BMW 3 Series, 1997–2003
BMW 3 Series E46 specifications
The BMW 3 Series E46 was built from 1997 to 2003. This page lists all 9 versions (hatchback) with 114–189 hp and 175–330 Nm of torque.
- 114–189 hp
- Power (85–141 kW)
- 175–330 Nm
- Torque (129–243 lb-ft)
- 7.1–11.9 s
- 0–100 km/h (fastest to slowest version)
- 235 km/h
- Highest top speed (146 mph)
All versions
From least to most powerful. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market and model year.
| Version | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316ti AT Compact hatchback | 1.8 litre gasoline | 114 hp 85 kW | 175 Nm | 11.9 s | 196 km/h | Automatic, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 316ti MT Compact hatchback | 1.8 litre gasoline | 114 hp 85 kW | 175 Nm | 10.9 s | 201 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 318td MT Compact hatchback | 2.0 litre diesel | 114 hp 85 kW | 280 Nm | 10.5 s | 202 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 318ti AT Compact hatchback | 2.0 litre gasoline | 141 hp 105 kW | 200 Nm | 10.2 s | 211 km/h | Automatic, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 318ti MT Compact hatchback | 2.0 litre gasoline | 141 hp 105 kW | 200 Nm | 9.3 s | 214 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 320td AT Compact hatchback | 2.0 litre diesel | 148 hp 110 kW | 330 Nm | 9.1 s | 211 km/h | Automatic, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 320td MT Compact hatchback | 2.0 litre diesel | 148 hp 110 kW | 330 Nm | 8.7 s | 219 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 325ti AT Compact hatchback | 2.5 litre gasoline | 189 hp 141 kW | 245 Nm | 8.3 s | 232 km/h | Automatic, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
| 325ti MT Compact hatchback | 2.5 litre gasoline | 189 hp 141 kW | 245 Nm | 7.1 s | 235 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Rear wheel drive |
Dimensions and weight
| Length | 4,262 mm | 168 in |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1,751 mm | 69 in |
| Height | 1,408 mm | 55 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm | 107 in |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm | 5 in |
| Kerb weight | 1,300–1,440 kg | 2,866–3,175 lb |
| Boot space | 310–1,100 litres | 11–39 cu ft |
| Seats | 5 | |
| Turning circle | 10.5 m | 34 ft |
| Fuel tank | 63 litres | 17 US gal |
Questions about the BMW 3 Series E46
What is the most powerful BMW 3 Series E46?
The 325ti AT compact hatchback, with 189 hp (141 kW) and 245 Nm of torque.
How fast is the BMW 3 Series E46 from 0 to 100 km/h?
The quickest version, the 325ti MT compact hatchback, takes 7.1 seconds; the slowest takes 11.9 seconds. 0–60 mph is about 0.3 seconds quicker than 0–100 km/h.
What engines does the BMW 3 Series E46 have?
Engines from 1.8 to 2.5 litres, running on gasoline or diesel. The table above lists the power, torque and gearbox of each version.
How big is the BMW 3 Series E46?
About 4,262 mm long, 1,751 mm wide and 1,408 mm tall (168 in long), weighing 1,300–1,440 kg. Figures vary slightly by body style.
Every BMW 3 Series generation
- E30, facelift 1987–1994
- E46 1997–2003
- E90/E91/E92/E93 2004–2010
- E90/E91/E92/E93, facelift 2008–2013
- F30/F31/F34 2011–2016
- F30/F31/F34, facelift 2015–2020
- G20 2018–2022
- G20, facelift 2022–2024
- G20, second facelift 2024–present
BMW 3 Series overview: current engines, dimensions and markets
Sources: manufacturer data for each version. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market, model year and equipment.