2001, BMW, M3 E46
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PostedOct 16, 2025
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The M3 version of the E46 3 Series was produced in coupé and convertible body styles. The E46 M3 is powered by the S54 straight-six engine and has a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 5.2 seconds for the coupé, with either the manual or SMG-II transmission. The skidpad cornering results are 0.89 g for the coupé and 0.81 g for the convertible. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).The kerb weight is 1,565 kg (3,450 lb).
The available transmissions were a Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission or an SMG-II 6-speed automated manual transmission, which was based on the Getrag 420G. The SMG-II used an electrohydraulically actuated clutch, and gear shifts could be selected via the shift lever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SMG-II was praised for its fast shift times and racetrack performance, but some people found its shifts to be delayed and lurching in stop-start traffic.
Total production of the E46 M3 was 56,133 coupés and 29,633 convertibles. The cars were assembled at the BMW Regensburg factory in Germany, and production was from September 2000 until August 2006, for a total of 85,766 cars
The only modification I made to this car was replacing the rear exhaust system with a titanium Dinan exhaust. The car became significantly louder. The exhaust was removed prior to selling the vehicle.
The maximum speed specification below refers to the car with the limiter removed; otherwise, its top speed is restricted to 155 mph. I was once invited to an open sprint day at Taupō Race Track, and the car was an absolute dream to drive on the track — just as it was on the road.
Front wheel drive- Rear wheel drive
- Four wheel drive
- Limited slip differential
- Overdrive