BMW 3 Series E46 Sedan (1998-2001)

52% Neofiliac
Keywords: awdbmwcompact-executivedohcmacpherson-strutmanual-transmissionmulti-linkrwdsedanturbocharged

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Photo 0of BMW 3 Series E46 Sedan (1998-2001)

Product Overview

BMW 3 Series E46 is a compact executive sports sedan in production from 1998 to 2001, whereupon it received a facelift (LCI in BMW speak). It is available with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines that displaced 1.9 to 3.0 liters.
Owners will likely appreciate the most the M54 inline-6 (I6) engine, which is perfectly balanced while being rather simple to work on. After two decades, it has proven to be one of the more reliable engines to have come out of Bavaria.
Another interesting choice is the M57 diesel, which makes quite a lot of torque and is again a rather reliable unit.
Drivers who appreciate handling should keep in mind that the E46 uses MacPherson front suspension, which doesn't provide the best cornering performance.
The E46 is the first generation of 3 Series that can be configured with AWD, although it was largely redundant.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 52% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Interesting M54 and M57 engine options
  • Easy to DIY
  • Simple and classy exterior design
Cons
  • Stuck with MacPherson struts in the front
  • Functional interior

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Specifications

316i318i318i AT320d320i320i AT323i323i AT328i328i AT330d330i330i AT330xd330xi330xi AT

Capacity

Cargo Capacity440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft400 L / 14.1 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft440 L / 15.5 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity6.0 L / 6.3 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt7.0 L / 7.4 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt10.2 L / 10.8 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt10.2 L / 10.8 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt8.4 L / 8.9 qt
Engine Oil Capacity4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt5.0 L / 5.3 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt6.5 L / 6.9 qt
Fuel Capacity63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal64.0 L / 16.9 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal63.0 L / 16.6 gal
Passengers5
Payload497 kg / 1096 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs500 kg / 1102 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearDisc
Power SteeringHydraulic Steering
Suspension | FrontMacPherson strut
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire Size195/65 R15195/65 R15195/65 R15195/65 R15195/65 R15195/65 R15195/65R15195/65 R15205/55R16205/55 R16205/50 R17225/45 R17225/45 R17225/45 R17225/45 R17225/45 R17

Construction

Body Style4-door Sedan

Dimensions

Size | Height1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1415 mm / 55.7 in1434 mm / 56.5 in1434 mm / 56.5 in1434 mm / 56.5 in
Size | Length4471 mm / 176.0 in
Size | Width1739 mm / 68.5 in
Track Width | Front1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1481.0 mm / 58.3 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in1471.0 mm / 57.9 in
Track Width | Rear1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1488.0 mm / 58.6 in1478.0 mm / 58.2 in1478.0 mm / 58.2 in1483.0 mm / 58.4 in1483.0 mm / 58.4 in1483.0 mm / 58.4 in1483.0 mm / 58.4 in1483.0 mm / 58.4 in1483.0 mm / 58.4 in
Weight1285.0 kg / 2832.9 lbs1285.0 kg / 2832.9 lbs1285.0 kg / 2832.9 lbs1375.0 kg / 3031.4 lbs1365.0 kg / 3009.3 lbs1365.0 kg / 3009.3 lbs1370.0 kg / 3020.3 lbs1370.0 kg / 3020.3 lbs1395.0 kg / 3075.4 lbs1395.0 kg / 3075.4 lbs1520.0 kg / 3351.0 lbs1400.0 kg / 3086.5 lbs1400.0 kg / 3086.5 lbs1620.0 kg / 3571.5 lbs1595.0 kg / 3516.4 lbs1595.0 kg / 3516.4 lbs
Wheel Size15 in15 in15 in15 in15 in15 in6.5J x 1516 in16 in17 in8J x 178J x 178J x 178J x 178J x 17
Wheelbase2725 mm / 107.3 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h12.4 sec10.4 sec12.2 sec9.8 sec9.9 sec10.9 sec8.0 sec9.0 sec7.0 sec7.0 sec7.8 sec6.5 sec7.0 sec8.5 sec6.6 sec7.4 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph11.8 sec9.9 sec11.6 sec9.3 sec9.4 sec10.4 sec7.6 sec8.6 sec6.7 sec6.7 sec7.4 sec6.2 sec6.7 sec8.1 sec6.3 sec7.0 sec
Fuel Economy11.3 L/100km / 20.8 MPG (urban) | 5.7 L/100km / 41.3 MPG (highway)11.0 L/100km / 21.4 MPG (urban) | 6.1 L/100km / 38.6 MPG (highway)12.7 L/100km / 18.5 MPG (urban) | 6.9 L/100km / 34.1 MPG (highway)5.6 L/100km / 42.0 MPG (combined) | 7.8 L/100km / 30.2 MPG (urban) | 4.7 L/100km / 50.0 MPG (highway)12.5 L/100km / 18.8 MPG (urban) | 6.8 L/100km / 34.6 MPG (highway)14.9 L/100km / 15.8 MPG (urban) | 7.2 L/100km / 32.7 MPG (highway)12.7 L/100km / 18.5 MPG (urban) | 6.9 L/100km / 34.1 MPG (highway)14.9 L/100km / 15.8 MPG (urban) | 7.2 L/100km / 32.7 MPG (highway)12.5 L/100km / 18.8 MPG (urban) | 7.0 L/100km / 33.6 MPG (highway)14.9 L/100km / 15.8 MPG (urban) | 7.2 L/100km / 32.7 MPG (highway)9.3 L/100km / 25.3 MPG (urban) | 5.4 L/100km / 43.6 MPG (highway)9.1 L/100km / 25.8 MPG (combined) | 12.8 L/100km / 18.4 MPG (urban) | 6.9 L/100km / 34.1 MPG (highway)9.6 L/100km / 24.5 MPG (combined) | 14.0 L/100km / 16.8 MPG (urban) | 7.0 L/100km / 33.6 MPG (highway)10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (urban) | 6.2 L/100km / 37.9 MPG (highway)9.9 L/100km / 23.8 MPG (combined) | 13.6 L/100km / 17.3 MPG (urban) | 7.8 L/100km / 30.2 MPG (highway)10.6 L/100km / 22.2 MPG (combined) | 14.8 L/100km / 15.9 MPG (urban) | 8.2 L/100km / 28.7 MPG (highway)
Top Speed200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph206.0 km/h / 128.0 mph202.0 km/h / 125.5 mph207.0 km/h / 128.6 mph219.0 km/h / 136.1 mph216.0 km/h / 134.2 mph231.0 km/h / 143.5 mph228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph240.0 km/h / 149.1 mph228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph227.0 km/h / 141.1 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph247.0 km/h / 153.5 mph224.0 km/h / 139.2 mph247.0 km/h / 153.5 mph242.0 km/h / 150.4 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel drive
EngineM43B19M43B19M43B19M47D20M52B20M52B20M52B25M52B25M52B28M52B28M57D30M54B30M54B30M57D30M54B30M54B30
Engine | Bore85.0 mm / 3.3 in85.0 mm / 3.3 in85.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in80.0 mm / 3.1 in80.0 mm / 3.1 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in
Engine | Compression Ratio9.7:19.7:19.7:119.0:111.0:111.0:110.5:110.5:110.2:110.2:119.0:110.2:110.2:118.0:110.2:110.2:1
Engine | Displacement1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc1.9 L / 115.6 cu-in / 1895.0 cc2.0 L / 119.1 cu-in / 1951.0 cc2.0 L / 121.5 cu-in / 1991.0 cc2.0 L / 121.5 cu-in / 1991.0 cc2.5 L / 152.2 cu-in / 2494.0 cc2.5 L / 152.2 cu-in / 2494.0 cc2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc2.8 L / 170.4 cu-in / 2793.0 cc2.9 L / 178.6 cu-in / 2926.0 cc3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc2.9 L / 178.6 cu-in / 2926.0 cc3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc3.0 L / 181.8 cu-in / 2979.0 cc
Engine | Power105.0 hp / 78.3 kW @ 5500 rpm118.0 hp / 88.0 kW @ 5500 rpm118.0 hp / 88.0 kW @ 5500 rpm136.0 hp / 101.4 kW @ 4000 rpm150.0 hp / 111.9 kW @ 5900 rpm150.0 hp / 111.9 kW @ 5900 rpm170.0 hp / 126.8 kW @ 5500 rpm170.0 hp / 126.8 kW @ 5500 rpm193.0 hp / 143.9 kW @ 5300 rpm193.0 hp / 143.9 kW @ 5300 rpm184.0 hp / 137.2 kW @ 4000 rpm231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm184.0 hp / 137.2 kW @ 4000 rpm231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm231.0 hp / 172.3 kW @ 5900 rpm
Engine | Specific Output55.4 hp/L / 0.9 hp/cu-in62.3 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in62.3 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in69.7 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in75.3 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in75.3 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in68.2 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in68.2 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in69.1 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in69.1 hp/L / 1.1 hp/cu-in62.9 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in62.9 hp/L / 1.0 hp/cu-in77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in77.5 hp/L / 1.3 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke83.5 mm / 3.3 in83.5 mm / 3.3 in83.5 mm / 3.3 in88.0 mm / 3.5 in66.0 mm / 2.6 in66.0 mm / 2.6 in75.0 mm / 3.0 in75.0 mm / 3.0 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in84.0 mm / 3.3 in88.0 mm / 3.5 in89.6 mm / 3.5 in89.6 mm / 3.5 in88.0 mm / 3.5 in89.6 mm / 3.5 in89.6 mm / 3.5 in
Engine | Torque165 Nm / 121.7 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm180 Nm / 132.8 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm180 Nm / 132.8 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm190 Nm / 140.1 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm190 Nm / 140.1 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm245 Nm / 180.7 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm245 Nm / 180.7 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm280 Nm / 206.5 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm390 Nm / 287.6 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm390 Nm / 287.6 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm300 Nm / 221.3 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine | TypeNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 engine with 2 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 engine with 2 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 engine with 2 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-4 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears5-speed5-speed4-speed5-speed5-speed4-speed5-speed5-speed5-speed5-speed5-speed6-speed5-speed5-speed6-speed5-speed
Transmission | TypeManualManualAutomaticManualManualAutomaticManualAutomaticManualAutomaticManualManualAutomaticManualManualAutomatic

Production

Availability1999 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20011998 ~ 20001998 ~ 20001999 ~ 20012000 ~ 20012000 ~ 20011999 ~ 20012000 ~ 20012000 ~ 2001

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