With its appearance, the car became a replacement for and.
The first version of the M3 had a color in a single color - Laguna Seca Blue and externally differed from other models of the 3 series by the presence of a bulge on the aluminum hood cover (the so-called "Power Dome"), wider wheel arches, aerodynamic optimized exterior mirrors, the presence of "gills" on side fenders, a quad tailpipe exhaust system, a bulging muscular front bumper and forged 18- or 19-inch wheels.
The 18" M Double Spoke II alloy wheels with satin chrome finish (8x18 front and 9x18" rear) were fitted with 225/45ZR18 front tires and 255/40ZR18 rear tires. Forged 19" M Double Spoke II wheels also in satin chrome were offered as an option in most markets (8x19 front and 9.5x19 rear) with 225/40ZR19 front and 255/35ZR19 rear tires.
The M3 ZCP CS featured 8×19/9.5×19 spoke alloy wheels.
(as well as the M3 coupe) was offered with a standard 6-speed gearbox, however, it was decided to install the SMG Drivelogic (known as the SMG II). Lacking a clutch pedal, it offered an F1-style electro-hydraulic manual shift system, with shifts performed by an SMG shift knob or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Also, for the first time for a BMW, the “red zone” on the tachometer was marked from 8000 rpm.
The M3 E46 was also equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), specially designed for this car, and could be completely disabled (DSC) using a switch on the dashboard.
As standard, the BMW E46 M3 is equipped with four 12.8-inch ventilated brake discs at the front and 12.9-inch at the rear.
The interior of the sports version differed from the standard interior by the M Design front sports seats installed on the M3, unique leather upholstery in Nappa leather and Impluse fabrics (or Nappa and Alcantara), interior trim in gloss black, aluminum or wood (eucalyptus), an installed 3-spoke steering wheels with tricolor stitching, gearshift paddles, gray instrument panel with red arrows and 300 km (180 mph) speedometer mark, oil temperature gauge, navigation and audio system with large (6.5-inch ) monitor (optional), CD player (standard on North American models), bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
Engine
At the time the car entered the market, the M3 E46 engine became the most productive “aspirated” ever produced by the company (with the exception of the McLaren F1), the engine produced more than 100 horsepower per liter of volume.
Like most engines, the S54B32 used independent throttle bodies, which were powered by electronic throttles.
Suspension
The E46 M3 uses the same multi-link MacPherson strut suspension found on the standard E46, only with significant modifications such as thicker 3mm aluminum thrust plates and special bearings, a more robust subframe taken from the E46 convertible, and a larger anti-roll bar ( 26mm front and 21.5mm rear).
Dimensions
restyling
Since 2003, the M3 E46 has received LED adaptive taillights, an automatic climate control panel, updated paint options, and the introduction of Assist and Bluetooth interface.
2004 also saw an update to the M3's color scheme and revised suspension to reduce understeer.
The BMW 3 series e46 debuted in 1998 as a 4-door sedan. A year later, a station wagon (Touring) and a coupe joined it, and in 2000 a convertible. A little later, the Compact version appeared, which was accepted with coolness. At one time, the handling and behavior of the BMW 3 e46 were recognized as reference in the class. Troika has often won ratings that assess the degree to which customer expectations are met and satisfied.
The restyling carried out in 2001 brought small changes to the front of the body (headlights were updated) and the engine range. The production of the BMW 3 e46 was completed in 2005. However, the sporty version of the M3 was still on the price lists for a while.
Design and interior
Even today, the "troika" is still admired. Perfectly tailored proportions look great. The eye-catching Coupe is the most aggressive in appearance, and the Compact version is a little out of line with the flawless lineup.
The equipment of the basic versions of the BMW 3 series e46 (especially the first batches) is rather modest. Fortunately, over time, the number of available gadgets has grown rapidly. The interior is typical of the Bavarian school: everything is subordinated to the driver, and the quality of the finishes is excellent. The dashboard is clear and concise. The fabric upholstery of the seats is well preserved even with high mileage.
The only pity is that inside is quite crowded. Transportation capabilities can be assessed as average - the trunk volume is 440 liters, and in the station wagon version - 435-1345 liters. The most modest hold in the Coupe (410 liters), in the Compact (310 liters) and in the Convertible (300 liters).
Special version M3
After the rather disastrous M3 of the E36 series, the new generation gave hope for success. The top model was only available as a coupe and convertible and certainly stood out from the regular versions. Equipped with a fantastic-sounding 340 hp inline-six. M3 accelerated to 100 km / h in less than 5 seconds. Torque was sent to the rear wheels via a manual transmission or a sequential SMG. Both units have 6 steps. The best of the M3 was the limited version of the CSL (1401 copies). It's lighter, more powerful (360 hp) and more fun to drive.
Engines
The range of power units is very rich. It includes several gasoline and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.8 to 3.2 liters. In addition to the rear-wheel drive BMW 3, xDrive all-wheel drive versions were also offered, which were equipped exclusively with 6-cylinder units.
The base engine does not have excellent dynamics, so it is only suitable for calm drivers. A good choice would be 2-liter modifications with a capacity of 143 and 150 hp. These units allow you to fully reveal the capabilities of the car, without tangible costs. But you can get real driving pleasure only with the “sixes” under the hood. In addition to good dynamics, the owner also receives acceptable reliability.
The six-cylinder engine has a high smoothness and torque comparable to turbo engines. The 150-horsepower 320i (170-horsepower since September 2000) captivates with its polished mannerisms. The 6-cylinder petrol engine delivers little trouble. With proper operation and timely maintenance up to 300,000 km, one has to deal only with failures of the air flow sensor, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, and crankcase ventilation valve. Even the sophisticated Valvetronic gas distribution system, which has been in use since September 2000, rarely causes problems. Often, over time, the cooling system pump (pump) begins to leak.
The 3-liter gasoline engine of the M54 series is BMW's last reliable straight-six. Subsequent "N-series" units received much less positive feedback. The M54 has an electronic throttle, an aluminum block with cast iron liners and variable valve timing on both camshafts. The only common malfunction is a clogged valve in the crankcase ventilation system. It should be updated every 2-3 oil changes.
Diesel engines are traditionally more difficult and expensive to maintain, especially those equipped with a DPF filter. The 2.0d engine (in particular its 136-horsepower version) often suffers from malfunctioning auxiliary equipment, such as turbocharging, fuel injectors and intake manifold flaps.
In the diesel lineup, 3-liter units with a capacity of 184 and 204 hp deserve recommendations. They provide decent dynamics and are considered quite reliable. Disadvantages: Higher cost of ownership, expensive spare parts, and problems with intake manifold flaps.
Chassis and transmission
The obedient behavior of the legendary BMW 3 e46 is considered exemplary. The model is capable of many things. This is the merit of a successful combination of MacPherson struts in front, multi-link rear suspension, efficient brakes, well-balanced and informative steering. After restyling, the suspension has become somewhat stiffer than before.
The feeling of unlimited permissiveness can become deadly (especially on slippery roads). This was seen by many drivers who decided at the wrong time to turn off the traction control system (ASC, later DSC).
One of the serious problems that concerns, first of all, powerful sedans and station wagons: the attachment points of the rear axle subframe, uprooted from the body. The defect is typical for cars assembled before March 2000. However, on inspection, make sure that there are no cracks in the bottom, and that there are no extraneous noises when the load changes.
The durability of the suspension for the BMW 3 e46 is the most painful issue, which is exacerbated by roads of dubious quality. For the Bavarian 3rd series, the following problems with the chassis are typical: worn levers and broken rear axle springs, which sometimes cannot withstand even a small load. Loud terrible sounds from the front suspension signal wear of the ball joints. They change only assembled with transverse levers. In addition, on older specimens, it is often necessary to replace aged brake hoses, and the brakes wedge.
Another common problem is a howling differential. If the car jerks when shifting gears, then most likely the joints of the driveshaft and axle shaft will need to be replaced.
Common problems
Age takes its toll. On the old BMW 3 series e46 of the first years of production, pockets of corrosion are found on the edges of the body panels: wheel arches, doors, hood and sills. Often the driver's door window breaks. Sometimes the climate control control unit fails (replacement is about 10,000 rubles).
Conclusion
BMW 3 e46 - drivers who care about driving a car will really like it. E46 is one of the most popular BMW models, so the choice in the secondary market is huge. Unfortunately, most of the copies put up for sale are no longer good for anything. Often this is the result of poor maintenance, garage tuning or a dubious past. It will take a lot of time to find a good option. But the result is worth it.
The appearance in 1986 of the very first "hot" M3 in the back of the E30, as usual, was dictated by sports: BMW needed to release a homologation batch of "road" cars so that the racing version would be admitted to Group A of numerous body championships. And even then the usual set of such a "charged" version was formed: a more powerful engine compared to a conventional car, modified suspension and brakes, different tires, a more aggressive body kit ...
The "combat" M3, equipped with a 2.3-liter S14 engine, developed 304 hp, but on the very first "civilian" version of the M3, this engine produced only 195 "forces". A little later, versions of the Evolution without a catalyst appeared, where this engine developed 200-220 hp already. Then, in 1989, the 2.5-liter Sport Evolution modification was born, which had 238 hp with a catalyst. - and off we go. And who then could have thought to what heights this power race evolves over the years ...
Years of release: 1994-1995
In one of the past charts, we are already talking about the lightweight track BMW M3 Lightweight for the US market. But there was another well-known model in the second generation M3 (E36 body), only for Europe. This is a BMW M3 GT, a batch of which was built to homologate the racing version for the European FIA GT Series and the American IMSA GT Series. In December 1994, 6 prototypes were released, and from February to June 1995, only 350 serial copies were made.
Externally, the BMW E36 M3 GT was distinguished not only by forged 17-inch wheels and adjustable front splitter and rear “double-deck” spoiler. This model was also painted only in British Racing Green, and the inserts on the seats and doors were also green. About 90,000 Deutschmarks were asked for the car.
The three-liter in-line "six" gave out 295 hp. and worked in tandem with a 5-speed manual transmission. Engineers have finalized the lubrication system so that the motor does not experience oil starvation in corners. The main pair of the drive axle was "shortened", the suspension was made stiffer, a spacer was added between the cups of the front shock absorbers. And the doors were made of aluminum (the car eventually weighed 1.46 tons). At the output - 5.9 seconds to "hundreds" and a ceiling of 250 km / h. And if the M3 Lightweight was almost "naked", then the M3 GT had a civilian finish with carbon fiber inserts, was equipped with air conditioning (or "climate"), a sunroof, an audio system, heating, a servo and leather trim on the seats, and even a telephone.
Years of issue: 2001
In the early 2000s, in order to compete with Porsche in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), BMW entered the M3 GTR race car with a 4-liter V8 engine. With him, the Bavarians in 2001 immediately won 7 out of 10 races in ALMS, taking the championship title and the constructors' championship. Of course, a howl immediately rose in the camp of competitors, because V8 engines were not installed on serial E46s. BMW had to make a homologation batch of "road" cars.
"Road" BMW E46 M3 GTR was estimated at 250,000 euros.
If on the racing version this V8 developed 450 hp, then on the civilian M3 GTR the engine was derated to 350 hp. (according to other sources - up to 380 hp). The engine was combined with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a self-locking differential was installed in the rear gearbox. The rear seats were dismantled, the hood was aluminum, and the roof, front "mask" and spoilers were made of carbon. As a result, according to BMW, the car weighed only 1.3 tons and traveled to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds. No wonder that at that time the "street" version of the GTR was the most coveted M3 in the back of the E46! And the most inaccessible: according to some reports, only three such cars were made in 2001, and all of them remained in BMW museums.
Years of issue: 2010-2011
With each new generation, the BMW M3 acquired a new engine. So the fourth generation (E90 / 92/93, 2007-2013) replaced the in-line 6-cylinder unit (3.2 liters) with a 4-liter V8, becoming even “hotter”. However, this generation of the M3 had an even more "evil" limited edition track version called the GTS. Moreover, the differences between the GTS and the regular M3 were so significant that each car was made at two sites - first on the assembly line of "three rubles" in Regensburg, and then transported for final assembly to the factory of the M.
The BMW E92 M3 GTS was produced from spring 2010 to December 2011. A total of 138 cars were made: 113 left-hand drive and 25 right-hand drive. Two cars were painted white, while all the others wore only orange. GTS cost about 115,000 euros, but of course there were no problems with sales.
Instead of a regular 4-liter engine (420 hp), the GTS already had a 4.4-liter V8 with 450 hp. paired with a reconfigured 7-speed "robot" M-DCT. In order to reduce weight by 70 kg, the rear seats were thrown out of the car (replacing them with a roll cage), radio, air conditioning and part of the sound insulation, doors and center console were lightened, the rear windows were replaced with polycarbonate and a smaller battery was installed. After that, the GTS could accelerate to 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds and gained 305 km / h (4.6 seconds and 250 km / h for the fastest "regular" M3). Naturally, the brakes were strengthened for such a potential, and the lowered suspension received new shock absorbers with rebound and compression adjustments.
BMW E93 M3 pickup
Years of issue: 2011
No, this is not a montage, not a "self-made" and not a joke, although this car was prepared exactly by April 1, 2011! Yes, BMW really made a car that could be the dream of any pizza delivery man or courier. But this pickup truck was not built for sale, but for the sake of "fun" and for the working fleet of the sports department M (the same story was at AvtoVAZ with). And the exotic M-truck itself was made in a single copy, and it was designed in their free time.
With such potential under the hood, the courier would definitely not be late and the pizza would not have time to cool down ...
The E93 convertible was taken as the basis of the pickup truck, the reinforced body of which initially had the necessary margin of safety for transformation into a truck. The cargo compartment, trimmed with corrugated aluminum, contained 450 kg of cargo, had a folding tailgate and a protective awning, and a removable roof was made at the passenger compartment. The interior itself practically did not differ from the production model. Like the units: the pickup was equipped with a manual transmission and, according to some reports, a 420-horsepower 4-liter V8.
Years of issue: 2015 - present
With indices F80 (sedan), F82 (coupe) and F83 (convertible) in the established M3 family, everything was mixed up and turned upside down. The former names are a thing of the past: now only the sedan bears the name M3, and the coupe and convertible were dubbed the M4. But the main thing is that under the onslaught of fashion, the Bavarians changed their long-standing tradition - and switched from canonical atmospheric engines to supercharged units. And it must be admitted that just due to turbocharging in BMW, three decades later, they made the most thermonuclear car in the history of the M3 model!
Of the 700 BMW M4 GTS produced in Russia, only four cars were sent! The cheapest version of the extreme sports coupe will cost 11,066,000 rubles, and the version with a matte body color will cost 11,346,800 rubles. For comparison, prices for the basic version of the M4 start at "only" at 4,080,000 rubles.
Yes, yes, we are talking about the track version of the M4 GTS, which even during the premiere in 2015 received the title of the fastest production model in the history of the brand. All this thanks to the 3-liter inline "six" with two turbines and water injection, which optimizes the combustion process and increases the stability of the engine. 500 hp squeezed out of the motor. and 600 Nm and against 431 hp and 550 Nm for the regular M4. The motor is paired with a 7-speed "robot" M DCT. Plus a retuned adjustable suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and different-sized tires front and rear.
To lighten the car, the hood, roof, splitter, diffuser and adjustable wing were made of carbon fiber, and the muffler was made of titanium. True, in the end the car "lost weight" by only 27 kg - up to 1.58 tons. But this does not prevent the GTS from “shooting” to 100 km / h in just 3.8 seconds (M4 - in 4.1 seconds) and gaining 305 km / h, and even then only because the limiter works further. At the same time, the M4 GTS managed to “set fire” at the Nurburgring, having passed the “Green Hell” in 7 minutes and 27.8 seconds. That's 20 seconds faster than the previous generation M3 GTS coupe and 24 seconds faster than the current M4. Along the way, the GTS drove around the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Porsche Carrera GT and the fastest Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R in the family. And it is unlikely that evolution will stop there ...
The sports modification of the BMW M3 (E46) debuted in October 2000, and in addition to the coupe version, the Bavarian automaker also offered a convertible car.
By tradition, the external distinctive attributes of the BMW M3 E46 model are more aggressive bumpers, side “skirts” and air intakes in the front fenders. In addition, the car is put on 19-inch BBS alloy wheels.
Under the hood of the BMW M3 in the back of the E46 is a new 3.2-liter engine that develops 343 hp in the European specification. and maximum torque of 365 Nm. At the time of its appearance, this engine was the company's highest-performance aspirated engine.
The engine is aggregated either in tandem with a 6-speed manual or in tandem with the new SMG Drivelogic robotic transmission, which allows you to shift gears using the steering wheel paddles.
From zero to hundreds of BMW M3 E46 Coupe accelerates in 5.1 seconds, while the heavier convertible takes 5.5 seconds. The maximum speed of the car is limited at around 250 km / h, but with the optionally deactivated “collar”, the maximum speed reaches 308 km / h.
You can now buy a BMW M3 E46 in Russia at an average price of 700,000 to 1,000,000 rubles. Tuning options for the model will cost more.
BMW M3 E46 GTR
In February 2001, the BMW M3 GTR racing coupe in the E46 body saw the light of day, which was equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine with a return of 500 “horses”. For the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), 16 of these machines were built.
And at the end of the 2001 racing season, the automaker released 10 road modifications of the BMW M3 (E46) GTR, the price of each of which was 250,000 euros.
Such a car has seriously extended wheel arches, more massive bumpers, a different hood with additional ventilation holes, a large rear spoiler on the trunk lid, and in the cabin there is a roll cage and bucket seats.
BMW M3 E46 CSL
In 2004, the M3 (E46) coupe received a CSL version, which was produced in a limited edition of 1,400 pieces. The car was offered in just two body colors: Silver Gray Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic.
The base engine of the model has undergone a slight upgrade, thanks to which its power has increased to 360 hp, and only a robotic box has remained available as a transmission for the BMW M3 CSL.
In addition, the car received a retuned suspension and steering, reinforced brakes, but the main efforts were directed at reducing weight. Compared to the regular M3 E46 coupe, the CSL version has "lost" 110 kg - up to 1,385 kilograms.
This was achieved through a carbon fiber body kit, a carbon fiber hood and roof, thinner rear windows, the removal of part of the noise insulation from the cabin, as well as the rejection of electrically adjustable seats, navigation, air conditioning and an audio system.
Externally, the BMW M3 CSL (E46) can be recognized by the front bumper with a splitter and an enlarged central air intake, a different trunk lid with a more pronounced spoiler and 19-inch BBS wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slicks.
The price of a used BMW M3 CSL in Russia ranges from 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 rubles.
