Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
BMW introduced the third generation of the M3 nameplate in 2000, on the E46 generation, proving that the automaker learned from past experiences and continuing this sought-after version of the 3 Series.
After the surprising success of the M3's first generation, the E30, the second generation, the E36, was an important step forward thanks to the introduction of the inline-six powerplants for this nameplate. As expected, things evolved even more when the E46 M3 appeared on the market, and most of the credit went to the majestic S54 inline-six engine.
While the E36 M3 Coupe was almost identical to its non-M siblings, things were different for the E46 generation. At the front, it featured a more aggressive bumper fitted with a unique V-shaped lower grille flanked by scoops that cooled the front brakes. On the fenders, BMW installed vents that resembled those from the legendary 507 lineup from the '50s. Moreover, the flared wheel arches, both front and rear, were connected on the lower side by aerodynamically profiled side sills. Finally, at the back, four exhausts peeked through the rear apron. In addition, a lip spoiler adorned the trunk's lid.
In the cabin, the M badge was shown on the steering wheel, inside the tachometer on the instrument cluster, and on the gear stick for the manual transmission versions. A set of high-bolstered bucket seats at the front were fitted as standard, while a pair of sports seats was on the options list. As an option, on the center stack, BMW installed a sat-nav system.
Under the hood was a glorious inline-six naturally-aspirated powerplant that provided more than 100 hp/liter. It was paired with either a six-speed manual or an M-only SMG (robotized, single-clutch automatic gearbox).
ENGINE SPECS - 3.2L 6MT RWD (343 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 3246 cm3 |
Power: | 252 KW @ 7900 RPM 343 HP @ 7900 RPM 338 BHP @ 7900 RPM |
Torque: | 269 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM 365 Nm @ 4900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/45 ZR18 // 255/40 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 176.9 in (4493 mm) |
Width: | 70.1 in (1781 mm) |
Height: | 54 in (1372 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.4/60 in (1,509/1,524 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.5 in (2731 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3240.8 lbs (1470 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4409.2 lbs (2000 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.2 mpg US (17.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 287 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - CSL 3.2i 24V 6MT RWD (360 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 3246 cm3 |
Power: | 264.8 KW @ 7900 RPM 360 HP @ 7900 RPM 355 BHP @ 7900 RPM |
Torque: | 273 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM 370 Nm @ 4900 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.6 gallons (62.8 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/45 ZR18 // 255/40 ZR18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.9 in (4493 mm) |
Width: | 70.1 in (1781 mm) |
Height: | 54 in (1372 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.4/60 in (1,509/1,524 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.5 in (2731 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.33 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2888 lbs (1310 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3968 lbs (1800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.2 mpg US (17.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |