BMW M3 BMW M3 (E46)
BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E46)) was built from 2000 to 2006, as a 2-door 2+2 coupé; 2-door convertible. Powertrain: 3.2 L S54B32 I6; 4.0 L P60B40 V8 (M3 GTR). Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive. Size: 4,490 x 1,780 x 1,370 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 3450 lb.
Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.
Overview
The M3 version of the E46 3 Series was produced in coupé and convertible body styles. The E46 M3 is powered by the S54 straight-six engine and has a acceleration time of 5.2 seconds for the coupé, with either the manual or SMG-II transmission and 4.9 seconds for the CSL model. The skidpad cornering results are 0.89g for the coupé and 0.81g for the convertible. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mi/h. The kerb weight is 3450 lb. The available transmissions were a Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission or an SMG-II 6-speed automated manual transmission, which was based on the Getrag 420G.
Engine
The 3.2 L S54 engine is the final evolution of the BMW S50 naturally aspirated straight-six engine. The S54 is rated at 252 kW at 7,900 rpm, 365 Nm at 4,900 rpm, and has a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 has individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, with electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire) operation of the throttles being a new feature for the S54.
North American models
The North American models used the same S54 engine as in other countries (unlike the previous generation, which used lower performance engines in the United States). Due to minor differences in specification, the United States models were rated at 333 hp and 262 lbft, resulting in an official 0–60 mph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds for the coupé version (with either the manual and SMG transmission). As in other countries, top speed was electronically limited to 155 mi/h.
Motorsport
In the United States, the E46 M3 competed in the 2000 American Le Mans Series GT category and finished third in the championship. The straight-six engine was viewed as uncompetitive compared to the Porsche 996 GT3, therefore BMW began to develop a new M3 racing car based around a more powerful engine. The resulting E46 GTR racing car was introduced in February 2001 and was powered by a 330 kW version of the 3997 cc P60 V8 engine.
Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.
Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.
Against the other convertible models in this database (48 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.
- 96 mm below the median of 4,586 mm, and shorter than 83% of the 29 other convertible models in this database.
- 154 mm below the median of 1,934 mm, and narrower than 84% of the 32 other convertible models in this database.
- 92 mm above the median of 1,278 mm, and taller than 79% of the 28 other convertible models in this database.
- about the same as the median of 2,668 mm, and longer than 76% of the 34 other convertible models in this database.
- Fuel use (combined)17 mpg = 13.8 L/100 kmEPA fueleconomy.gov, model year 2006, median of 4 listed variants (16 to 17 mpg)
- Fuel cost per 100 km20.7013.8 L x your fuel price
- Fuel cost per 10,000 km2070consumption x distance x your fuel price
Costs are in your own currency: they use the prices you enter above.
Who it suits
- Drivers buying for enjoyment rather than space: coupes and roadsters trade rear space for style and handling.
Check before you buy
- Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
- Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
- Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
- Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator
General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.
Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
Other generations of the M3
- BMW M3 (E30) · 1986 - 1991
- BMW M3 (E36) · 1992 - 1999
- E90/92/93 M3 · 2007 - 2013
- F80 M3 · 2014 - 2018
- G80 M3 · 2020-present
More from BMW · all BMW models
Can I import a BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E46)) from Japan?
By production year alone, BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E46)) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.
What powers the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E46))?
Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 3.2 L S54B32 I6; 4.0 L P60B40 V8 (M3 GTR).
How big is the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E46))?
4,490 mm long and 1,780 mm wide and 1,370 mm tall, on a 2,720 mm wheelbase (2-door 2+2 coupé; 2-door convertible). For container loading, use the container packer.
How much fuel does the BMW M3 (BMW M3 (E46)) use?
The US EPA lists a combined 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) for model year 2006, the median of 4 listed variants. Your own figure depends on driving and condition.
Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.
- en.wikipedia.org (retrieved 2026-10-19)
- fueleconomy.gov (EPA) (2006)
Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.
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