BMW 3 Series (E46)
| BMW 3 Series (E46) |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1998–2006 |
| Assembly | Germany: Leipzig Germany: Munich Germany: Regensburg China: Shenyang (BBA) Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG) Indonesia: Jakarta Malaysia: Shah Alam (AMIM) Mexico: Toluca Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) South Africa: Rosslyn |
| Designer | Erik Goplen, Chris Bangle |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Entry-level luxury car |
| Body style | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 3-door hatchback |
| Layout |
FR layout, F4 layout (xi models) |
| Related |
BMW M3 BMW X3 (E83) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8–2.0 L M43/N42/N46 I4 2.0 L M47 I4 diesel 2.0–3.2 L M52/M54/S54 I6 2.9–3.0 L M57 I6 diesel 4.0 L P60 v8 |
| 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) Cabrio & coupe: 71.3 in (1,811 mm) |
| Height | 55.5–56.5 in (1,410–1,435 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 3 Series (E36) |
| Successor | BMW 3 Series (E90) |
The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury cars, and was produced from 1998 to 2006. The body styles of the range are:
The BMW E90 began to replace the E46 sedans in late 2004, however the E46 coupe and convertible body styles remained in production until 2006.
All-wheel drive became available in the 3 Series again, after a break of 18 years. It was available for the 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models. The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using variable valve lift ("valvetronic"). 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 highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.
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.
In May 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. Based on the E36 body shell, the design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance. Design patents were filed in Germany on July 16, 1997 and in the US on January 16, 1998.
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.
The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor, and 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 kilograms (121 lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent.
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