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3 Series (E46)

1998-2006
M5 (E39)
M5 (E39)1998-2003
110/175
A21999-2005
A2
BMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Front 3/4 viewBMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Front viewBMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Side viewBMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Rear 3/4 viewBMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Rear viewBMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Dashboard viewBMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Interior viewBMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Detail view
Front 3/4

Widely considered the finest 3 Series ever made. The E46 achieved a balance of ride, handling, and build quality that subsequent generations have struggled to match.

History

The E46 M3's S54 engine — 343 hp from a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six — is regarded as one of the greatest engines BMW ever built. The CSL variant, stripped to 1,385 kg, was the ultimate expression.

Timeline

1998Production begins
2006Production ends

Production & Heritage

Production Total3,266,842
DesignerErik Goplen
Production Period1998-2006
Estimated Value$12K-$40K

Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.

Technical Specifications

Engine2.5L Inline-6 (M54)
Power192 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque245 Nm
0-60 mph7 sec
Top Speed240 km/h
Transmission5-speed manual (Getrag)
DrivetrainRWD
Weight1,370 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.31
BodySteel unibody monocoque

Engine Details

Engine CodeM54B25
Displacement2.5L (2,494 cc)
Bore x Stroke84 x 75 mm
Compression10.5
Valves24
Fuel SystemSequential multipoint fuel injection
Engine ManagementSiemens MS43

Performance

0-100 km/h7.3 sec
0-60 mph7 sec
Top Speed240 km/h
Fuel Economy8.4 l/100km combined
Weight-to-Power7.1 kg/hp

Dimensions

Length4,471 mm
Width1,739 mm
Height1,415 mm
Wheelbase2,725 mm

Chassis & Suspension

Front SuspensionMacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionMulti-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front BrakesVentilated discs 300mm
Rear BrakesVentilated discs 294mm
SteeringRack and pinion, hydraulic power-assisted
Tires205/55 R16
Wheels7J x 16
Stability SystemsABS, DSC, CBC, DBC

Drivetrain

Gear Ratios1st 4.21, 2nd 2.49, 3rd 1.67, 4th 1.24, 5th 1.00
Final Drive3.15

Capacity

Fuel Tank63 L
Trunk Volume440 L
Doors4
Seats5

Source: BMW AG / Wikipedia

Tags

Inline-4Inline-5Inline-6Naturally AspiratedRWD1990sManual Gearbox

Designed by Erik Goplen

From the 1990s

Featured in

The E30 M3: How BMW Built the Perfect Homologation Special

References & Sources

wikipedia.org
Wikipedia: BMW E46wikipedia.org
bmw.com
BMW 3 Series Heritagebmw.com

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