Is the E46 a sedan?
The E46 sedan was unveiled via press release on 11 November 1997 and was launched on the market at the end of April 1998 with customer deliveries. This model’s engineering has stood the test of time, and its versatility has prolonged its vaunted status among enthusiasts. Inevitably, those qualities have prompted high BMW E46 M3 prices on the used car market. Still, most pre-owned E46 M3 models are more affordable than a new M3.They call the fourth generation of their popular 3-Series the E46, which ran primarily between 1997 and 2006 in the coupe and convertible body styles.The BMW M3 E46 Coupé took the hearts of real sports car fans by storm when it launched in 2000. With a low weight construction and the high-rev concept of its inline 6-cylinder engine, for many it embodied a return to the virtues of the iconic BMW M3 E30.Whilst it is very probable that this will one day be considered a classic, the E46 M3 is now between 15 and 20 years old. We like to call this the ‘minefield phase’ here at The Car Investor.The “Big 3” (BMW E46 M3) The BMW E46 M3 with the S54 engine is an incredibly powerful and capable vehicle, but it has some notable points of failure. You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement.
What years are the E46 sedans?
Nonetheless, today we’ll review the fourth-generation 3 Series, codenamed the E46—which more or less matches the E30’s aura and stature. It was produced from 1997 to 2006 and was available in sedan, coupe, convertible, estate and hatchback body styles. BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) The four-door sedan was the standard body of the BMW 3 Series (E46). It served the sporty middle class and, thanks to its modern four and six-cylinder engines, quickly reached the top of its segment — almost 2 million sedans were sold.The BMW 507, produced from 1956 to 1959, is a two- seat roadster with an aluminum body and a 3. V8 engine. Only 252 units were made, making it one of the rarest BMW models. While praised for its design and engineering, it struggled commercially due to its high price at the time.
Is the 325i an E46?
The 325i was a variant of the E46 BMW 3 Series that was introduced for the 2001 model year. The M54, produced from 2000 to 2006, is often hailed as one of BMW’s most reliable engines. This inline-six engine is known for its smooth operation, impressive durability, and balance between performance and efficiency.The 325i engine has long been a favorite among BMW enthusiasts for its balance of power, smooth performance, and legendary durability. Whether in the iconic E30, the refined E36, or the modern E46, BMW’s M50 and M54 inline-six engines have proven to be some of the most reliable powerplants in their class.Best E46 For Everyday Performance: 330i ZHP Manual The 330i replaced the 328i for the 2001 model year and delivered outputs of 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. Two years later, the 330i ZHP, effectively a performance package, had its numbers bumped up to 235 hp/222 lb-ft.A powerful engine with a full stable of thoroughbred German horses. The BMW 330i comes equipped with a 2. BMW TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque; 48-volt mild-hybrid technology is also integrated.The BMW M5 is fitted with a 4. V8 which is paired to an electric motor. As standard it sends 727hp to all four wheels, but this car isn’t standard. It’s had an ECU tune, an intake, downpipes and a sport exhaust system fitted. The result is a whopping 1,020hp and 1,200Nm of torque.
What are the big three for an E46?
You will often hear people talk about “The Big 3” when it comes to maintenance on your E46. The Big 3 includes rod bearings, a rebuilt VANOS, and subframe reinforcement. As detailed above, the 2002 version is the troublemaker of the E46 M3 family. Skip this year due to its many engine problems and risk of major breakdowns.Best E46 Year For Reliability: 2001 Model We trawled through data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and found that the 2001 E46 3 Series racked up very few overall complaints and recalls.The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000.Best E46 Year For Reliability: 2001 Model We trawled through data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and found that the 2001 E46 3 Series racked up very few overall complaints and recalls.
Is the E46 a 3 Series?
Drive a well-preserved example of the fourth-generation 3-Series (‘E46’ in BMW speak) and you might be surprised to discover it was actually launched back in 1998, so modern are the basic elements of the driving experience. BMW M3 Sedan Other than the first-generation E30 M3 and third-generation model, BMW has always made a four-door sedan variant of the M3. It’s a pity that the E46 was skipped for this more practical body style, as many consider it the finest generation of the 3 Series and M3.AN M3 FOR THE MILLENNIUM. The BMW M3 E46 Coupé took the hearts of real sports car fans by storm when it launched in 2000. With a low weight construction and the high-rev concept of its inline 6-cylinder engine, for many it embodied a return to the virtues of the iconic BMW M3 E30.The smaller footprint and timeless styling of the E46 M3 make it a highly desirable M Series car. The E46 M3 had substantial sales, and plenty of well-kept vehicles are still available, with an average sales price of around $30,000.It’s always uncommon to see an Individual BMW, yet seeing a Ruby Red Metallic E46 M3 is downright rare. Allegedly, only around 25 buyers were willing to spec their new E46 with Ruby Red through BMW Individual, and the left-hand-drive examples were in the single digits.
Why was the E46 banned?
However, controversy surrounded the car’s dominance, as it was later revealed that BMW had exploited a loophole in the rules to gain an unfair advantage. As a result, the car was eventually banned from competition. Despite its short-lived racing career, the E46 GTR remains a highly sought-after and iconic BMW race car. In 2000, BMW of North America, in conjunction with PTG, built six BMW E46 M3 race cars. Four ran with six-cylinder engines and two used the 4. M5 S62 V8s, each of them combined with specially developed carbon fiber bodywork.It concerns the development, deployment, and short-lived success of an ice-cold racer, the V8-powered E46 BMW M3 GTR, and the team that ran BMW North America’s (NA) M3 GT racing cars, Prototype Technology Group (PTG).BMW M3 GTR (E46) The BMW M3 GTR was a road-going version of the BMW M3 GTR racing car. It was launched as a small series of just ten vehicles and was primarily used to homologate the new V8 engine (P60B40).Buying A BMW M3 GTR Street Version In 2025 Even though the M3 GTR Street is the rarest production BMW of all time, chances are you have driven one.
Which is better, E36 or E46?
Comparing the two, there’s no doubt that the E46 was given the better cabin space. The E36 has an almost utilitarian layout that feels far more dated than the E46’s, which holds up better today. The much-rounder M3 has an interior to match with flowing lines and reduced button count, even by today’s standards. An M automobile never lacks for clear distinguishing features. As with the iconic M3 E30, the M3 E46 is immediately recognisable as the premium model in its series thanks to numerous details.