BMW 3 Series (E46) explained

Manufacturer:BMW
BMW 3 Series (E46)
Production:December 1997 – August 2006
Model Years:1999–2006 (North America)
Designer:Chris Bangle, Wolfgang Reitzle (sedan)[1]
Erik Goplen (coupe, convertible, station wagon)[2]
Class:Compact executive car (D)
Related:BMW M3 (E46)
BMW 3 Series Compact
BMW Z4 (E85)
BMW X3 (E83)
Alpina B3 E46
Wheelbase:27251NaN1
Weight:[3] [4]
Predecessor:BMW 3 Series (E36)
Successor:BMW 3 Series (E90)

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.[5]

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.[6]

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.[7] In late 1993, design work began under the lead of chief designer Chris Bangle and continued into 1995.[8] 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.[9] [10] [11] 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[12] and in the US on 16 January 1998.[13]

Chris Bangle and Wolfgang Reitzle were responsible through 1995 for the production sedan's exterior,[14] [15] 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.[16] 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 was launched on the market at the end of April 1998 with customer deliveries.[17]

Chassis

The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor.[18] Aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components, in order to decrease unsprung mass. However, with a curb weight of 14500NaN0,[19] [20] the E46 328ci is 55kg (121lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent.[21] [22]

In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics,[23] the E46 was initially available with a rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution.[24] All-wheel drive, which was last available in the 3 Series in 1991,[25] was reintroduced for the E46 on the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd models.[26] [27]

Electronics

The electronic components in the E46 are more integrated than previous generations of 3 Series, including the use of a CAN bus system.[28] Drivetrain information (such as engine, transmission and stability control) is communicated using the CAN bus.[29] [30] Vehicle electronics (such as the radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate to each other via the K-bus.[31]

The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using Valvetronic (variable valve lift).[32] 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.[33] [34] [35]

Production and sales

The E46 was produced in Germany (Leipzig, Munich and Regensburg) and in South Africa (Rosslyn).[36] Local assembly of complete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold in China, Egypt,[37] Indonesia, Malaysia,[38] Mexico,[39] Thailand[40] and Russia.[41]

The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.[42]

Body styles

The body styles of the range are:

3 Series Compact (E46/5)

The shorter three-door hatchback version of 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.[51] Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio.[52]

Engines

Factory specifications are listed below.[53] 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

ModelYears Engine Power Torque
316i 1999–2001 1.9 L M43B19 inline-4 770NaN01650NaN0
2001–2004 1.6 L N40B16 inline-4 860NaN0 1500NaN0
2001–2004 1.8 L N42B18 inline-4 850NaN01750NaN0
2004–2005 1.8 L N46B18 inline-4 850NaN01750NaN0
318i 1998–2001 1.9 L M43B19 inline-4 870NaN01800NaN0
2001–2005 2.0 L N42B20 inline-4 1050NaN02000NaN0
2003–2006 2.0 L N46B20 inline-4 1120NaN02000NaN0
320i 1998–2000 2.0 L M52TÜB20 inline-6 1100NaN01900NaN0
2000–2006 2.2 L M54B22 inline-6 1250NaN02100NaN0
323i 1998–2000 2.5 L M52TÜB25 inline-6 1260NaN02450NaN0
325i (EU) 2001–2006 2.5 L M54B25 inline-6 1410NaN02450NaN0
325i (US) 1370NaN02370NaN0
328i 1998–2000 2.8 L M52TÜB28 inline-6 1420NaN02800NaN0
330i (EU) 2000–2006 3.0 L M54B30 inline-6 1700NaN03000NaN0
330i (US) 1680NaN02900NaN0
330i ZHP 2003–2006 1750NaN03010NaN0
M3 (EU) 2000–2006 3.2 L S54B32 inline-6 2520NaN03650NaN0
M3 (US) 2480NaN03550NaN0
M3 CSL 2003–20043.2 L S54B32HP inline-62650NaN03700NaN0

Diesel

Model Years Engine Power Torque
318d 2001–2003 2.0 L M47D20 inline-4850NaN02650NaN0
2003–2005 2.0 L M47TÜD20 inline-4 850NaN02800NaN0
320d 1998–2001 2.0 L M47D20 inline-4 1000NaN02800NaN0
2001–2006 2.0 L M47TÜD20 inline-4 1100NaN03300NaN0
330d 1999–2002 3.0 L M57D30 inline-6 1350NaN03900NaN0
2003–2005 3.0 L M57TÜD30 inline-6 1500NaN0 4100NaN0

Drivetrain

Manual transmissions

Automatic transmissions

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 center console with carbon fiber pieces.[65]

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.[66] 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 380hp at 7,000 rpm.[67] [68] 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.[69]

Alpina models

See main article: Alpina.

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).[70] 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 as well as a shorter final drive gear ratio, and a corresponding increase in redline from 6,500 rpm to 6,800 rpm.[71] 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 0–600NaN0 acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 14.3 seconds.[72]

325i SULEV

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 the SULEV E46's in 2003, and Vermont in 2004.[73] 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.

320Ci/325Ci/330Ci Clubsport

The Clubsport package was available only for the 320Ci/325Ci/330Ci M-Sport models in 2002 and came in these colors: 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 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.

Model year changes

2000

2001 facelift

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

2003

In March 2003, the facelift versions of the coupe and convertible models (except M3) were released for the 2004 model year.

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.

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

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.

Notes and References

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