#E46 m3 subframe issue production years manual#
However, the gearbox options, being a six-speed conventional manual transmission and the SMG transmission were unchanged. It resembled a regular M3 from the outside, but it had larger disc brakes, CSL-style 19-inch rims, revised steering, driving modes, and a CSL steering wheel. Offered only in 2005, the CS model was a cross between the standard car and the rare M3 CSL.
The CSL had slightly better performance and was produced exclusively with the SMG II transmission. The CSL was a more exclusive model with emphasis on less weight (110 kgs lighter than the standard car), more power (17 hp more), and better driving dynamics due to revised suspension and braking. This model was only produced as a coupe with a carbon-fiber roof, unique front bumper, and trunk lid and in two special colors, silver and gray. Produced in just 1,383 examples, the BMW M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Licht) was offered only in Europe and few selected markets. Out of 85,766 cars produced, around 56,000 were coupes, and 30,000 were convertibles.Īlong with the standard E46 M3, BMW produced the following unique versions: BMW E46 M3 CSL How many BMW E46 M3 were produced?īMW produced 85,766 E46 M3 vehicles. There aren’t many different-spec cars, but there is a big difference in the desirability of vehicles available, which will reflect the asking price. Buying a BMW E46 M3īefore we dive into specifics, we need to shed light on the models and versions BMW produced over the years. During the six years of production, BMW made exactly 85,766 cars, making the E46 M3 best-selling M3 up to date. The E46 was offered in two distinct variants – coupe and convertible, but the sedan version, like the E36 M3, was ruled out by BMW. Even today, those are respectable figures, but in 2000, it was close to base Porsche 911 numbers. With an alloy block and head and electronically-controlled throttle bodies, it also delivered 269 lb-ft of torque and 0 to 60 mph times of just over 5 seconds. The heart of any M car was the engine, and in the case of E46 M3, it was the S54, 3.2-liter, a straight-six unit with 343 hp and 8,000 rpm redline. The first tests revealed that the car drove as great as it looked and that BMW hit the home run with this version of their best-selling E46 3-Series platform.
The engine was matched with an engaging six-speed manual and innovative SMG II automated manual transmissions, producing sublime handling. It was a proper M car with elegant yet aggressive styling, high-revving and mighty (for the standards of the day) engine. When the E46 M3 was introduced in late 2000, the car industry was stunned. Purists protested that the E36 M3 wasn’t that much different from the standard model.įor the successor, the E46 M3, the company decided to go all out and create it almost from scratch with a host of individual parts and components.
So, BMW made M3 into a much more mature, faster, and comfortable model when the second generation arrived. Its enormous success on the track and amongst the performance car buyers showed the company that there was significant potential. The E30 was a racing car in disguise, a homologation special built by BMW so its M Performance division could race. The first M3 (E30 generation) was introduced in 1986, followed by the second (E36), which was presented in 1992. The BMW E46 M3, produced from 2000 to 2006, is arguably the closest to the ideal of what the M3 should be and amongst one of the best driver’s cars. Successful on the streets and the tracks, each of M3’s generations has its own distinctive character, making the discussion on which is the best or the purest endlessly fascinating. Throughout the six generations, BMW grew this model from obscure homologation special to sports car legend of the highest order. Most importantly, we provide 10 things you should know about the BMW E46 M3 before you buy one.įor the last 35 years, car enthusiasts have lusted after BMW M3 models.
This guide will be a comprehensive guide including background, production numbers, models, and more. Welcome to our Buyer’s Guide for the BMW E46 M3.