Class Entry-level luxury car | Production 1998 - 2006 | |
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Assembly Germany: LeipzigGermany: MunichGermany: RegensburgChina: Shenyang (BBA)Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG)Indonesia: JakartaMalaysia: Shah Alam (AMIM)Mexico: TolucaRussia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)South Africa: Rosslyn Designer Erik Goplen, Chris Bangle Body style 2-door coupé2-door convertible4-door sedan5-door station wagon3-door hatchback | ||
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:
Contents
- Development
- Chassis
- Electronics
- Manual transmissions
- Automatic transmissions
- E465 hatchback
- Performance package ZHP
- 325i SULEV
- Motorsport
- Gallery
- References
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 ("xDrive") 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 use "angel eye" headlights and 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.
Development
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.
Chassis
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.
In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics, the E46 was released with a front engine rear-wheel drive layout and 50/50 weight distribution.
Electronics
Since the production had started, the entire in-car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) is based on a very flexible automotive computer system. As a result, the E46 models can all be easily upgraded with the newest BMW technologies including BMW's Bluetooth System, the DVD based Navigation system, as well as BMW's CD changers that play MP3s
Manual transmissions
Automatic transmissions
E46/5 hatchback
The hatchback version was marketed as the BMW 3 Series Compact.
Performance package (ZHP)
The Performance Package was an inclusive option sold in North America, which was labelled the ZHP option code in the USA and ZAM in Canada. It was available for sedans from model years 2003 to 2005, and available for coupes 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 cam shafts and more aggressive engine tuning to increase power from 225 hp (168 kW) to 235 hp (175 kW). 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, and slightly more negative camber. Car and Driver magazine track-tested the car, which returned a 0–60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and passed through the 1/4 mile in 14.3 seconds.
325i SULEV
BMW introduced a super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) into the selected regions of the United States to meet stricter emission standards. California, New York, and Massachusetts received the SULEV E46's in 2003, and Vermont in 2004. They received a variant of the M54 engine, 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 as its M54 counterpart.
Motorsport
Andy Priaulx was the champion of the 2004 European Touring Car Championship season and 2005 World Touring Car Championship season driving a 320i. Franz Engstler won the 2006 Asian Touring Car Championship season in a 320i.
The car has further competed in the British Touring Car Championship, the European Touring Car Cup and the Russian Touring Car Championship.