A pinnacle of consistency. The E46 pushes the 3 Series to maturity: precise chassis, expressive naturally aspirated engines, and improved perceived quality. And at the very top, the E46 M3 and its ferocious S54 engine. It still delivers raw sensations in a world already over-filtered.
The fourth generation BMW 3 Series, presented in 1997, went on sale the following year and was available in 4 versions: saloon, estate (Touring), coupé and convertible. Initially, it was equipped with the same range of engines as its predecessor, the E36, to which were added 2 diesels: a 4-cylinder 2.0l (136 & 150hp) and a 6-cylinder 3.0l (183 & 204hp). The petrol engine range was renewed in 2000 with the arrival of the 2.2l (170hp), 2.5l (192hp) and 3.0l (231hp). In 2001, BMW presented its M3, available only as a coupé and cabriolet. Under its bonnet was a 3246 cm in-line 6-cylinder engine developing 343 hp, combined with a dual VANOS system and a sequential gearbox with no fewer than 11 different modes, ranging from soft to sporty. An even more exclusive version, the M3 CSL (Coupé Sport Léger) went on sale in 2003, with a 6-cylinder engine boosted to 360bhp for the occasion. Its distinguishing feature was a carbon fibre roof. The E46 3 Series remained on the market until 2005, when it was replaced by the E90 version.
