The E46 3 Series was the successor to the E36 3 Series, whose manufacturing terminated in 2000, and is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series line of small executive automobiles. It was manufactured by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006. The E46 was first made available in sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, and hatchback body styles in November 1997. The 3 Series Compact has been the name given to the latter.
The 2-door coupe version of the M3 performance variant debuted in June 2000, while the convertible version debuted in April 2001. The BMW S54 straight-six engine powers the M3, which has a 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission as an option.
After the E90 3 Series sedans were released in late 2004, the E46 lineup began to be phased out. The E46 coupe and convertible body types, however, were still manufactured up until August 2006.
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What Model To Buy? – Buyer’s Guide For The BMW E46 3 Series
The BMW E46 3 Series is perhaps the first vehicle that springs to mind when you mention the brand BMW to almost anyone. It is without a doubt one of the best-selling model generations in BMW history and one of the most well-known BMWs of all time. Actually, it’s challenging to go a day without spotting one driving about. There is a good reason why they are so well-liked. Probably the best 3 Series ever produced by the Bavarians is the BMW E46.
The Stunning Design of the New BMW E46 Won Over Many Fans
When the four-door E46 was first released in 1998, it was a major upgrade over the previous BMW E36. The unimaginative four-door E46 variation was significantly less stylish than the two-door model, which was almost equally useful. According to BMW, the E46’s body shell was 70% more rigid than the E36’s. Although the car’s weight was decreased due to the significant use of aluminum in components such as the hood, brake calipers, and suspension, the increased amount of features and the plusher, leather-lined interior eventually made it heavier than its predecessor.
The E46 was launched with rear-wheel drive and a 50/50 weight distribution, adhering to BMW’s guiding principles for handling dynamics. All-wheel drive was reinstated on the BMW 325xi, 330xi, and 330xd models for the E46 model year after being dropped from the range in 1991.
Although it has been mentioned numerous times before, the E46’s superb steering is still its most distinctive quality. The hydraulic rack, which is heavier than that of the majority of modern automobiles, provides the front tires with superior input. Several recently created EPS systems have attempted to reach but not yet reached that standard.
A group of designers, led by the well-known Chris Bangl, painstakingly modified the appearance of the previous model. The sweeping roofline and other distinguishing characteristics of the BMW E46 launched a new era in automobile design. There were numerous body styles for the E46, including a coupe, convertible, sedan, and wagon.
BMW 3 Series Specifications And Options
From 1999 through 2006, the BMW 3 Series E46 was offered for sale. The E46 is significant for a number of reasons, including its stunning design and its role in restoring BMW’s reputation as a dependable automaker. The E36, the model that came before it, had a lot of maintenance concerns that annoyed the customers. However, the E46 is still one of BMW’s most dependable cars.
For the E46, a number of engine versions were available. The 1.9 L inline-four engine, which is fitted on models from 1999 to 2001, has the smallest engine capacity and has a little over a hundred horsepower. From 2000 to 2006, the 3.0 L inline-six engine was standard on 330i models and has a maximum horsepower of 235.
The 3 Series is built with practical amenities and a dynamic style. However, if you’re a speed freak who demands a lot of power, think about choosing the M3 model. The M3’s 3.2 L inline-six engine can produce up to 350 horsepower. The M3 was offered as a two-door coupe and a convertible.
Five different body types—a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, a three-door hatchback, a four-door sedan, and a five-door wagon—were available from BMW on the market for the E46.
Even while the interior of an older BMW may not be as gleaming as a new one, it still has a lot to offer. The inside of the early 2000s 3-Series has several innovations that make it a car ahead of its time, like electric and heated seats, a gorgeous leathered dash, and a large number of buttons on the steering wheel.
Buyer’s Guide for the BMW 3 Series E46 Generation (1999-2006)
BMW’s 3 Series has long been a favorite among car fans, but with each new generation it has grown heavier, bulkier, and less fun to drive. Even a car enthusiast nowadays might easily confuse a more recent 3 Series sedan for a 5 Series.
Without a doubt, the 3er still performs admirably, but for many drivers who like their time behind the wheel, the less tangible “pleasure to drive” component has decreased. Many enthusiasts believe that the E46 generation of the 3 Series represents the last time it was truly engaging and true to its roots. This nimble athlete-type vehicle offered not only quick reflexes but also communication through the steering wheel and seat of one’s pants that let you know in no uncertain terms what the tires were doing.
Additionally, as automobiles from this generation are at least ten years old and have already seen some degree of depreciation, good specimens are now as inexpensive to buy as they will ever be.
Reliability of BMW 3 Series E46?
Although they are typically trustworthy, there are several rogues who belong in the junkyard due to neglect and abuse. However, it also implies that the best cars are becoming more valuable. Take care of your lovely E46 if you have one. Engine: Oil smoke and power loss are signs of turbo problems in older (pre-2001) diesels.
A classic, the BMW E46?
Are you interested in purchasing a modern classic vehicle? The BMW E46 M3 offers visceral performance thrills at a (now) alluring price and may be exactly what you’re looking for. It is recognized as one of the best M vehicles ever manufactured. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for one on the used market.
What followed the E46?
The BMW 3 Series’ fifth generation began with the BMW E90. By the end of the BMW E46 period in 2002, the 3 Series had already had a facelift with brand-new headlights and taillights.
The BMW E90 3 Series Sedan and E91 Sports Wagon eras began in 2006, respectively. Along with it, the BMW E92 3 Series Coupe and E93 3 Series Convertible were introduced.
The fifth generation of the 3 Series has undergone significant mechanical and aesthetic improvements. First, a dimension increase was brought on by the switch from the BMW E46 to the E90. The new 3 Series E90 was more balanced because to its wider tracks, bigger wheelbase (1.4 inches wider than E46), and roomier cabin.
A sports car is an E46, right?
When it was introduced in 2000, the BMW M3 E46 Coupe swept true sports car enthusiasts off their feet. For many people, it represented a return to the strengths of the venerable BMW M3 E30 thanks to its low weight design and the high-rev philosophy of its inline 6-cylinder engine. The year after, a convertible was produced, offering an unusual fusion of open-top luxury and a sporty driving experience.
When was the E46 released?
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, the BMW E46, was created between 1997 and 2006.
“Just take a ride in the new 3-Series, the distilled of all the charms of the Munich brand, to comprehend what BMW is!” It doesn’t seem unreasonable for journalists from the Austrian motor magazine Autorevue to praise the latest generation E46 3-series. There was no denying that BMW engineers had created another masterpiece. It suffices to recall that the 3-Series rose to the third-most popular vehicle in Germany after the results of 1999. not in its segment, but in terms of sheer quantity! The outcome was just amazing for the premium segment’s non-priced product.
The valvetronic variable valve timing system and the first direct injection diesel BMW are the major characteristics.
The E46 was often referred to as the “vehicle without flaws,” and it all started with a stunning design. The renowned Chris Bangl has recently joined the design team, which has carefully and softly revised the appearance of the previous “three” iteration. Twin circular headlights behind clear dispensers, branded Bavarian nostrils that have become a part of the hood, and a more sloping roof line have all contributed to the creation of a classic, timeless appearance that still appears current today.
The E46 has once again grown more spacious thanks to the new design, which skillfully hides the 3 Series’ noticeably expanded dimensions. The “3 Series” was able to maintain its original weight thanks to the extensive use of cutting-edge materials like steel and aluminum superalloys in the design.
For this reason, the restyled E46, which was debuted in 2001, maintained the appearance of the original, changing only in minor details, such as the shape of the headlights, bumpers, and taillights. A stabilizing system is a component of all modifications’ basic hardware.
But the engine front saw the biggest advancement. BMW unveiled the 316i Compact in 2001 at the Geneva Motor Show, equipped with the ground-breaking Valvetronic variable valve control system that operates without a throttle. Later, the Valvetronic technology was added to the three in different configurations, and eventually to additional BMW models.
Why is the E46 the best?
The internal motorsport section of BMW produced the BMW E46 M3, which is the high-performance variant of the E46 3-series. It was first only made as a coupe, but a convertible version was later added. During its premiere, it won over the hearts of true sports car aficionados right away. It resembled the classic BMW M3 E30 in terms of its lightweight design and high-revving inline-6 engine.
Due to its elegance, allure, and general design, the E46 generation has since been regarded as the best M vehicle ever produced. For a while, the E46’s excitement was quite consistent, but it has recently returned to the forefront, and the desire for this car is once again on the rise. In light of this, we are here to explain why the E46 M3 is the greatest M3 money can currently buy if you are in the market for one.
Is an E46 325i a reliable first vehicle?
The E46 325i is a fantastic beginner’s track car, even though you won’t be the fastest car around the circuit in factory form. If you can, try to address the Achilles’ heel first. Simply avoid maintaining 6,000 RPM for extended lengths of time if you can’t remove the subframe for the upgrade; there isn’t any power up there, so I doubt you’ll be doing that.
Because the basic suspension is too slow for track work, you’ll quickly learn how to load it before turns to maximize grip. The factory calipers with some street/track pads will bring you to a halt in a relatively short amount of time, and the perfect weight distribution is 50/50.
When you do push yourself past your breaking point, Dynamic Stability Control is a good feature to have because it gently steers you back onto a safe course.
Any further performance will depend more on your tires and technique than on a lack of raw power.