The E46 3 Series comes in a variety of model variations, not all of which ought to be bought. For instance, the E46 3 Series Compact should be avoided at all costs if you reside in Europe because, well, just take a look at it. It’s just awful; it’s not even that bad of a car.
The E46 M3 is undoubtedly the best of the lot, but that’s laughably obvious and it’s also pricey for a quality example, so we’re going to focus more on the basic 3 Series cars. We’ll tell you select ones to buy rather than listing all the ones you should avoid.
The BMW E46 330i didn’t go on sale in the US until 2002. The 328i was the previous top of the line model, and it wasn’t as good. The M54 3.0 liter engine in the 33oi is superior to the M52 2.8 liter in the 328i, take it from someone who owned an E36 328i for many years.
This 230 horsepower engine may be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The manual is undoubtedly the better option, but the automatic wasn’t a terrible car either. All three of the 330i’s various body types—sedan, coupe, or wagon—are gorgeous.
Even the best BMW 330i ZHP was available in America; it had superior performance, a six-speed manual transmission, a lower and stronger suspension, better wheels, better brakes, and better styling. Without actually being an M3, it was the most similar thing to the E46 M3.
If you reside in America, this choice may seem quite apparent since it is the only other one. There are, however, a number of additional versions available in Europe, such as the 318i, 320d, and several more. Even while the smaller-displacement petrol and diesel engines are great, the E46 is designed to be driven hard, and for that to happen effectively, you need a strong, high-revving BMW inline-six under the hood.
Even though the 330i is a superior vehicle, the 325i isn’t too shabby either. The 325i is a terrific way to have fun without getting into trouble thanks to its 2.5 liter I6 engine, which produces 189 horsepower (184 in US). It may be paired with either of the same two gears.
Although it has never been especially swift, it is quick enough to make you smile. Just avoid getting an all-wheel drive 325xi because the extra weight and drivetrain loss make it less enjoyable to drive. While the 320i is a respectable vehicle, 184 horsepower is just on the verge of being too little, so I wouldn’t suggest anything less.
In This Article...
330i E46 with M54 engine
Other than the M3, the E46 330i is the version with the highest power. The M54 engine found in the 325i is used, although in a 3.0L variation. 225 horsepower and 214 torque are available. BMW started selling the ZHP 330i in 2003. The performance package for the later 330i cars is simply referred to as ZHP. The 330i ZHP gets 235 horsepower, 222 torque, a sportier suspension, 18-inch wheels, and several other improvements. The goal of this BMW was to bridge the gap between the standard 330i and the M3.
*Take note that most titles on top search engines won’t mention ZHP while looking for a used 330i ZHP. Search for vehicles with the ZHP-specific features in the 2003 and later year range.
What kind of engine powers a BMW E46 M3?
A naturally aspirated straight-6 gasoline engine, the BMW M54 was built from 2000 to 2006. It was introduced in the E53 X5 and is the M52 engine’s replacement. In the E46 M3, Z3 M Coupe/Roadster, and E85/E86 Z4 M, the S54 is the comparable high-performance engine.
The E46 325i’s engine type is unknown.
BMW E46 3 Series Specifications: 204 horsepower/150 kW, 2993 cm3, 2003 (182.6 cu-in), compare to another vehicle; 1999, 184 horsepower/135 kW, 2926 cm3 (330d Specs)
What followed the BMW E46?
The E46’s fundamental simplicity makes for easy learning. Despite certain more serious problems, such as those with the subframe or lifter-tick, they are mechanically fairly reliable. I haven’t encountered many problems, aside from the typical maintenance requirements of any car beyond 185,000 miles.
A good automobile, the BMW E46?
The M54 engine is a naturally aspirated inline-6 that was predominantly used in the E46 3-series from 2000 to 2006, as well as the corresponding Z3/Z4 and X3/X5 vehicles. They are reputed to be consistently excellent performers, trustworthy, and a ton of fun.
How quick is a BMW E46?
The E46 3 Series, the successor of the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000, 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.
How many horsepower is an E46 equipped with?
When it was introduced in 2000, the BMW M3 E46 Coupe swept true sports car enthusiasts off their feet. For many, it represented a return to the qualities of the legendary BMW M3 E30 due to its low weight design and the high-rev idea of its inline 6-cylinder engine.
A sports car is an E46, right?
It is interesting to note that it has an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph (250 kph), even if the example from the video clearly exceeds that restriction.
What exactly does E46 mean?
All M52tu/M54/M56 engines can use the Dual Vanos. Keep in mind that the Dual Vanos installation DOES NOT require any special tools. The vanos may easily be taken out and replaced without having to worry about cam timing.
Is the E46 M3 quick?
As an illustration, the E46 330i ZHP performs better than the E90 325i. Nevertheless, the E90 excels in terms of performance overall. In comparison to the E46, the E90 has higher power, torque, and faster acceleration. Additionally, the E90 transmissions shift more smoothly and quickly.
A nice first automobile, the 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.
Which E46 year is the best?
With either the manual or SMG-II gearbox, the E46 M3’s S54 straight-six engine accelerates the coupe from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 5.1 seconds.
Is the E46 trustworthy?
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. But the E46 is still one of BMW’s most dependable cars.
Can an M54 be turboed?
For anyone seeking to purchase a BMW for the first time, the BMW E46 3 Series is definitely the finest option. It’s really inexpensive, dependable, gorgeous, and symbolizes everything a BMW should be.
Are M54 engines trustworthy?
It resembled the classic BMW M3 E30 in terms of its lightweight design and high-revving inline-6 engine. Since then, owing to its simplicity, appeal, and overall appearance, people have regarded the E46 generation as the best M vehicle ever produced.
Are there vanos on M54?
With the aforementioned 4 mods, the M54 can gain a respectable amount of power. With all the aforementioned modifications, 3.0L engines in the 30i variants will likely produce around 20–30 horsepower. Smaller variations will probably fall somewhere towards the bottom of that range, if not slightly less. For some, it might not have quite enough power.
How much power can an M54 produce?
There are no turbochargers or superchargers pre-installed in the M54’s base straight-6 naturally aspirated engine. The car’s horsepower can be increased to the high 300s or low 400s by adding an aftermarket turbocharger.