BMW 3 series 2001 E46 Sedan

This generation of BMW 3 series E46 has been produced from September, 2001 to March, 2005. We can provide information about 31 modification of this generation. 2001 BMW 3 series is available with four wheel (4x4) drive (9 versions) and classical rear wheel drive (22 versions). Four wheel drive models have AWD (all wheel drive) system (power is automatically distributed between the wheel axles).

This BMW is available with six petrol engines with displacement from 1.8 to 3.0 litres and power of from 105 to 231 horsepower un four diesel engines with displacement from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and power of from 115 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 (17 versions), as well as automatic (14 versions) gearbox.

All BMW 3 series 2001 E46 sedan photos

BMW 3 series 2001 E46 sedan average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 7.1 to 11 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 5.5 to 8.7 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2001 E46 sedan petrol engine version is BMW 316i, consuming 7.1 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2001 E46 sedan diesel - BMW 320d for 100 kilometers consumes 5.5 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 6 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +7% for petrol engines and +5% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.

BMW 3 series 2001 E46 sedan CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 172 to 257 grams per kilometer, whereas for diesel engine - from 148 to 233 grams per kilometer. From BMW 3 series with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has BMW 316i which produces an average of 172 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In turn, from the BMW 3 series diesels least CO2 distributes BMW 320d - 148 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) and the 3.0 petrol 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 2160 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 2500 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 340 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 2001 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2300 € cost per year and 0.18 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 57%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 24% 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 7.9 (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. 94% of reviewers would recommend this car to the friend.

BMW 3 series modifications

BMW 3 series safety

During safety testing BMW 3 series has obtained 4 stars from five, which means good safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got one star.

BMW 3 series prices

BMW 3 series 2001 - 2005 sedan price in Latvia is from 1300 € to 4500 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is very high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 34 percents more expensive then average sedans of this age (compare sedans 2001 - 2005 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.