BMW M3 (E46) Quick Specs
| Horsepower | 333 hp @ 7,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 343 PS / 252 kW in European factory references |
|---|---|
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 365 Nm in European factory references |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 3,415 lb for U.S.-market coupe references; convertible and equipment configurations vary |
| Engine | S54B32 3.2L naturally aspirated DOHC inline-six |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG automated manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Model Years | 2001–2006 for the U.S.-market E46 M3; global production began in 2000 |
| Body Style | 2-door coupe or 2-door convertible |
This block focuses on the standard-production BMW M3 (E46), with U.S.-market coupe specifications used as the primary reference. The M3 CSL, M3 Competition Package, and M3 GTR are related E46 M3 variants and should not be blended into the baseline specification.
Core Specifications
| Model | BMW M3 |
|---|---|
| Chassis / Platform Reference | E46 |
| Market | United States / BMW North America reference |
| Model Years | 2001–2006 U.S.-market production reference; 2000–2006 global E46 M3 production period |
| Body Style | 2-door coupe or 2-door convertible |
| Layout | Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG automated manual |
| Engine | S54B32 3.2-liter DOHC inline-six |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive with M variable differential lock |
| Body Structure | Steel unibody based on the E46 3 Series coupe/convertible architecture with M-specific bodywork, suspension, drivetrain, and braking changes |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 3,415 lb for U.S.-market coupe references; convertible references are heavier |
| Fuel Requirement | Premium unleaded gasoline |
Engine Specifications
| Engine Code | S54B32 |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Inline-six |
| Displacement | 3,246 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 87.0 mm x 91.0 mm |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 24 valves, double VANOS variable camshaft control |
| Block / Head | Cast-iron cylinder block with aluminum-alloy cylinder head |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection with individual throttle bodies |
| Horsepower | 333 hp @ 7,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 343 PS / 252 kW in European factory references |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 365 Nm in European factory references |
| Redline | 8,000 rpm reference for the S54-powered E46 M3 |
| Notable Engine Features | High-revving S54 inline-six, individual throttle bodies, double VANOS, crossflow aluminum cylinder head, and M-specific engine management |
Dimensions & Chassis
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
|---|---|
| Length | Approx. 176.8–176.9 in |
| Width | 70.1 in |
| Height | Approx. 54.0 in for coupe references |
| Front Suspension | Independent strut-type front suspension with M-specific geometry and tuning |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link rear suspension using BMW central-arm rear axle architecture |
| Brakes | Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock braking system |
| Steering | Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering |
Wheels & Tires
| Front Tires | 225/45ZR18 in standard U.S.-market coupe references |
|---|---|
| Rear Tires | 255/40ZR18 in standard U.S.-market coupe references |
| Front Wheel Diameter | 18 in standard; 19 in available depending on model year/package |
| Rear Wheel Diameter | 18 in standard; 19 in available depending on model year/package |
| Wheel Type | Staggered M light-alloy wheels |
Wheel and tire specifications vary by market, model year, and option package.
Model-Year Notes
- Global E46 M3 production began, using the S54 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six.
- The E46 M3 continued the M3 coupe formula with M-specific bodywork, suspension, braking, drivetrain, and engine changes relative to the standard E46 3 Series coupe.
- Primary U.S.-market launch period for the E46 M3.
- U.S.-market output was listed at 333 hp at 7,900 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm.
- The U.S.-market coupe reference curb weight is commonly listed at approximately 3,415 lb.
- U.S.-market production continued with coupe and convertible body styles.
- The 6-speed SMG automated manual was offered alongside the conventional 6-speed manual transmission.
- Standard E46 M3 production continued.
- BMW introduced the M3 CSL in limited production for selected markets; the CSL used the S54B32HP engine and should be documented separately from the standard M3.
- The standard U.S.-market M3 specification continued with the S54B32 engine, rear-wheel drive, and 6-speed manual or SMG transmission choices.
- The Competition Package became part of the later E46 M3 production story and added specific chassis, wheel, steering, brake, and trim differences depending on market.
- Later-production E46 M3 coupe and convertible models continued in the U.S. market.
- Competition Package cars are best treated as a distinct specification subset within the standard E46 M3 range.
- Final U.S.-market model year for the E46 M3.
- The E46 M3 was succeeded by the V8-powered E9X-generation M3.
BMW M3 (E46)
BMW M3 (E46) Quick Specs
| Horsepower | 333 hp @ 7,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 343 PS / 252 kW in European factory references |
|---|---|
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 365 Nm in European factory references |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 3,415 lb for U.S.-market coupe references; convertible and equipment configurations vary |
| Engine | S54B32 3.2L naturally aspirated DOHC inline-six |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG automated manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Model Years | 2001–2006 for the U.S.-market E46 M3; global production began in 2000 |
| Body Style | 2-door coupe or 2-door convertible |
This page focuses on the standard-production BMW M3 (E46), with U.S.-market coupe specifications used as the primary reference. The M3 CSL and M3 GTR are related E46 M3 variants and should be documented separately from the standard road car.
Core Specifications
| Model | BMW M3 |
|---|---|
| Chassis / Platform Reference | E46 |
| Market | United States / BMW North America reference |
| Model Years | 2001–2006 U.S.-market production reference; 2000–2006 global E46 M3 production period |
| Body Style | 2-door coupe or 2-door convertible |
| Layout | Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG automated manual |
| Engine | S54B32 3.2-liter DOHC inline-six |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive with M variable differential lock |
| Body Structure | Steel unibody based on the E46 3 Series coupe/convertible architecture with M-specific bodywork, suspension, drivetrain, and braking changes |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 3,415 lb for U.S.-market coupe references; convertible references are heavier |
| Fuel Requirement | Premium unleaded gasoline |
Engine Specifications
| Engine Code | S54B32 |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Inline-six |
| Displacement | 3,246 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 87.0 mm x 91.0 mm |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 24 valves, double VANOS variable camshaft control |
| Block / Head | Cast-iron cylinder block with aluminum-alloy cylinder head |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection with individual throttle bodies |
| Horsepower | 333 hp @ 7,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 343 PS / 252 kW in European factory references |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm in U.S.-market specification; 365 Nm in European factory references |
| Redline / Red Zone | 8,000 rpm redline reference for the S54-powered E46 M3 |
| Notable Engine Features | High-revving S54 inline-six, individual throttle bodies, double VANOS, crossflow aluminum cylinder head, and M-specific engine management |
Dimensions & Chassis
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
|---|---|
| Length | Approx. 176.8–176.9 in |
| Width | 70.1 in |
| Height | Approx. 54.0 in for coupe references |
| Front Suspension | Independent strut-type front suspension with M-specific geometry and tuning |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link rear suspension using BMW central-arm rear axle architecture |
| Brakes | Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock braking system |
| Steering | Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering |
Wheels & Tires
| Front Tires | 225/45ZR18 in standard U.S.-market coupe references |
|---|---|
| Rear Tires | 255/40ZR18 in standard U.S.-market coupe references |
| Front Wheel Diameter | 18 in standard; 19 in available depending on model year/package |
| Rear Wheel Diameter | 18 in standard; 19 in available depending on model year/package |
| Wheel Type | Staggered M light-alloy wheels |
Wheel and tire specifications vary by market, model year, and option package. Standard U.S.-market coupe references commonly list staggered 18-inch wheels with 225/45ZR18 front tires and 255/40ZR18 rear tires.
Model-Year Notes
- Global E46 M3 production began, with the model using the S54 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six.
- The E46 M3 continued the M3 coupe formula with M-specific bodywork, suspension, braking, drivetrain, and engine changes relative to the standard E46 3 Series coupe.
- Primary U.S.-market launch period for the E46 M3.
- U.S.-market output was listed at 333 hp at 7,900 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm.
- The U.S.-market coupe reference curb weight is commonly listed at approximately 3,415 lb.
- U.S.-market production continued with coupe and convertible body styles.
- The 6-speed SMG automated manual was offered alongside the conventional 6-speed manual transmission.
- Standard E46 M3 production continued.
- BMW introduced the M3 CSL in limited production for selected markets; the CSL used the S54B32HP engine and should be documented separately from the standard M3.
- The standard U.S.-market M3 specification continued with the S54B32 engine, rear-wheel drive, and 6-speed manual or SMG transmission choices.
- The Competition Package became part of the later E46 M3 production story and added specific chassis, wheel, steering, brake, and trim differences depending on market.
- Later-production E46 M3 coupe and convertible models continued in the U.S. market.
- Competition Package cars are best treated as a distinct specification subset within the standard E46 M3 range.
- Final U.S.-market model year for the E46 M3.
- The E46 M3 was succeeded by the V8-powered E9X-generation M3.
Factory Colors
Color availability varies by model year, market, body style, and BMW Individual ordering. The colors listed here are representative of commonly documented E46 M3 factory colors, not a complete paint-code registry.
Interesting Details
S54 High-Rev Inline-Six
The E46 M3 used the S54B32, a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six with individual throttle bodies, double VANOS, and an 8,000 rpm redline. In U.S.-market form, it was rated at 333 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Standard M3 vs. CSL
The M3 CSL was a limited-production lightweight version of the E46 M3 with the S54B32HP engine, 360 hp, and extensive weight-reduction measures. It should not be used as the baseline specification for the standard E46 M3.
Common Search Questions
| How much horsepower does the BMW M3 (E46) have? | The U.S.-market BMW M3 (E46) has 333 hp at 7,900 rpm. European factory references list the standard E46 M3 at 343 PS / 252 kW. |
|---|---|
| How much torque does the BMW M3 (E46) have? | The U.S.-market BMW M3 (E46) has 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. European factory references list 365 Nm. |
| How much does the BMW M3 (E46) weigh? | The U.S.-market BMW M3 (E46) coupe is commonly listed at approximately 3,415 lb. Convertible models and some option configurations are heavier. |
| What engine is in the BMW M3 (E46)? | The BMW M3 (E46) uses the S54B32 3.2-liter naturally aspirated DOHC inline-six. |
| What is the BMW M3 E46 engine code? | The standard BMW M3 (E46) engine code is S54B32. The M3 CSL used the related S54B32HP engine. |
| Is the BMW M3 (E46) rear-wheel drive? | Yes. The BMW M3 (E46) is front-engine and rear-wheel drive. |
| What transmission does the BMW M3 (E46) have? | The E46 M3 was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed SMG automated manual transmission. |
| What is the difference between the standard E46 M3 and the M3 CSL? | The standard E46 M3 used the S54B32 engine, while the M3 CSL used the S54B32HP version with 360 hp, reduced weight, and CSL-specific chassis, body, interior, and intake changes. |
Related Models
| BMW M3 CSL (E46) | Limited-production lightweight version of the E46 M3 using the S54B32HP engine, CSL-specific body and interior parts, revised intake hardware, and reduced curb weight. |
|---|---|
| BMW M3 Competition Package (E46) | Later E46 M3 package with selected CSL-influenced equipment, including specific wheels, chassis tuning, brake hardware, steering calibration, and interior differences depending on market. |
| BMW M3 GTR Strassenversion (E46) | Extremely limited road-going homologation-related version tied to the M3 GTR race program, powered by a V8 rather than the standard S54 inline-six. |
| BMW M3 (E36) | Previous-generation M3, sold in the U.S. with a lower-output inline-six specification than the European E36 M3. |
| BMW M3 (E9X) | Successor generation using the naturally aspirated S65 V8 rather than an inline-six. |
Comparable Cars
| Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG | Contemporary compact AMG performance sedan using a supercharged V6 and automatic transmission. |
|---|---|
| Audi S4 (B6) | Contemporary German performance sedan/cabriolet using a naturally aspirated V8 and all-wheel drive. |
| Porsche 911 Carrera (996) | Contemporary rear-engine sports car with naturally aspirated flat-six power and rear- or all-wheel drive depending on configuration. |
| Subaru Impreza WRX STI | Contemporary turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance sedan with rally-derived positioning. |
Factory & Reference Sources
Source Notes
ModernSportsCar prioritizes factory-released specifications, manufacturer press materials, official brochures, owner manuals, and technical documents. Credible period road tests and respected reference sources are used only when factory materials are unavailable, incomplete, archived, or useful for clarifying period context.
Specifications can vary by market, model year, transmission, body style, option package, source, and publication date. The values on this page are intended to describe the standard BMW M3 (E46), with U.S.-market coupe figures used as the primary reference unless otherwise noted.
MSC Taxonomy
| Make | BMW |
|---|---|
| Model | M3 |
| Chassis Code | E46 |
| Era | 2000s |
| Layout | Front-engine |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-six |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed SMG automated manual |
| Body Style | Two-door coupe / two-door convertible |
| Market | USDM / global reference |
| Country Of Origin | Germany |
| MSC Category | Naturally Aspirated Rear-Wheel-Drive Performance Coupe |
Summary
The BMW M3 (E46) is the third-generation M3 and the final standard-production M3 powered by a naturally aspirated inline-six. In U.S.-market specification, the standard E46 M3 used the S54B32 3.2-liter DOHC inline-six rated at 333 hp at 7,900 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. It paired that engine with rear-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG automated manual transmission, M-specific suspension and braking hardware, and coupe or convertible body styles.
Model Lineage
Where The E46 M3 Fits
The E46 M3 sits between the six-cylinder E36 M3 and the V8-powered E9X M3. It is the final standard-production M3 powered by a naturally aspirated inline-six and one of the clearest examples of BMW’s traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive M3 formula.
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1986–1991
BMW M3 E30
Original M3, developed from the E30 3 Series with touring-car homologation intent and a high-revving four-cylinder engine.
-
1992–1999
BMW M3 E36
Second-generation M3, moving the model into naturally aspirated inline-six power and a broader road-car performance role.
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2000–2006
BMW M3 E46
Third-generation M3, powered by the S54 inline-six and strongly associated with the coupe-bodied, high-revving, rear-drive M3 formula.
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2007–2013
BMW M3 E9X
Successor generation using the S65 naturally aspirated V8, sold as sedan, coupe, and convertible depending on market and year.
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2014–2020
BMW M3 F80
Turbocharged six-cylinder successor to the M3 sedan line, while the related coupe moved to the M4 nameplate.
Variants & Versions
E46 M3 Versions
These versions are best understood as same-generation variants, packages, or special models rather than separate M3 generations. They overlap with the E46 M3 production period but do not replace the standard E46 M3 as the baseline specification.