BMW 3 Series (E46)

The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1997 to 2006. The body styles of the range are: All-wheel drive, last available in the E30 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46 on the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd models. The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using Valvetronic (variable valve lift). 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. Following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans in late 2004, the E46 began to be phased out. However the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until 2006. The E46 M3 is powered by the S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II transmission. The M3 was introduced in late 2000 and was produced in coupé and convertible body styles only.

e46

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1. Development

In 1993, the development programme for the E46 began under chief engineer Wolfgang Ziebart and head of R&D Wolfgang Reitzle. In late 1993, design work began under chief designer Chris Bangle and continued into 1995.[1] 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 body work for the 3 Series range in February 1996.[2][3][4] The design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car’s aggressive stance.[3] Design patents were filed in Germany on 16 July 1997[5] and in the US on 16 January 1998.[6]

Chris Bangle and Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle (BMW Head of R&D)[7] were responsible through 1995 for the production sedan’s exterior,[8][9] 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.[10] Erik Goplen designed the production coupé, convertible and station wagon during 1996–1997. 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.[11]

2. Body Styles

• 

  sedan/saloon

• 

  coupé

• 

  convertible

• 

  wagon/estate

3. Engines

3.1. Petrol

Model[12]
Years
Engine
Power
Torque

316i /

316ci[13][14]

1999–2001
M43B19
inline-4
77 kW (103 hp)
165 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft)

2001 – 2004
N40B16
inline-4
85 kW (114 hp)
150 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft)

2001–2004
N42B18
inline-4
85 kW (114 hp)
175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft)

2004–2005
N46B18
inline-4
85 kW (114 hp)
175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft)

318i / 318ci[15]
1998–2001
M43B19
inline-4
87 kW (117 hp)
180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft)

2001–2005
N42B20
inline-4
107 kW (143 hp)
200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft)

2003–2006
N46B20
inline-4
112 kW (150 hp)
200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft)

320i / 320ci[16]
1998–2000
M52TUB20
inline-6
110 kW (148 hp)
190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)

2000–2006
M54B22
inline-6
125 kW (168 hp)
210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft)

323i / 323ci[17]
1998–2000
M52TUB25
inline-6
126 kW (169 hp)
245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft)

325i (EU) / 325ci (EU)[18][19]
2001–2006
M54B25
inline-6
141 kW (189 hp)
245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft)

325i (US) / 325ci (US)[20][21]
137 kW (184 hp)
237 N⋅m (175 lb⋅ft)

328i / 328ci[22]
1998–2000
M52TUB28
inline-6
142 kW (190 hp)
280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)

330i (EU) / 330ci (EU)[23][24][25]
2000–2006
M54B30
inline-6
170 kW (228 hp)
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)

330i (US) / 330ci (US)[26][27]
168 kW (225 hp)
290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)

330i ZHP / 330ci ZHP[28][29]
2003–2006
175 kW (235 hp)
301 N⋅m (222 lb⋅ft)

M3 (EU)[30]
2000–2006
S54B32
inline-6
252 kW (338 hp)
365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft)

M3 (US)[31]
248 kW (333 hp)
355 N⋅m (262 lb⋅ft)

M3 CSL[32]
2003–2004
265 kW (355 hp)
370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft)

3.2. Diesel

Model[12]
Years
Engine
Power
Torque

318d[33]
2001–2003
M47D20
inline-4
85 kW (114 hp)
265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft)

2003–2005
M47TUD20
inline-4
85 kW (114 hp)
280 N⋅m (207 ft⋅lbf)

320d / 320Cd[34]
1998–2001
M47D20
inline-4
100 kW (134 hp)
280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)

2001–2006
M47TUD20
inline-4
110 kW (148 hp)
330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft)

330d / 330Cd[35][36]
1999–2002
M57D30
inline-6
135 kW (181 hp)
390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft)

2003–2005
M57TUD30
inline-6
150 kW (201 hp)
410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft)

4. Drivetrain

4.1. Manual Transmissions

• 5-speed ZF S5-39[37]
• 5-speed Getrag 250G[38]
• 5 speed ZF S5-31
• 6-speed ZF S6-37 (330i, 330Ci)[39]
• 6-speed ZF S6-53 (330d, 330 Cd, 320 d)[40]
• 6-speed Getrag 420G (M3)[41]

4.2. Automatic Transmissions

• 4-speed GM 4L30-E (A4S270R)
• 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S360R)[42][43]
• 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S390R)
• 5-speed ZF 5HP19 (A5S325Z)[44]
• 5-speed GM 5L50-E (A5S390R)
• 6-speed SMG-II

5. Chassis

The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor.[45] Aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components, in order to decrease unsprung mass.[45] However, with a curb weight of 1,450 kg (3,197 lb),[46][47] the E46 328ci is 55 kg (121 lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent.[48][49]

In tune with BMW’s core values regarding handling dynamics,[50] the E46 was initially available with a rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution.[45][51]

6. Electronics

The electronic components in the E46 are more integrated than previous generations of 3 Series, including the use of a CAN bus system.[52] Drivetrain information (such as engine, transmission and stability control) is communicated using the CAN bus.[53][54] Vehicle electronics (such as the radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate to each other via the K-bus.[55]

7. M3 Model

E46 M3

The E46 M3, first introduced in October 2000, was available with the 3.2-litre S54 M-tuned engine. It was available 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.

8. Alpina Models

The Alpina “B3 3.3” and “B3 S” were based on the E46 and were powered by straight-six petrol engines.

9.

E46/5 Hatchback

E46/5 Compact

The hatchback version was marketed as the BMW 3 Series Compact.

10. Special Models

10.1.

Performance Package (ZHP)

330ci 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).[56] It was available for 330i sedans from model years 2003 to 2005, and available for 330ci coupés and convertibles from 2004 to 2006.[57] 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 168–175 kW (225–235 hp) to as well as a shorter final drive gear ratio, and a corresponding increase in redline from 6,500 rpm to 6,800 rpm.[57] 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.[58] 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.[58]

10.2. 325i SULEV

BMW introduced a super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) into the selected regions of the United States to meet stricter emission standards. California, New York, and Massachusetts received the SULEV E46’s in 2003, and Vermont in 2004.[59] They utilised a variant of the M54 engine named the BMW M56.[59] The M56 meets SULEV standards, as well as partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) and zero evaporative emissions requirements.[59] The M56 is claimed to have identical power output as its M54 counterpart.[59]

• 

  Information sticker on the SULEV radiator

• 

  Engine bay of a 2004 325i SULEV

10.3. M3 GTR Road Car

M3 GTR road car (scale model)

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.[60] 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 283 kW (380 hp) at 7,000 rpm.[61][62] 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.[63]

11. Model Year Changes

11.1. 2000

• Electronic Stability Control (“Dynamic Stability Control”) introduced, replacing the previous ASC+T traction control system.
• Manual shift mode (“Steptronic”) added to automatic transmissions

11.2.

2001 Facelift (LCI)

In September 2001, the facelift (LCI) versions of the sedan and Touring were released for the 2002 model year.

• 325i (M54 engine) replaces 323i (M52TU engine).
• 330i (M54 engine) replaces 328i (M52TU engine).
• 318d, 320d engine upgraded from M47 to M47TU.
• Display for navigation system upgraded to widescreen.
• Sedan and Touring receive revised headlights, tail-lights, grille, hood, front fenders and front bumpers.
• Xenon headlights now include Xenon for high-beam lamps (“Bi-Xenon headlights”)

• pre-facelift sedan

• pre-facelift sedan

• facelift sedan

• facelift sedan

11.3. 2003

In March 2003, the facelift (LCI) 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 becomes available.
• SULEV engine option (M56) becomes available for 325 models with automatic transmission.
• Manual transmission for 330 models upgraded from 5-speed to 6-speed.
• Coupes and convertibles receive revised headlights, tail-lights (LED), grille, hood and front bumper.
• Adaptive headlights available for coupe and convertible models
• 330d engine upgraded from M57 to M57TU.

• 

  facelift coupe (front)

• 

  facelift coupe (rear)

• 

  pre-facelift coupe (front)

• 

  pre-facelift coupe (rear)

12. Production and Sales

Production dates for each body style are as follows:

• Sedans were produced from December 1997 to May 2005[64][65]
• Coupés were produced from June 1999 to 2006
• Convertibles were produced from December 1999 to 2006[66][67]
• Wagons were produced from October 1999 to 2005
• Hatchbacks were produced from June 2001 to 2004

The E46 was produced in Germany (Leipzig, Munich and Regensburg) and in South Africa (Rosslyn).[68] Local assembly of complete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold in China, Egypt,[69] Indonesia, Malaysia,[70] Mexico[71] and Russia.[72]

The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.[73]

13. Motorsport

Andy Priaulx won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship season and 2005 World Touring Car Championship season championships driving a 320i.[74] Franz Engstler won the 2006 Asian Touring Car Championship season in a 320i.[75]

The E46 has also competed in the British, European and Russian touring car championships.

Year
Championship
Result

2003
European Touring Car Championship
3

2004
Danish Touringcar Championship
1

2004
European Touring Car Championship
1

2005
Danish Touringcar Championship
1

2005
Italian Superturismo Championship
1

2005
World Touring Car Championship
1

2006
Asian Touring Car Championship
1

2006
British Touring Car Championship
11

2008
European Touring Car Cup
1

In the United States, the National Auto Sport Association organises a “Spec E46” amateur racing series. The Spec E46 cars are built to a standard with minimal modifications, to create increased competition between drivers.