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.[15]
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.[16]
Overview
Development
In 1993, the development programme for the E46 began under the lead of chief engineer Wolfgang Ziebart and head of R&D Wolfgang Reitzle.[17] In late 1993, design work began under the lead of chief designer Chris Bangle and continued into 1995.[18] 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.[19][20][21] The design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance.
Body styles
Sedan
4-door sedan/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, 330d, 330i and 330xi[55]
Touring
Touring – 5-door wagon/estate (E46 Touring), produced from January 1999 to May 2005. 428,061 examples built.[56]
Engines
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)".
Petrol
Diesel
Drivetrain
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.[77]
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.[78] 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 380 hp at 7,000 rpm.
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).[82] It was available for 330i sedans from model years 2003 to 2005, and available for 330ci coupés and convertibles from 2004 to 2006. 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 225 to 235 hp 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 negative camber. Car and Driver magazine track-tested the car, which recorded a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 14.3 seconds.[84]
Model year changes
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.
- 320i switched to M54 engine (from M52TÜ engine).
- 325i (M54 engine) replaced 323i (M52TÜ engine).
- 330i (M54 engine) replaced 328i (M52TÜ engine).
- 320d switched to M47TÜ engine (from M47 engine).
- Display for navigation system upgraded to widescreen.
Motorsport
Andy Priaulx won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship season and 2005 World Touring Car Championship season championships driving a 320i.[86] Franz Engstler won the 2006 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, 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.
References
- BMW plant forum.roadfly.com, retrieved 21 February 2017^
- Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили BMW Avtotor.ru, retrieved 13 June 2010^
- New Locally-Assembled BMW 325i Now Available autoworld.com.my, 9 July 2002, retrieved 5 January 2017^