|
BMW Buyer's Guide
BMW 3 series E46 Specs & Information
The fourth generation of BMW’s 3 series is the E46 which was released in 1999. The BMW E46 3 Series was launched starting with the 323i and the 328i saloons. These models were quite different in style than the previous 3 Series the E36.
The E46 was also larger than its predecessor, the E36 3 series . This time its wheelbase was increased to 107.3” with overall of 176’’ which allowed the E46 to have 50/50%, -perfect weight distribution. As the E46 had its wheelbase increased, the rear seats got roomier. At the same time, curtain airbags became available to enhance safety.By the 2000 model year the two door coupe models, the 323Ci and the 328Ci were introduced. That same year a convertible version of the 323Cic was launched. The following year the E46 was again upgraded by BMW. The 325i with a 184 hp engine, and the 2.8 liter 328 was changed into the 330i with a 3.0 liter which had 225 hp. The convertible models were fitted with both ,the 2.3 and 3 liter engines, although the wagons only offering remained the 2.5 liter.By 2003 consumers were given the option to have the DVD-based navigation system for the 3 Series. |
|
The 323i and 328i were available till 2000 from 2001 on the 325 and 330i models took over with better torque and horsepower ratings.
The 2003 model of the E46 Coupe and Convertible were given several enhancements incuding, wider kidney grilles, new style bumper and side indicators, optional Adaptive Front Headlights and larger light housing, new rear light cluster using LED technology, color coded Park Distance Control sensors on new designed rear apron, six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox for the 330i and 325i coupe and convertible, wider boot grab handle for the Coupe, Dyanamic Stability Control (DSC) and six-speed manual transmission for the 330Ci coupe and convertible, 330i sedans. An other option was introduced for the 330i BMW sedan the ZHP, performance package, this package greatly enhanced the 330i with a slight HP and torque increase and 6800 rpm redline.Sport suspension, sport exhaust, higher final drive ratio, a short throw 6 speed manual transmission, 18” double spoke wheels and some exterior and interior elements like alcantara leather completely refreshed this vehicle, most of the design was done by BMW s Motorsport division, these vehicles tend to hold their value better than the average 330i BMW as well.0-60 performance came down to 5.6seconds with a ¼ mile time of 14.2 seconds. |
 |
Model #
- City/Highway
- 0-60
- Top speed
- Transmission
- Engine
- Curb Weight
- Horse Power
- Torque
- Final drive
- wheels
|
325i
- 18/27mpg
- 7.1sec
- 128mph
- auto and
- 2.5 24v i6
- 3219lbs
- 184/6000rpm
- 175/3500rpm
- 3.15:1
- staggered
|
330i
- 17/25mpg
- 6.4sec
- 135mph
- manual
- 3.0 24v i6
- 3285lbs
- 225/5900rpm
- 214/3500rpm
- 2,93;1
- staggered
|
The E46 M3 motorsport version was introduced to the US market in 2001. The last E46 3 Series rolled off the production line in 2006 to give way to the leatest generation the E90 3 series and it's variants the E91 coupe, E92 convertible and wagon called E93.
Driving impressions: One of my favorite cars, specially the 330i models with sport or performance package ZHP. The E46 3 Series BMW's are well known for their perfect balance "handling" great performance, and reliability, fun cars with good gas mileage, and timeless design.
I think most of us BMW fans think that the E46 isone of the last true BMW designs, not to say that I don't like the new e90 BMW, but I think a little something got lost from the unique interiors.
If you are looking for an e46 for sale make sure you check our inventory as we usualy have a couple of these BMW s for sale.
Below you can watch the video about the assembly of the BMW e46 3 series cars. |
|
|
|
|
|