BMW E46 3 Series: years, specs and history (1999–2006)

BMW E46 3 Series at a glance

BMW E46 3 Series history

The E46 sedan launched in the US for 1999 as the 323i and 328i, and the Ci coupe, convertible and Sport Wagon followed for 2000.

For 2001 BMW moved to the M54 engine family, renaming the cars 325i (2.5 liters, 184 hp) and 330i (3.0 liters, 225 hp), and added all-wheel-drive xi versions of the sedan and wagon. Sedans and wagons got their LCI facelift for 2002 and coupes and convertibles for 2004, with no change to US power ratings at either update.

The 330i and 330Ci offered a factory Performance Package, known to enthusiasts by its option code ZHP. The E90 family replaced the sedan and wagon after 2005, while the coupe and convertible carried on through 2006.[1]

Body styles and chassis codes

BMW E46 3 Series specs by variant

US-market output, gearboxes, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph times, weight and launch MSRP for every BMW E46 3 Series variant we could source.[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15]

0–60 mph figures are BMW-claimed unless marked † (instrumented magazine test). "—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source. MSRP is US base price at launch, excluding destination. Many BMWs are electronically limited to 130 or 155 mph; see trim notes.

Compare every generation side by side on our BMW 3 Series specs page or with the BMW trim comparison tool.

What changed through the E46 run

1. 1999–2000323i and 328i with M52 inline-sixes (170 hp and 193 hp); coupe, convertible and wagon added for 2000.
2. 2001M54 engines: 325i (184 hp) and 330i (225 hp); xi all-wheel drive for the sedan and wagon.
3. 2002 / 2004LCI facelifts for sedan and wagon (2002) and for coupe and convertible (2004).
4. 2006Final year for the coupe and convertible; the sedan and wagon had already moved to the E90 family.

Sources:[1]

BMW E46 3 Series known issues and recalls

• Rear subframe mounting cracks

  Documented issue · 1999–2006

  The E46's rear subframe bolts to the body through mounting points that can crack or tear away from the floor pan over time, particularly on cars driven hard or with stiff aftermarket bushings. Cracks often hide behind the subframe bushings, so the damage may not be visible without lowering or removing the subframe. Left alone, the repair grows from a reinforcement-plate job into major structural work that can exceed the value of a cheap car. Reinforcement kits are the usual fix when cracks are found early.[16],[17]

• Takata passenger airbag inflator recalls

  NHTSA recall 14V-428 · 2000–2006

  Most E46 3 Series and M3 models are covered by Takata airbag recalls. The passenger frontal inflator can build too much pressure and rupture, throwing metal fragments into the cabin. BMW later issued a second round (20V-018) for cars that had received interim Takata replacement parts, and earlier campaigns covered driver-side inflators on 2002–2006 cars (15V-318). Repairs are free regardless of the car's age.[18],[19],[20]

Symptoms and what to check for each item are on our BMW 3 Series known issues page.

Used BMW E46 3 Series prices

Too few E46-era cars are listed for a reliable median by model year.

Current prices across every year are on our used BMW 3 Series prices page.

What to check before you buy a BMW E46 3 Series

• Have the rear subframe mounting area inspected for cracks or repairs.
• Confirm the Takata passenger airbag recall work by VIN.
• Check for a claimed Performance Package (ZHP) on the factory build record.