The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury cars, and was produced from 1998 to 2006. The body styles of the range are:
4-door sedan, sold from 1998 to 2005
2-door coupé, sold from 1999 to 2006
2-door convertible, sold from 1999 to 2006[5]
5-door estate/wagon (marketed as “Touring”), sold from 1999 to 2005
3-door hatchback (see BMW 3 Series Compact), sold from 2000 to 2004
The BMW E90 began to replace the E46 sedans in late 2004, however the E46 coupe and convertible body styles remained in production until 2006.
All-wheel drive, last available in the E30 3 Series, was reintroduced for the E46. It was available for the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd sedan/wagon models.[6][7] The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using variable valve lift (“valvetronic”). Various electronic features were also introduced to the 3 Series in the E46 generation, including satellite navigation, electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers and LED tail-lights.[8][9][10]
The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.[11]
The M3 version of the E46 was powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine. The M3 was released in 2001 and was available in coupé and convertible body styles. The transmissions available were a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed “SMG-II” sequential manual gearbox.