3 Series E46 vs Sonata IV (EF): which is better?
BMW 3 Series E46 (1998–2006) vs Hyundai Sonata IV (EF) (1998–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 3 Series E46
Hyundai Sonata IV (EF)Specifications
| BMW 3 Series E46 | Hyundai Sonata IV (EF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1998–2006 | 1998–2012 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.2 (320i) | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 170 hp | 131 hp |
| Torque, up to | 210 Nm | — |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 471 mm | 4 747 mm |
| Width | 1 739 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 415 mm | 1 420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 725 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Fuel tank | 63 L | 65 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 27 350 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 3 Series E46
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW M52/M54 (2.0–3.0): oil consumption (rings)
Engine (BMW M52/M54 (2.0–3.0)): oil consumption (rings); crankcase ventilation system failure; cracked expansion tank and thermostat.
Hyundai Sonata IV (EF)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Which one to choose
- 3 Series E46 — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
- Sonata IV (EF) — if you care more about: fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 3 Series E46 or Sonata IV (EF)?
3 Series E46: up to 170 hp, Sonata IV (EF): up to 131 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 Series E46 — about 27 350 ₸, Sonata IV (EF) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.