As a BMW, the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series celebrates, BMWblog Explore the history of the model and its contribution to the success of the car manufacturer. We have already looked at the first three generations – the E21, the E30 and the E36. The E30 may drop below the three because it significantly expanded the customer base of the 3 Series. In addition, the E30 M3, which is a homologation specialties, is a coveted classic.
Nevertheless, today we are checked the fourth generation 3, which the E46 corresponds to with the code name of the E46-, which more or less corresponds to the aura and stature of the E30. It was produced from 1997 to 2006 and was available in limousine, coupé, convertible, discount and assembly styles. However, the Range-Top-M3 was only offered as a coupé or convertible (the E36 also had an M3 sedan). Remarkably, the all -wheel drive on the E46 was reintroduced after it was absent in the E36.
E46: The most successful BMW 3 series
The E46 had significant mechanical improvements to its predecessor. For example, his chassis was 70 percent stiffer than the E36, which led to better security, handling and performance. In addition, the suspension, transmission and drive trains were improved. There was also the use of electronics with characteristics such as satellite navigation, LED delights and advanced security systems.
The design of the E46 3 series is an interesting case in the history of BMW, since it corresponds to a perfect balance between evolution and modernization and at the same time maintained the signature aesthetics of the brand. Although Chris Bangle was already BMW’s design manager at the end of the 1990s, the E46 was largely the work of Erik Goplen, the main designer of the Californian design studio of BMW, Designwork USA. The E46 followed a conservative design approach and refined the clear lines of the E36 and at the same time modernized the proportions and details. In contrast to later BMWs from the brackets from the banging time, which became more radical (like the E65 7 series with its controversial “flame surfaces”), the E46 remained loyal to the traditional styling of BMW.
Not much strength, but a lot of fun
As far as the technical data is concerned, the entry-level variants were undermined by today’s standards, with the 316i £ 114 and £ 129 running from 0 to 60 miles per hour in almost 11 seconds. But the 325i offered a more respectable 189 hp and 181 pound foot torque and a time of 0 to 60 miles per hour of 8.5 seconds. In the meantime, the 328i produced 225 hp and 214 pound foot torque and reached a time of 0 to 60 miles per hour for 6 seconds.
Regardless of the drive train, the E46 was exceptionally fun, and it is no surprise that it is the best -selling 3 ever with 3.2 million deliveries. For comparison, its predecessor, the E36, had a production run of 2.7 million, while his successor, the E90, reached 3 million units.
E46 M3: exclusivity, performance and inheritance
The E46 M3 packed the S54-Straight-Six engine, which also competed in the Z3 m and the Z4 m. The engine produced 338 hp and 269 pound foot torque and was either available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG II transmission. The time from 0 to 60 miles per hour was less than 5 seconds. Interestingly, the special edition M3-CSL had an additional performance of 17 hp and weighed a further output of 110 kilograms less than the basic M3 due to upgrades such as a carbon fiber roof and a thin-walled exhaust system. As a result, it exceeded the Ferrari 360 challenge around the Nurburgring with a lap time of 7 minutes 50 seconds. The production of the CSL was limited to only 1,383 units.
The homologation -specific E46 M3 GTR would be even less common than the M3 CSL, of which only 10 units were planned (€ 250,000 each). It was powered by a V8 engine (a premiere for the M3), which produced 346 hp and £ 269 pound and had a top speed of 183 miles per hour. Ironically, between 2000 and 2006, despite the exclusivity of the CSL and the GTR, a total of 85,000 E46 M3 (56.133 coupes and 29,633 Cabriolbles) were built, which makes it the most popular BMW model of all time.
So everyone said and did that we would come to the conclusion that the E46 is one of the most important vehicles that BMW has ever produced – the criticism was celebrated, commercially successful and above all, loved and admired by the most passionate followers in the brand.
