The 1998-2006 BMW 3 Series (E46) is a highly-regarded luxury compact sports sedan. Enthusiasts and reviewers praise its near 50/50 weight distribution, performance, and styling, giving it high owner ratings for value, performance, and quality. It is infamous for expensive maintenance, particularly its cooling system, oil leaks, and potential subframe issues. The E46 is well-suited today for drivers who appreciate a balanced, rear-wheel-drive platform and are willing to perform DIY maintenance or budget for costly repairs to keep this classic driver's car running.
BMW 3 Series maintenance averages high, with a significant chance of major repair. Specific 320d concerns include timing chain, turbocharger, DPF, and steering rack issues, leading to potentially high repair costs. Insurance costs are generally high for the 3-Series.
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