When the E30 was first introduced in 1982, only the 2-door sedan body style was manufactured. In 1983, four-door sedan variants were released, followed by convertibles in 1985 and estate (“Touring”) vehicles in 1987.
The first 3 Series with a wagon and a 4-door sedan body style was the E30. Additionally, the 325iX model was the first 3 Series to come with all-wheel drive and the first 3 Series to have a diesel engine. The E30 chassis served as the basis for the BMW Z1 roadster.
The E30 platform served as the basis for the first BMW M3. The four-cylinder, high-revving S14 engine that powers the E30 M3 has a final European-only output of 175 kW (235 hp).
In This Article...
3 Series BMW (E46)
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.
BMW’s 325 and 330 E46 models
The 2.5-liter 323i gained the designation 325i in 2001, and its power was raised to 184 HP. On the other side, the 328i’s engine was replaced with a larger 3.0-liter, 225 HP unit, and the vehicle became the 330i.
The 4-door Sedan and Wagon variants were also given the all-wheel-drive xDrive option to become the 325xi and 330xi, respectively.
What are the many BMW 3 Series models that are available?
The renowned 3 Series sports sedan comes in four different model varieties: the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3. The 330i has a reliable gasoline engine and is a well-balanced vehicle. The 330e is a cutting-edge hybrid sedan with electrified propulsion. The M340i is a striking sports car that features components and engineering from BMW M. The M3 is a real M model, which means it was created with performance driving in mind.
Is a 3 Series a BMW 325i?
The BMW 3 Series portfolio consists of the 325i and 330i sedans, the 325xi all-wheel-drive sedan, wagon, and coupe, as well as the 325Ci and 330Ci coupe and convertible models.
The BMW 325i is it an E46?
BMW 325i – E46 (2001 to 2005) (2001 to 2005) For the 2001 model year, the 325i was a variation of the E46 BMW 3 Series. The 325i was powered by BMW’s M54B25 engine and was available as a sedan or station wagon.
A 5 series BMW is what?
The premium midsize automobile class’s leader in 2022 is the BMW 5 Series. The 5 Series offers an engaging handling and engine performance, a roomy cabin with supportive seats, a ton of standard tech goodies, and an intuitive infotainment system.
How can I determine which BMW series it is?
Although your vehicle’s model number is prominently badged on the back of your BMW, internal classifications into E/F and G model codes also exist. The body style, model, and approximate age can typically be determined by specialists or dealers using this three-digit combination.
You can find the model code for your BMW E, F, or G using this short list. The car will always be referred to on our website (in any article or explanation) using the main body code (indicated in bold).
Which BMW series is the best?
1. BMW E30 M3 (1986-1991) The very first BMW M3 produced, the E30, is regarded by many auto aficionados (including us) as the best M3 ever. It was the BMW M3 that started it all. It created history at the time, and automotive enthusiasts still talk about it now.
What is a BMW E Series?
Although you may have heard a lot of “e” words at your local BMW Service Center, along with potentially some “f” and “s” words, phrases like “e36,” “e60,” and “e28” have specific meanings to BMW mechanics and aficionados. For instance, an e46 is referred to as a 2003 330i. Depending on the look and year of your BMW, these “e” designations are used to define BMW Body style design. Entwicklung, the German term for development or evolution when you link the ‘e’, is abbreviated as “E.”
If you don’t understand any of these terms, the following list should assist you identify the code name for your BMW.
How is a BMW M Series made?
BMW M GmbH, originally BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a division of BMW AG and a producer of supercars.
The original purpose of BMW M, which stands for “motorsport,” was to support the company’s racing program, which was tremendously successful in the 1960s and 1970s. As time went on, BMW M started to add specially modified higher trim models to the lineup of BMW vehicles, for which they are today best known to the general public. To distinguish them from their rivals, these M-badged automobiles typically feature upgraded external trim, aerodynamics, interior trim, transmissions, and suspensions. At BMW’s exclusive testing and tuning facilities at the German racing circuit of Nurburgring, all M vehicles are scrutinized.
In addition, BMW M offers M packages for the BMW S1000RR motorbike. The M1000RR is a homologation-only, limited-production race-style vehicle.
What model BMW is the E90?
Learn how James Paick won the CSF Bimmer Challenge while driving his E92 BMW M3, and how he developed a passion for racing.
The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series, often known as the E90 or E9X, was built from 2004 until 2013. BMW E90 (sedan), BMW E91 (wagon, or Touring), BMW E92 (coupe), and BMW E93 are among the chassis codes that are featured (convertible). BMW 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335is, 335d, and M3 are among the models.
Genuine, OE, OEM, Aftermarket, and Performance replacement parts for BMW are available in FCP Euro’s online parts catalog. We only sell the best OE, OEM, and Genuine parts for BMW, plus we provide a variety of free BMW DIYs, buying guides, how-tos, and blog articles. Our website was designed with the BMW enthusiast in mind.
Our Lifetime Replacement Guarantee covers all replacement components you purchase, including consumables and wear-and-tear parts like brake pads, gaskets, rotors, filters, and wiper blades. You won’t ever have to pay for an auto part again if you order it from us.
What does BMW’s F Series mean?
The BMW F series is a line of parallel-twin engine dual sport motorcycles produced by BMW Motorrad in Berlin, Germany. The line, which debuted in 2008, consists of the F650GS, F700GS, F800GS, and F800GSA. The F650GS was superseded by the F700GS in 2012, while the F800GSA, which had a larger front fairing and screen and a 24-litre (5.3 imp gal; 6.3 US gal) fuel tank, was introduced the following year. Both the F800S and the F800GT use belt drives.
What does E90 on a BMW mean?
We’ll give you a quick crash course in the E90-gen 3er before we get into the intricacies so you can catch up before you invest any money. Beginning in 2006 and lasting until 2012, the E90-generation BMW 3 Series received a mid-cycle refresh (LCI) in 2009.
Although it is referred to as the E90-generation, that chassis code actually has a few different iterations. Standard designations for vehicles include “E90” for sedans, “E91” for five-door wagons, “E92” for two-door coupes, and “E93” for two-door convertibles. The same is true for M3 cars, as this generation of BMW has no M-specific chassis codes.
What does the E in BMW’s E90 mean?
The German word Entwicklung, which means development, is represented by the letter E in the E-number. E numbers are the manufacturing code numbers assigned to newly developed automobiles before their official sales name has been determined.
Which BMW is the most dependable?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.
Is my BMW a F or E?
Eand F Numbers for BMW The German word Entwicklung, which means development, is represented by the letter E in the E-number. New cars are given E numbers at the manufacturer when they are still in the development stage before their official sales name has been assigned. E numbers became F numbers as they reached the triple digits.
What does the D in BMW stand for?
You might have seen the designations 530i, 540i, or M550i on a 5 series sedan. The performance of the engine increases with the size of the last two digits in the number. A 540i, for example, will have greater power than a 530i. Originally, this number was directly related to the engine’s litre capacity; however, it is now used to denote overall power.
The fuel type is indicated by the letter at the end of each vehicle’s name. Gas models are identified by a I diesel vehicles by a “d,” and plug-in hybrids by a “e.” BMW’s electric I Models feature a I before the digits in the car name, which is confusing. Therefore, a BMW 330i is gas-powered whereas a BMW i4 from 2022 is electric.
Which E46 year is the best?
The M3 E46 has VANOS, or variable valve timing, to change cam and valve timing across a wide RPM range.
When you test-drive your potential E46 M3, be on the lookout for the following signs: a lack of power at lower rpms, sluggish acceleration, a harsh idle, and a lengthy cold-start. All of those can be an indication of Vanos issues.
The VANOS system contains numerous components that regularly malfunction, including:
- Oil Pump VANOS
- SOLENOID VANOS
- Bolts for camshaft sprockets
- Combustion Camshaft Hub
Depending on the cause, replacement costs can range, however if you need to replace the entire unit with a rebuilt unit, it might cost around $1800.
Are E46 vehicles reliable?
There are a few things you should be aware of to make a secure purchase if you’re looking to buy a secondhand early 2000s E46s.
Among the most enduring BMW models are the 3 Series versions from the early 2000s. Whether you choose a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan, there are a few aspects about the used 3 Series cars from the early 2000s that you should be aware of.
One of the most popular BMW models in history is the E46. The E46, which was built from 1999 to 2006, restored BMW’s reputation for producing dependable vehicles.
Maintaining an old, used BMW (or any old automobile, for that matter) is the main expense of ownership. While JD Power lists BMW as one of the most dependable automakers currently, there is no getting around old, faulty auto parts. Let’s discuss all you need to know before buying a used BMW 3 Series without further ado.