BMW 3 series 2001 E46 Hatchback

This generation of BMW 3 series E46 has been produced from June, 2001 to March, 2005. We can provide information about 11 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.

This BMW is available with three petrol engines with displacement from 1.8 to 2.5 litres and power of from 116 to 192 horsepower un one diesel engine with displacement 2.0 litres and power of from 115 to 150 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 (7 versions), as well as automatic (4 versions) gearbox.

All BMW 3 series 2001 E46 hatchback photos

BMW 3 series 2001 E46 hatchback average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 6.9 to 9.5 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 5.5 to 6.9 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2001 E46 hatchback petrol engine version is BMW 316ti Compact, consuming 6.9 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2001 E46 hatchback diesel - BMW 320td Compact 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 13 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +13% for petrol engines and +13% 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 hatchback CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 167 to 227 grams per kilometer, whereas for diesel engine - from 148 to 185 grams per kilometer. From BMW 3 series with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has BMW 316ti Compact which produces an average of 167 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In turn, from the BMW 3 series diesels least CO2 distributes BMW 320td Compact - 148 grams per km.

The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 7.1 seconds has BMW 325ti Compact version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 316ti Compact reaching this speed only in 12 seconds. The maximum top speed is 235 km/h for the 2.5 petrol 6-cylinder 192 hp version (BMW 325ti Compact) and the 2.5 petrol 192 hp version (BMW 325ti Compact).

Lenght of BMW 3 series is 426 cm, it is medium size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 5 cm longer than Volkswagen Golf hatchback, but 2 cm shorter than Honda Civic hatchback. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1800 to 1930 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 310 litres, by folding down all rear seats boot capacity can be increased to 1100 litres.

This BMW is quite costly - it can be purchased (in Latvia, EU) for around 2600 €. 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 3100 € cost per year and 0.29 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 60%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 20% 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 hatchback price in Latvia is from 800 € to 3900 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is very high - BMW 3 series is almost two times more expensive then average hatchbacks of this age (compare hatchbacks 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.