BMW 3 Series (E46)

BMW 3 Series (E46)
BMW 3 Series (E46)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Model code	E46
Production	December 1997 – August 2006
Model years	1999–2005 (North America)
Assembly	Germany: Leipzig; Munich; Regensburg; South Africa: Rosslyn (BMW SA); China: Shenyang (BBA); Mexico: Toluca (BMW Mexico); Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor); Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor); Malaysia: Shah Alam (AMIM); Egypt: 6th of October City (BAG);
Designer	Chris Bangle, Wolfgang Reitzle (sedan); Erik Goplen (coupe, convertible, station wagon)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car (D)
Body style	2-door coupé; 2-door convertible; 3-door hatchback; 4-door sedan; 5-door wagon;
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive; Front-engine, all-wheel-drive ("xi/xd" sedan/wagon models only);
Related	BMW M3 (E46); BMW 3 Series Compact; BMW Z4 (E85); BMW X3 (E83); Alpina B3 E46
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol:; 1.6–2.0 L M43/N42/N46 I4; 2.0–3.2 L M52/M54/S54 I6; Diesel:; 2.0 L M47 I4; 2.9–3.0 L M57 I6;
Transmission	5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic; 6 speed SMG-II;
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,725 mm (107.3 in)
Length	4,470 mm (176.0 in) (sedan); 4,480 mm (176.4 in) (wagon); 4,490 mm (176.8 in) (coupe/convertible);
Width	1,740 mm (68.5 in) (sedan/wagon); 1,760–1,780 mm (69.3–70.1 in) (coupe/convertible);
Height	1,410–1,430 mm (55.5–56.3 in) (sedan/wagon); 1,360–1,370 mm (53.5–53.9 in) (coupe/convertible);
Curb weight	1,285–1,655 kg (2,833–3,649 lb) (sedan); 1,365–1,785 kg (3,009–3,935 lb) (wagon); 1,285–1,555 kg (2,833–3,428 lb) (coupe); 1,465–1,635 kg (3,230–3,605 lb) (convertible);
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW 3 Series (E36)
Successor	BMW 3 Series (E90)

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. It was introduced in November 1997, and available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.

The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.

The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.