BMW 3 series 1998 E46 Sedan
Overall, car is good. Comfortable and convenient, relatively powerful
read all BMW 3 series reviews
This generation of BMW 3 series E46 has been produced from April, 1998 to September, 2001. We can provide information about 26 modifications of this generation. 1998 BMW 3 series is available with four wheel (4x4) drive (6 versions) and classical rear wheel drive (20 versions). Four wheel drive models have AWD (all wheel drive) system (power is automatically distributed between the wheel axles).
This BMW is available with eight petrol engines with displacement from 1.9 to 3.0 litres and power of from 105 to 231 horsepower un two diesel engines with displacement from 2.0 to 2.9 litres and power of from 136 to 184 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 (13 versions), as well as automatic (13 versions) gearbox.
BMW 3 series 1998 E46 sedan average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 7.9 to 10 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 5.7 to 8.7 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 1998 E46 sedan petrol engine version is BMW 316i, consuming 7.9 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 1998 E46 sedan diesel - BMW 320d 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 5 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +6% for petrol engines and +4% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.
BMW 3 series 1998 E46 sedan CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 188 to 247 grams per kilometer, whereas for diesel engine - from 152 to 232 grams per kilometer. From BMW 3 series with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has BMW 316i which produces an average of 188 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In turn, from the BMW 3 series diesels least CO2 distributes BMW 320d - 152 grams per km.
The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 6.5 seconds has BMW 330i version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 316i reaching this speed only in 14 seconds. The maximum top speed is 250 km/h for the 3.0 petrol 6-cylinder 231 hp version (BMW 330i).
Lenght of BMW 3 series is 447 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 7 cm longer than Toyota Corolla sedan, but 1 cm shorter than Honda Civic sedan. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1785 to 2140 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 15 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 3 series trunk space is 440 litres.
This BMW is slightly expensive - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 1900 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 220 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 1998 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2400 € cost per year and 0.21 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 61%, 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! Our review authors managed to sell their BMW 3 series in average time of 1 weeks. Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 3 series prices and costs.
In user reviews BMW 3 series received average grade 7.5 (from 10) it corresponds to average rate for cars of this age. All authors of reviews would recommend BMW 3 series to the friend.
BMW 3 series modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BMW 316i
Jan 1999 — Sep 2001 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
1.9 Petrol | 105 HP | 7.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 316i Jan 1999 — Sep 2001 | 1.9 Petrol | 105 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 318i | 1.9 Petrol | 118 HP | 8.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 318i | 1.9 Petrol | 118 HP | 9.2 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 320i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 320i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
|
BMW 320d
Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 136 HP | 5.7 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 320d Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.0 Diesel | 136 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 320i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 320i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.4 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 323i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 323i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 325i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 325i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 325xi 4x4 Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |
| BMW 325xi 4x4 Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | All wheel |
| BMW 328i Apr 1998 — Jun 2000 | 2.8 Petrol | 193 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 328i Apr 1998 — Jun 2000 | 2.8 Petrol | 193 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 330d Sep 1999 — Sep 2001 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 6.7 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 330d Jan 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 8.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 330xd 4x4 Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 7.6 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |
| BMW 330xd 4x4 Jan 2000 — Sep 2001 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 8.7 l/100km | Automatic (5) | All wheel |
|
BMW 330i
Jun 2000 — Sep 2001 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 330i Jun 2000 — Sep 2001 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Automatic (5) | Rear wheel |
| BMW 330xi 4x4 Jun 2000 — Sep 2001 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |
| BMW 330xi 4x4 Jun 2000 — Sep 2001 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) | All wheel |
BMW 3 series prices
BMW 3 series 1998 - 2001 sedan price in Latvia is from 1000 € to 3300 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is very high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 32 percents more expensive then average sedans of this age (compare sedans 1998 - 2001 prices). Despite of price above average BMW 3 series quality is not so good (see below), so this BMW may not be the best choice for this price.
| Year | Lowest | Average | Highest | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 series 1999 price | 1000 € | 1800 € | 2600 € | |
| BMW 3 series 1998 price | 1200 € | 2000 € | 3300 € |
BMW 3 series total costs of ownership
How much really costs to own BMW 3 series? Users calculated BMW 3 series 1998 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2400 € cost per year and 0.21 € cost per one kilometer.
BMW 3 series 1998 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 more below average. In the roadworthiness tests in 2012 defects were detected in an average of 31.3 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 26.8%.
BMW 3 series 1998 E46 sedan features (options)
Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)
76% Climate control
68% Adjustable steering wheel
60% Metallic paint
56% Leather upholstery
28% Cruise control
26% Rain sensor
22% Rear parking sensors
20% Heated seats
20% Sunroof
18% Xenon headlights
17%
BMW 3 series 1998 E46 sedan photo images
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BMW 3 series reviews
Total 78 BMW 3 series owner reviews
| Purchase year: | 2016 (age of car 15 years) | Owned for: | 105`000 kilometers (4 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.8 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 2000 € (~ 500 € per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Car is powerful stable, sporty, comfortable, beautiful. Engine is good! Consumption very good, lots of extras!
Cons: Rust, Rust, Rust. The running gear is very sweaty and tears regularly. The oil sometimes gets out of the engine somewhere, if you chip it you will soon be able to look for a new gearbox and reducer as well as a hanging bearing, a little expensive.also the same hanging bearing is very brittle, you will smoke the tires a couple of times and start to vibrate, the price is not terrible but change often with reluctance!