BMW E46 (M3)

BMW
BMW M3 Coupé (2000-2006)
M3 (E46)
Sales designation:	BMW M3
Production period:	2000-2006
Class :	Middle class
Body versions :	Coupé , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.2 liters (252–265 kW)
Length:	4492 mm
Width:	1780 mm
Height:	1372 mm
Wheelbase :	2731 mm
Empty weight :	Coupé: 1549–1584 kg Cabrio: 1730 kg CSL: 1385 kg
Previous model	E36
successor	E90

Built by mid-2000 to the summer of 2006 M3 ( E46 ) has a high-revving 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the 252 kW (343 hp) at 7900 min ^-1 making. The vehicle was available as a coupé (public presentation: Mondial de l'Automobile 2000) and convertible (public presentation: NAIAS 2001), each only in the original version, although features of the facelift that took place in the E46 in spring 2003 were later incorporated (such as the LED taillights). From Alpina also a powerful variant of the E46 is offered with the B3 and B3 S, but which is designed for better driving comfort.

Differences to the less powerful models

Outwardly, it differs from other models of the 3 series u. a. through the bulge on the aluminum bonnet, the so-called "power dome", which however has no technical function. Other differences to the normal 3 Series are wider wheel arches, aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, forged 18- or 19- inch light-alloy wheels , a twin-pipe exhaust system with four tailpipes, a front apron and air outlets ("gills") in the fenders that are used to vent the electronics.

The vehicle width has increased by around 40 millimeters compared to the standard model, due to the front axle track of now 1508 millimeters and 1525 millimeters on the rear axle. The wheel arches also had to be widened by 20 millimeters each in order to provide space for the standard 18-inch and (from spring 2001 for an additional charge) 19-inch wheels. The front apron with the indicated spoiler corners and the large air ducts for water, oil and brake cooling are also part of the standard equipment of the M3, as is the narrow spoiler strip ( Gurney Flap ) on the edge of the trunk lid. It is primarily responsible for the significantly reduced lift forces on the rear axle.

The engine is built according to the high-speed concept and works smoothly up to the limit of 8000 min ⁻¹ , but offers a wide usable speed range and already develops 80 percent of its maximum torque at 2000 min ⁻¹ . The chassis was a further development of the predecessor chassis of the M3-E36. Furthermore, there was now the variable M differential lock, which allows a lock value between 0 and 100%, and a floating compound brake system on the front and rear axles.

Optional extras

At the beginning of 2005, a “Competition Package” could be ordered for new vehicles for an additional charge of 5300 €. This contained 19-inch wheels in CSL design, which were fitted with Sport Cup tires, the braking system from the M3 CSL, an optimized chassis, a more direct steering (ratio 14.5: 1 instead of 15.4: 1) as well as the "M Track Mode", which allows more slip on the rear wheels and a higher yaw rate by pressing a button on the steering wheel .

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  The rear view of the M3 stands out from the production models of the E46 with its spoiler lip and quadruple tailpipes .

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  BMW M3 Convertible (2001-2006)

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  Interior of the M3 convertible

Technical specifications

	M3 coupe	M3 convertible
Construction year	10.2000–12.2006	04.2001–11.2006
Motor type	Gasoline engine
Engine type	Inline six-cylinder
Valve control	two overhead camshafts
variable camshaft adjustment	Double VANOS
Engine code	S54 B32
Valves	24
Displacement	3246 cc
Bore × stroke	87.0 mm × 91.0 mm
compression	11.5: 1
Max. Power at min −1	252 kW (343 hp) at 7900
Max. Torque at min -1	365 Nm at 4900
drive	Rear wheel drive
Differential gear	Limited slip differential
Gearbox, as standard	6-speed manual transmission
Gearbox, optional	6-speed automated manual transmission (SMG)
Top speed	250 km / h (1) 280 km / h (2)
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	5.2 s (5.2 s)	5.5 s (5.5 s)
Elasticity 80–120 km / h in 4th gear	5.3 s	5.9 s
1000 m, standing start	24.2 s	24.8 s
Combined consumption	13.4 L (13.4 L) SP	13.6 L (13.6 L) SP
Empty weight	1535 kg (1570 kg)	1655 kg (1730 kg)

• Values ​​in () brackets apply to the automatic SMG.

⁽¹⁾ electronically regulated

⁽²⁾ optional

M3 CSL

From the E46 series of the BMW M3 there was also a limited special model with the name M3 CSL from mid-2003 to summer 2004 . As with the BMW 3.0 CSL, the abbreviation CSL stood for “Coupé Sport Leichtbau”. The prototype of the vehicle was presented to the public at the 2001 IAA. This model has a lighter body and a more powerful engine with 265 kW (360 hp). The basic data of the engine, such as cubic capacity etc., are the same as for the "series M3". The vehicle was delivered exclusively with the sequential 6-speed transmission called "SMG II with Drivelogic". The reduction in weight was achieved by eliminating comfort components and using the most modern materials.

Several vehicle components of the M3 CSL are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (the automatically dimming interior mirrors, door panels, center console, roof), but it no longer has fog lights because they had to give way to a modified intake air duct. Further weight was saved in the trunk (tailgate made of lightweight materials, trunk floor made of sturdy cardboard). In order to increase the longitudinal, but mainly the lateral dynamics, a roof made of carbon fiber composite materials and a lighter rear window were also installed to lower the center of gravity.

The standard equipment of the CSL mainly includes electronic extras, the existence of which hardly costs any weight. So were anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP, DSC at BMW), a tire defect indicator (RPA) and the Central with immobilizer installed or programmed at the factory. The external appearance of the CSL differs from the normal M3 through the flow-optimized front apron with a distinctive hole for ventilation of the airbox , the trunk lid with a rump and the carbon roof, as well as some changes to the BMW logo and special M light alloy wheels "Sport" in 19 Inch. For the M3 CSL , only two paint colors were available ex works , a black called "sapphire black" and a silver-anthracite called "silver gray". There have been major changes in the interior. Bucket seats were used instead of normal seats; the back seat was available in a slimmed-down version with an Amaretta fabric combination. The door inserts were made of CFRP, the center console was lighter and smaller, and the steering wheel was covered with Alcantara .

The automatic air conditioning and a radio could be ordered as special equipment at no extra charge; an alarm system, Park Distance Control (PDC) , a rain sensor and xenon light were still available . There were no other extras for the M3 CSL either for marketing reasons or for reasons of space. With proof of a racing driver's license, the potential buyer could have the factory limit on the maximum speed lifted.

The M3 CSL has an "M" marked button on the steering wheel as standard (which is why a multifunction steering wheel could no longer be offered), which activates the so-called M-Trackmode, which changes the characteristic curve of the power steering and shifts the parameter settings of the DSC ( Electronic Stability Program ) and thus allows an even sportier driving style (smaller drifts are made possible without the DSC intervening). The Launch Control in the sequential gearshift (also available in the normal M3 ) has been revised for the CSL and now shifts to the next higher gear at maximum engine speed. This means that in the M3 CSL it is possible to accelerate from standstill to top speed with full throttle and one pull on the rocker switch. By using this extra, which puts extreme loads on components and the engine and should therefore only be used very sparingly, even inexperienced users can achieve the factory-set acceleration values ​​of 0–100 km / h in 4.9 s and 0–200 km / h in 16.7 reach s.

The chassis with magnetic pulse formed rear wishbones was partially adapted to the Nürburgring-Nordschleife . As a result, the CSL achieved an excellent time of 7:50 minutes in independent tests. Were discussed supplied from the factory sports tires of the type Pilot Sport Cup by Michelin , which achieve good lap times on race tracks, although in tests, but offer in everyday use and in wet conditions due to rubber compound and low negative profile share performed worse. If desired, the car could also be ordered with standard tires.

According to the special edition Mobile Tradition live Special - Four generations of M3 1383 units of the M3 CSL were built in around one year.

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  In addition to the sapphire black shown here , the M3 CSL was also available in silver gray .

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  The spoiler lip of the CSL is more concise than the production model.

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  Lettering on the rear of the CSL

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  Sport tires Pilot Sport Cup by Michelin

Technical specifications

	M3 CSL
Construction year	05.2003-12.2003
Motor type	Gasoline engine
Engine type	Inline six-cylinder
Valve control	two overhead camshafts
variable camshaft adjustment	Double VANOS
Engine code	S54 32HP
Valves	24
Displacement	3246 cc
Bore × stroke	87.0 mm × 91.0 mm
compression	11.5: 1
Max. Power at min −1	265 kW (360 hp) at 7900
Max. Torque at min -1	370 Nm at 4900
drive	Rear wheel drive
Differential gear	Limited slip differential
Gearbox, as standard	6-speed automated manual transmission (SMG)
Top speed	250 km / h (1) 280 km / h (2)
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	4.9 s
Combined consumption	11.9 l SP
Empty weight	1385 kg

⁽¹⁾ electronically regulated

⁽²⁾ optional

M3 GTR

Since the BMW M3 with the six-cylinder S54 was inferior to the Porsche 911 GT3 in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2000 , two M3 GTRs were upgraded with a four-liter V8 engine in 2001. Although this corresponded to the wording of the rules, it did not correspond to the spirit of near-series GT racing and led to protests from the competition, as BMW did not have a series-production M3 with a V8 on offer. Due to the regulations, however, a street version had to be shown. BMW submitted this later, the number of units of this "series version" of the "M3 GTR Street" is given between 1 and 10. The ALMS rules were adapted for 2002, the V8 racing cars were no longer registered in the ALMS and were only modified for later use at the Nürburgring after the end of the season.

Technically, this car was based very closely on the racing version. A 4-liter V8 type P60B40 with dry sump lubrication , throttled from 330 kW to 285 kW , did its job under the engine hood with additional cooling slots. Also on board were a six-speed manual gearbox and a two-plate clutch, as used in the racing car. The body was also based on the racing car. The roof, rear wing, front and rear apron were made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. As a result of these measures and the complete abandonment of comfortable equipment, the two-seater reached an empty weight of around 1350 kg. The price was put at 250,000 euros. The BMW M3 GTR was also often used in racing simulations such as Need for Speed or Gran Turismo , which made it even more popular.

Technical data of the BMW P60B40 / BMW M3 GTR Street

• Displacement: 3997.3 cm³
• Bore × stroke: 94.0 mm × 72.0 mm
• Max. Power / speed: 285 kW (387 hp) / 7500 min ⁻¹
• Max. Torque / speed: 390 Nm / 5000 min ⁻¹
• Top speed: 295 km / h

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  BMW M3 GTR racing car

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  BMW engine P60B40

literature

• Hans-Hermann Braess: BMW Dimensions: BMW 3 Series. Concepts, technology, design , heel, 2005, ISBN 3-932169-34-4
• Peter GH Sebald: 17,970 emotions , Starnberg / Bielefeld 2005 (only M3-E30S)
• Walter Matthias Wilbert, Friedbert Holz: F = m · a: if Isaac Newton had built a sports car; the BMW M3 CSL. Gloor Verlag, Munich 2004, ISBN 3-938037-01-6 . (M3 CSL-E46S only)

Web links

Commons : BMW M3 (E46)  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• 25 years of the BMW M3: meeting of generations
• Information about the M3 CSL E46 (2003)

Individual evidence

1. ^ Marty Padgett: 2000 Paris Auto Show, Part Two. In: thecarconnection.com. October 20, 2000, accessed June 18, 2018 . 
2. ↑ Driving reports - Threesome topless: The BMW M3 Cabriolet , heise Autos, July 18, 2003
3. ^ BMW at the North American International Auto Show Detroit 2001. In: autointell.de. January 3, 2001, accessed June 18, 2018 . 
4. ↑ BMW 3.0 CSL . BMW Motorsport. Archived from the original on May 12, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
5. ↑ BMW: lightweight M3 comes in 2003 - auto motor und sport. In: auto-motor-und-sport.de. July 1, 2002, accessed June 18, 2018 . 
6. ↑ The BMW M3 CSL in the super test on the Nordschleife and Hockenheimring. sportauto-online.de , accessed on July 15, 2010 .