6-speed SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox) with Drivelogic
Features
Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Drivetrain
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential
Differential Type:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Coupe Length:
177.5 inches (4508 mm)
Coupe Width:
71.5 inches (1816 mm)
Coupe Height:
53.1 inches (1349 mm)
Convertible Height:
53.7 inches (1364 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Coupe:
3415 lbs (1550 kg)
Curb Weight Convertible:
3704 lbs (1680 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Coupe:
11.1 cu ft (314 L)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Size Front:
18x8.0 inches
Wheel Size Rear:
18x9.0 inches
Tire Size Front:
225/40 R18
Tire Size Rear:
255/35 R18
Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not Rated / Not Tested
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
M-Dynamic Traction Control (MDTC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, Side airbags, Optional Head airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars (Convertible)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System
Audio:
Harmon Kardon audio system (optional)
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth phone integration
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by vehicle.
Spark Plugs:
Approx. 60,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-60 Synthetic (BMW High Performance Engine Oil HT)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Smg:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (specific to hydraulic system)
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil (LS)
Known Issues
Rod Bearings:
Premature wear on connecting rod bearings is a common and significant concern, especially on earlier models. Recommended replacement with upgraded bearings.
Throttle Actuators:
Failure of the electronic throttle actuators can lead to limp mode or engine performance issues.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points due to stress.
Vanos Seals:
Degradation of VANOS seals can cause rough idle and performance loss.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorsport:
BMW M GmbH division legacy of motorsport success
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
Fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, with the M3 being the high-performance variant.
S54 Engine Heritage:
Evolution of the S38 engine used in the E36 M3, with a focus on higher revving and power.
Production
Production Years:
2000-2006 (E46 M3)
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times.
Motor Trend Comparison:
Consistently ranked highly in performance car comparisons of its era.
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