BMW also represents the fiftieth anniversary of series 3, Bmwblog It explores the long -class history and its contribution to the success of the auto industry. We have already looked at the first three generations – E21, E30 and E36. The E30 may emerge between the three because it greatly expanded the base of the 3 Class Customer.
However, today we will review the fourth generation chain of the third generation, which bears the name E46-which corresponds to more or less with the E30 aura and the status. It was produced from 1997 to 2006 and was available in Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Estate and Hatchback Body Styles. However, the M3 that tops the range was only presented as a car or convertible (the E36 also had a M3 sedan). It is worth noting that the four -wheel drive on E46 was re -submitted after it is absent from the E36.
E46: The most successful BMW 3 series
E46 was a significant mechanical improvement on its predecessor. For example, its structure was 70 percent more solid than E36, which improved safety, dealings and performance. Moreover, all suspension, transportation and strength studies have been promoted. There was also an increased use of electronics, with features such as satellite mobility, LED lighting and advanced safety systems.
The E46 series design is 3 interesting cases in the history of BMW, as it has achieved an ideal balance between development and modernization while maintaining the aesthetic signature of the brand. Although Chris Bangle was already the head of the BMW design by the late 1990s, the E46 was largely the work of Erik Gopleen, the main designer of the DesignWorks USA studio in BMW, Designworks USA. E46 followed the conservative design approach, improving the clean lines of the E36 with the update of proportions and details. Unlike BMWS later in the reporting era, which became more radical (such as the E65 7 series with the controversial “flame surface”), the E46 remained loyal to the traditional BMW design.
Not a lot of strength, but a lot of fun
As far as it comes to specifications, the beginner variables were under the forces according to today’s standards, as 316i produced 114 hp and 129 pounds of torque and move from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 11 seconds. But 325i provided a more respectable horse, 181 lb -pound, and 6 to 60 miles per hour from 8.5 seconds. Meanwhile, 328i established 225 hp and 214 lbs of torque and achieved time from 0 to 60 miles per hour over 6 seconds.
Regardless of the movement group, the E46 was exceptionally enjoyable driving and not surprising The best 3 -selling series everWith 3.2 million deliveries. For comparison, its predecessor, E36, has produced 2.7 million, while its successor, E90, reached 3 million units.
E46 m3: exclusivity, performance and heritage
The E46 M3 fill the S54 Straight Six, which also operated the Z3 M and Z4 M. The engine produced 338 hp and 269 lb -torque and was available either with 6 -speed guide or SMG II 6 -speed. The time was from 0 to 60 miles per hour less than 5 seconds. Interestingly, the special version M3 CSL had an additional 17 horsepower and weighing 110 kilograms less than the M3 base, thanks to promotions such as carbon fiber ceiling and delicate wall exhaust system. Thus, it outperformed the Ferrari 360 challenge on Nurburgring with a window of 7 minutes 50 seconds. CSL production was limited to only 1,383 units.
Even the rarest of M3 CS will be the symmetric E46 M3 GTR, of which only 10 units Scheme (Each cost 250,000 euros). It was supported by the V8 (first M3) engine that produced 346 hp and 269 pounds of torque and was 183 miles per hour. Ironically, despite the uniqueness of CSL and GTR, a total of 85000 E46 M3s was built between 2000 and 2006 (56,133 biography and 29,633 Musob), making it the most popular BMW M at all.
This is how everything said and we did, we conclude that the E46 is one of the most important compounds that BMW made ever – it had critical approval, commercial success and above all, I love it and admired by the followers of the most passionate brand.