BMW 3 series E46 Sedan 2001
If you get cared one, it is ideal. If not, then spend an average of 1500-2000 euro to bring in perfect order.
read all BMW 3 series reviews
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.
The car is available with both manual (17 versions), as well as automatic (14 versions) gearbox.
BMW 3 series 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 economical BMW 3 series petrol engine version is BMW 316i, consuming 7.1 litres per 100km. While the most economical BMW 3 series diesel - BMW 320d for 100 kilometers consumes 5.5 liters of diesel.
BMW 3 series 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.
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 17 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles.
This BMW is slightly expensive - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 2600 $. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 370 $ per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2200 € cost per year and 0.18 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 58%, 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 8.0 (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
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 316i Mar 2002 — Jan 2005 | 1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 7.1 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 316i Mar 2002 — Jan 2005 | 1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 8 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 316i Sep 2001 — Mar 2002 | 1.9 Petrol | 105 HP | 7.9 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 316i Sep 2001 — Mar 2002 | 1.9 Petrol | 105 HP | 9 l/100km | Automatic (4 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 318i Sep 2001 — Jan 2005 | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 318i Sep 2001 — Jan 2005 | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 318d Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.0 Diesel | 115 HP | 5.6 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 318d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 2.0 Diesel | 115 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 320d Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 5.5 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 320d Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 320d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 5.8 l/100km | Manual (6 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 320i Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 320i Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.4 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 325i Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 325i Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 325xi Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.9 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 325xi Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 11 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 330d Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 6.7 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 330d Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 8 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 330xd Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 7.6 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 330xd Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.9 Diesel | 184 HP | 8.7 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 330i Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 330i Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 330xi Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Manual (5 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 330xi Sep 2001 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 11 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 330i Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (6 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 330xi Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.9 l/100km | Manual (6 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 330d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Manual (6 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 330d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| BMW 330xd Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 7.6 l/100km | Manual (6 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| BMW 330xd Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 | 3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 8.7 l/100km | Automatic (5 gears) | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
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 1800 $ 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 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.
| Year | Lowest | Average | Highest | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 series 2005 price | 2300 $ | 2400 $ | 2800 $ | |
| BMW 3 series 2004 price | 2100 $ | 2700 $ | 3300 $ | |
| BMW 3 series 2003 price | 1800 $ | 2600 $ | 3300 $ | |
| BMW 3 series 2002 price | 1900 $ | 2600 $ | 3300 $ | |
| BMW 3 series 2001 price | 2100 $ | 2600 $ | 3100 $ |
BMW 3 series total costs of ownership
How much really costs to own BMW 3 series? Users calculated BMW 3 series cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2200 € cost per year and 0.18 € cost per one kilometer.
To calculate the BMW 3 series total running costs, including the purchase, insurance, maintenance costs as well as taxes and other costs, click year of production
BMW 3 series 2001 BMW 3 series 2002 BMW 3 series 2003 BMW 3 series 2004 BMW 3 series 2005
BMW 3 series reliability and quality
According to yearly reports of German vehicle inspection service (TÜV) BMW 3 series quality is very low. In the roadworthiness tests carried out in 2017, defects were detected in an average of 32.9 percent of BMW 3 series of this generation.
BMW 3 series E46 sedan features (options)
Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)
80% Climate control
79% Adjustable steering wheel
67% Metallic paint
63% Cruise control
49% Rear parking sensors
42% Rain sensor
42% Leather upholstery
37% Heated seats
29% Xenon headlights
29% Sunroof
18% Dimming mirrors
18% Navigation
15%
BMW 3 series E46 sedan photo images
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BMW 3 series reviews
Total 74 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: | 2220 $ (~ 555 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Car is powerful stable, sporty, comfortable, beautiful. Engine is good! Consumption very good, lots of extras!
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!
| Purchase year: | 2019 (age of car 17 years) | Owned for: | 60`000 kilometers (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.5 litres per 100km (30% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 5672.1 $ (~ 1890 $ per year) | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
A very good car if you have a lot of money (if you want to maintain it properly). The M57 engine is, of course, like taken from WW2 tank that is still alive today.
Rust is probably crazier than Opel, but it's more the owners' fault for ignoring rust in early stages, which are economically unviable to save later
| 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
Relatively flexible, dynamic, warm, simple
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.
| Purchase year: | 2020 (age of car 19 years) | Owned for: | 15`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 2109 $ (~ 2109 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pleasant and good-looking. Sporty. Easy to drive. Powerful. Convenient.
Expensive engine parts. Complex engine and its supportive structure. With automatic transmission very diesel edible. The control system is fragile. Brutally baggy, on the smallest failure stands still. The fuel system has been repaired 2 times, still having problems
| Purchase year: | 2014 (age of car 11 years) | Owned for: | 45`000 kilometers (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.4 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 710.4 $ (~ 355 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
If you get cared one, it is ideal. If not, then spend an average of 1500-2000 euro to bring in perfect order.
Sometimes passengers does not have enough room in back.
| Purchase year: | 2018 (age of car 14 years) | Owned for: | 15`000 kilometers (0 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.5 litres per 100km (80% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 333 $ | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Solid body, fast, great stability on the bends, comfort seats, very relaxing in long journeys, reliable for fast over taking.
None
| Purchase year: | 2014 (age of car 12 years) | Owned for: | 20`000 kilometers (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.0 litres per 100km (30% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 111 $ (~ 37 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
A very good car, which does not require large investments. Tough under circumstances in Latvia.
Can crawl into rust
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 14 years) | Owned for: | 60`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.7 litres per 100km (40% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 521.7 $ (~ 521 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Overall, car is good. Comfortable and convenient, relatively powerful
Could be softer suspension
| Purchase year: | 2014 (age of car 12 years) | Owned for: | 65`000 kilometers (5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.0 litres per 100km (90% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 987.9 $ (~ 197 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Comfortable, good quality interior and durable suspension
Rust, problems with coolant loss
| Purchase year: | 2016 (age of car 14 years) | Owned for: | 12`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.6 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 133.2 $ (~ 133 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
A practical, very powerful (good capacity margin, if needed)
A large road tax..
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 14 years) | Owned for: | 30`000 kilometers (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 10.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 1343.1 $ (~ 671 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
A very good, reliable and secure car.
| Purchase year: | 2017 (age of car 14 years) | Owned for: | 40`000 kilometers (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.0 litres per 100km (90% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 133.2 $ (~ 66 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Dynamic, very enjoyable
Rusts, unfortunately
| Purchase year: | 2014 (age of car 13 years) | Owned for: | 80`000 kilometers (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.2 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 555 $ (~ 277 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Economic and dynamic
Thermostats to change
| Purchase year: | 2008 (age of car 5 years) | Owned for: | 150`000 kilometers (7 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 2619.6 $ (~ 374 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Classic driving car, joy ride
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 12 years) | Owned for: | 15`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 83.25 $ (~ 83 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Comfort driving
Shaking at idle speed
| Purchase year: | 2016 (age of car 12 years) | Owned for: | 3`000 kilometers (0 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 5.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 932.4 $ | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Audio system could be better.
| Purchase year: | 2014 (age of car 10 years) | Owned for: | 30`000 kilometers (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 10.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
corrosion
| Purchase year: | 2013 (age of car 9 years) | Owned for: | 100`000 kilometers (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 5.8 litres per 100km (20% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 510.6 $ (~ 255 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2014 (age of car 10 years) | Owned for: | 30`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.5 litres per 100km (30% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 205.35 $ (~ 205 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 11 years) | Owned for: | 15`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 10.0 litres per 100km (40% urban driving) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2006 (age of car 5 years) | Owned for: | 200`000 kilometers (10 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.0 litres per 100km (80% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 888 $ (~ 88 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2016 (age of car 14 years) | Owned for: | 70`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 1776 $ (~ 1776 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2006 (age of car 3 years) | Owned for: | 40`000 kilometers (13 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.5 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 632.7 $ (~ 48 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2016 (age of car 12 years) | Owned for: | 100`000 kilometers (4 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 5.2 litres per 100km (30% urban driving) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2019 (age of car 16 years) | Owned for: | 25`000 kilometers (1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 2430.9 $ (~ 2430 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2016 (age of car 11 years) | Owned for: | 50`000 kilometers (4 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 1309.8 $ (~ 327 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2019 (age of car 16 years) | Owned for: | 310`000 kilometers (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.0 litres per 100km (20% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 482.85 $ (~ 241 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 13 years) | Owned for: | 26`000 kilometers (0 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 333 $ | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2012 (age of car 10 years) | Owned for: | 22`000 kilometers (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 7.0 litres per 100km (80% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 38.85 $ (~ 12 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 14 years) | Owned for: | 100`000 kilometers (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 6.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 777 $ (~ 259 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 13 years) | Owned for: | 40`000 kilometers (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 10.0 litres per 100km (90% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 2064.6 $ (~ 688 $ per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| Purchase year: | 2019 (age of car 18 years) | Owned for: | 1`000 kilometers (0 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 8.0 litres per 100km (40% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 88.8 $ | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend