BMW 3 series 1999 E46 Coupe

This generation of BMW 3 series E46 has been produced from September, 1999 to December, 2003. We can provide information about 18 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.

This BMW is available with nine petrol engines with displacement from 1.8 to 3.0 litres and power of from 116 to 231 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 (9 versions), as well as automatic (9 versions) gearbox.

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BMW 3 series 1999 E46 coupe average fuel consumption in combined cycle is from 7.1 to 10 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 1999 E46 coupe version is BMW 316i, consuming 7.1 litres of petrol per 100km.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 9 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy. For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.

BMW 3 series 1999 E46 coupe CO2 emissions are from 175 to 241 grams per kilometer. BMW 3 series version with the lowest CO2 emissions is BMW 318Ci, which produces 175 grams of CO2 per one kilometer.

The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 6.5 seconds has BMW 330Ci version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 318Ci reaching this speed only in 12 seconds. The maximum top speed is 250 km/h for the 3.0 petrol 6-cylinder 231 hp version (BMW 330Ci).

Lenght of BMW 3 series is 449 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 1 cm longer than Ford Focus sedan, but 3 cm shorter than Toyota Avensis hatchback. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1785 to 1965 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 7 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 3 series trunk space is 410 litres.

This BMW is relatively cheap - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 2900 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 280 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 1999 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 3000 € cost per year and 0.23 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 61%, 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! 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 7.7 (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
BMW 316i Jan 2001 — Dec 2003

Most fuel efficient version

1.8 Petrol 116 HP 7.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 316i Jan 2001 — Dec 2003 1.8 Petrol 116 HP 8.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 318Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2001 1.9 Petrol 118 HP 8.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2001 1.9 Petrol 118 HP 9.2 l/100km Automatic (4)
BMW 318Ci Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 7.2 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318Ci Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 8.1 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 320Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 8.9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 320Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 320Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 8.9 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 320Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.4 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 323Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 323Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 325Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.5 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 328Ci Sep 1999 — Jun 2000 2.8 Petrol 193 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 328Ci Sep 1999 — Jun 2000 2.8 Petrol 193 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 330Ci Jun 2000 — Mar 2003

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds

3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 330Ci Jun 2000 — Mar 2003

Most powerfull version (231 HP)

3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.6 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 3 series service and maintenanceOil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.

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 1999 - 2003 coupe price in Latvia is from 2200 € to 3800 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is entirely high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 21 percents cheaper then average coupes of this age (compare coupes 1999 - 2003 prices). The reason of BMW 3 series low price could be its poor quality (see below) so we recommend particularly examine the car before purchase and do not choose it only by price.

YearLowestAverageHighestAvailability
BMW 3 series 2003 price 2200 € 2900 € 3800 €
BMW 3 series 1999 price 2800 € 2900 € 3000 €

BMW 3 series total costs of ownership

BMW 3 series mileage

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BMW 3 series reliability and quality

According to yearly reports of vehicle inspection service BMW 3 series reliability is below average. In the roadworthiness tests in 2014 defects were detected in an average of 36.5 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 33.3%.

BMW 3 series reliability and quality

BMW 3 series 1999 E46 coupe features (options)

Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)

Conditioning
77%
Climate control
68%
Metallic paint
62%
Adjustable steering wheel
61%
Leather upholstery
49%
Electrically adjustable seats
38%
Cruise control
34%
Xenon headlights
31%
Rain sensor
28%
Heated seats
28%
Rear parking sensors
25%
Sunroof
21%
Dimming mirrors
12%

BMW 3 series 1999 E46 coupe photo images

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Similar cars to BMW 3 series 1999

Cars similar and most compared to BMW 3 series 1999. Click on the image to view the car's specifications or on the "Compare..." link to compare cars.

BMW 3 series 2001 BMW 3 series 2001 has
  • lower price
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Compare BMW 3 series 1999 vs BMW 3 series 2001
Volvo S60 2000 Volvo S60 2000 has
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BMW 5 series 2000 BMW 5 series 2000 has
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BMW X3 2004 BMW X3 2004 has
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Mercedes CLK 1999 Mercedes CLK 1999 has
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Audi A3 2000 Audi A3 2000 has
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BMW 3 series reviews

Total 78 BMW 3 series owner reviews

BMW 3 series 2002 Sedan Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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: 1860 € (~ 620 € per year)
Total car rating:
8
Review - positive and negative sides
   female, age 28
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