Skip to content
BimmerWorth

3 Series generation

BMW E46

The E46 is one of the highest-volume 3 Series generations and covers saloon, coupe, convertible and touring bodies. The E46 M3 used the high-revving S54 straight-six.

1998 – 2006M43M52TUM54S54

Generation highlights

  • Very wide production spread and trim availability
  • E46 M3 offered with a six-speed manual or SMG II automated manual
  • The 330i ZHP Performance Package is a specific factory configuration buyers search for
  • Subframe reinforcement history is a standard question on this generation

What buyers ask about

Specific factory configurations and documented structural repairs are the details that most often separate two otherwise similar E46s.