BMW M3 III (E46) photos
2000 — 2006 · coupe, convertible
110
photos
6
specifications
338–380
hp
4.7 s
best 0–100
Photos
110About this generation
Widely celebrated as the purest M3 ever made, pairing stunning fender bulges with the 8,000-rpm S54 inline-six.
Arriving in 2000, the E46 M3 is widely hailed as a high-water mark for sports cars. Its aggressive power-dome hood, wider tracks, front fender gills, and quad exhaust tips gave it an iconic stance that looked fast even standing still.
At its heart beat the legendary 3.2-liter S54 inline-six, spinning to an intoxicating 8,000 rpm and producing 343 horsepower. Highlighted by the ultra-lightweight CSL edition with its carbon-fiber roof and airbox roar, the E46 represents pure driver engagement.
Specifications
6 in 2 body stylesCoupe E46/2 4 specifications
Petrol
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Convertible E46/2C 2 specifications
Petrol
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News
BMW news
Next-Generation BMW 3 Series Photographed Undisguised in M350 xDrive Form
The next-generation BMW 3 Series sedan, codenamed G50, has been spotted completely undisguised at a BMW facility in Munich ahead of its official unveiling. The near-production prototype shows the M Performance variant rebranded as the M350 xDrive, sporting a quad-pipe exhaust and styling influenced by the Neue Klasse.
14.Sep.2026
Next-Gen BMW 3 Series: 443-HP M350 xDrive with Drift Mode
BMW has revealed the upcoming next-generation 3 Series sports sedan, headlined by the new M350 xDrive that replaces the previous M340i. Powered by a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering 443 hp, it hits 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and introduces a rear-wheel-drive 'Drift Moment' mode. The sports sedan retains internal combustion engines on the CLAR platform alongside a futuristic interior equipped with a 17.9-inch touchscreen and Panoramic Vision projection.
08.Sep.2026
Next-Gen Electric BMW M3: Quad Motors and Simulated Performance Stages
BMW M is developing its first all-electric performance flagship based on the Neue Klasse architecture, featuring a quad-motor powertrain and paddle-controlled performance stages. The sports sedan introduces a distinctive turbine-like acoustic signature and returns to sleek, horizontally oriented illuminated kidney grilles inspired by classic heritage models.
03.Sep.2026
BMW Begins Building the i3 Sedan in Munich
Production of the BMW i3 has officially kicked off at the Munich plant, representing a key Neue Klasse manufacturing step and reinforcing the factory’s transition to an all-electric lineup.
08.Aug.2026
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