BMW 3 Series (E46)
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The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000. It was introduced in November 1997, and available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.
The M3 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 the BMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Overview
Development
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In 1993, the development programme for the E46 began under the lead of chief engineer Wolfgang Ziebart and head of R&D Wolfgang Reitzle.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In late 1993, design work began under the lead of chief designer Chris Bangle and continued into 1995.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In May 1995, the general exterior design of the E46 by Erik Goplen of DesignworksUSA 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="designworksusa">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance.<ref name="designworksusa" /> Design patents were filed in Germany on 16 July 1997<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and in the US on 16 January 1998.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Chris Bangle and Wolfgang Reitzle were responsible through 1995 for the production sedan's exterior,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Chassis
The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor.<ref name="edmunds3">Template:Cite web</ref> Aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components, in order to decrease unsprung mass.<ref name="edmunds3" /> However, with a curb weight of Template:Convert,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the E46 328ci is Template:Convert heavier than the E36 equivalent.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the E46 was initially available with a rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution.<ref name="edmunds3" /><ref name="general specs">Template:Cite web</ref> All-wheel drive, which was last available in the 3 Series in 1991,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was reintroduced for the E46 on the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd models.<ref name="ultimatespecs.com">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Electronics
The electronic components in the E46 are more integrated than previous generations of 3 Series, including the use of a CAN bus system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Drivetrain information (such as engine, transmission and stability control) is communicated using the CAN bus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Vehicle electronics (such as the radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate to each other via the K-bus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using Valvetronic (variable valve lift).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Production and sales
The E46 was produced in Germany (Leipzig, Munich and Regensburg) and in South Africa (Rosslyn).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Local assembly of complete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold in China, Egypt,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Indonesia, Malaysia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mexico,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Thailand<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Russia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Body styles
Sedan
4-door sedan/saloon (E46 Sedan), produced from December 1997 to May 2005 (CKD production continued until December 2005).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 1,918,984 examples built (includes 54,528 CKD).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>
Touring
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Touring – 5-door wagon/estate (E46 Touring), produced from January 1999 to May 2005. 428,061 examples built.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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<ref name=":0" />
Coupé
2-door coupé (E46 Coupé), produced from December 1998 to May 2006. 443,264 examples built.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Production years: 1998–2006
Facelift: March 2003 (2004 model year)
Variants: 316Ci, 318Ci, 320Cd, 320Ci, 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Cd, 330Ci, M3 and M3 CSL<ref name=":0" />
Convertible
Cabriolet – 2-door convertible (E46 Convertible), produced from December 1999 to November 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 277,146 examples built.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Production years: 1999–2006
Facelift: March 2003 (2004 model year)
Variants: 318Ci, 320Cd, 320Ci, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Cd, 330Ci and M3<ref name=":0" />
Compact
Compact – 3-door hatchback (E46 Compact), produced from April 2000 to December 2004. 199,430 examples built.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The shorter three-door hatchback version of the E46 was marketed as the BMW 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.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio.<ref name="www.rac.co.uk E46/5">Template:Cite web</ref>
Production years: 2000–2004
Facelift: September 2001 (2002 model year)
Variants: 316ti, 318td, 318ti, 320td and 325ti<ref name=":0" />
Engines
Factory specifications are listed below.<ref>Sources:
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- Template:Cite web</ref> 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)".
Petrol
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316i | 1999–2001 | 1.9 L M43B19 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 2001–2004 | 1.6 L N40B16 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 2001–2004 | 1.8 L N42B18 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 2004–2005 | 1.8 L N46B18 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 318i | 1998–2001 | 1.9 L M43B19 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 2001–2005 | 2.0 L N42B20 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 2003–2007 | 2.0 L N46B20 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 318Ci | 2005–2007 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 320i | 1998–2000 | 2.0 L M52TÜB20 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 2000–2006 | 2.2 L M54B22 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 323i | 1998–2000 | 2.5 L M52TÜB25 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 325i (EU) | 2001–2006 | 2.5 L M54B25 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 325i (US) | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | ||
| 325i SULEV | 2003-2006 | 2.5 L M56B25 Inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 328i | 1998–2000 | 2.8 L M52TÜB28 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 330i (EU) | 2000–2006 | 3.0 L M54B30 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 330i (US) | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | ||
| 330i ZHP | 2003–2006 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| M3 (EU) | 2000–2006 | 3.2 L S54B32 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| M3 (US) | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | ||
| M3 CSL | 2003–2004 | 3.2 L S54B32HP inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
Diesel
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318d | 2001–2003 | 2.0 L M47D20 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 2003–2005 | 2.0 L M47TÜD20 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 320d | 1998–2001 | 2.0 L M47D20 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 2001–2006 | 2.0 L M47TÜD20 inline-4 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt | |
| 330d | 1999–2003 | 3.0 L M57D30 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
| 2003–2005 | 3.0 L M57TÜD30 inline-6 | Template:Cvt | Template:Cvt |
Drivetrain
Manual transmissions
- 5-speed ZF S5-39<ref name = "Larimer (2002)">Template:Cite book</ref> (325xi, 330xi)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 5-speed Getrag 250G (316i, 318i,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 320i, 323i, 325i<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>)
- 5 speed ZF S5-31 (320d, 328Ci, 330i, 330Ci, 325xi)Template:Citation needed
- 6-speed ZF S6-37 (325ti, 330i, 330Ci, 330xi, 320d, 320Cd)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 6-speed ZF S6-53 (330d, 330xd, 330 Cd)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 6-speed Getrag 420G (M3)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Automatic transmissions
- 4-speed GM 4L30-E (A4S270R)
- 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S360R)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S390R)Template:Citation needed
- 5-speed ZF 5HP19 (A5S325Z)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (330i has a more reinforced 5HP19 compared to 320/325i)
- 5-speed GM 5L50-E (A5S390R)Template:Citation needed
- 6-speed SMG-IITemplate:Citation needed
- 6-speed Non-M SMG-ITemplate:Citation needed
M3
The E46 M3 was introduced in October 2000, available with the 3.2-litre S54 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 individual throttle 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 for Coupé Sport Leichtbau ("Coupé Sport Lightweight). Weight was reduced by removing equipment and replacing the roof, door panel, and centre console with carbon fibre pieces.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
M3 GTR road car
In order for the M3 GTR race car to compete in the American Le Mans Series, BMW produced 10 examples of the "M3 GTR Straßen Version" (street version) in 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As per the race M3 GTR, the roadgoing Version was powered by the BMW P60B40 4.0 L V8 engine which was slightly detuned and generated a maximum power output of Template:Convert at 7,000 rpm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a race type 6-speed dual clutch sequential transmission with M locking differential. The engine featured dry 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 leather Recaro bucket seats, removal of rear seats and special M3 GTR sill plates.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Alpina models
The Alpina "B3 3.3" and "B3 S" were based on the E46 and were powered by inline-six petrol engines.
Special models
Performance package (ZHP)
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).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was available for 330i sedans from model years 2003 to 2005, and available for 330ci coupés and convertibles from 2004 to 2006.<ref name="330zhp1" /> It included various aesthetic changes over the regular 3 series, as well as functional and mechanical enhancements.
The ZHP was equipped with sportier camshafts and revised engine tuning to increase power output from Template:Cvt as well as a shorter final drive gear ratio, and a corresponding increase in redline from 6,500 rpm to 6,800 rpm.<ref name="330zhp1">Template:Cite web</ref> 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 negative camber.<ref name="ZHP2"/> Car and Driver magazine track-tested the car, which recorded a 0–Template:Convert acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 14.3 seconds.<ref name="ZHP2">Template:Cite web</ref>
325i SULEV
In some parts of the United States, BMW sold a version of the 325i which met the super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) emissions standards. California, New York, and Massachusetts received the SULEV E46's in 2003, and Vermont in 2004.<ref name="M56BMW">Template:Cite web</ref> They utilised a variant of the M54 engine named the BMW M56.<ref name="M56BMW" /> The M56 meets SULEV standards, as well as partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) and zero evaporative emissions requirements.<ref name="M56BMW" /> The M56 is claimed to have identical power output as its M54 counterpart.<ref name="M56BMW" /> Template:Clear right
320Ci/325Ci/330Ci Clubsport
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.
Model year changes
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2000
- Electronic Stability Control ("Dynamic Stability Control") introduced, replacing the previous ASC+T traction control system.
- Manual shift mode ("Steptronic") added to automatic transmissions
2001 facelift
In September 2001, the facelift versions of the sedan and Touring were released for the 2002 model year.
- 325i (M54 engine) replaced 323i (M52TÜ engine).
- 330i (M54 engine) replaced 328i (M52TÜ engine).
- 320d engine upgraded from M47 to M47TÜ.
- Display for navigation system upgraded to widescreen.
- Sedan and Touring received revised headlights, tail-lights (sedan only), grille, hood, front fenders and front bumpers.
- Single Xenon headlights for 2001 and in 2002 Xenon were installed for high-beam lamps; Bi-Xenon headlights for 2002.
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2003
In March 2003, the facelift versions of the coupe and convertible models (except M3) were released for the 2004 model year.
- Navigation system upgraded to Mark IV version, which is DVD-based.
- Auxiliary input for sound system became available.
- SULEV engine option (M56) became available for 325 models with automatic transmission.
- Manual transmission for 330 models upgraded from 5-speed to 6-speed.
- Coupes and convertibles received revised headlights, tail-lights (LED), grille, hood and front bumper.
- Adaptive headlights available for coupé and convertible models
- 330d engine upgraded from M57 to M57TÜ.
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Motorsport
Andy Priaulx won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship season and 2005 World Touring Car Championship season championships driving a 320i.<ref name=Points>2005 Championship point standings Retrieved on 22 February 2012</ref> Franz Engstler won the 2006 Asian Touring Car Championship season in a 320i.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The E46 has also competed in the British, European and Russian touring car championships.
In the United States, the National Auto Sport Association and BMW 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.