Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
BMW M3 (E46) - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
BMW M3 E46 - 360° Interactive
BMW M3 E46 - Key Specifications
BMW M3 (E46) Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Sports Coupé |
| Released At | 2000 Geneva Motor Show |
| Built At | Regensburg, Germany |
| Engine | 3.2 L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (S54) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder with VANOS Variable Valve Timing |
| Fuel Feed | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 3246 cc / 198.2 in³ |
| Bore | 87 mm / 3.43 in |
| Stroke | 91 mm / 3.58 in |
| Compression | 11.5:1 |
| Power | 252 kW / 338 hp |
| Specific Output | 104.2 hp per liter |
| BHP/Weight | 222 bhp per tonne |
| Torque | 365 Nm / 269 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h / 155 mph (Electronically Limited) |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.8 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 5.1 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Monocoque Chassis with Aluminum Hood |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Forged Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 225/45ZR18 |
| Rear Tires | 255/40ZR18 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs with Floating Calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs with Floating Calipers |
| Front Wheels | 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18 x 9 in |
| Rear Wheels | 45.7 x 25.4 cm / 18 x 10 in |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multilink with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Curb Weight | 1570 kg / 3461 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | 50 % Front / 50 % Rear |
| Wheelbase | 2725 mm / 107.3 in |
| Length | 4492 mm / 176.8 in |
| Width | 1780 mm / 70.1 in |
| Height | 1372 mm / 54.0 in |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed SMG Automated Manual |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 11.9 L/100 km or 19.8 mpg-US |
| Fuel Capacity | 63 liters or 16.6 gallons |
Some Interesting BMW M3 E46 Facts
One of the Most Iconic M3s Ever – The E46 M3 is widely regarded as one of the best M3s ever made, thanks to its perfect balance of power, handling, and everyday usability.
Powered by the Legendary S54 Inline-6 Engine – The 3.2-liter naturally aspirated S54 inline-6 produces 333 hp (US) or 343 hp (Europe) and revs to 8,000 rpm, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
Offered with a 6-Speed Manual or SMG Transmission – The E46 M3 was available with a traditional 6-speed manual, while the SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) version featured paddle shifters for faster gear changes.
0-100 km/h in Just 5.1 Seconds – The E46 M3 could sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.1 seconds, making it one of the fastest sports coupes of its time.
First M3 with an Optional CSL Variant – The M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) was introduced in 2003, featuring reduced weight, a carbon-fiber roof, a more powerful 360 hp engine, and track-focused tuning.
Limited-Slip Differential for Better Handling – The M Variable Differential Lock provided better traction in corners, making the E46 M3 exceptionally agile on both the road and track.
One of the Best-Sounding M Cars – Thanks to its high-revving inline-6 and tuned exhaust, the E46 M3 is known for its raw, mechanical sound, which many enthusiasts consider one of the best-sounding BMW engines ever.
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Roof on the CSL – The E46 M3 CSL was the first production BMW to feature a carbon fiber roof, a weight-saving feature now common on modern M cars.
Over 85,000 Units Produced – BMW built 85,766 units of the E46 M3, making it one of the most successful M3 models ever produced.
Replaced by the V8-Powered E92 M3 – The E46 M3 was succeeded by the E92 M3 in 2007, which featured a 4.0-liter V8, marking the end of the naturally aspirated inline-6 era for the M3.
BMW M3 (E46) Price
The E46 M3 is the last analog M-car—a naturally aspirated, high-revving S54 masterpiece that’s now a blue-chip modern classic. In Europe, prices are stratospheric for low-mileage manuals, while SMG models remain (relative) bargains.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Standard Coupe (S54 3.2L I6)
High-Mileage (>150k km): €25k – €35k(Budget €10k+ for VANOS/rod bearing service.)
Well-Maintained (80k–120k km): €40k – €60k(Full BMW history + subframe reinforcement a must.)
Collector-Grade (<50k km): €70k – €100k+(Late 2005–2006 models command 20% premiums.)
Special Models
M3 CSL (2003–2004): €120k – €200k+(1,383 built—carbon roof/intake, SMG-only.)
M3 Convertible (Manual): €35k – €55k(Heavy but rare with 3 pedals.)
M3 Competition Package: €5k – €10k premium(19" wheels, steering tweaks, 2005–2006.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance is King
Original Purchase Invoice: +15%
BMW Classic Certification: +€10k
✅ Money-Making Options
6-Speed Manual: +€15k over SMG
Laguna Seca Blue: +€10k
Alcantara Interior: +€5k
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
Subframe Cracks: €5k+ repair (check trunk floor)
VANOS Failure: €3k rebuild (rattle at 2,500 RPM)
SMG Pump Issues: €2.5k replacement
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Official Channels
BMW Classic (Munich)
M Specialist Dealers (e.g., Munich Legends, UK)
Private Sales
Mobile.de "Scheckheftgepflegt" Listings
E46 M3 Owner Groups (Facebook/Forums)
Pro Tip: Avoid non-reinforced subframe cars—even "clean" ones can crack.
4. Market Trends
📈 Manuals & CSLs Going Ballistic
CSLs up 30% annually since 2020
Low-km manuals now €100k+
⚠️ Trap Warning
"Garage Finds" with Perished Seals: €5k+ in rubber replacements
Fake CSLs: Check VIN (WBSBL920XJE**CSL****)
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical:
Rod Bearing Service: Must be done (<100k km intervals)
SMG Hydraulic Test: Pump should hold pressure
Diff Whine: Sign of neglected fluid changes
📄 Paperwork:
BMW VIN Decode: Verify options (free at bmwarchive.org)
Subframe Reinforcement Receipts: Non-negotiable
Fun Fact: The S54’s 8,200 RPM redline was achieved by using MOTORCYCLE BEARINGS from BMW’s K1200R!
E46 M3 Buying Cheat Sheet
✅ Best Buy:2005–2006 Manual Coupe ❌ Walk Away:SMG with No Pump History 🔧 First Fix:Rod Bearings + VANOS (~€5k) 🎨 Most Desirable:Phoenix Yellow (1999–2000 only)
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