BMW E46 Overview Tech/Spec

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BMW E46

BMW E46

Manufacturer BMW

Production 1998–2005

Predecessor BMW E36

Successor BMW E90, E91, E92, E93

Class Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car

Body style(s) 2-door coupé

2-door convertible

3-door hatchback

4-door saloon

5-door estate

Layout FR layout/AWD

Engine(s) Otto- and diesel engines

I4, I6

1.8-3.2 L, 77-252 kW

Transmission(s) 5- and 6-speed manual

Sequential manual (SMG)

5-speed automatic

5-speed semi-automatic (Steptronic)

Length 4,471 mm (176.0 in)

Width 1,739 mm (68.5 in)

Height 1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Related BMW Z4

BMW X3

Rover 75

The E46 automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW's highly successful 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 compact hatchback, was revealed in 2001 to be sold in European and Australian markets.

In 2000, the E46 lineup received an engine boost when the new M54 engines appeared for Model Year 2001 cars; with the new 3.0 L 330 replacing the 328, BMW renamed the 2.5 L car the 325. Outside of the engine and exhaust upgrades, there were few cosmetic changes, the most noticeable being the 330 receiving silver accents on the front fascia.

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.

Despite being introduced last, the E46 compact was the first to be replaced when 1 Series was launched in September 2004. In mid-2005 the E46 sedans were phased out with the introduction of the new E90 saloons. The E46 touring was also replaced later that year with E91. The E46 remained in production as coupé, convertible and M3 until the E92 coupé and E93 convertible was revealed in late 2006. The new M3 coupé concept was later unveiled in March 2007 during Geneva Motor Show.

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 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.[1]

As a credit to the E46 platform, it was chosen for Car and Driver Magazine's "10 Best Cars" every year of its production. See Car and Driver Ten Best.

Contents

1 Engines

1.1 Petrol

1.2 Diesel

2 Design

3 Options

4 Special models

4.1 330 ZHP Performance Package (USA)

4.2 330 Clubsport Package (UK) (Later changed to M-SPORT)

4.3 ///M3 ZCP Competition Package (USA), M3 Clubsport (UK)

4.4 ///M3 CSL

5 Gallery

6 Notes

7 External links

Engines

Petrol

Model[2] Engine Production[3] Volume

cm³ Type[4] Power Torque 0-100 km/h[5]

316i M43B16 1998-2001 1596 I4, 8v 105 PS (104 hp/77 kW) 165 N·m (122 ft·lbf) 12.4 s

316i/ti N42B18 2001-2004 1796 I4, 16v 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) 175 N·m (129 ft·lbf) 10.9 s

N46B18 2004-2005

318i/Ci M43TUB19 1998-2001 1895 I4, 8v 118 PS (116 hp/87 kW) 180 N·m (133 ft·lbf) 10.4 s

318i/Ci/ti N42B20 2002-2003 1995 I4, 16v 143 PS (141 hp/105 kW) 200 N·m (148 ft·lbf) 9.3 s

N46B20 2004-2005

318Ci 2005-2007 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) 9.2 s

320i M52TUB20 1998-2000 1991 I6, 24v 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) 190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) 9.9 s

320i/Ci M52B22/M54B22 2001-2007 2171 I6, 24v 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) 210 N·m (155 ft·lbf) 8.2 s

323i/Ci M52TUB25 1998-2000 2494 I6, 24v 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) 8.0 s

325i/xi/Ci/ti M54B25 2001-2007 2494 I6, 24v 192 PS (189 hp/141 kW) 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) 7.2 s

328i/Ci M52TUB28 1998-2000 2793 I6, 24v 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) 7.0 s

330i/xi/Ci M54B30 2000-2007 2979 I6, 24v 231 PS (228 hp/170 kW) 300 N·m (221 ft·lbf) 6.5 s

330i/Ci ZHP M54B30 2003-2006 2979 I6, 24v 241 PS (238 hp/177 kW) 311 N·m (229 ft·lbf) 5.6 s

M3 S54B32 2001-2006 3246 I6, 24v 343 PS (338 hp/252 kW) 365 N·m (269 ft·lbf) 5.2 s

M3 CSL 2003-2004 360 PS (355 hp/265 kW) 370 N·m (273 ft·lbf) 4.9 s

Diesel

Model Engine Production Volume

cm³ Type Power Torque 0-100 km/h

318d/td M47D20 2001-2005 1951 I4, 16v 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) 265 N·m (195 ft·lbf) 10.7 s

320d M47D20 1999-2001 1951 I4, 16v 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) 9.9 s

320d/cd/td M47TUD20 2001-2007 1995 I4, 16v 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) 330 N·m (243 ft·lbf) 8.8 s

330d/xd/cd M57D30 1999-2003 2926 I6, 24v 184 PS (181 hp/135 kW) 390 N·m (288 ft·lbf) 7.8 s

M57TUD30 2004-2007 2993 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) 410 N·m (302 ft·lbf) 7.2 s

Design

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.

Options

The E46 came with over 10 different bodykits and over 20 different rims. Wheel sizes ranged from 16" 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 either 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), and a compass integrated into the rear view mirror.

Special models

330 ZHP Performance Package (USA)

2005 BMW 330Ci ZHPIn January 2003, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, BMW of North America introduced the 330i Performance Package, order code ZHP. This was a trim level upgrade that included engine modifications for an increase of 10 hp (7 kW) and 8 lb·ft (11 N·m) of torque and a redline increase to 6,800 rpm (from 6,500 in the regular 330i). The ZHP option also provided a 6-speed short-throw manual transmission, a higher final drive ratio and speed limiter setting, a suspension tuned for better handling, and various BMW M exterior trim elements as well as an interior similar to that of the M3. The color option of Imola Red replaces Electric Red when ordering with ZHP Performance Package, which is usually only available in the M-series. Europe received slightly more cosmetic upgrades with their version, the Clubsport Package available only for the 330Ci (Coupe) models. The ZHP package (a M car, but not a full M) helped BMW fill in a gap that was left after the departure of the 4Dr e36 M3 in 98, since the next generation e46 M3 was only available in coupe/conv form.

Specific details on the order package include:

Performance:

Tachometer with 300 rpm-higher redline and red needle

Lightweight flywheel

More aggressive camshaft

Free-flowing exhaust with 35 mm matte stainless steel dual exhaust pipes

3.07 final drive gear ratio in rear differential (open differential)

No 128 mph (206 km/h) governor (155 mph top speed).

Suspension:

Sport suspension with stiffer shocks

Reinforced right & left front lower control arms

.5 degrees of negative camber all around

Aesthetic:

Interior:

8-way power front sport seats with 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; 3-driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions; automatic tilt-down of passenger’s side-view mirror when vehicle is shifted into reverse gear

Alcantara/cloth upholstery (leather is available as an option)

Anthracite interior headliner (when ordered with black interior)

///M 3-spoke Alcantara-wrapped (perforated leather optional) multi-function sport steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and accessory phone controls

Short ///M shift knob

Aluminum “black/silver cube” interior trim

Exterior:

M-Tech II aerodynamic package

Double Spoke (Styling 135M) cast alloy wheels, 18 x 8.0 front, 18 x 8.5 rear;,225/40R-18 front, 255/35R-18 rear performance tires

High-gloss shadowline trim

The ZHP package was available on mid-2003 330i sedans, all 2004-2005 330i sedans, and mid 2004-2006 330Ci coupes & convertibles. It has become a highly sought-after model due to its unique modifications. Car and Driver magazine track-tested the car, which returned a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and passed through the 1/4 mile in 14.2 seconds.

330 Clubsport Package (UK) (Later changed to M-SPORT)

Similar to the US ZHP.

Special Clubsport (Euro Only)

Front bumper splitters

GT rear wing

Door sills

Clubsport Style 18" rims with 225/40R18 front, 255/35R18 rear performance tires

Exterior paint choices of Titanium Silver, and two "BMW Individual" colors Estoril Blue and Velvet Blue

///M3 ZCP Competition Package (USA), M3 Clubsport (UK)

2004 BMW ///M3 ZCPAlthough the M3 CSL was never exported to the United States, in 2005 BMW introduced an M3 Competition Package (a.k.a. Clubsport in the UK): a $4,000 option which offered a number of upgrades taken from M3 CSL. The package includes:

CSL 19-inch BBS spin-cast alloy wheels

Specially tuned spring rates for the Competition Package; this was carried over to all M3 production from 12/05 on.

CSL steering rack: More direct steering ratio of 14.5:1 (vs. standard M3's 15.4:1)

CSL's M-Track Mode DSC with a button mounted on the steering wheel (deletion of cruise control and steering wheel mounted radio controls)

Compound cross-drilled rotors from the M3 CSL model; larger front rotor of 13.6 inches (from 12.8 inches)

Alcantara steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake

Interlagos Blue exterior paint available as an exclusive color option.

Unique cube aluminum interior trim

Cruise Control Delete

///M3 CSL

2003 BMW ///M3 CSLBMW made a limited run (less than 1,400 units) of the M3 CSL (E46) machines between June and December 2003. The CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) received an aggressive weight reduction campaign, more power (up to 360 hp), and sharper handling characteristics than the standard M3, courtesy of larger anti-roll bars, stiffer spring rates, and semi-slick racing compound tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cups). From the exterior, the CSL is distinguished from its standard sibling with a different wheel design, larger integrated rear spoiler and a large air intake hole on the left side of the front bumper. Weight loss was achieved through use of a carbon-fiber roof, trunk lid made of sheet molding compound, lighter exhaust manifold, thinner rear glass, carbon fiber interior door panels and console, lightweight racing seats, removed sound insulation, and the removal of side air bags. The M3 CSL's engine differs from the M3 with different camshafts, carbon-fiber intake manifold and alpha-N engine management. Several other features available in a regular M3 as standard such as air conditioning and radio were also deleted, although these options could be added at the request of the owner. SMG II sequential manual gearbox was made standard. Owing to the small production run and the complications and expense of clearing DOT and EPA standards for the North American market, BMW never exported the CSL to the United States, although some parts from it were later made available on the regular M3 as part of an optional Competition Package.

While the CSL was comparable in performance to the Ferrari 360 at half the price, this version of the M3 is often criticized as being too racing-oriented and significantly more expensive than the standard model. With its design so highly focused on weight loss the CSL became less of the "every day car" that the M3 is known for. Another criticism was the unavailability of a manual gearbox as some purists did not find the SMG as satisfying as a traditional stick-shift. Aftermarket tuners like AC Schnitzer have also tweaked regular M3s to perform like the CSL, but at a much lower cost.

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