Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) - 360° Interactive
BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) - Key Specifications
BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Compact Executive Wagon |
| Production Years | 1999–2005 |
| Built At | Munich and Regensburg, Germany |
| Engine | 3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (M54B30) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder with VANOS |
| Fuel Feed | Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 2979 cc / 181.8 cu in |
| Power | 231 hp / 170 kW @ 5900 rpm |
| Specific Output | 77.6 hp per liter |
| Torque | 300 Nm / 221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h / 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| 0 – 60 mph | 6.2 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 6.5 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Unibody |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | 16"–18" Alloy Wheels (model dependent) |
| Front Tires | 205/55R16 (standard) |
| Rear Tires | 225/50R16 (standard) |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs |
| Front Wheels | 16 x 7.0 in |
| Rear Wheels | 16 x 7.0 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent MacPherson Struts with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Multi-Link with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Curb Weight | 1510 kg / 3329 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 50% / Rear 50% |
| Wheelbase | 2725 mm / 107.3 in |
| Length | 4478 mm / 176.3 in |
| Width | 1740 mm / 68.5 in |
| Height | 1415 mm / 55.7 in |
| Transmission | 5-Speed or 6-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 9.5 L/100 km / 24.8 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 63 liters / 16.6 gallons |
Some Interesting Facts
- Launched as the Practical Side of the E46 Lineup
The E46 Touring (wagon) debuted in 1999, offering the same sporty performance and handling of the sedan and coupe, but with increased cargo space and everyday usability. - Available with Inline-4 and Inline-6 Engines
The Touring was offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, including the legendary M54 3.0-liter inline-six in the 330i Touring, giving it real performance credibility. - Rear-Wheel Drive and AWD Options
While most models were rear-wheel drive, BMW also offered xDrive all-wheel drive variants, making the E46 Touring suitable for year-round use in all climates. - Still Retained the BMW Driving Feel
Despite being a wagon, the E46 Touring kept the perfect 50:50 weight distribution, precise steering, and independent suspension — making it one of the most fun wagons to drive. - Manual Transmission Was Available
For driving enthusiasts, BMW offered a manual gearbox on several Touring models, even on higher trims like the 325i and 330i — something rarely seen in wagons today. - No Official M3 Touring — But Many Wanted One
BMW never made an official E46 M3 Touring, but enthusiasts have built their own using M3 drivetrains. Rumors and prototypes have circulated for years, further fueling the legend. - Sport Package Added M-Inspired Features
Models with the Sport Package included M-style bumpers, sport seats, and suspension upgrades, giving the Touring a more aggressive look and sharper handling. - Timeless, Clean Design
The E46 is widely regarded as one of BMW’s most balanced and elegant designs, and the Touring version carried that aesthetic beautifully with its sloping roofline and subtle proportions. - Spacious But Not Overgrown
With a cargo capacity of up to 1,345 liters (with seats folded), the E46 Touring offered real practicality without growing into an SUV-sized vehicle — perfect for city and country use. - Now a Cult Classic
Today, the E46 Touring is a sought-after classic, especially manual, six-cylinder versions. Its blend of daily usability, analog driving feel, and timeless design has made it a favorite among BMW purists.
BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) - Price
The BMW E46 Touring is the perfect blend of practicality and driving joy—a rear-wheel-drive wagon with 50/50 weight balance, timeless styling, and bulletproof straight-six engines. More engaging than a modern 3 Series GT and rarer than a sedan, it’s a future classic in the making.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Standard Models (EU-Spec)
- 318i/320i (4-cyl, 115–150hp): €3,000 – €8,000
(Budget option, but watch for rust and neglect.) - 325i/330i (2.5L/3.0L I6, 192–231hp): €6,000 – €15,000
(Sweet spot for driving fun—check for VANOS issues.) - 330d (3.0L I6 Diesel, 184–204hp): €5,000 – €12,000
(Torquey and efficient, but turbo/EGR repairs add up.)
Performance & Rare Models
- M Sport Package: +€2,000 – €3,000 (Sport suspension, seats, body kit.)
- 330i ZHP (Performance Pack, EU-Spec): €12,000 – €20,000 (Rare.)
- Alpina D3/D5 (Touring): €15,000 – €30,000+ (Ultra-rare diesel sleeper.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Condition Over Mileage
- Rust-free shell is king—check wheel arches, sills, and tailgate.
- Full service history adds +20% value (especially timing chain on 6-cylinders).
✅ Options That Matter
- M Sport Package: +€2,000 (Better seats, suspension, looks.)
- Xenon Headlights: +€500 (Brighter, more modern look.)
- Sunroof/Climate Control: +€1,000 (EU buyers love comfort.)
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
- Rust (Rear subframe mounts, fuel filler neck, floor pans.)
- VANOS Rattle (I6 Models): €1,500 repair if neglected.
- Automatic Gearbox Wear (5-speed ZF units last ~200,000 km.)
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Official Channels:
- BMW Classic Certified (Rare, but check dealers.)
- Specialists (e.g., E46Fanatics, German Wagon Shops.)
Private Sales:
- Mobile.de / Autoscout24 (Filter for "TÜV approved".)
- BMW Forums & Clubs (Best for unmodified examples.)
Pro Tip:
The 330i Touring with a manual gearbox is the best all-rounder—fast, practical, and appreciating.
4. Market Trends
📈 Clean Examples Rising
- Well-kept 330i manuals up 10% since 2021.
- Alpina/Tech II kits gaining collector interest.
⚠️ Trap Warning
- "Barn find" projects often need €5k+ in rust repairs.
- Tuned/drifted cars—avoid unless you want a money pit.
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical:
- Engine Oil Leaks (Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing.)
- Suspension Bushings (Worn = clunky handling, €800 refresh.)
📄 Paperwork:
- TÜV/ASTA Reports (German/EU inspections reveal hidden issues.)
- Matching Keys/Books (Proves care and originality.)
Fun Fact:
The E46 Touring’s rear glass opens separately—perfect for loading skis or groceries without opening the full tailgate!
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