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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Generation E46 of the BMW 3 Series
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.
What to Spend
Not much. The straightforward answer to how much you should pay on a BMW E46 3 Series is that. The reason for this is that there are just so many of them available used that it’s practically difficult to not locate one in good condition with reasonable mileage. It just requires some patience and careful looking.
You shouldn’t spend more than $5,000 on an E46 325i in decent condition with either transmission and just over 100,000 kilometers. That might seem modest, but there are a lot of E46s on the market, therefore their value isn’t really high. I wouldn’t pay more than $6,000 for a 330i in the same condition, possibly $7,000 if it was spotless and had fewer than 100,000 miles.
Due to its scarcity, the E46 330i ZHP is actually rather valuable. The ZHP is a rare flower, however the E46 as a whole is very common. It was only sold between 2004 and 2006 and was exclusively marketed in North America. These are extremely rare and are considered cult icons, therefore nice copies can sell for around $10,000. They can even sell for $12,000 if they’re in pristine condition and have a low mileage.
The Complete Guide To Purchasing A Used BMW 3 Series E46
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.
The E46 3 Series is one of the best BMWs ever produced for this reason.
When the BMW E46 3 Series entered its fourth generation in 1998, it immediately rose to the top of the sales charts for premium compact cars.
The BMW E46 3 Series is perhaps the first car that most people think of when they hear the term “BMW.” It is without a doubt one of the most popular BMWs ever made, and it belongs to the model generation with the most sales in BMW’s history. Everyone adores them, so it’s understandable why they’re so well-liked. The BMW E46 3 Series is arguably the best 3 Series vehicle produced by the brand to date.
The BMW E46, the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, was built from 1997 to 2006. BMW unquestionably succeeded in creating yet another masterpiece. The BMW 3-Series quickly climbed the rankings to take the third spot among cars sold in Germany.
Even though it was initially released in the late 1990s, the BMW 3 Series E46 is still widely regarded as a modern automobile by many people today. Since the E46’s first production models were produced in 1998, the model will soon be commemorating its 25th birthday.
A vehicle fit for the ages.
A third generation BMW M3—the BMW M3 E46—entered the automobile industry not long after the year 2000. What came next was the continuation of an unheard-of success tale that had begun in 1986 with the traditional M3 E30 and had been strengthened in 1992 by the modern M3 E36. The E46 production code is associated with M3 lovers with three qualities: pure driving enjoyment, seductive sound, and a famous special model.
How can I identify an E46 BMW?
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.
Is the BMW E46 a vintage vehicle?
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.
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 difficulties in older (pre-2001) diesels.
What model follows 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.
Which engine powers an E46?
Counting Doors:
Wheelbase:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Counting Seats:
Cx, the aerodynamic drag coefficient
Front brakes: size of the discs
Dimensions of rear brakes with dics:
Front tires’ rim measurements:
Size of the rear tires and rims:
Bench Weight:
Ratio of weight to power output:
Boot / Trunk capacity:
Suspension up front:
Suspension in back:
What kind of engine powers the BMW E46 325i? A 2494 cm3 / 152.2 cu-in inline 6-cylinder petrol engine powers the BMW E46 3 Series 325i.
A 2001 BMW E46 3 Series 325i has how many horsepower (hp). 192 PS/189 bhp/141 kW are the power ratings for the 2001 BMW E46 3 Series 325i.
What is the weight of a BMW E46 325i? 1395 Kg (3075 lbs) is the weight of the BMW E46 3 Series 325i.
How fast can a BMW E46 3 Series 325i go? The maximum speed of the BMW E46 3 Series 325i is 240 Km/h (149 mph).
Does the BMW E46 325i have all-wheel drive (AWD)? The BMW E46 325i does not have all-wheel drive (AWD). Rear wheel drive is used (RWD).