3 Series (E46)

1998-2006

TT (8N)1998-2006

109/175

3200 GT1998-2002

BMW 3 Series (E46) 1998 - Front 3/4 view

Front 3/4

Widely considered the finest 3 Series ever made. The E46 achieved a balance of ride, handling, and build quality that subsequent generations have struggled to match.

History

The E46 M3's S54 engine — 343 hp from a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six — is regarded as one of the greatest engines BMW ever built. The CSL variant, stripped to 1,385 kg, was the ultimate expression.

Timeline

1998Production begins

2006Production ends

Production & Heritage

Production Total3,266,842

DesignerErik Goplen

Production Period1998-2006

Estimated Value$12K-$40K

Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.

Technical Specifications

Engine2.5L Inline-6 (M54)

Power192 hp

Transmission5-speed manual (Getrag)

DrivetrainRWD

Weight1,370 kg

Engine Details

Displacement2.5L (2,494 cc)

Performance

Weight-to-Power7.1 kg/hp

Tags

Inline-4 Inline-5 Inline-6 Naturally Aspirated RWD 1990s Manual Gearbox

Designed by Erik Goplen

From the 1990s

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