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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