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BMW E46
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The E46 automobile platform 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.
In 2000, the E46 lineup expanded to include the new (model year) 2001 M3 Coupe.
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The E46 automobile platform 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.
In 2000, the E46 lineup expanded to include the new (model year) 2001 M3 Coupe. The M only came in a coupe and later convertible (for 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 M has 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.
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.
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.
Engines
Petrol
| Model | Engine | Production | Volume
cc | Type | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h |
|---|
| 316i | M43B16 | cod 164E3 | 1596 | I4, 8v | | | 12.7 s | | 316i | M43TUB19 | 1998-2001 | 1895 | I4, 8v | | | 12.4 s | | 316i/ti | N42B18 | 2001-2004 | 1796 | I4, 16v | | | 10.9 s | | N46B18 | 2004-2005 | | 318i/Ci | M43TUB19 | 1998-2001 | 1895 | I4, 8v | | | 10.4 s | | 318i/Ci/ti | N42B20 | 2002-2003 | 1995 | I4, 16v | | | 9.3 s | | N46B20 | 2004-2005 | | 318Ci | 2005-2007 | | 9.2 s | | 320i | M52TUB20 | 1998-2000 | 1991 | I6, 24v | | | 9.9 s | | 320i/Ci | M52B22/M54B22 | 2001-2007 | 2171 | | | 8.2 s | | 323i/Ci | M52TUB25 | 1998-2000 | 2494 | | | 8.0 s | | 325i/xi/Ci/ti (US) | M54B25 | 2001-2005 | | | 7.3 s | | 325i/Ci SULEV (US) | M56B25 | 2002-2005 | | | 7.3 s | | 325i/xi/Ci/ti (EUR) | M54TUB25 | 2001-2007 | 2494 | | | 7.2 s | | 328i/Ci | M52TUB28 | 1998-2000 | 2793 | | | 6.6 s | | 330i/xi/Ci | M54B30 | 2000-2007 | 2979 | | | 6.3 s | | 330i/Ci ZHP (US Only) | 2003-2006 | | | 5.8 s | | M3 (US) | S54B32 | 2001-2006 | 3246 | | | 5.0 s | | M3 (EUR) | 2001-2006 | | | 4.8 s | | M3 CSL | 2003-2004 | | | 4.8 s | | M3 GTR (Street) | | 2001 | 3997 | V8, 32v | | | | | M3 GTR (Race) | 2001-2005 | | | |
Diesel
| Model | Engine | Production | Volume
cm³ | Type | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h |
|---|
| 318d/td | M47D20 | 2001-2005 | 1951 | I4, 16v | | | 10.7 s | | 320d | M47D20 | 1999-2001 | 1951 | I4, 16v | | | 9.9 s | | 320d/cd/td | M47TUD20 | 2001-2007 | 1995 | I4, 16v | | | 8.8 s | |
| 330d/xd/cd | M57D30 | 1999-2003 | 2926 | I6, 24v | | | 7.8 s | | M57TUD30 | 2004-2007 | 2993 | | | 7.2 s | |
Changes by (BMWNA) Model Year
1999
The 1999 E46 sedan was introduced in late 1998, other body styles were not yet available. Buyers were given the option of purchasing either a 323i or 328i with either manual, automatic, or steptronic transmission. The higher trim sedan exteriors were distinguished by their chromed window borders and front grill inserts.
2000
The E46 coupe and touring models were introduced. Automatic transmissions were phased out and the steptronic transmission replaced the automatic option. Coupes were denoted with a 'Ci' following the model number.
2001
The E46 convertible and BMW M3 coupe were introduced. The non-M E46 lineup received an engine boost with the new M54 engines; with the new 3.0 L 330 replacing the 328, BMW renamed the 2.5 L car the 325. The exhausts now had dual piping from the catalytic converter to the muffler. The steptronic equipped vehicles had their manual shift direction switched to match BMW's SMG.
Cosmetically, the higher trim 330 E46 received minor updates inside and out to distinguish it from its 325 counterpart. Silver accenting was added to the front fascia (specifically the headlight inserts and bumper trim), the muffler now featured chrome exhaust tips, and for both trims the cellular antenna previously protruding from the roof was now embedded into the rear window. The interior of all trims featured a new round airbag/steering wheel, a new climate control cluster to "remember" fan settings after a restart, updated radio to include a clock, and for the 330 trim level silver accent rings around the various gauges in the heads up display.
In regards to options, the navigation system now included a 16:9 wide screen display, satellite radio was available which included a "shark fin" styled antenna on the roof, and the coupe sports package now included upgraded front and rear light fixtures without amber coloring,
2002
The BMW M3 convertible is introduced. The sedans received the first major face lift which included re-designed headlights and taillights, new front fenders and sidemarkers, new front and rear bumpers, a new hood, and a stiffer chassis. The coupes received a minor update, the front bumpers were now fully color matched, replacing the black trim pieces in the background.
Overseas, the 316i and 318i models received new, more powerful engines.
2003
The E46 was now available with optional 18 inch rims. The BMW M3 included a standard front strut bar.
2004
The coupes and convertibles followed suit and received a major face lift which included re-designed headlights and LED taillights, new front and rear bumpers, new front fenders and sidemarkers, and a new trunk. On top of the automatic transmission option, the transmission could be further upgraded to an SMG transmission with paddle shifting. The M received the same LED taillights and updated trunk as the standard coupes and convertibles.
The ZHP Package was introduced for sedans.
2005
The ZHP Package was introduced for standard coupes and convertibles.
2006
The sedan is phased out for its successor, the E90.
2007
The coupe and convertible are phased out for their successor, the E92 and E93.
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 wheels 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 trickled down from the 7 to the 5 to the 3 series.
Options
The E46 came with over 10 different bodykits and over 20 different wheels. Wheel sizes ranged from 15" for the base models, 17" for the sports package, 18" for the performance package, and optional 19" wheels 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 wheels, 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.
Special models
Xi (AWD Models)
With the introduction of the Xi models in 2001, BMW brought back AWD which hadn't been an option in the 3-series since 1991 when the E30 325iX was discontinued. BMW produced the 325Xi and 330Xi in the US between 2001-2005, but only in Sedan (4-door) trim.
The AWD models were well received by reviewers for giving customers in severe winter climates the option of an AWD 3-series. At the same time, the Xi was criticized for it's added weight, slower acceleration, decreased gas mileage, softer suspension, and poor O.E. tires. The center transfer case which is locked at a 38% front and 62% rear torque split paled in comparison to Audi's Quattro AWD system when used in winter conditions. In comparison to the BMWs constant torque split, the Quattro system uses a superior Torsen style center limited-slip differential.
The transfer case used in all BMW E46 Xi models is manufactured by New Venture Gear, Inc., which is owned by Magna Powertrain. The NV 124 transfer case used in the E46 Xi models is a full-time four-wheel-drive gear driven transfer case.
The Xi models have a permanent front/rear 38:62 torque split which differs from the E46's successor, the E9X, which incorporated BMW's new xDrive platform. Both the front and rear differentials in the E46 Xi are open differentials which are aided by DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) to control wheel spin and oversteer/understeer.
330 Clubsport Package (UK)
This package lacks the BMW Performance Engine Kit which is included with the US ZHP however the UK 330i engines already have a slightly higher power/torque rating than the USA model at 231bhp and 221lb/ft. The suspension is the same as the ZHP and is labelled M-Sport Suspension II.
- Special Clubsport (Euro Only)
- Front bumper splitters
- GT rear wing
- Door sills
- Clubsport Style 18" wheels 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
- 20kg of sound deadening removed to lighten the vehicle and increase the engine sound inside the car
The Clubsport Package is not to be confused with the M-Sport package.
330 ZHP Performance Package (USA)
In January 2003, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, BMW of North America introduced the 330i Performance Package, order code ZHP. The package was available for the E46 platform beginning with mid-2003 330i sedans, and the following year for 330Ci coupes & convertibles. This was a trim-level upgrade that included engine, suspension, and aesthetic upgrades. The color option of Imola Red replaces Electric Red when ordered with ZHP Performance Package, otherwise only available in the M-series. The ZHP package helped BMW fill the gap from the departure of the four-door E36 M3 in 1998, as the E46 M3 was only available in coupe and convertible form.
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.
Specific details on the order package include:
Performance
- An increase of , of torque
- Lightweight flywheel
- More aggressive camshaft
- Free-flowing exhaust with 35 mm matte stainless steel dual exhaust pipes
- 6-speed short-throw manual transmission
- 3.07 final drive gear ratio in rear differential
- Tachometer with a 300 rpm-higher redline increase to 6,800 rpm (from 6,500 in the standard 330i)
- New 155 mph top speed since the 128 mph (206 km/h) governor has been removed
Suspension (comparisons are made to sport package suspension)
- New M suspension, more "sporty" than standard sport package
- Firmer springs (front +6%, rear +8%)
- Firmer shocks (jounce: front +50%, rear +20%), (rebound: front +35%, rear -8%)
- Larger diameter anti-roll bars: 23.5 mm front (v. 23.0), 18.5 mm rear (v. 18.0)
- Lower ride height by 15 mm (.6 inches) utilizing shorter auxiliary springs
- -.5 degrees of camber
- Reinforced right & left front lower control arms with all-metal ball joints (more rigid forward bushings)
Aesthetics
Interior
- Sport seats in Alcantara/cloth combo (optionally in leather)
- Anthracite interior headliner
- Thicker ///M 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel in perforated leather or Alcantara with fingertip cruise, audio, and accessory phone controls
- Short & weighted ///M shift knob
- Aluminum black/silver cube interior trim
Exterior
- M-Tech II aerodynamic package
- M-Tech II front bumper with M-tech fogs and M-tech reflectors
- M-Tech II rear bumper with diffuser
- M-Tech II side sills
- M-Tech lip spoiler
- Double-spoke (Styling 135M) cast alloy wheels
- 18 x 8.0 front with 225/40R-18 performance tires
- 18 x 8.5 rear with 255/35R-18 performance tires
- High-gloss shadowline trim around the windows
The M3 and Special Models
Gallery
Image:'99-'01 BMW 330ci.JPG|Coupe Front
Image:BMW 328Ci E46 rear.jpg|Coupe Rear
Image:BMW_E46_2004_Black.jpg|Coupe Side (Facelift)
Image:BMW_E46FL_Sport.JPG|Coupe ZHP (Euro)
Image:BMW320i_E46_Lim.jpg|Sedan Front
Image:BMW E46 front 20080822.jpg|Sedan Front (Facelift)
Image:BMW E46 rear 20080822.jpg|Sedan Rear (Facelift)
Image:BMW E46 330i ZHP.jpg|Sedan ZHP (US)
Image:1998-2001 BMW E46 convertible.jpg|Cabriolet
Image:Bmw 3 2004 cabrio.jpg|Cabriolet (Facelift)
Image:BMW-325Xi-wagon.jpg|Touring Front (Facelift)
Image:BMW E46 2004 back (photo by Mo).jpg|Touring Rear (Facelift)
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