Vehicle Segment:
High-performance luxury sports coupe/convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance, driving dynamics, and premium build quality
Primary Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera, Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, Audi S4, Chevrolet Corvette
Performance Focus:
Naturally aspirated inline-six engine, motorsport-derived components, track-capable handling
Design Language:
Aggressive styling, aerodynamic enhancements, iconic M design cues
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (S54), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (SMG/Manual), differential, drivetrain components
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, steering, brakes (including DSC/ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging, lighting, instruments, onboard electronics, infotainment
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, climate control, safety restraints
Basic Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using controls, instrument cluster explanation
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning
Safety Features Operation:
Seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child seat installation guidance
Infotainment Operation:
Radio, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), climate control settings
Depth Level:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance guidance; not a repair manual
Digital Format Availability:
Original product is printed; digital versions (PDF) may be available separately
Original Print Quality:
High quality, durable paper stock with clear text and diagrams
Original Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound, designed for durability in a vehicle environment
Original Paper Stock:
Glossy or semi-gloss paper for clear image reproduction
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Engine Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves, Double VANOS
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI), Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
6-Speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) Drivelogic
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (Manual and SMG)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential:
M Variable Locking Differential
Length:
176.7 inches (4488 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
54.3 inches (1379 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Front Track:
59.5 inches (1511 mm)
Rear Track:
59.9 inches (1522 mm)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
11.0 cu ft (311 L)
Trunk Volume Convertible:
11.2 cu ft (317 L) with roof up, 7.0 cu ft (198 L) with roof down
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3,450 lbs (1565 kg)
Curb Weight Smg:
Approx. 3,505 lbs (1590 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specify based on VIN and market
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for standard 3-series platform, M3 specific may vary or not be independently rated)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for standard 3-series platform, M3 specific may vary or not be independently rated)
IIHS Front Offset Driver:
Good (for comparable E46 3 Series models)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars for convertible model
Audio System:
BMW Professional Radio with CD player, optional Harman Kardon sound system
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Headlights:
Standard Xenon headlights with adaptive light function
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone integration
Auxiliary Input:
Standard AUX input for external audio devices
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Inspection Service Interval:
Major inspections (e.g., Inspection I, Inspection II) at 30,000 and 60,000-mile intervals respectively, or as per CBS.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, e.g., SAE 0W-40 or 0W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 (or equivalent specified by BMW)
Transmission Fluid Smg:
Pentosin CHF 11S (for hydraulic system) and ATF Dexron III (for gearbox)
Rod Bearings:
Wear on connecting rod bearings, particularly in earlier production runs; inspection recommended.
Vanos System:
Potential failure of the VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system, leading to rough idle and power loss.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points due to stress.
Throttle Actuators:
Failure of the electronic throttle actuators for the individual throttle bodies.
Bmw M Division:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport) founded in 1972, renowned for high-performance vehicles.
M3 Lineage:
The E46 M3 is the third generation of the M3, succeeding the E36 M3 and preceding the E90/E92/E93 M3.
E46 M3 Introduction:
Introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, with the 2004 model year representing a mid-cycle refinement.
Production Years:
2000-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg Plant, Germany
Special Editions:
CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) variant offered in select markets
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a direct winner, it competed in a highly regarded segment.
Enthusiast Magazine Reviews:
Consistently praised for its handling, engine, and driver engagement.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with relevant emissions standards for its model year and market (e.g., EPA, Euro 3/4).