an all-time high, I figure I'll give her much-needed rest and use my more fuel-efficient Harley or Spyder to commute to work. Maybe then, she'll last another 20 years .... __________________ 2016 Toyota Sienna SE - hers 2002 BMW 325i - his 1994 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Sportside Z71 - whoevers vehicle is in the shop 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Low (Vivid Black) - his 2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited - hers 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Low (Pearl White) - hers (SOLD 02/29/20) 2011 Tao Tao 50 - whoevers bike is in the shop 2007 Reinell 186 FNS - the dog's 1995 Fleetwood Flair 27R - EVERYBODY'S !

07-03-2022, 10:46 AM	#6
GimpyMcFarlan Confused Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 2013 X3 Gray/Mojave Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,018	I frequently miss my Imola/Black E46 M3. I understand the criticisms about it but I truly loved it a lot. Probably the closest thing to a sports car I have (or ever will) drive. __________________ Gimpy McFarlan 2013 X3 28i: Space Gray / Mojave & Black - Premium Package - Cold Weather Package - Dynamic Handling Package - M Sport Package - Convenience Package - 3M Paint Protection

07-03-2022, 07:09 AM	#2
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	They really are great cars.

07-03-2022, 08:58 AM	#4
Alan Carmudgeon Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 4,665	Love the E46 …. You have to post some pictures !!

07-03-2022, 09:29 AM	#5
SCA Jaded Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9,026	The E46 was truly the pinnacle of the 3-Series. I greatly miss my 2004 ZHP, manual! It was probably one of the best BMWs I have ever owned and defiantly the best E46 that I owned.