BMW 3 series 2003 E46 Coupe
Solid body, fast, great stability on the bends, comfort seats, very relaxing in long journeys, reliable for fast over taking.
read all BMW 3 series reviews
This generation of BMW 3 series E46 has been produced from March, 2003 to September, 2006. We can provide information about 12 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.
This BMW is available with four petrol engines with displacement from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and power of from 143 to 231 horsepower un two diesel engines with displacement from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and power of from 150 to 204 horsepower. All engines feature a timing chain-driven camshaft, which is considered a more reliable and less maintenance-intensive solution (What is an engine chain and belt?).
The car is available with both manual (6 versions), as well as automatic (6 versions) gearbox.
BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 7.4 to 9.6 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 5.7 to 7.7 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe petrol engine version is BMW 318Ci, consuming 7.4 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe diesel - BMW 320Cd for 100 kilometers consumes 5.7 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 10 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +10% for petrol engines and +10% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.
BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 180 to 230 grams per kilometer, whereas for diesel engine - from 153 to 206 grams per kilometer. From BMW 3 series with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has BMW 318Ci which produces an average of 180 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In turn, from the BMW 3 series diesels least CO2 distributes BMW 320Cd - 153 grams per km.
The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 6.5 seconds has BMW 330Ci version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 318Ci reaching this speed only in 10 seconds. The maximum top speed is 250 km/h for the 3.0 petrol 231 hp version (BMW 330Ci).
Lenght of BMW 3 series is 449 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 1 cm longer than Ford Focus sedan, but 3 cm shorter than Toyota Avensis hatchback. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1820 to 2055 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 9 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 3 series trunk space is 410 litres.
This BMW is relatively cheap - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 5500 $. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 290 $ per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 2003 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2700 € cost per year and 0.24 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 54%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 23% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 3 series for your situation and driving habits here! Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 3 series prices and costs.
In user reviews BMW 3 series received average grade 8.2 (from 10) it corresponds to average rate for cars of this age. Ratings are quite controversial, both positive and not so good, read more in the reviews below. 92% of reviewers would recommend this car to the friend.
BMW 3 series modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BMW 318Ci
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 7.4 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 318Ci | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 320Cd
Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 5.7 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 320Cd Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 | 2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 320Ci | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 320Ci | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.4 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 325Ci | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 325Ci | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 330Ci
Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (6) |
|
BMW 330Ci
Most powerfull petrol version (231 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 330Cd
Mar 2003 — Sep 2005 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Manual (6) |
|
BMW 330Cd
Mar 2003 — Sep 2005 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 3 series safety
During safety testing BMW 3 series has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with five stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got one star.
BMW 3 series prices
BMW 3 series 2003 - 2006 coupe price in Latvia is from 3300 $ to 9500 $.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is above average - BMW 3 series is approximately for 41 percents cheaper then average coupes of this age (compare coupes 2003 - 2006 prices).
| Year | Lowest | Average | Highest | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 series 2006 price | 6000 $ | 7500 $ | 9500 $ | |
| BMW 3 series 2005 price | 3600 $ | 4700 $ | 6500 $ | |
| BMW 3 series 2003 price | 3300 $ | 4600 $ | 5500 $ |
BMW 3 series total costs of ownership
How much really costs to own BMW 3 series? Users calculated BMW 3 series 2003 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2700 € cost per year and 0.24 € cost per one kilometer.
BMW 3 series 2003 total costs of ownership calculator
Calculate total cost of ownership of the BMW 3 series, including purchase, insurance, maintenance, taxes and other costs based on how you use your vehicle.
BMW 3 series reliability and quality
According to yearly reports of vehicle inspection service BMW 3 series reliability is very low. In the roadworthiness tests in 2017 defects were detected in an average of 32.9 percent of BMW 3 series of this generation (on average 13 years old at the time of inspection). The average failure rate for a vehicles of the same age was 27.1%.
BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe features (options)
Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)
78% Climate control
73% Metallic paint
66% Adjustable steering wheel
57% Cruise control
47% Leather upholstery
44% Rain sensor
43% Rear parking sensors
33% Electrically adjustable seats
33% Xenon headlights
33% Heated seats
24% Tire pressure control
19% Dimming mirrors
17% Navigation
15% Sunroof
12%
BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe photo images
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- available with 4x4 drive
- lower price
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- roomier boot
- lower price
- lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
- manual gearbox only
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BMW 3 series reviews
Total 78 BMW 3 series owner reviews
| Purchase year: | 2016 (age of car 13 years) | Owned for: | 15`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.0 litres per 100km (30% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 865.8 $ (~ 865 $ per year) | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Relatively flexible, dynamic, warm, simple
Cons: Engine N42 sucks. Something broke on a regular basis, produces a variety of hitherto unheard of until end of sounds that are not managed to avoid. It is difficult to find fault. Eat oil, a white oil appears. Hard and rattles. Rusts. Glass elevators holds on nothing. In short, away from those engines, more than 100 000km it is not intended.