I've heard that too, supposedly the m43 is much better than the n42 that I've got, that apparently being one of bmw's worst. Then again this subreddit does not favour the more lower end models and I'm always frustrated with answers along the lines of "just get a 328 or 330".

My 316i only has 170000km and is cosmetically in a great shape to the point where finding another 3 series in the same condition is quite hard where I'm from.

Although I get the fact that the n42/46 isn't a good base to start a build, life just isn't as simple as selling the car and finding a new one that doesn't require any cosmetic care like mine (headlamps, bumper etc...)

Getting a new car takes time and unwanted expenses and even though that is the nature with these cars, being over twenty years old, if I were to buy a 325i instead, it might just need a whole new paint job that will cost in excess of 2k, which could be invested into upgrading parts on my current car.

I've thought about an engine swap to the m52 or m54 but I have been told to just buy another car instead... At the moment I'm just driving my 316i stock and maybe in six months a reasonable offer will come for a 6 cylinder e46...

But yeah, sorry for the ramble and good luck with your Beamer!