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Solid body, fast, great stability on the bends, comfort seats, very relaxing in long journeys, reliable for fast over taking.
read all BMW 3 series reviews

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This generation of BMW 3 series has been produced from March, 2003 to September, 2006. We can provide information about 12 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.

This BMW is available with four petrol engines with displacement from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and power of from 143 to 231 horsepower un two diesel engines with displacement from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and power of from 150 to 204 horsepower.
The car is available with both manual (6 versions), as well as automatic (6 versions) gearbox.

BMW 3 series E46 coupe average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 7.4 to 9.6 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 5.7 to 7.7 litres per 100km. The most economical BMW 3 series petrol engine version is BMW 318Ci, consuming 7.4 litres per 100km. While the most economical BMW 3 series diesel - BMW 320Cd for 100 kilometers consumes 5.7 liters of diesel.

BMW 3 series E46 coupe CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 180 to 230 grams per kilometer, whereas for diesel engine - from 153 to 206 grams per kilometer. From BMW 3 series with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has BMW 318Ci which produces an average of 180 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In turn, from the BMW 3 series diesels least CO2 distributes BMW 320Cd - 153 grams per km.

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 10 seconds.

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 1820 to 2055 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 20 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 4200 $. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 290 $ per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2700 € cost per year and 0.22 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 57%, 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! Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 3 series prices and costs.

In user reviews BMW 3 series received average grade 8.2 (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. 92% of reviewers would recommend this car to the friend.

BMW 3 series modifications

Modification Engine Power Fuel cons. Gearbox
BMW 318Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 7.4 l/100km Manual (5 gears)
BMW 318Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 8.1 l/100km Automatic (5 gears)
BMW 320Cd Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 2.0 Diesel 150 HP 5.7 l/100km Manual (6 gears)
BMW 320Cd Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 2.0 Diesel 150 HP 6.9 l/100km Automatic (5 gears)
BMW 320Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 8.9 l/100km Manual (5 gears)
BMW 320Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.4 l/100km Automatic (5 gears)
BMW 325Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9 l/100km Manual (5 gears)
BMW 325Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.5 l/100km Automatic (5 gears)
BMW 330Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (6 gears)
BMW 330Ci Mar 2003 — Sep 2006 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.6 l/100km Automatic (5 gears)
BMW 330Cd Mar 2003 — Sep 2005 3.0 Diesel 204 HP 6.6 l/100km Manual (6 gears)
BMW 330Cd Mar 2003 — Sep 2005 3.0 Diesel 204 HP 7.7 l/100km Automatic (5 gears)

BMW 3 series safety

During safety testing BMW 3 series has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with five stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got one star.

BMW 3 series prices

BMW 3 series coupe price in Latvia is from 1900 $ to 7500 $.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is entirely high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 28 percents more expensive then average coupes of this age (compare coupes 2003 - 2006 prices).

YearLowest price ($)Average price ($)Highest price ($)Availability
2006 4900 6000 7500
2005 3300 4300 5500
2004 2800 3400 5000
2003 1900 3000 4400

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 2700 € cost per year and 0.22 € 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
2003 2004 2005 2006

BMW 3 series mileage

To estimate approximate BMW 3 series mileage, please choose production year
2003 2004 2005 2006

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BMW 3 series quality

production year from 2003 to 2006

According to yearly reports of German vehicle inspection service (TÜV) BMW 3 series quality is average.
During regular inspections failures are found for approximately 15.8 percents of BMW 3 series.

Year of inspection Age of car Failures found %
/ average for same age cars		 Place in rating
BMW 3 sērija produced in 2006
2018 12 years 26.5% / 26.89% 42. from 93
2017 11 years 32.9% / 27.10% 74. from 86
2016 10 years 23.3% / 24.90% 42. from 102
2015 9 years 23.9% / 26.80% 31. from 95
2014 8 years 18.8% / 21.80% 42. from 113
2013 7 years 11.8% / 17.20% 22. from 107
2012 6 years 7.9% / 10.30% 33. from 122
2011 5 years 5.5% / 10.40% 10. from 120
2010 4 years 3.8% / 5.10% 26. from 131
2009 3 years 3.2% / 5.00% 16. from 117
2008 2 years 4.6% / 4.80% 55. from 116
BMW 3 sērija produced in 2005
2017 12 years 32.9% / 27.10% 74. from 86
2016 11 years 35.9% / 31.40% 70. from 89
2015 10 years 23.9% / 26.80% 31. from 95
2014 9 years 31.1% / 28.80% 62. from 95
2013 8 years 11.8% / 17.20% 22. from 107
2012 7 years 17.4% / 17.50% 55. from 107
2011 6 years 5.5% / 10.40% 10. from 120
2010 5 years 9.5% / 9.90% 58. from 123
2009 4 years 3.2% / 5.00% 16. from 117
2008 3 years 4.6% / 4.80% 55. from 116
2007 2 years 7.0% / 5.90% 77. from 113
BMW 3 sērija produced in 2004
2016 12 years 35.9% / 31.40% 70. from 89
2015 11 years 35.9% / 32.10% 57. from 78
2014 10 years 31.1% / 28.80% 62. from 95
2013 9 years 23.7% / 23.00% 48. from 87
2012 8 years 17.4% / 17.50% 55. from 107
2011 7 years 17.6% / 16.70% 56. from 98
2010 6 years 9.5% / 9.90% 58. from 123
2009 5 years 9.1% / 9.30% 57. from 109
2008 4 years 4.6% / 4.80% 55. from 116
2007 3 years 7.0% / 5.90% 77. from 113
2006 2 years 7.1% / 6.60% 63. from 107
BMW 3 sērija produced in 2003
2015 12 years 35.9% / 32.10% 57. from 78
2014 11 years 36.5% / 33.30% 54. from 78
2013 10 years 23.7% / 23.00% 48. from 87
2012 9 years 24.7% / 22.20% 58. from 88
2011 8 years 17.6% / 16.70% 56. from 98
2010 7 years 9.5% / 14.70% 58. from 123
2009 6 years 9.1% / 9.30% 57. from 109
2008 5 years 10.8% / 8.90% 77. from 111
2007 4 years 7.0% / 5.90% 77. from 113
2006 3 years 7.1% / 6.60% 63. from 107
2005 2 years 10.8% / 6.50% 99. from 110
2004 1 years 11.4% / 5.60% 108. from 113

BMW 3 series E46 coupe features (options)

Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)

Conditioning
79% Adjustable steering wheel
78% Climate control
73% Metallic paint
68% Cruise control
64% Leather upholstery
61% Rear parking sensors
45% Electrically adjustable seats
45% Rain sensor
43% Xenon headlights
35% Heated seats
33% Dimming mirrors
23% Navigation
21% Tire pressure control
17% Sunroof
16% Bi-xenon lights
9% Auxiliary heating
6%

BMW 3 series E46 coupe photo images

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BMW 3 series reviews

BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2003.year Petrol 1.9 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
4/10

Would NOT recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsRelatively flexible, dynamic, warm, simple

Negative thingsEngine 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.

   male, age 25
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2006.year Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 10 years) Owned for:76`000 kilometers (4 years)
Average fuel consumption: 11.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total car rating:
8/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsVery good and sporty car. The boost is good if everything is working for the machine and the turbine is not damaged.

Negative thingsLow, hard, regular painting of the front bumper should be considered. Failed xdrive, repair around 1000, - eur
Quite a large consumption in the city of 10-12L
On the highway 7-8

   male, age 30
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2006.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2014 (age of car 8 years) Owned for:215`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 8.3 litres per 100km (80% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 777 $ (~ 388 $ per year)
Total car rating:
10/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsGood suspension

Negative thingsThe fuel consumption can be economical, but i can say from experience that, driving BMW in 2 years i have been in service 2 times, before I drove a car which has average consumption of 5 l / km, and visited service service at least 3 times per year...

   female, age 29
BMW 3 series Sedan 2003.year Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsIf you get cared one, it is ideal. If not, then spend an average of 1500-2000 euro to bring in perfect order.

Negative thingsSometimes passengers does not have enough room in back.

   male, age 51
BMW 3 series Hatchback 2004.year Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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 $
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsSolid body, fast, great stability on the bends, comfort seats, very relaxing in long journeys, reliable for fast over taking.

Negative thingsNone

   male, age 57
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2006.year Diesel, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 10 years) Owned for:10`000 kilometers (0 years)
Average fuel consumption: 6.0 litres per 100km (30% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 777 $
Total car rating:
8/10

Would NOT recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsBMW 320d - a 120kw engine with chain, door locks quite easily Gearbox, good acceleration, sporty.

   male, age 30
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2006.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2014 (age of car 8 years) Owned for:50`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.5 litres per 100km (80% urban driving)
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsSafe and reliable car, suitable for families with children

Negative thingsIn city could be more economical

   female, age 29
BMW 3 series Sedan 2003.year Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Review - positive and negative sides

Positive thingsDynamic, very enjoyable

Negative thingsRusts, unfortunately

   male, age 24
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2003.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
10/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Positive thingsClassic driving car, joy ride

 
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2003.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
7/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Positive thingsComfort driving

Negative thingsShaking at idle speed

   male, age 21
BMW 3 series Sedan 2004.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
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 $
Total car rating:
8/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Negative thingsAudio system could be better.

   male, age 49
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2006.year Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2017 (age of car 11 years) Owned for:1`000 kilometers (0 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total car rating:
8/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Positive thingspowerful

   female, age 23
BMW 3 series Hatchback 2004.year Diesel 3.0 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

Negative thingscorrosion

 
BMW 3 series Sedan 2004.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
8/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   female, age 56
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2004.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
8/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

 
BMW 3 series Sedan 2006.year Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2015 (age of car 9 years) Owned for:15`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 111 $ (~ 111 $ per year)
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   male, age 34
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2004.year Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   male, age 62
BMW 3 series Sedan 2006.year Diesel 3.3 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2011 (age of car 5 years) Owned for:40`000 kilometers (6 years)
Average fuel consumption: 9.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 555 $ (~ 92 $ per year)
Total car rating:
10/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   female, age 44
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2003.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
7/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   male, age 36
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2004.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
8/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   male, age 50
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2003.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
9/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   male
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2005.year Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
7/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   male, age 33
BMW 3 series Estate car/wagon 2006.year Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2018 (age of car 12 years) Owned for:25`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 9.3 litres per 100km (50% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 1443 $ (~ 721 $ per year)
Total car rating:
8/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   male, age 52
BMW 3 series Sedan 2003.year Petrol 1.8 litres, Manual gearbox
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)
Total car rating:
5/10

Would recomend this car to the friend

   female, age 32
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