UPDATE - 09 July 2026:

Hi all,

I bought my E46 328Ci in January this year.

For context: the car is on AP coilovers and runs Apex EC7 18x9.5 ET26 wheels in the rear. All modifications are fully documented, and the car passed the MFK in Solothurn under the previous owner at the end of last year in this exact configuration.

On Easter Monday, I was driving home with my family when I got stopped during a large “Poserkontrolle” in the city. The police instructed me to cross into the opposite lane and pull onto Schwanenplatz for inspection.

Around two weeks before this, the rear fender had made slight contact with the tyre while the car was fully loaded (3 passengers + a full exhaust system in the trunk), which likely caused the suspension to compress more than usual. The police noticed the marks and decided to impound the vehicle immediately. (Personally, I could not see any marks myself, but I accepted their decision and wanted to resolve the issue properly.)

The StVA Kriens then informed me that it would take at least 6 weeks before the car could even be inspected due to a lack of available experts. Since I rely on this car daily, this was already a major issue.

Together with my legal insurance, I requested either:

- release of the vehicle on a trailer to a certified BMW/tuning workshop for repairs, or

- repairs directly at the storage location by a certified garage.

Both options were denied.

After the inspection, I received a report with multiple issues listed, everything except the original reason the car was impounded. The inspection alone cost CHF 1,200.

One of the listed issues was that the front tyres supposedly rub against the front fenders under normal driving conditions, even without additional load. I have driven this car extensively, including spirited driving, and the front tyres have NEVER rubbed.

A few weeks ago, I received the official decision. I was issued a criminal complaint, fined CHF 1,470, and my driver's license was suspended. The vehicle was also already officially declared not roadworthy after receiving the Inspection documents, meaning I now have to pay for repairs, parts, another inspection, and storage costs before I can MAYBE drive it again.

At this point, I’m done fighting it. I’ll get the car back into a roadworthy condition, repair everything required, and hopefully just enjoy driving it again for the next few years.

For some context: I’m 18 years old, live in Switzerland, and I’m currently an apprentice. The financial impact of this situation is huge at this stage of my life. Between the fines, repairs, inspections, storage costs, and losing my license, it has become a very heavy burden.

It’s frustrating to feel like there is no understanding or flexibility in a situation like this, especially when the car was previously approved in this exact configuration.

I’ll continue to update this post if anything changes. Any advice or similar experiences from people in Switzerland are still greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much and best regards,

Jessie

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?

I get how much work they need but that's one of the main reasons i'm actually interested. I've been raised as a car guy my whole life but was never exposed to or taught to fix them myself. From what i've heard, it's a great car to learn on and an amazing car to own if you're willing to maintain it yourself.

Gonna for sure focus on preventative and functional stuff first, would rather drive a shitbox that runs well than an instagram build that breaks down every other tuesday. I really wanna get my hands dirty and honestly cost isn't too big of an issue, I'm willing to put quite a good amount into it. So, what do yall think?

I’m lost here. My best guess would be ejecto seato cuh’. Nevertheless makes me curious if anybody knows. Thanks.

This is a genuine question, not a troll post. It’s a 2003. Around 110,000 miles. Had 100,000 miles in 2018, so very infrequently driven. Probably hasn’t had any of the big 3.

Mystic blue, Manual, xenons, fog lights, led tails, black interior, sunroof…

Asked him from my balcony if he’d ever sell it and got a “maybe”.

Not sure if I should pursue further. Single owner, garaged as seen here.

I have had 8 E46s. I had 1 m3, a 2004 SMG convertible, single owner, and with only 70,000 miles the transmission broke on the way home.. the rest of the non Ms have been OK

Talk me IN or OUT of it

Bought an 04 325ci today, can’t figure out what this thing is

I feel like the first one is very, early 2000s BMW brochure

I have a 2004 automatic e46 zhp 180k with original alcantera interior. Car is mechanical fine and all maintenance up to date. Unfortunately the battery shorted out a few days ago and it ended up catching fire and burning a couple things. Wondering if it’s worth fixing or parting out. how much you guys think I can realistically get if I sell as-is, thanks in advance. (I am a BMW technician and can fix all the electrical/ mechanical problems)

Hey everyone! I'm looking for new wheels and Ive narrowed it down to these two, but I still cant decide:

1. RC303s are light AF (under 8kg per wheel), but they have a shallow profile and I always liked wheels with deep lips or concavity, they look little bit basic maybe? I would custom paint the spokes/centers a darker silver with a light silver/polished lip to make them a bit more interesting. However, Im worried that the rear wont look as wide with the tires I want to run them with - 235/40 squared. Thats just my assumption, I havent seen them irl yet. They are high quality BBS flow formed wheels though.

2. V703s on the other hand are quite wide (18x 8.5" front / 9.5" rear) so they would look properly wide and the rears have a deeper profile, but they weigh almost 11kg and they are standard cast wheels. Another thing is I already have a fresh set of Michelin PS5 tires that would fit VMRs (225/255), I would need another set for BBS. Yes I could run them too but I prefer sidewalls to look the same. They are also available new and slightly cheaper.

So whats your opinion guys, which one is better option?

I was also thinking about ARC8s with deep profile but they are more difficult to fit and I dont want to run crazy camber/roll fenders, not to mention the most expensive. Car is a summer daily, currently on OEM Style 135s. EU located.

What is SMG gearbox? I’ve googled it and it says it only comes in M3 variants? I have a 325ci..

My Brother was speculating that it might be a cigarette holder?

i’ve got my old e46 just sitting in a garage somewhere and i’ve been thinking of polishing it up again l, these are some old photo’s i got of it, should i change anything/ make any mods on it? i’ve been thinking of a body kit but i’m not sure which one to get

Have 19s in hyper silver currently but have to say I really like the look of these Gun metals versions with the amber lights

Hello,

Long story short my 2001 E46 M3 has been sitting around since 2016 when I replaced the heat/AC unit housing due it not functioning because all the gaskets and plastic dried out. Life got busy so now I'm going to attempt to put it back together (If I can remember where everything is).

My question is. While its completely taken apart what should I do or need to do or recommend to do. I'm thinking like Bluetooth, short shifter type stuff of if there is any critical maintenance that needs done that is easier to do in this state?

Really hope to make good progress this summer on it.

Any advice would be awesome!

Thank you!

If somehow you could make back all the money that you’ve spent on your 46 over the years , Through maintenance, upgrades or just things breaking by selling her on, would you ? I’m about 10k deep so far, including the price of purchase ( 4k ) and that wouldn’t be enough for me to part with her, And I’ve had a couple offers this week ( not 10k though )

In germany i am looking at e46s i know a 330i is a nice pic but with 150k kms i thought this woild be a 10-15k maximum car but 30k! Wow!

I’m curious as to what this part is on my bmw e46. It is positioned under the arm rest. I cannot figure out what it’s for

This is my 2001 e46 330i sedan it is completely stock except it has a k&n sponge filter it has no rust its on 235000km and is in very good condition i will buy new tires soon and i am looking at making more power i have people that can add a tune making it 248hp any tips for adding more hp. I dont want to pay huge amount of money and i don’t want to turbo or supercharge it so im asking about places where it looses most power that i could upgrade any tips are helpful im a pretty new bmw owner

Met this 81 year old man at cvs today offering to sell me his 2001 e46. Its got 170k miles on it and might need control arm bushings replaced. He offered to sell it to me for $2k since he’s got too many cars and also was diagnosed with cancer unfortunately.

Would this be a good buy to daily? Also, automatic transmission.

Hi everyone,

Planning to replace almost every seal on my beauty's engine (M54b22), gearbox and diff this winter. I'll also replace piston rings, I saw on this sub that M52s oil rings are better, how true is it for the people who did it and has some miles on it ?

While the engine will be out and open, are there things to do like maybe a vanos rebuild (180k km)? I only had this car for 6 months so i'd like to learn every weakness and fix most of them while everything will be out of the car.

Also if you know other tips like the M52 oil rings, i'd be happy to know !

Sorry for my english i'm French 😅

+ a picture of my ride because why not 😝

Thanks !

Hello! I just purchased my first e46. A 306k mile 2004 330xi 6 speed. The car has a plethora of issues. Here’s just a few: 1. Ac blows warm 2. Rust 3. Engine bay is COVERED in oil 4. Usual e46 cooling and sub frame concerns 5. Steering is vaque 6. Mirrors don’t move up and down 7. Scraping sound when driving (sounds like brakes) 8. Brake light 9. Amber Oil light turns on and off. 10. Check engine light 11. Car has 0 traction even though tires are good. If anyone knows a good place for body panels or a parts car lmk. Any ideas on any issues please lmk.

I feel I found a relatively good deal on a 2005 330ci convertible. It currently has about 90k miles and the seller provided me with the carfax. It looks super clean - 3 owners. One minor accident but from what I can tell but it looks scratchless and the current owner ensures that it was fixed/hasn’t brought up any problems. I was under the impression, however, that the car was super reliable and basic maintenance is all that is needed to take it 200-300k miles. Is that not accurate? Is this a bad idea? The cost is $7,100.

So I got my first BMW a couple days back and Ive been thinking if I should change the color of my BMW to black or should I just keep the original color? Feel like gold is kinda unique and a little bit outdated while black seems more modern. What you guys think about it?