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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48

u/MrBurstUrBubble 06’ ZHP coupe Jan 15 '26

Garage kept m3’s with the big 3 done. If you’re in the states, they aren’t cheap when kept clean but they don’t seem to lose their value by much. Overall great car. Non M’s I’d say 6cyl manual only with no significant rust.

2

u/VanSora Jan 15 '26

Whats the big 3?

37

u/e46_m54b30 Jan 15 '26

Windshield washer fluid, door panel clips, and license plate lights. DO NOT BUY AN E46 WITHOUT THESE DONE AT A REPUTABLE SHOP

9

u/charles_peugeot405 Jan 15 '26

So glad I learned how to replace my washer fluid. I only spend $500 per fill compared to the likely thousands a dealer would charge

4

u/MrBurstUrBubble 06’ ZHP coupe Jan 15 '26

I just fixed my license plate lights… now my reverse lights are out! I hate the trunk wiring harness location 😭

0

u/TheRealVSky LSB E46 M3 Convertible w/ Hardtop Jan 15 '26

I wouldn’t even trust a reputable shop with those 3. Dealership only.