BMW E46
Manufacturer:	BMW
Production:	1998–2006
Predecessor:	BMW E36
Successor:	BMW E90
Class:	Compact/family luxury car
Body style:	2-door coupé 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Platform:	FR/AWD
Engine:	Otto- and diesel engines I4, I6 1.6-3.2 L, 77-252 kW
Transmission:	5- and 6-speed manual Sequential manual (SMG) 5-speed automatic
Length:	4471 mm
Width:	1739 mm
Height:	1415 mm
Related:	BMW M3 BMW X3

The E46 automobile platform is the fourth generation of BMW's highly successful 3 Series. It was introduced in 1998 and replaced the E36 sedans the same year. The touring and coupé models appeared for 2000, and the compact version for 2001. Despite being introduced last, the E46 compact was the first to be replaced when BMW 1 Series was launched in September 2004.

The E46 underwent a facelift for 2002, which included redesigned headlights, new bumpers and a stiffer chassis. Also, the 316i and 318i models received new, more powerful engines.

In mid-2005 the E46 sedans were phased out in favour of the new E90. The E46 touring was also replaced later that year. As of May 2006, the E46 remains in production as coupé, convertible and M3. The E92 coupé is expected to hit the market in September 2006. When the remaining E90 versions will appear is still uncertain, hence the production of the E46 probably continues well into 2007.

The E46 experienced enormous success in all markets and was widely considered the performance benchmark of its class. The record year for the E46 was 2002, when 561.249 vehicles were sold worldwide.

ZHP Performance Package

In January 2003 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show BMW introduced the 330i Performance Package, code name ZHP. This was a trim level upgrade that included the following options:

Engine mods: (new camshafts, electronics, & lighter flywheel) for 10HP & 8 ft/lb of torque increase & 6800 max RPM (from 6500). 6 speed short throw shifter 3.07:1 Final drive ratio (instead of 2.91:1) Max Speed Limiter set to 155 mph (instead of 128) New M suspension, more "sporty" than standard sport package: Firmer springs (front +6%, rear +8%) Firmer shocks (Jounce: front +50%, rear +20%), (Rebound: front +35%, rear -8%) Larger diameter anti-roll bars: 23.5 mm front (v. 23.0), 18.5 mm rear (v. 18.0) More rigid forward bushings Lower ride height by 15 mm (.6 inches) utilizing shorter auxiliary springs -.5 degrees of camber BMW M exterior trim elements (front & rear fascia, side sills, & trunk lid spoiler) Special exterior trim: Anthracite (charcoal) headlight & foglight surrounds, High-Gloss Shadowline (black gloss) trim Large diameter stainless steel dual exhaust outlets Extra thick Alcantra steering wheel Sport Seats Alcantra & Cloth upholstry to replace leatherette and standard trim (leather still an option) Choice of "Black Cube" or "Silver Cube" trim Anthracite headliner Red needles on the instrument cluster Unique 18" Wheels (style 135M), 18x8.0" front, 18x8.5" rear Wider Tires: 225/40ZR-18 in front and 255/35ZR-18 in the rear. Steering ratio: ZHP has the steering ratio of 13.7:1. Non-ZHP cars as well as the E46 M3 is 15.4:1, and the E46 M3 Competition has ratio of 14.5:1.

The ZHP was available on mid-'03 330i sedans, all '04+ 330i sedans, and mid '04+ 330Ci coupes & convertibles. It has become a highly soughtafter model due to the unique modifications. Car and Driver magazine track tested the car with a 0-60MPH time of 5.6 seconds and a 1/4 mile in 14.2 seconds.

Engines

Petrol

Diesel

Gallery

2000 E46 330d sedan M	2004 E46 325Ci	2004 E46 cabriolet	2005 E46 330i ZHP (Performance Package)
1998-2001 BMW 3-Series convertible	Facelifted E46 318i sedan. UK right-hand drive version.	Facelifted E46 318i sedan. The circles on the rear bumper reveals that the vehicle have acoustic parking assistance.

Notes

1. ^ http://www.bmwgroup.com/, Annual report 2002
2. ^ An i indicates either sedan or touring. A d stands for diesel, t is the 3-door hatchback (compact) and Ci stands for coupé or convertible. An x means all-wheel drive (xDrive).
3. ^ Model year production.
4. ^ The I indicates an Inline/Straight engine, followed by the number of cylinders and the total amount of valves.
5. ^ Figures are for sedans/coupes with manual transmission. Acceleration may be slightly faster for compacts (ca. -0,1 s) and slower for tourings ca. +0,2 s, convertibles ca. +0,4-1 s, automatics ca. +0,2-1 s and all-wheel drives ca. +0,2-0,5 s.