3 Series (E46)
1998–2006 · Saloon, Touring, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback · 15 engines
Problems, reviews and reliability for every engine in the 3 Series (E46). Pick an engine below to see common faults, fault codes and what to check before buying.
316i 1.9 (M43)1999–2001 · petrol
Reliable
318i 1.9 (M43)1998–2001 · petrol
Reliable
316i 1.8 (N42 / N46)2001–2005 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
318i 2.0 (N42 / N46)2001–2006 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
320i / 520i 2.0 (M52 / M52TU)1998–2000 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
320i / 520i 2.2 (M54)2000–2006 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
323i / 523i 2.5 (M52 / M52TU)1998–2000 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
318d 2.0d (M47 / M47TU)2001–2005 · diesel
History-Dependent
325i / 525i 2.5 (M54)2000–2006 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
328i / 528i 2.8 (M52 / M52TU)1998–2000 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
2.5i / 3.0i (M54 / N52)2000–2006 · petrol
Maint. Sensitive
320d / 520d 2.0d (M47, VP44)1998–2001 · diesel
History-Dependent
320d 2.0d (M47TU common rail)2001–2006 · diesel
History-Dependent
330d / 530d 3.0d (M57)1999–2003 · diesel
History-Dependent
330d 3.0d (M57TU)2003–2006 · diesel
History-Dependent