BMW 3 series 2003 E46 Coupe

This generation of BMW 3 series E46 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. 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 (6 versions), as well as automatic (6 versions) gearbox.

All BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe photos

BMW 3 series 2003 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 fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe petrol engine version is BMW 318Ci, consuming 7.4 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2003 E46 coupe diesel - BMW 320Cd for 100 kilometers consumes 5.7 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 10 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +10% for petrol engines and +10% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.

BMW 3 series 2003 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. The maximum top speed is 250 km/h for the 3.0 petrol 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 1820 to 2055 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 9 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 3 series trunk space is 410 litres.

This BMW is very cheap for its class - it can be purchased (in Latvia, EU) for around 5500 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 260 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 2003 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2800 € cost per year and 0.25 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 53%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 22% 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

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 2003 - 2006 coupe price in Latvia is from 3200 € to 8500 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is average - BMW 3 series is approximately for 48 percents cheaper then average coupes of this age (compare coupes 2003 - 2006 prices).