| Production | 2001–2006 85,744 built |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Regensburg, Germany |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door convertible |
| Engine | 3.2 L I6 |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual 6 Speed SMG Drivelogic |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in (2,731 mm) |
| Length | 2001–02: 176.8 in (4,491 mm) 2003–06: 176.9 in (4,493 mm) |
| Width | 70.1 in (1,781 mm) |
| Height | Coupe: 54.0 in (1,372 mm) 2001–02 Convertible: 53.7 in (1,364 mm) 2003–06 Coupe: 53.9 in (1,369 mm) |
| Curb weight | Coupe: 3,415 lb (1,549 kg) |
| Related | BMW X3 BMW 3 Series |
The E46 M3, first introduced in October 2000, appeared worldwide with the new 3.2 L S54 M-tuned engine. At the time of the car's introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated of any engine ever made by BMW (except in the McLaren F1), producing 343 horsepower (256 kW) and 365 N·m (269 lb·ft). It was only available in coupe and convertible bodies as the saloon version was dropped.
The E46 M3 was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, but optionally came with a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II). This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal. Shifts are made via the SMG gear knob or the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The engine had a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the S54 again had 6 independent throttle bodies and this time electronically operated throttles (drive-by-wire throttle with no cable).
In the U.S., the E46 M3 came with similar engine output as the European version, unlike in the E36, whose engine was derived from the M50/52 series engine. Power was now at 333 bhp (248 kW; 338 PS) due to close-coupled catalytic converters closer to the engine exhaust ports. In 2009, Road and Track magazine announced the 2006 M3 with the SMG transmission as its favorite sports car of all time.
Read more about this topic: BMW M3