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55-565: 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

110-578: A 2-door sedan (also described as coupé). At launch, all models used carburetted 4-cylinder engines; however, fuel-injected models were introduced in late 1975 and 6-cylinder engines were added in 1977. A cabriolet body style – manufactured by Baur – was available from 1978 to 1981. On introduction in 1982, the E30 was produced solely in the 2-door sedan body style. Four-door sedan models were introduced in 1983, convertibles were introduced in 1985 and estate ("Touring") models were introduced in 1987. The E30

165-720: A 320i. 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. BMW 3 Series The BMW 3 Series

220-463: A 6-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade compared with previous generations of the 3 Series. The M3 model is powered by the S50 and S52 straight-six engines. It was sold in coupé, sedan and convertible body styles. The BMW Z3 roadster and coupe models were based on

275-464: A BMW M Touring model reached the market. The touring version of the M3 contains the same engine and interior setup as the M3 sedan, but extends the roof line to become a wagon . The 3 Series has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual 10 Best list 22 times, from 1992 through 2014, making it the longest-running entry in the list. In their December 2009 issue, Grassroots Motorsports magazine named

330-421: 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

385-621: A driver's car, the E46/5 received some criticism for its unique headlights and tail-lights which were considered unattractive compared to the rest of the E46 lineup. Transmission options are mostly the same as the equivalent E46 coupe/sedan model. From early 2003, the 325ti was available with a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission . * Used instead of the N42 engine in countries where vehicles tax charges favour smaller engines. † Used instead of

440-445: 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 (97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 14.3 seconds. 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

495-563: A new nameplate was created since the 1 Series is smaller than the contemporary 3 Series despite sharing mechanical components. The 3 Series GT , introduced in 2013, is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, despite also using a hatchback rear opening. Launched in March 1994, the E36 3 Series Compact (model code E36/5), was BMW's first hatchback since the 2002 Touring model was discontinued in 1974. It reportedly cost BMW $ 500 million USD to develop

550-495: Is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven generations. The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback (" Gran Turismo ") and 3-door hatchback body styles . Since 2013,

605-582: Is communicated using the CAN bus. Vehicle electronics (such as the radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate to each other via the K-bus. 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. The E46

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660-631: 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. The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However,

715-570: The BMW S65 V8 engine. It was released in 2007 and was produced in sedan, coupe, and cabriolet body styles. Production of the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series ended in 2013. The F30/F31/F35 has been produced in the sedan , coupé , convertible , station wagon and 5-door hatchback ("Gran Turismo") body styles. A long-wheelbase sedan is also available in China. For the F30/F31/F34 series,

770-529: The E30 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46. It was available for the 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models. The E46 generation came with the M52TU / M54 engines with dual Vanos (variable valve timing) and came with a GM 5 speed Automatic ( 5L40E ), ZF 5 speed Manual ( S5-31 ), Getrag 5 speed Manual (S5D-250G), ZF 6 speed Manual (GS6-37BZ/DZ), and ZF 6-speed Automatic Manual (SMG) (GS6S37BZ). The M3 version of

825-444: The facelift versions of the sedan and Touring were released for the 2002 model year . In March 2003, the facelift versions of the coupe and convertible models (except M3) were released for the 2004 model year . Andy Priaulx won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship season and 2005 World Touring Car Championship season championships driving a 320i. Franz Engstler won the 2006 Asian Touring Car Championship season in

880-522: The "standard" 3 Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, lightweight components, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-color "M" (Motorsport) emblem. The last M3 coupé was produced in Germany on 5 July 2013, replaced by the F82/F83 M4 coupé and convertible starting with the 2015 model year, but

935-428: The 50th birthday of the German automobile magazine Auto, Motor und Sport , BMW M hand-built one M3 Compact. The car embodied all the technical and optical characteristics of the standard E36 M3, but in the compact body. Quad exhaust tips, Recaro sports seats, four-point seatbelts, an Alcantara steering wheel and gear lever were specific for this model. The E36 Compact received a positive reception, as it retained

990-599: The BMW 3 Series as the second-most important performance car built during the previous 25 years. In January 2021, the BMW 330e M Sport (M Sport Pro Package) was named Executive Car of the Year by What Car? magazine. What Car? awarded the 3 Series five stars out of five in its review of the car. The plug-in hybrid version of the car was the UK's best-selling plug-in hybrid car of 2021 having achieved 10,979 new registrations throughout

1045-424: The E36 platform. The E46 was sold in the following body styles: sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as " 3 Series Compact "). The E46 generation introduced various electronic features to the 3 Series, including satellite navigation, electronic brake-force display, ASC/DSC, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail-lights, and Xenon headlights. All-wheel drive, last available in

1100-491: The E36 saloon/wagon or the frameless ones of the E36 coupé. The interior is mostly similar to the E36 saloon models, apart from the folding rear seats and dashboard which share some elements with the previous generation E30 3 Series . Some cost-cutting was employed in the E36/5 dashboard such as manual air conditioning, compared to the rest of the E36 lineup which had automatic climate control. The E36/5 front suspension uses

1155-596: The E36's MacPherson strut design, while the rear suspension uses a semi-trailing arm from the previous generation E30 models instead of the Z-Axle multi-link suspension used by the rest of the E36 range. The E36/5's rear suspension arrangement - which was also used on the Z3 - was more compact and cheaper to produce. Some reviewers believed that this arrangement caused the E36/5's to be prone to oversteer . The launch models were powered by four-cylinder petrol engines, with

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1210-423: The E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006. In 1993, the development programme for the E46 began under the lead of chief engineer Wolfgang Ziebart and head of R&D Wolfgang Reitzle . In late 1993, design work began under the lead of chief designer Chris Bangle and continued into 1995. In May 1995, the general exterior design of the E46 by Erik Goplen of DesignworksUSA

1265-539: The E46 coupé. Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio. The E46/5 was not sold in North America as its predecessor didn't prove to be a sales success in that market. The E46/5 was not as successful as the E36/5, even though BMW had fixed many of the E36/5's shortcomings (limited range of engines, rear-seating room). While lauded as

1320-450: The E46 was initially available with a rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution . All-wheel drive , which was last available in the 3 Series in 1991, was reintroduced for the E46 on the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd models. The electronic components in the E46 are more integrated than previous generations of 3 Series, including the use of a CAN bus system. Drivetrain information (such as engine, transmission and stability control)

1375-514: 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. Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio. Factory specifications are listed below. 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)". The E46 M3

1430-519: The E46 was powered by the S54 straight-six engine and was available in coupé and convertible body styles (other than that, it was powered with the M52 or M54 in non-M3 cars). The transmissions available were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed "SMG-II" sequential manual gearbox . The fifth generation 3 Series was produced in the sedan , wagon (marketed as "Touring"), coupé and cabriolet body styles. Due to

1485-412: The M3 name remains in use for the sedan version. The new generation M3 was reintroduced in 2021, codenamed G80 from the 7th generation 3 Series (G20). The M3 represented above (The F80) was powered by a BMW S55 engine producing 317 kW (431 PS) at 7,600 rpm. In June 2022, BMW revealed the first BMW M3 Touring, codenamed G81. Based on the seventh generation 3 Series, it marks the first time

1540-756: The SULEV E46's in 2003, and Vermont in 2004. They utilised a variant of the M54 engine named the BMW M56 . The M56 meets SULEV standards, as well as partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) and zero evaporative emissions requirements. The M56 is claimed to have identical power output as its M54 counterpart. 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

1595-713: The United States. The failure of the E36 Compact precluded the E46 Compact's entry into the North American market, and prompted BMW to reconfigure the BMW Compact's successor, the BMW 1 Series , from a liftback to a coupe before attempting to market the car in North America again. Similarly, the C-Class SportCoupé had a short sales run in North America and was withdrawn from that market while

1650-404: The coupe and convertible models were produced from the 2013 year until 2014 when they were split from the 3 Series, redesigned, and sold as the BMW 4 Series . A new body style was introduced into the 3 Series range: the 3 Series Gran Turismo , a long-wheelbase hatchback. In 2016, a plug-in hybrid drivetrain was first used in the 3 Series, in the 330e model. Also in 2016, a 3-cylinder engine

1705-474: The coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series , styles no longer included in the 3 Series. The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total car sales, and has won numerous awards throughout its history. The M version of the 3 series, M3 , debuted with the E30 M3 in 1986. The E21 replaced the 02 Series and was initially available as

BMW 3 Series (E46) - Misplaced Pages Continue

1760-458: The front bumper, and chromed exhaust tailpipes. Style 71, M-Double Spoke Split rim wheels were standard while 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. In September 2001,

1815-522: The globally marketed i4 . A facelift was revealed in May 2022, and launched in select markets in November 2022, for the 2023 model year. The M3 is the most performance oriented version of the 3 Series. It is designed and developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M . M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, and F30 (designated F80) 3 series and have been marketed with coupé , sedan and convertible body styles. Upgrades over

1870-544: The hatchback from the E36 platform. From the front bumper to the A-pillar , the E36/5 is identical to the E36 saloon. From the A-pillar back, the E36/5 is unique. Although the overall length of the E36/5 is approximately 200 millimetres (7.9 in) shorter than the rest of the E36 3 Series range, the length of the wheelbase is the same. The doors with framed windows are unique to the E36/5, rather than adopting those of

1925-608: The interior included leather Recaro bucket seats, removal of rear seats and special M3 GTR sill plates. 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). 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

1980-489: The production sedan's exterior, 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. 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

2035-522: 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. 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

2090-454: The range expanded over the years to include a four-cylinder compressed natural gas engine, four-cylinder diesel engines, and six-cylinder petrol engines. In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) inline-four BMW M42 engine. In 1996, in conjunction with making the car compliant with OBD-II , the M42

2145-480: 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 (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. Suspension was modified over the standard suspension with firmer springs and dampers, larger anti-roll bars, stronger front control arm ball joints,

2200-424: The ride/handling compromise of the saloon and coupe, with the Compact being more responsive (due to lighter weight) and more prone to oversteer (due to its different suspension), while also having a practical cargo hold. The pricing was also attractive, as the North American base price of the Compact (318ti) was $ 20,370 USD which undercut the next-cheapest BMW 3 Series (the 318i saloon) by $ 5070 USD. The E36 Compact

2255-457: The saloon/wagon remained available. The total production for 1993 to 1999 (ie excluding 2000, the final year of production) is 371,498. The 3 Series Compact was redesigned using the then-new E46 platform. This updated Compact has the model code E46/5. It was first presented at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, and went on sale in European markets in June 2001. As per the rest of the E46 range,

BMW 3 Series (E46) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2310-409: The separate model codes for each body style, the term "E9X" is sometimes used to describe this generation of the 3 Series. In 2006, the 335i became the first 3 Series model to be sold with a turbocharged gasoline engine. The E90 also saw the introduction of run-flat tires to the 3 Series range. Consequently, cars with run flats are not equipped with spare tires. The E90/E92/E93 M3 was powered by

2365-478: The vehicle were revealed a day prior to its unveiling. The seventh generation of the 3 Series is also offered as a station wagon. The more powerful M3 and M3 Competition variants were delivered globally starting in 2021. The G20 is the first 3 Series generation to bring an M3 Touring to market. Since 2022, it gained a battery electric version exclusive for the Chinese market as the i3 , sharing its powertrain with

2420-403: The wheelbase was increased by 25 mm (1.0 in). The overall length is also increased by 52 mm (2.0 in). The exterior styling has several differences to the rest of the E46 3 Series range, notably the distinctive headlights and tail-lights. There is a unique set of doors with framed windows for the E46/5, rather than adopting those of the E46 saloon/wagon or the frameless ones of

2475-485: The year, beating the Mercedes A-Class by over 4,000 registrations. *Figures since 2013 includes the BMW 4 Series BMW 3 Series Compact In 2004, the 3 Series Compact was replaced by the 1 Series which encompassed 3-door and 5-door hatchback , coupé and convertible body styles (the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the 2 Series since 2014) as BMW's entry-level cars;

2530-530: 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. 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. As per

2585-552: 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. The design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance. Design patents were filed in Germany on 16 July 1997 and in the US on 16 January 1998. Chris Bangle and Wolfgang Reitzle were responsible through 1995 for

2640-545: 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

2695-481: Was launched on the market at the end of April 1998 with customer deliveries. The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor. Aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components, in order to decrease unsprung mass . However, with a curb weight of 1,450 kg (3,197 lb), the E46 328ci is 55 kg (121 lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent. In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics ,

2750-641: Was popular in its home market in Europe, which prompted rival Mercedes-Benz to include a hatchback style for its C-Class lineup, known as the C-Class SportCoupé . Based on the success of the Saab 900 and Acura Integra , BMW imported the E36 Compact for North America in late 1994 (for the 1995 model year ) but ceased in 1999 after a comparatively short four-year run due to a combination of poor sales, and BMW's decision to phase out all four-cylinder vehicles in

2805-479: Was produced in Germany ( Leipzig , Munich and Regensburg ) and in South Africa ( Rosslyn ). Local assembly of complete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold in China, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Russia. The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide. The body styles of the range are: The shorter three-door hatchback version of

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2860-721: Was replaced by the 1.9-litre M44 engine. A large sunroof, covered by a folding canvas roof was available from mid-1995. This model was known as either the California Top Edition or the Open Air Edition . In September 1996 (for model year 1997), the 3 Series Compact received a facelift in line with the remainder of the E36 range. Changes included revised tail-lights, grille, bumpers and mirrors. * Bivalent drive: The 316g can run either on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG). 75 kW (102 PS) when running on gasoline. In 1996, to celebrate

2915-428: Was sold in the following body styles: sedan, coupé, convertible, wagon (marketed as "Touring"), and hatchback (marketed as " 3 Series Compact "). The Compact model, which was smaller than the traditional 4-door sedan version, was powered by the BMW's four-cylinder engines developed during the 1990s. The E36 was the second 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with

2970-487: Was the first 3 Series to be available in wagon and 4-door sedan body styles. It was also the first 3 Series to offer a diesel engine, and all-wheel drive was introduced to the 3 Series range with the 325iX model. The BMW Z1 roadster was based on the E30 platform. The first BMW M3 was built on the E30 platform. The E30 M3 is powered by the high-revving S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced 175 kW (235 hp) in its final European-only iteration. The E36

3025-453: Was used for the first time in a 3 Series. The M3 version (designated F80, the first time an M3 has used a separate model designation) was released in 2014 and is powered by the S55 twin-turbo straight-6 engine. Production ended in 2019 with the end of F31 Touring production in June. The BMW 3 Series (G20) was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show on 2 October 2018. The official images of

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