The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1997 to 2006. Body style ranges are:
- 4 door sedan, sold from April 1998 to 2005
- 2 door coupe, sold from June 1999 to 2006
- 2-door convertible, produced from December 1999 to 2006
- estate/5-door wagons (marketed as "Tours"), sold from October 1999 to 2005
- 3-door hatchback ( see BMW 3 Series Compact ), sold from June 2001 to 2004
All-wheel drive, last available in the E30 3 Series, was reintroduced to E46. It is available for sedan/cart models 325xi, 330xi and 330xd. The E46 is the first 3 Series available with engines using variable valve lifts ("valvetronic"). Various electronic features are also introduced in the Series 3 on the E46 generation, including satellite navigation, electronic brake force distribution, raindrop wipers, and LED tail lights.
After the introduction of the E90 sedan in late 2004, the E46 began to be removed. But the E46 coupe and convertible body style remained in production until 2006.
The M3 version of the E46 is powered by a straight-six S54 engine. M3 was released in late 2000 and is available in coupÃÆ'Â © and convertible body styles.
Video BMW 3 Series (E46)
Development
In 1993, the development program for E46 began under the chief engineer Wolfgang Ziebart, head of R & D Wolfgang Reitzle. At the end of 1993, the design work began under Chris Bangle and continued until 1995. In May 1995, E46's general exterior design by Erik Goplen of DesignworksUSA was approved and as a result DesignworksUSA was contracted by BMW to work together with BMW Group's in-house design team for created the exterior bodywork for the 3 series in February 1996. The design team emphasized on improving aerodynamics and improving the car's aggressive attitude. Design patents were filed in Germany on July 16, 1997 and in the US on January 16, 1998.
Chris Bangle and Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle (BMW Head of R & D) was responsible until 1995 for the production of the exterior saloon, as seen in the design patent of 1997. The development of saloon production took 24 months after the design froze and 31 months from the approval of the executive board styling on 1995 to 1997 began production. Goplen designed production and plantation coupons during 1996-1997. The E46 sedan was revealed through a press release on November 11, 1997 and was launched on the market in late April 1998 with customer shipments. The sedan production ended in May 2005.
Maps BMW 3 Series (E46)
Body style
Chassis
The shell of the E46 is claimed by BMW to be 70% stiffer than its predecessor E36, and aluminum is used for increasing the number of suspension components, to reduce unsprung mass. However, with 1,750 kg (3,197 lbs) curb weight, the E46 328ci is 55 kilograms (121 lb) heavier than the E36 equivalent.
In tune with BMW's core values ​​of handling dynamics, the E46 was released with front engine rear-wheel layout and 50/50 weight distribution.
Electronics
E46 Electronics is more integrated than the previous generation of Series 3, including the use of the CAN bus system. Information drivetrain (such as engine, transmission and stability control) is communicated using CAN bus. Electronic vehicles (such as radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate with each other via K-bus.
Drivetrain
Manual transmission
- 5-speed ZF S5-39
- 5-speed Getrag S5D 250G
- 5 speed Getrag S5D 320Z
- 6-acceleration ZF S6-37
- 6-acceleration ZF S6-53
Automatic transmission
- 4-speed GM 4L30-E (A4S270R)
- 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S360R)
- 5-speed GM 5L40-E (A5S390R)
- 5-speed ZF 5HP19 (A5S325Z)
- 5-speed GM 5L50-E (A5S390R)
- 6-SMG-II acceleration
Models
Gasoline engine
Diesel engine
M3 model
The M3 E46, first introduced in October 2000, comes with a 3.2 L S54 M-tuned engine. It is available in coupe and convertible body styles.
The S54 M3 engine has an 8,000 rpm redline. Like most M engines, the S54 has 6 individual throttle bodies, in which case it is electronically operated (drive-by-wire throttle) The transmission option for M3 is a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed "SMG-II" automatic manual transmission.
E46/5 hatchback
Versi hatchback dipasarkan sebagai BMW 3 Series Compact.
Model khusus
Paket kinerja (ZHP)
The Performance Package is an inclusive option sold in North America, labeled ZHP options codes in the U.S. and ZAM in Canada. It is available for sedans from the 2003 to 2005 models, and is available for coupes and convertibles from 2004 to 2006. These include a variety of aesthetic changes over the regular 3 series, as well as functional and mechanical enhancements.
The ZHP is equipped with a sporty camshaft and revision engine tuning to increase power from 225 hp (168 kW) to 235 hp (175 kW) as well as increase to a rev limiter from 6500 to 6800. The suspension is modified over standard suspension with stronger springs and dampers, greater anti-bolsters, stronger arm control arm joints, lower steering heights, heavy duty steering rack, and slightly more negative camber. Car and Driver tracked magazine-tested cars, which returned 0-60 mph time from 5.6 seconds and passed 1/4 mile in 14.3 seconds.
325i SULEV
BMW introduced super low-emission vehicles (SULEV) to selected areas in the United States to meet tighter emission standards. California, New York, and Massachusetts received SULEV E46 in 2003, and Vermont in 2004. They received a variant of the M54 engine, the BMW M56. M56 meets SULEV standards, as well as zero zero vehicle emissions (PZEV) and zero evaporative emissions. M56 is claimed to have identical power as its partner in M54.
M3 GTR StraÃÆ'Ÿen version
In order for the M3 GTR racing car to compete in the US Le Mans Series, BMW produced 6 examples of "M3 GTR StraÃÆ'Ÿen Version" road cars in 2001. In accordance with the MTR GTR race, the Roadback version is powered by BMW P60B40 Engine L 4.0 V8.
Model year changes
2000
- Electronic Stability Control ("Dynamic Stability Control") was introduced, replacing the previous ASC T traction control system.
- Manual redirection mode ("Steptronic") added to automatic transmission
2001 facelift (LCI)
In September 2001, a facelift (LCI) version of the sedan and Touring was released for the 2002 model.
- 325i (M54 engine) replaces the 323i (M52TU machine).
- 330i (M54 engine) replaces the 328i (M52TU machine).
- 318d, 320d engine upgraded from M47 to M47TU.
- Views for the navigation system are upgraded to widescreen.
- The Sedan and the Tour receive revised headlights, tail lights, grille, hood, front fenders, and front bumper.
- The Xenon headlamps now include Xenon for high-beam lamps ("Bi-Xenon lamps")
2003
In March 2003, a facelift version (LCI) of the coupe and convertible models (except M3) was released for the 2004 model year.
- The navigation system is upgraded to a version of Mark IV, which is DVD-based.
- Additional input for the sound system is available.
- SULEV engine options (M56) are available for 325 models with automatic transmission.
- Manual transmission for 330 models is improved from 5-speed to 6-speed.
- Snacks and convertibles receive revised headlights, tail lights (LEDs), grille, hood and front bumper.
- Adaptive headlights are available for coupe and conversion models
- The 330d engine is upgraded from M57 to M57TU.
Production and sales
The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was in 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide.
Motorsport
Andy Priaulx is the champion of the 2004 European Championship Touring Car Championship and the 2005 World Touring Car Championship 320i driving season. Franz Engstler won the 2006 Asian Caring Car Championship in season 320i.
This car is increasingly competing in the British Touring Car Championship, the European Touring Car Cup, and the Touring Russia Car Championship.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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