BMW 3 series 1998 E46 Sedan

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.

All BMW 3 series 1998 E46 sedan photos

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 quite costly - it can be purchased (in Latvia, EU) for around 2000 €. 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

BMW 3 series prices

BMW 3 series 1998 - 2001 sedan price in Latvia is from 1000 € to 3200 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is very high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 46 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.