The 3 Series BMW is a compact car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since 1975. Between 1992 and 2007, the 3 Series has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list 16 times, making it the longest running entry in the list. The 3 Series was for some time the smallest car line manufactured by BMW (exempting the BMW-owned MINI). Although in 2004, the BMW 1 Series became the smallest car line manufactured by BMW. The 3 Series is BMW's best selling automobile, accounting for nearly 40% of all automobiles sold by the company in 2005. The 3 Series is the best selling foreign luxury sedan in the United States, which was made apparent in 2005 when 98,000 of the vehicles were sold.
The E46 chassis began to replace the E36 specification for 1998. The "E" stands for "Entwicklung", which in the German language means development. The 4-door sedans were the only car updated that year. The E36 coupé and touring models lasted until 1999, when the E46 replacements arrived for model year 2000. The 2.8 L cars were called 328 while 2.5 L cars were named 323. The new M54 engines appeared in 2001; with the new 3.0 L 330 replacing the 328, BMW renamed the 2.5 L car the 325. During the second half of 2005 the E46 sedan and touring were phased out in favor of the new E90. The E46 coupé and convertible remain in production well into 2006. The E46 Coupe & Convertible used a "ci", which stands for coupe/injection, instead of just "i".
Models:
The E46 3-series came in four different body styles: 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door sedan, and 5-door sports wagon.
Europe and other markets:
1998-2001 316i - 1.6 L, M43TUB16, 105 hp (77 kW)
2001-2005 316i - 1.8 L N42B18, 116 hp (87 kW)
1998-2001 318i - 1.9 L, 118 hp (87 kW)
2001-2005 318i - 2.0 L N42B20, 143 hp (105 kW)
2005-2006 318Ci - 2.0 L N42B20, 150 hp (110 kW)
1998-2000 320i - 2.0 L M52B20 T, 150 hp (110 kW)
2000-2006 320i - 2.2 L M54B22, 170 hp (125 kW)
1998-2001 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 hp (125 kW)
1998-2001 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 hp (142 kW)
2000-2006 325i - 2.5 L M54B25, 192 PS
2000-2006 330i - 3.0 L M54B30, 231 PS
2000-2003 M3 - 3.2 L S54B32, 343 PS
US:
1999-2001 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 hp (127 kW)
1999-2001 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 hp (144 kW)
2001-2005 325i - 2.5 L M54B25, 184 hp (137 kW)
2001-2005 330i - 3.0 L M54B30, 225 hp (168 kW)
2003-2005 330i ZHP - 3.0 L M54B30, 235 hp (173 kW)
2001-2005 M3 - 3.2 L S54B32, 333 hp (248 kW)
Diesel models:
1998-2001 320d - 1951 cc, 136 hp (100 kW)
2001-2006 320d - 1995 cc, 150 hp (110 kW)
1998-2003 330d - 2926 cc, 184 hp (135 kW)
2003-2006 330d - 2993 cc, 204 hp (150 kW)
Option packages:
This information is specific to US-bound E46s.
ZSP - Sport Package
The sport package has been available on all E46 3-series cars. It typically included:
- A 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel
- Better seats (more bolstering)
- Upgraded wheels and tires (larger wheels with a different design and lower-profile summer-only tires)
- Sport suspension calibration (stiffer springs/shocks). Note that 2001 and above coupes got the sport suspension as standard equipment.
ZPP - Premium Package
The premium package has been available on all 3-series cars. It typically included:
- Different wheels/tires [if ordered with the sport package, the sport package wheels/tires are the ones on the car]
- A multifunction steering wheel [IF it was not already standard on the vehicle]
- Wood grain interior trim [if ordered with the sport package, the premium package wood is typically what the car comes with, unless specifically requested otherwise]
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers (these became standard equipment in 2004)
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Power seats with lumbar support
- Moonroof (note: moonroof is orderable separately)
ZHP - Performance Package
The performance package was available on 2003-2005 330 sedans (330i) and 2004-2006 330 coupes and convertibles (330Ci/330Cic). In 2003, it was only available with the 6-speed manual transmission and WITHOUT the premium package. In 2004, all performance package cars were also available with the automatic (steptronic) transmission as well as the premium package.
Obviously, the Performance Package is a level above the Sport Package, so they're not available together.
This package included:
- Engine modifications (new camshafts, electronics, & lighter flywheel) for 10HP & 8 ft/lb of torque increase & 6800 max RPM (from 6500).
- 6 speed short throw shifter (for manual transmission equipped cars)
- 3.07:1 Final drive ratio (instead of 2.91:1)
- Max Speed Limiter set to 155 mph (instead of 128)
- 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)
- More rigid forward bushings
- Lower ride height by 15 mm (.6 inches) utilizing shorter auxiliary springs
- -.5 degrees of camber (for a total of -1.1 degrees)
- BMW M exterior trim elements (front & rear fascia, side sills, & trunk lid spoiler)
- Special exterior trim: Anthracite (charcoal) headlight & fog light surrounds, High-Gloss
- Shadow-line (black gloss) trim
- Large diameter stainless steel dual exhaust outlets
- Extra thick Alcantra steering wheel
- Sport Seats
- Alcantra & cloth upholstery to replace leatherette and standard trim (leather still an option)
- Choice of "Black Cube" or "Silver Cube" interior trim
- Anthracite headliner
- Red needles on the instrument cluster
- Unique 18" Wheels (style 135M), 18x8.0" front, 18x8.5" rear
- Wider Tires: 225/40ZR-18 in front and 255/35ZR-18 in the rear.
ZCP - Competition Package
The competition package was offered on 2005-2006 M3 coupes only. It included:
- Interlagos blue as a color option
- Larger cross-drilled brakes
- M-Track mode DSC (a traction control mode that allows for more 'playing')
- Alcantara steering wheel and e-brake handle
- 19" BBS wheels
ZCW - Cold weather package
The cold weather package has been available on all 3-series and M3 cars. It typically included:
- Pass-through ski bag
- Heated seats
- Headlight washers
Options, Features, & Specifications
Year Range: 1998-2006
Passengers: 4 passengers for the convertible & 5 for the others
Fuel Mileage: 16-28 MPG
Horsepower: 105-343
Torque: 125-262
List of some of the standard features:
A/C, Power windows/mirrors/locks, AM/FM Audio, ABS, Traction Control, Moon Roof, Alloy Wheels, Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags, and Telescoping Wheels
List of some of the optional features:
Multi-CD, Premium Sound, ABS, Leather, Power Seats, Moon Roof, Spoiler, and More.