BMW 3 Series (E46)

For a complete overview of all the 3 series chassis, see BMW 3 Series.
BMW 3-Series (E46)

Pre-facelift BMW 3 Series (E46) sedan
Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production March 1998 – February 2005 (sedan)
April 1999 – June 2006 (coupe)
October 1999 – June 2005 (wagon)
March 2000 – February 2007 (cabriolet)[1]
Assembly Leipzig, Germany
Munich, Germany
Regensburg, Germany
Toluca, Mexico
Rosslyn, South Africa
6th of October City, Egypt[2]
Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor)[3]
Shenyang, China (Brilliance)[4]
Jakarta, Indonesia
Designer Erik Goplen (design concept: 1993, 1995; coupe/cabriolet: 1996; touring: 1997)
Chris Bangle (sedan: 1995)
Body and chassis
Class Compact executive car (D)
Body style 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
3-door hatchback
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / All-wheel drive
Related BMW M3
BMW X3 (E83)
Powertrain
Engine 1.9 L       M43 4-cyl
1.8-2.0 L N42 4-cyl
2.0 L       N46 4-cyl
2.0 L       M47 4-cyl diesel
2.0-2.8 L M52 6-cyl
2.2-3.0 L M54
2.9-3.0 L M57 6-cyl diesel
3.2 L       S54 6-cyl
4.0 L       P60B40 8-cyl
Transmission 5-speed ZF S5-39 manual
6-speed ZF S6-37 manual (2003–2006)
6-speed SMG Drivelogic
4-speed automatic
5-speed ZF 5HP19 automatic (2000–2003)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107.3 in (2,725 mm)
Length Sedan: 176.0 in (4,470 mm)
Wagon: 176.3 in (4,478 mm)
Convertible & Coupe: 176.7 in (4,488 mm)
Width Sedan & Wagon: 68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Convertible & Coupe: 69.2 in (1,758 mm)
Height Sedan: 55.7 in (1,415 mm)
2000–02 325i Wagon: 55.5 in (1,410 mm)
2000–02 325xi Wagon: 56.3 in (1,430 mm)
Convertible: 54.0 in (1,372 mm)
Coupe: 53.9 in (1,369 mm)
xi Sedan: 56.5 in (1,435 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor BMW 3 Series (E36)
Successor BMW 3 Series (E90)

The BMW E46 is a compact executive car which was produced by BMW from 1998 to 2007. It was introduced in May 1998 in the sedan body style. In 1999, a coupé and touring body style became available to all markets, and the sedan was released in the United States. A convertible and hatchback body style was released in 2000, the latter only for Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The BMW E90 replaced the E46 sedans in late 2004, however the E46 coupe and convertible body styles remained in production until 2007.

All-wheel drive ("xDrive") was re-introduced in the 3 Series, after a break of 18 years. It was available for the six-cylinder 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models.[5][6]

The E46 was considered the performance benchmark of its class[7] and experienced success in many markets. The record selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.[8] The main competitors during the E46's production run were the Alfa Romeo 156, Audi A4, Lexus IS/Toyota Altezza, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3 and the Volvo S60.

The M3 version of the E46 was powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine. The M3 was released in 2001 and was available in coupé and convertible body styles. The transmissions available were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed "SMG-II" sequential manual gearbox.

Design

Exterior design

The E46 was developed as an evolutionary replacement for the BMW E36 chassis. In 1995, the general exterior design of the E46 by Erik Goplen 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.[9][10] Based on the E36 body shell, the design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance.[9] Design patents were filed in Germany on July 16, 1997 and in the US on January 16, 1998.[11] While the styling of the E46 was seen as an evolution of the extremely successful previous generation 3-series, it was not immediately embraced by either the buying public, or the automotive press. Word leaked out in the press that the BMW stylists were unhappy in raising the roof-line, and the general "rounding" of the body panels in comparison to the more squarish E36 series. Chris Bangle was responsible through January 1996 for the production saloon exterior, as evident in the 1997 design patent. Production development of the saloon took 24 months from January 1996 to January 1998. Goplen designed the production coupé and estate during 1996–1997.[12]

Interior design

Since the production had started, the entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) is based on a very flexible automotive computer system.[13] As a result the E46 models can all be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies including BMW's Bluetooth System, the DVD based Navigation system, as well as BMW's CD changers that play MP3s[14]

Weight and rigidity goals

An emphasis was put on reducing unsprung weight and increasing structural rigidity rather than increasing power output: the highest displacement model at release, the E46 328, had only 3 horsepower more than the E36 328.[15] To counter this small power increase, the body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than the E36's,[15] and aluminum suspension components were used increasingly in order to decrease unsprung weight.[15] However, with a curb weight of 1450 kg,[16][17] the E46 328ci is 55 kilograms (121 lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent.[18][19]

In tune with BMW's core values,[20] the E46 was released with a front engined rear-wheel drive layout with 50/50 weight distribution.[15][21] This balance allows for optimal handling in regard to the drive train layout.

E46/5 hatchback

Main article: BMW E46/5

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

SULEV

BMW introduced a super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) into the select 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.[22] They received a variant of the M54 engine, the BMW M56.[22] The M56 meets SULEV standards, as well as partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) and zero evaporative emissions requirements.[22] The M56 is claimed to have identical power as its M54 counterpart.[22]

Specifications

ModelEngineYear(s)DisplacementConfigurationPowerTorque0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)[23]
316[24] M43B191999–20011,895 cc (115.6 cu in)I4, 8v105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp)165 N·m (122 ft·lbf) 12.3 s
316[25] N42B182001–20051,796 cc (109.6 cu in)I4, 16v116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)175 N·m (129 ft·lbf) 11.0 s
318[26] M43B191998–20011,895 cc (115.6 cu in)I4, 8v118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp)180 N·m (133 ft·lbf) 10.7 s
318[27] N42B202001–20051,995 cc (121.7 cu in)I4, 16v143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp)200 N·m (148 ft·lbf)9.3 s
318Ci[28] N46B202003–20061,995 cc (121.7 cu in)I4, 16v143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp)200 N·m (148 ft·lbf) 9.3 s
318d[29] M47D201999–20011,951 cc (119.1 cu in)Turbodiesel I4, 16v116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)265 N·m (195 ft·lbf) 11.1 s
318d[30] M47TUD202001–20051,995 cc (121.7 cu in)Turbodiesel I4, 16v116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) 10.8 s
320[31] M52TUB201998–20001,990 cc (121.4 cu in)I6, 24v150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) 9.8 s
320[32] M54B222000–20012,171 cc (132.5 cu in)I6, 24v170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)210 N·m (155 ft·lbf) 9.0 s
320[33][34] M54B222001–20062,171 cc (132.5 cu in)I6, 24v170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)210 N·m (155 ft·lbf) 8.9 s
320d[35] M47D201998–20011,951 cc (119.1 cu in)Turbodiesel I4, 16v136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) 9.9 s
320d[36] M47TUD202001–20031,995 cc (121.7 cu in)Turbodiesel I4, 16v150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)330 N·m (243 ft·lbf) 8.8 s
320d[37][38] M47TUD202003–20061,995 cc (121.7 cu in)Turbodiesel I4, 16v150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)330 N·m (243 ft·lbf) 8.7 s
323[39] M52TUB251998–20002,494 cc (152.2 cu in)I6, 24v170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) 7.9 s
325 (EU)[40][41] M54B252001–20062,494 cc (152.2 cu in)I6, 24v192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp)245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) 8.0 s
325 (US)[42][43] M54B252001–20062,494 cc (152.2 cu in)I6, 24v186 PS (137 kW; 183 hp)237 N·m (175 ft·lbf) 8.4 s
328[44] M52TUB281998–20002,793 cc (170.4 cu in)I6, 24v193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp)280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) 7.1 s
330[45][46][47] M54B302000–20062,979 cc (181.8 cu in)I6, 24v231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp)300 N·m (221 ft·lbf) 6.6 s
330 (US)[48][49] M54B302003–20062,979 cc (181.8 cu in)I6, 24v228 PS (168 kW; 225 hp)290 N·m (214 ft·lbf) 6.8 s
330d[50][51] M57D301999–20022,926 cc (178.6 cu in)Turbodiesel I6, 24v184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp)390 N·m (288 ft·lbf) 8.1 s
330d[52] M57TUD302003–20052,993 cc (182.6 cu in)Turbodiesel I6, 24v204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp)410 N·m (302 ft·lbf) 7.1 s
330 ZHP[53] M54B302003–20062,979 cc (181.8 cu in)I6, 24v238 PS (175 kW; 235 hp)301 N·m (222 ft·lbf) 6.1 s
M3 (EU)[54] S54B322000–20063,246 cc (198.1 cu in)I6, 24v343 PS (252 kW; 338 hp)365 N·m (269 ft·lbf) 4.7 s
M3 (US)[55] S54B322000–20063,246 cc (198.1 cu in)I6, 24v337 PS (248 kW; 332 hp)355 N·m (262 ft·lbf) 5.0 s
M3 CSL[56] S54B322003–20043,246 cc (198.1 cu in)I6, 24v360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp)370 N·m (273 ft·lbf) 4.3 s
M3 GTR Strassenversion[57] P60B4020023,997 cc (243.9 cu in)V8, 32v444 hp (331 kW; 450 PS)480 N·m (354 ft·lbf)

Performance package (ZHP)

2005 BMW 330Ci ZHP in Titanium Silver

The Performance Package was an inclusive option sold in North America, which was labelled the ZHP option code in the USA and ZAM in Canada.[58] It was available for sedans from model years 2003 to 2005, and available for coupes and convertibles from 2004 to 2006.[59] It included various aesthetic changes over the regular 3 series, as well as functional and mechanical enhancements. The ZHP was equipped with sportier cam shafts and more aggressive engine tuning to increase power from 225 hp (168 kW) to 235 hp (175 kW).[59] 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, and slightly more negative camber.[60] Car and Driver magazine track-tested the car, which returned a 0–60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and passed through the 1/4 mile in 14.3 seconds.[60]

M3

Main article: E46 M3

Motorsport

Andy Priaulx was the champion of the 2004 European Touring Car Championship season and 2005 World Touring Car Championship season driving a 320i.[61] Franz Engstler won the 2006 Asian Touring Car Championship season in a 320i.[62]

The car has further competed in the British Touring Car Championship, the European Touring Car Cup and the Russian Touring Car Championship.

YearChampionshipResult
2003European Touring Car Championship3
2004Danish Touringcar Championship1
2004European Touring Car Championship1
2005Danish Touringcar Championship1
2005Italian Superturismo Championship1
2005World Touring Car Championship1
2006Asian Touring Car Championship1
2006British Touring Car Championship11
2008European Touring Car Cup1

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ "Fast Fact" (PDF). BMW. April 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  2. ↑ "Bavarian Auto Group". Bag-eg.com. 9 April 2010. Archived from the original on 22 July 2010. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  3. ↑ "Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили BMW". Avtotor.ru. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  4. ↑ "Brilliance Auto". Brilliance Auto. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  5. ↑ "BMW E46 3 Series". www.ultimatespecs.com.
  6. ↑ "BMW E46 3 Series Touring". www.ultimatespecs.com.
  7. ↑ MAYERSOHN, NORMAN (24 June 2009). "2006 BMW 3 Series: The Benchmark Settles Into Comfortable Middle Age". The New York Times. p. 2. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  8. ↑ "Successful 2003 Financial Year for the BMW Group". The Auto Channel. Retrieved 24 July 2006.
  9. 1 2 "DesignworksUSA". BMW Group. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  10. ↑ Oagana, Alex (9 October 2010). "Exclusive Interview with BMW X3 (F25) Designer Erik Goplen". autoevolution. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  11. ↑ "Patent USD406797 S – Automobile". Google Patents. 16 March 1999. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  12. ↑ "BMW 3-Series 1999". Automotive Intelligence. September 1998. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  13. ↑ "BMW Bus System" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 October 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  14. ↑ "Bimmernav". Bimmernav. Archived from the original on 25 September 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "BMW 3 Series". Edmunds. 1 August 2003. p. 1. Retrieved 9 July 2009.
  16. ↑ "1999 BMW 328i E46 specifications". www.carfolio.com.
  17. ↑ "Specifications for BMW 328Ci E46 Coupe (1999-2000)". www.bmwheaven.com.
  18. ↑ "1996 BMW 328i E36 specifications". www.carfolio.com.
  19. ↑ "Specifications for BMW 328i E36 Coupe (1995-1999)". www.bmwheaven.com.
  20. ↑ "BMW Innovations Lounge". BMW. p. 1. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  21. ↑ "BMW E46 3 series buyers guide specs features". reveuro. p. 1. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "M56sulev" (PDF). BMW. Retrieved 10 January 2009.
  23. ↑ Figures are for saloons/coupes with manual transmission.
  24. ↑ "1999 BMW 316i (model since mid-year 1999 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  25. ↑ "2001 BMW 316i (model since mid-year 2001 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  26. ↑ "1998 BMW 318i (model since mid-year 1998 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  27. ↑ "2001 BMW 318i (model since mid-year 2001 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  28. ↑ "2003 BMW 318Ci (model since mid-year 2003 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  29. ↑ "1999 BMW 318d (model since mid-year 1999 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  30. ↑ "1999 BMW 318d (model since mid-year 1999 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  31. ↑ "1998 BMW 320i (model since mid-year 1998 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  32. ↑ "2000 BMW 320i (model since mid-year 2000 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  33. ↑ "2001 BMW 320i (model since mid-year 2000 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  34. ↑ "2006 BMW 320Ci Cabrio (model up to mid-year 2006 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  35. ↑ "1998 BMW 320d (model since mid-year 1998 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  36. ↑ "2001 BMW 320d (model since mid-year 2001 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  37. ↑ "2003 BMW 320d (model since mid-year 2003 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  38. ↑ "2006 BMW 320Cd Cabrio (model up to mid-year 2006 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  39. ↑ "1998 BMW 323i (model since mid-year 1998 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  40. ↑ "2001 BMW 325i (model since mid-year 2001 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  41. ↑ "2006 BMW 325Ci Cabrio (model up to mid-year 2006 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  42. ↑ "2002 BMW 325i (model since mid-year 2001 for North America U.S.) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  43. ↑ "2006 BMW 325Ci Convertible (model for North America U.S.) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  44. ↑ "1998 BMW 328i (model since mid-year 1998 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  45. ↑ "2000 BMW 330i (model since mid-year 2000 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  46. ↑ "2001 BMW 330i (model since mid-year 2001 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  47. ↑ "2003 BMW 330Ci Cabrio (model since mid-year 2003 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  48. ↑ "2003 BMW 330i (model since mid-year 2002 for North America U.S.) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  49. ↑ "2006 BMW 330Ci Convertible (model for North America U.S.) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  50. ↑ "1999 BMW 330d (model since mid-year 1999 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  51. ↑ "2001 BMW 330d (model since mid-year 2001 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  52. ↑ "2003 BMW 330d (model since mid-year 2003 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  53. ↑ "First Test: 2003 BMW 330i Performance Package". Motor Trend. November 2003. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  54. ↑ "2000 BMW M3 (model since mid-year 2000 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  55. ↑ "2001 BMW M3 (since mid-year 2000 for North America U.S.) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  56. ↑ "2003 BMW M3 CSL (model since mid-year 2003 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  57. ↑ "2002 BMW E46 M3 GTR Strassenversion Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com.
  58. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the BMW E46 330 ZHP Performance Package Option". www.zhpmafia.com.
  59. 1 2 "BMW 330i ZHP". Brazeau Racing. Retrieved 9 July 2009.
  60. 1 2 "BMW 330i with Performance Package". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 25 June 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2009.
  61. ↑ 2005 Championship point standings Retrieved on 22 February 2012
  62. ↑ "Franz Engstler". FIA WTCC. Archived from the original on 15 November 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2015.

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