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  4. IV (E46)

BMW 3-series IV (E46) gallery (1997–2006)

Widely regarded as the high point of the 3 Series, combining gorgeous proportions with sublime chassis dynamics.

All photos 1459 I (E21) 46 1975–1983 II (E30) 44 1982–1994 III (E36) 63 1990–2000 IV (E46) 203 1997–2006 V (E90) 334 2004–2013 VI (F30) 531 2011–2019 VII (G20) 185 2018
BMW 3-series IV (E46), hatchback, silver, rear three-quarter view — photo 63701 1024 x 768 70 325ti (2001–2005)
hatchback A silver three-door hatchback driving along an urban road against modern white buildings. The rear-three-quarter view shows clear-lens taillights and alloy wheels in motion.
BMW 3-series IV (E46), hatchback, red, rear three-quarter view — photo 63700 1024 x 768 76 325ti (2001–2005)
hatchback A red three-door compact hatchback driving along a paved rural road through an autumn forest with a dynamic motion blur effect.
BMW 3-series IV (E46), hatchback, blue, rear three-quarter view — photo 63699 1024 x 768 74 325ti (2001–2005)
hatchback A three-door hatchback in metallic grayish-blue shot in a studio from a rear three-quarter angle. The car features alloy wheels, clear rear taillights, and a German license plate.
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63698 1024 x 768 85 325ti (2001–2005)
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63697 1600 x 1200 69 325ti (2001–2005)
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63696 1600 x 1200 67 325ti (2001–2005)
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63695 1024 x 768 64 318ti (2001–2005)
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63694 1024 x 768 76 318ti (2001–2005)
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63693 1024 x 768 67 318ti (2001–2005)
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63692 1024 x 768 50 316ti (2001–2005)
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63691 1024 x 768 51 2001–2005
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63690 1024 x 768 53 2001–2005
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63689 1024 x 768 50 2001–2005
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63688 1024 x 768 55 2001–2005
BMW 3-series IV (E46) photo 63687 1024 x 768 59 2001–2005

Introduced in 1997, Chris Bangle and Erik Goplen's E46 refined every aspect of the 3 Series blueprint. Featuring subtle wheel arch flares, smooth sculpted lines, and a high-grade interior, it raised the bar for premium compact build quality.

Engine options included smooth M54 inline-sixes and diesel powerhouses like the 330d. With near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, communicative steering, and exceptional reliability, the E46 became the gold standard against which all sports sedans were measured.