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. The BMW E46 is one of the most iconic sports sedans in automotive history.
Produced from 1997-2006, this generation of BMW's legendary 3 Series left an indelible mark on car enthusiasts worldwide. But what exactly is the BMW E46, and why did it become so special? This complete guide will explore the history, models, performance capabilities, and future collectability of the E46. The E46 3-Series had a huge sale success, making it one of the most popular BMW models ever.
10 Things You Should Know Before Buying An E46 BMW 3-Series
The E46 generation was the best-selling generation of the BMW 3 Series and is by far their most popular model to date, having sold over 3.2 million examples. The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1997 to 2006. The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series of compact luxury cars produced from 1997 to 2006.
It's the third iteration of the 3 Series, including the high-performance M3, introduced in 2000 and succeeded the E36 3 Series, which ended production in 2000. BMW E46 3 Series Specs Choose a BMW E46 3 Series version from the list below to get information about engine specs, horsepower, CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, dimensions, tires size, weight and many other facts. Notice also the plus sign to access the comparator tool where you can compare up to 3 cars at once side by side.
The One And Only: BMW E46 M3 CSL
Discover the legendary BMW E46 3 Series-its history, performance, and why it remains one of the most beloved BMWs ever made. What Does E46 Actually Stand For? In simple terms, E46 is a code that indicates a specific model and generation within BMW's lineup. The "E" signifies the chassis platform, which was introduced around the late 1990s, and "46" is the model number within that architecture.
The BMW 3 Series attained something close to perfection in its fourth generation, internally known as the E46. More recent versions of the 3 Series may be quicker, larger, and far more advanced.