The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1997 to 2006. The body styles of the range are:
- 4-door sedan, sold from April 1998 to 2005
- 2-door coupé, sold from June 1999 to 2006
- 2-door convertible, produced from December 1999 to 2006
- 5-door estate/wagon (marketed as "Touring"), sold from October 1999 to 2005
- 3-door hatchback (see BMW 3 Series Compact), sold from June 2001 to 2004
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 sedans in late 2004, the E46 began to be phased out. However the E46 coupe 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.
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Development
In 1993, the development programme for the E46 began under chief engineer Wolfgang Ziebart, head of R&D Wolfgang Reitzle. In late 1993, design work began under 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 saloon exterior, as evident in the 1997 design patent. Production development of the saloon took 24 months following design freeze and was 31 months from executive board styling approval in 1995 to 1997 start of production. Goplen designed the production coupé and estate during 1996-1997. The E46 sedan was revealed 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.
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Body styles
Chassis
The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor, and aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components, in order to decrease unsprung mass. However, with a curb weight of 1,450 kg (3,197 lb), the E46 328ci is 55 kilograms (121 lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent.
In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics, the E46 was released with a front engine rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution.
Electronics
The E46 electronics are more integrated than previous generations of 3 Series, including the use of a CAN bus system. Drivetrain information (such as engine, transmission and stability control) is communicated using the CAN bus. Vehicle electronics (such as the radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate to each other via the K-bus.
Drivetrain
Manual transmissions
- 5-speed ZF S5-39 (320d, 330d, 330i)
- 5-speed Getrag S5D 250G
- 5 speed Getrag S5D 320Z (328i, 330i)
- 6-speed ZF S6-37BZ (330i: 2003-2006)
- 6-speed ZF S6-37DZ (320d: 2005-2006)
- 6-speed ZF S6-53DZ (330d: 2003--2006)
Automatic transmissions
- 4-speed GM 4L30-E (A4S270R) (323i and 328i - up to 1999)
- 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S360R) (323i and 328i - 1999-2000)
- 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S390R) (320i, 325i and 330i)
- 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S390R) (320d and 330d)
- 5-speed ZF 5HP19 (A5S325Z) (6 cyl models - 1999-2003)
- 5-speed GM 5L50-E (A5S390R) (325xi en 330xi)
- 6-speed SMG-II
Models
Petrol engines
Diesel engines
M3 model
The E46 M3, first introduced in October 2000, appeared with the 3.2 L S54 M-tuned engine. It was available in coupe and convertible body styles.
The M3's S54 engine has a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 has 6 individual throttle bodies, in this case electronically operated (drive-by-wire throttle. The transmission options for the M3 were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed "SMG-II" automated manual transmission.
E46/5 hatchback
The hatchback version was marketed as the BMW 3 Series Compact.
Special models
Performance package (ZHP)
The Performance Package was an inclusive option sold in North America, which was labelled the ZHP option code in the USA and ZAM in Canada. It was available for sedans from model years 2003 to 2005, and available for coupes and convertibles from 2004 to 2006. It included various aesthetic changes over the regular 3 series, as well as functional and mechanical enhancements.
The ZHP was equipped with sportier camshafts and revised engine tuning to increase power from 225 hp (168 kW) to 235 hp (175 kW) as well as an increase to the rev limiter from 7000 to 7300. Suspension was modified over the standard suspension with firmer springs and dampers, larger anti-roll bars, stronger front control arm ball joints, a lower ride height, heavy duty steering rack, and slightly more negative camber. Car and Driver magazine track-tested the car, which returned a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and passed through the 1/4 mile in 14.3 seconds.
325i SULEV
BMW introduced a super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) into the selected regions of the United States to meet stricter emission standards. California, New York, and Massachusetts received the SULEV E46's in 2003, and Vermont in 2004. They received a variant of the M54 engine, the BMW M56. The M56 meets SULEV standards, as well as partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) and zero evaporative emissions requirements. The M56 is claimed to have identical power as its M54 counterpart.
M3 GTR Straßen version
In order for the M3 GTR race car to compete in the American Le Mans Series, BMW produced 6 examples of the "M3 GTR Straßen Version" road car in 2001. As per the race M3 GTR, the roadgoing Version was powered by the BMW P60B40 4.0 L V8 engine.
Model year changes
2000
- Electronic Stability Control ("Dynamic Stability Control") introduced, replacing the previous ASC+T traction control system.
- Manual shift mode ("Steptronic") added to automatic transmissions
2001 facelift (LCI)
In September 2001, the facelift (LCI) versions of the sedan and Touring were released for the 2002 model year.
- 325i (M54 engine) replaces 323i (M52TU engine).
- 330i (M54 engine) replaces 328i (M52TU engine).
- 320d engine upgraded from M57 to M57TU.
- Display for navigation system upgraded to widescreen.
- Sedan and Touring receive revised headlights, tail-lights, grille, hood and front bumpers.
- Xenon headlights now include Xenon for high-beam lamps ("Bi-Xenon headlights")
2003
In March 2003, the facelift (LCI) versions of the coupe and convertible models (except M3) were released for the 2004 model year.
- Navigation system upgraded to Mark IV version, which is DVD-based.
- Auxiliary input for sound system becomes available.
- SULEV engine option (M56) becomes available for 325 models with automatic transmission.
- Manual transmission for 330 models upgraded from 5-speed to 6-speed.
- Coupes and convertibles receive revised headlights, tail-lights (LED), grille, hood and front bumper.
- Adaptive headlights available for coupe and convertible models
Production and sales
The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.
Motorsport
Andy Priaulx was the champion of the 2004 European Touring Car Championship season and 2005 World Touring Car Championship season driving a 320i. Franz Engstler won the 2006 Asian Touring Car Championship season in a 320i.
The car has further competed in the British Touring Car Championship, the European Touring Car Cup and the Russian Touring Car Championship.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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