The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1997 to 2006.
All-wheel drive, last available in the E30 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46. It was available for the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd sedan/wagon models. The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using variable valve lift (“valvetronic”). Various electronic features were also introduced to the 3 Series in the E46 generation, including satellite navigation, electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers and LED tail-lights.
Following the introduction of the E90 sedan in late 2004, the E46 began to be phased out. However the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until 2006.
The M3 version of the E46 was powered by the S54 straight-six engine. The M3 was released in late 2000 and was available in coupé and convertible body styles with no sedan body style available unlike its predecessor.
In 1993, the development programme for the E46 began under chief engineer Wolfgang Ziebart and head of R&D Wolfgang Reitzle. In late 1993, design work began under chief designer Chris Bangle and continued into 1995. In May 1995, the general exterior design of the E46 by Erik Goplen of DesignworksUSA was approved and as a result DesignworksUSA was contracted by BMW to work alongside BMW Group’s in-house design team to create the exterior body work for the 3 Series range in February 1996. The design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car’s aggressive stance. Design patents were filed in Germany on 16 July 1997 and in the US on 16 January 1998.
Chris Bangle and Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle (BMW Head of R&D) were responsible through 1995 for the production sedan’s exterior, as evident in the 1997 design patent. Production development of the sedan took 24 months following design freeze and was 31 months from executive board styling approval in 1995 to its start of production in 1997. Goplen designed the production coupé and station wagon during 1996–1997. The E46 sedan was unveiled via press release on November 11, 1997 and was launched on the market at the end of April 1998 with customer deliveries. Production of the sedan concluded in May 2005.
Equipped with straight 6 petrol (gasoline) engine with 2979 ccm capacity it produces 231 Hp and 170 kW power at 5900 rpm and 300 Nm torque at 3500 rpm with top claim speed 240 km/h and acceleration 0-100 km/h in 7,5 s
Equipped with straight 6 petrol (gasoline) engine with 3246 ccm capacity it produces 343 Hp and 252 kW power at 7900 rpm and 365 Nm torque at 4900 rpm with top claim speed 250 km/h and acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5,5 s
Equipped with straight 6 petrol (gasoline) engine with 3246 ccm capacity it produces 343 Hp and 252 kW power at 7900 rpm and 365 Nm torque at 4900 rpm with top claim speed 250 km/h and acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5,5 s
Equipped with straight 6 petrol (gasoline) engine with 2494 ccm capacity it produces 192 Hp and 141 kW power at 6000 rpm and 245 Nm torque at 3500 rpm with top claim speed 234 km/h and acceleration 0-100 km/h in 8,0 s
