BMW 3 Series fourth generation
The BMW 3 Series fourth generation (1998–2006): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 74 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: E46 · Sold in: United States and Canada
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | – | 4,470–4,490 mm |
| Width | – | 1,740 mm |
| Height | – | 1,410–1,430 mm |
| Wheelbase | – | 2,725 mm |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | – | 1,285–1,785 kg |
| Seats and space | ||
| Luggage space (EPA) | 255–736 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | 2,095–2,633 L EPA | – |
| Fuel tank | – | 63 L |
| Performance | ||
| Torque | – | 150–410 Nm |
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia (en, de, sv), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 72.6% (72.5–72.8) | 69.2% | 228,572 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 48.0% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 40.0% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 31.6% | 31.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 26.5% | 17.1% |
| Lights and electrics | 21.9% | 28.8% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 12.0% | 11.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
4,143 complaints for model years 2000–2006. 138 crashes · 166 fires · 185 injuries · 5 deaths
- Airbags 1,574
- Lights 497
- Electrical system 479
- Transmission and drivetrain 430
- Engine 307
- Locks and latches 139
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 74 versions of the BMW 3 Series fourth generation
Show all 74 versions
United States 29 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2012 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20–21 MPG (11.2–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 263–276 g/km |
| 2004–20104MODE · 3MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2003–2007 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20–21 MPG (11.2–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 263–276 g/km |
| 1998–2006 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 19–22 MPG (10.7–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 251–291 g/km |
| 2003–20063MODE CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 263–291 g/km |
| 2003–20063MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
| 2004–20064MODE | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 20063MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2001–2005 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2003–20053MODE CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2004–20054MODE | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 21–22 MPG (10.7–11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 251–263 g/km |
| 2001–20053MODE · 3MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2003–20053MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 2002–20033MODE · 3MODE CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2001–2003 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20–22 MPG (10.7–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 251–276 g/km |
| 2002–2003 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 2001–20023MODE | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
| 2001–20023MODE | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 2001–20023MODE | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 291–307 g/km |
| 20023MODE | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1999–2000 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 20002MODE | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 291–307 g/km |
| 1998–2000 | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20–21 MPG (11.2–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 263–276 g/km |
| 1999–2000 | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 20002MODE | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 1999 | 1.9 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240 g/km |
| 1999 | 1.9 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA | 230 g/km |
| 1998–1999 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1998–1999 | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
Canada 45 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2011Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 244 g/km |
| 2006–2011Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 244 g/km |
| 2006–2007Station wagon: Small · Compact · Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 265 g/km |
| 1999–2006Minicompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.9–12.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 274–292 g/km |
| 1999–2006Minicompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.9–12.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 274–281 g/km |
| 2004–2006Minicompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 267 g/km |
| 2006Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 274 g/km |
| 2006Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.9–11.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251–255 g/km |
| 2006Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 10.9–11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251–265 g/km |
| 2004–2006Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.8–11.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 248–265 g/km |
| 2006Station wagon: Small | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 269 g/km |
| 2006Minicompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automatic | 12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 285 g/km |
| 2001–2005Compact | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258 g/km |
| 2001–2005Compact | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251 g/km |
| 2001–2005Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 271 g/km |
| 2002–2005Subcompact · Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258 g/km |
| 2002–2005Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.0–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 276–278 g/km |
| 2003–2005Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 12.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 276 g/km |
| 2001–2005Subcompact · Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.5–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 265–274 g/km |
| 2004–2005Minicompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 10.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251 g/km |
| 2004–2005Subcompact · Compact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 10.2–10.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 235–237 g/km |
| 2001–2005Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 290 g/km |
| 2001–2005Minicompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.1–12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 278–285 g/km |
| 2004–2005Minicompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 11.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260 g/km |
| 2001–2005Subcompact · Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.3–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260–274 g/km |
| 2004–2005Subcompact · Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed automated manual | 10.9–11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251–253 g/km |
| 2004–2005Subcompact · Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 11.1–11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 255–258 g/km |
| 2003Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260 g/km |
| 2001–2003Subcompact · Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251 g/km |
| 2001–2003Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 267 g/km |
| 2001–2003Minicompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.5–12.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 265–290 g/km |
| 2001Subcompact · Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 253 g/km |
| 1999–2001Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.8–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 271–274 g/km |
| 1999–2000Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258 g/km |
| 1999–2000Compact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258 g/km |
| 1999–2000Compact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.8–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 271–274 g/km |
| 1998–1999Minicompact | 1.9 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 237 g/km |
| 1999Subcompact · Compact | 1.9 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 228 g/km |
| 1999Compact | 1.9 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 232 g/km |
| 1998–1999Minicompact · Subcompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 274 g/km |
| 1998–1999Minicompact · Subcompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 255 g/km |
| 1999Minicompact · Subcompact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260 g/km |
| 1999Minicompact · Subcompact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 271 g/km |
| 1998Subcompact · Minicompact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 278 g/km |
| 1998Subcompact · Minicompact | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 262 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.