| BMW 3 Series (E46) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Model code | E46 |
| Production | December 1997 – August 2005 |
| Model years | 1999–2005 (North America) |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Chris Bangle,Wolfgang Reitzle (sedan)[5] Erik Goplen (coupe, convertible, station wagon)[6] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Body style |
|
| Layout |
|
| Related | BMW M3 (E46) BMW 3 Series Compact (E46/5) BMW Z4 (E85) BMW X3 (E83) Alpina B3 E46 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm (107.3 in)[7] |
| Length |
|
| Width |
|
| Height |
|
| Curb weight | [13][14] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 3 Series (E36) |
| Successor | BMW 3 Series (E90) |
TheBMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of theBMW 3 Series range ofcompact executive cars manufactured by German automakerBMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to theE36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000. It was introduced in November 1997, and available insedan,coupé,convertible,station wagon andhatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the3 Series Compact.
TheM3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by theBMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.[15]
The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of theE90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.[16]
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In 1993, the development programme for the E46 began under the lead of chief engineerWolfgang Ziebart and head ofR&DWolfgang Reitzle.[17] In late 1993, design work began under the lead of chief designerChris Bangle and continued into 1995.[18] In May 1995, the general exterior design of the E46 by Erik Goplen ofDesignworksUSA was approved and as a result DesignworksUSA was contracted by BMW to work alongside BMW Group's in-house design team to create the exterior bodywork for the 3 Series range in February 1996.[19][20][21] The design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance.[20] Design patents were filed in Germany on 16 July 1997[22] and in the US on 16 January 1998.[23]
Chris Bangle and Wolfgang Reitzle were responsible through 1995 for the production sedan's exterior,[24][25] as evident in the 1997 design patent. Production development of the sedan took 24 months following design freeze and was 31 months from executive board styling approval in 1995 to its start of series production in December 1997.[26] Erik Goplen designed the production coupé, convertible and station wagon during between 1996 and 1997. The E46 sedan was unveiled via press release on 11 November 1997 and was launched on the market at the end of April 1998 with customer deliveries.[27]
The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor.[28] Aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components, in order to decreaseunsprung mass.[28] However, with a curb weight of 1,450 kg (3,197 lb),[29][30] the E46 328ci is 55 kg (121 lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent.[31][32]
In tune with BMW's core values regardinghandling dynamics,[33] the E46 was initially available with arear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50weight distribution.[28][34]All-wheel drive, which was last available in the 3 Series in 1991,[35] was reintroduced for the E46 on the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd models.[36][37]
The electronic components in the E46 are more integrated than previous generations of 3 Series, including the use of aCAN bus system.[38] Drivetrain information (such as engine, transmission and stability control) is communicated using the CAN bus.[39][40] Vehicle electronics (such as the radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate to each other via the K-bus.[41]
The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine usingValvetronic (variable valve lift).[42] Various electronic features were also introduced to the 3 Series in the E46 generation, including satellite navigation, electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers and LED tail-lights.[43][44][45]
The E46 was produced in Germany (Leipzig,Munich andRegensburg) and in South Africa (Rosslyn).[46] Local assembly ofcomplete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold in China, Egypt,[47] Indonesia, Malaysia,[48] Mexico,[49] Thailand[50] and Russia.[51]
The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.[52]
4-doorsedan/saloon (E46 Sedan), produced from December 1997 to May 2005 (CKD production continued until December 2005).[53] 1,918,984 examples built (includes 54,528 CKD).[54]
Production years: 1997–2005
Facelift: September 2001 (2002 model year)
Variants: 316i, 318d, 318i, 320d, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328d, 330d, 330i and 330xi[55]
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Touring – 5-doorwagon/estate (E46 Touring), produced from January 1999 to May 2005. 428,061 examples built.[56]
Production Years: 1999–2005
Facelift: September 2001 (2002 model year)
Variants: 316i, 318d, 318i, 320d, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328d, 330d, 330i, 330xd and 330xi[55]
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2-doorcoupé (E46 Coupé), produced from December 1998 to May 2006. 443,264 examples built.[57]
Production years: 1998–2006
Facelift: March 2003 (2004 model year)
Variants: 316Ci, 318Ci, 320Cd, 320Ci, 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Cd, 330Ci, M3 and M3 CSL[55]
Cabriolet – 2-doorconvertible (E46 Convertible), produced from December 1999 to November 2006.[58][59] 277,146 examples built.[60]
Production years: 1999–2006
Facelift: March 2003 (2004 model year)
Variants: 318Ci, 320Cd, 320Ci, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Cd, 330Ci and M3[55]
_hatchback_(2012-06-04).jpg)
Compact – 3-doorhatchback (E46 Compact), produced from April 2000 to December 2004. 199,430 examples built.[61]
The shorter three-door hatchback version of the E46 was marketed as theBMW 3 Series Compact. The exterior styling has several differences to the rest of the E46 3 Series range, notably the distinctive headlights and tail-lights.[62] Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio.[63]
Production years: 2000–2004
Facelift: September 2001 (2002 model year)
Variants: 316ti, 318td, 318ti, 320td and 325ti[55]
Factory specifications are listed below.[64] Coupé and convertible models were badged as "Ci (petrol) or Cd (diesel)", and all-wheel drive models were badged as "Xi (petrol) or Xd (diesel)".
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316i | 1999–2001 | 1.9 LM43B19 inline-4 | 77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp) | 165 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft) |
| 2001–2004 | 1.6 LN40B16 inline-4 | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) | 150 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft) | |
| 2001–2004 | 1.8 LN42B18 inline-4 | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) | |
| 2004–2005 | 1.8 LN46B18 inline-4 | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) | |
| 318i | 1998–2001 | 1.9 LM43B19 inline-4 | 87 kW (118 PS; 117 hp) | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) |
| 2001–2005 | 2.0 LN42B20 inline-4 | 105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp) | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) | |
| 2003–2007 | 2.0 LN46B20 inline-4 | 105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp) | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) | |
| 318Ci | 2005–2007 | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) | |
| 320i | 1998–2000 | 2.0 LM52TÜB20 inline-6 | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) | 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) |
| 2000–2006 | 2.2 LM54B22 inline-6 | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) | 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) | |
| 323i | 1998–2000 | 2.5 LM52TÜB25 inline-6 | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) | 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) |
| 325i (EU) | 2001–2006 | 2.5 LM54B25 inline-6 | 141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) | 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) |
| 325i (US) | 137 kW (186 PS; 184 hp) | 237 N⋅m (175 lb⋅ft) | ||
| 325iSULEV | 2003-2006 | 2.5 LM56B25 Inline-6 | 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) | 234 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) |
| 328i | 1998–2000 | 2.8 LM52TÜB28 inline-6 | 142 kW (193 PS; 190 hp) | 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) |
| 330i (EU) | 2000–2006 | 3.0 LM54B30 inline-6 | 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) |
| 330i (US) | 168 kW (228 PS; 225 hp) | 290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft) | ||
| 330i ZHP | 2003–2006 | 175 kW (238 PS; 235 hp) | 301 N⋅m (222 lb⋅ft) | |
| M3 (EU) | 2000–2006 | 3.2 LS54B32 inline-6 | 252 kW (343 PS; 338 hp) | 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) |
| M3 (US) | 248 kW (337 PS; 333 hp) | 355 N⋅m (262 lb⋅ft) | ||
| M3 CSL | 2003–2004 | 3.2 LS54B32HP inline-6 | 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp) | 370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft) |
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318d | 2001–2003 | 2.0 LM47D20 inline-4 | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) | 265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft) |
| 2003–2005 | 2.0 LM47TÜD20 inline-4 | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) | 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) | |
| 320d | 1998–2001 | 2.0 LM47D20 inline-4 | 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) | 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) |
| 2001–2006 | 2.0 LM47TÜD20 inline-4 | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) | 330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft) | |
| 330d | 1999–2003 | 3.0 LM57D30 inline-6 | 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) | 390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) |
| 2003–2005 | 3.0 LM57TÜD30 inline-6 | 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) | 410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) |
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The E46 M3 was introduced in October 2000, available with the 3.2-litreS54 M-tuned engine. It was offered in coupé and convertible body styles.
The M3's S54 engine has a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 has 6 individualthrottle bodies, in this case electronically operated (drive-by-wire throttle). The transmission options for the M3 were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed "SMG-II"automated manual transmission.
There was also a lighter and faster M3 CSL model; CSL stands forCoupé Sport Leichtbau ("Coupé Sport Lightweight). Weight was reduced by removing equipment and replacing the roof, door panel, and centre console with carbon fibre pieces.[77]
In order for the M3 GTR race car to compete in theAmerican Le Mans Series, BMW produced 10 examples of the "M3 GTR Straßen Version" (street version) in 2001.[78] As per the race M3 GTR, the roadgoing Version was powered by theBMW P60B40 4.0 L V8 engine which was slightly detuned and generated a maximum power output of 283 kW (380 hp) at 7,000 rpm.[79][80] Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a race type 6-speed dual clutch sequential transmission with M locking differential. The engine featureddry sump lubrication as its racing counterpart and bigger radiators.
The stiffer chassis and suspension system were a carryover from the race version. The car was lowered further than a standard M3 and featured additional strut braces between the firewall and strut towers as well as between the right shock towers. The redesigned front and rear fascias and the rear wing optimised aerodynamics.
The roof, the hood, the rear wing and front and rear fascias were made from carbon-fibre in order to reduce weight. Notable changes made to the interior included leatherRecaro bucket seats, removal of rear seats and special M3 GTR sill plates.[81]
The Alpina "B3 3.3" and "B3 S" were based on the E46 and were powered by inline-six petrol engines.
The Performance Package was an option sold in North America, which is commonly referred to by its order code in the United States, ZHP (the order code in Canada was ZAM).[82] It was available for 330i sedans from model years 2003 to 2005, and available for 330ci coupés and convertibles from 2004 to 2006.[83] It included various aesthetic changes over the regular 3 series, as well as functional and mechanical enhancements.
The ZHP was equipped with sportiercamshafts and revised engine tuning to increase power output from 225 to 235 hp (168 to 175 kW) as well as a shorter final drive gear ratio, and a corresponding increase in redline from 6,500 rpm to 6,800 rpm.[83] Suspension was modified over the standard suspension with firmer springs and dampers, larger anti-roll bars, stronger front control arm ball joints, a lower ride height, heavy duty steering rack, and slightly more negativecamber.[84]Car and Driver magazine track-tested the car, which recorded a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 14.3 seconds.[84]
In some parts of the United States, BMW sold a version of the 325i which met thesuper ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) emissions standards. California, New York, and Massachusetts received the SULEV E46's in 2003, and Vermont in 2004.[85] They utilised a variant of the M54 engine named theBMW M56.[85] The M56 meets SULEV standards, as well as partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) and zero evaporative emissions requirements.[85] The M56 is claimed to have identical power output as its M54 counterpart.[85]
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The Clubsport package was available only for the 320Ci/325Ci/330Ci M-Sport models in 2002 and came in these colours: Estoril Blue, Velvet Blue, Titanium Silver and Carbon Black. The package removed 20 kg insulation materials, added an optional rear M spoiler and two spoiler lips on the front bumper, and chromed exhaust tailpipes. Style 71 M-Double Spoke Split rim wheels were standard (BMW's photos show Style 72 wheels). Interior equipment included M short gear shift, aluminum or black "Alu-Tech" trims, silver rings on cluster, door sills with "M Clubsport" letters, and an interior finished in half-leather and half-fabric "M Texture" cloth. The Clubsport was offered with the 5/6-Speed manual, 6-Speed SMG, or 5-Speed Steptronic transmissions.
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In September 2001, thefacelift versions of the sedan and Touring were released for the 2002model year.
_sedan_(2011-07-17)_02.jpg)
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In March 2003, thefacelift versions of the coupe and convertible models (except M3) were released for the 2004model year.
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Andy Priaulx won the2004 European Touring Car Championship season and2005 World Touring Car Championship season championships driving a 320i.[86]Franz Engstler won the2006 Asian Touring Car Championship season in a 320i.[87]
The E46 has also competed in the British, European and Russian touring car championships.
In the United States, theNational Auto Sport Association andBMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA) organized a "Spec E46" amateur racing series. The Spec E46 cars were built to a standard with limited modifications, to create a level playing field and increased competition between drivers. By mid-2020, Spec E46 had become one of BMW CCA's three largest racing classes.
