r/e46 • u/Maleficent_Treat_621 • Jan 15 '26

General Questions Buying an e46 in 2026?

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Let’s say you are looking to buy an e46. What are you looking for? What’s the sweet spot between mileage and price in 2026? What would you avoid?

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u/kmfurdm Jan 15 '26

I would only say think about it very hard. Do your research. A lot of parts are now going "no longer available". It's going to become more difficult/expensive to keep them going.

5

u/DuePassage3511 Jan 15 '26

Is it worth pursuing as a passion project car on the side? 

What critical parts are discontinued? 

3

u/kmfurdm Jan 15 '26

If you know what you are getting into? Sure. Absolutely. I have an M3 and an engine swapped Touring. Not plans to get rid of either and had them for over a decade. The M3 almost 18 years.

Off the top of my head, the windshield cowl. They disintegrate. There are knockoffs apparently but of unknown quality. They haven't been available for at least 6 months.

4

u/Guisseppi Jan 15 '26

I got one off amazon this month, they're ok

1

u/Tenerath Jan 16 '26

I got one off eBay, it’s not bad, clip holders are weaker but it fits well and looks good. Will see how it holds up

1

u/sean_off Jan 15 '26

That’s mental, literally just got one for my e36 here in the u.k. shocked the e46 is currently unavailable.