BMW M3 III (E46) photos

2000 — 2006 · coupe, convertible
110
photos
6
specifications
338–380
hp
4.7 s
best 0–100

About 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 styles

Coupe E46/2 4 specifications

Petrol
3.2
338hp(252 kW)
3.2 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 5.2 s
Torque
365 Nm (269 lb-ft)
Top speed
250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement
3246 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
S54B32
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1495 kg (3296 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
11.9 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
287 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 3
3.2 SMG
338hp(252 kW)
3.2 l automated manual RWD 0–100 5.2 s
2001–2006
Torque
365 Nm (269 lb-ft)
Top speed
250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement
3246 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
S54B32
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1495 kg (3296 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
11.9 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
287 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 3
CSL
355hp(265 kW)
3.2 l automated manual RWD 0–100 4.9 s
2003–2004
Torque
370 Nm (273 lb-ft)
Top speed
250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement
3246 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
S54B32HP
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1385 kg (3053 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
11.9 l/100 km (20 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
287 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 3
GTR
380hp(283 kW)
4.0 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 4.7 s
2001–2001
Torque
390 Nm (288 lb-ft)
Top speed
295 km/h (183 mph)
Displacement
3997 cc
Cylinders
8
Engine
P60B40
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1350 kg (2976 lb)

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Convertible E46/2C 2 specifications

Petrol
3.2
338hp(252 kW)
3.2 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 5.5 s
Torque
365 Nm (269 lb-ft)
Top speed
250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement
3246 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
S54B32
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1655 kg (3649 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
12.1 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
292 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 3
3.2 SMG
338hp(252 kW)
3.2 l automated manual RWD 0–100 5.5 s
Torque
365 Nm (269 lb-ft)
Top speed
250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement
3246 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
S54B32
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1655 kg (3649 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
Fuel consumption
12.1 l/100 km (19 mpg US) NEDC
CO₂
292 g/km (NEDC)
Emissions standard
Euro 3

Tap a card to see all specs

News

BMW news

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08.Sep.2026
Next-Gen Electric BMW M3: Quad Motors and Simulated Performance Stages
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