BMW M3 E46

Photo: Damian B Oh / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The BMW M3 E46 (2000–2006): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 8 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: E46

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,490 mm RDW	–	4,490 mm
Width	1,780 mm RDW	–	1,780 mm
Height	1,360–1,380 mm RDW	–	1,370 mm
Wheelbase	2,730 mm RDW	–	2,720 mm
Front track	1,508–1,594 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,523–1,529 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,470–1,630 kg RDW	–	1,565 kg
Mass in running order	1,570–1,730 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	2,000–2,100 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	990 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	4–5 RDW	–	–
Doors	2 RDW	–	–
Luggage space (EPA)	–	255 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,095–2,379 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	250 km/h RDW	–	–
Torque	365–370 Nm ASTRA	–	–

Tyre sizes (most common first): 225/40R19, 225/45R17, 225/45R18, 255/35R19, 255/40R18

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). 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	86.4% (85.9–86.9)	69.2%	17,810

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	24.4%	36.4%
Tyres	16.1%	31.2%
Suspension	14.0%	41.6%
Lights and electrics	10.9%	28.8%
Noise, emissions and leaks	9.2%	17.1%
Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers)	5.9%	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)

165 complaints for model years 2001–2006. 6 crashes · 2 fires · 6 injuries

Airbags 43
Transmission and drivetrain 35
Engine 25

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 8 versions of the BMW M3 E46

United States 4 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
2003–2006GUZZLER · MOTORSPORT	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2002–2006GUZZLER, 2MODE · MOTORSPORT, 6MODE	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16–17 MPG (13.8–14.7 L/100 km) EPA	325–345 g/km
2006MOTORSPORT	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2001GUZZLER	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km

Canada 4 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
2001–2006Subcompact	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	13.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	315 g/km
2001–2006Minicompact	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	14.1–14.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	324–327 g/km
2003–2006Subcompact	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed automated manual	12.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	297 g/km
2003–2006Minicompact	3.2 L	Petrol	6-speed automated manual	13.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	311 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.