BMW 3 Series - E46

The E46 is the fourth generation of BMW's 3 Series entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. The sedan was introduced in 1998 and replaced the E36 sedan the same year. The touring and coupé models appeared in 1999 with BMW's newly designed steptronic transmissions (available in all 3 series models), and the convertible and M3 later in 2000. The E46 Compact, a 3-door hatchback, was revealed in 2001 to be sold in European and Australian markets.

Also in 2000, the E46 lineup expanded to include the new (model year) 2001 M3 Coupe. The M3 only came in a coupe and convertible (model year 2002) platform, with either a 6 speed manual or SMG transmission. Unlike its predecessor, the E46 M3 shared very few parts with the standard 3 series. The exteriors of the two cars only shared the doors, roof, and trunk. The exterior of the M3 had wider fenders and "M styled" bumpers, side skirts, mirrors, a protruding hood, spoiler, and the new tradition of M marked grills on the front fenders and four exhaust pipes. The interior of the M3 was accented with an M steering wheel, seats, rear view mirror, and instrument cluster.

The first major overhaul occurred when the E46 sedan underwent a facelift in 2002, which included re-designed headlights, new bumpers and a stiffer chassis. Also, the 316i and 318i models received new, more powerful engines. Then in 2004 the coupe and convertible had a facelift which included new headlights, new front wings and bumpers, new selections in exterior colour, and redesigned sidemarker lights and LED tail lights. The M3s got a much more mild facelift that same year, with the inclusion of the updated boot and LED tail lights from the coupe/convertible.

The E46 experienced enormous success in all markets and was widely considered the performance benchmark of its class. The record year for the E46 was 2002, when 56,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.

BMW E46 Design Features

The BMW E46 was an evolution from its predecessor, the E36. Many of the lines and the over all exterior shape was taken from the E36, but was upgraded to a more rounded, aerodynamic shape, similar to many of the "rounded" designs of the mid to late '90s. Many features were passed along from the E36, including the shape of the rear view mirrors, side molding trim, center arm rest, the steering wheel, gauges, and the design of the front and rear seats. With an exception to the tail lamp shape, most of the lines are similar to the E36, the only difference being that the edges and corners have a more round look. Wheels have also been upgraded to a more modern look with larger rims and low-profile tires. Inside, not much resembles the E36's interior. The shape of the dash, trim, and center console are almost identical to the BMW e38 and e39, and it shares many of the same parts that seem to have been tricked down from the 7 to the 5 to the 3 series.

BMW E46 Options and Extras

The E46 came with over 10 different bodykits and over 20 different rims. Wheel sizes ranged from 15" for the base models, 17" for the sports package, 18" for the performance package, and optional 19" rims for the M3. Inside, seats were offered with fabric, synthetic leatherette or authentic leather.

The cold weather package included a ski-bag, headlamp washers, and heated seats. The sports package included bolstered seats with power lumbar support, a 3 spoke steering wheel (standard on the coupe), 17" staggered rims, and sport suspension (also standard on the coupe). The premium package included rain sensing windshield wipers, wood grain, power seats, an auto dimming rear view mirror, and leather seats.

Other miscellaneous options included a navigation system (in 2002 it was upgraded to a wider 16x9 screen), floor mats, universal garage door opener, mud flaps, exterior sport bumpers (the M Aero and M Sport kits), cell phone preparation and handsfree, and a compass integrated into the rear view mirror.

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