In 1999 the first of the newly restyled E46 3 Series rolled off the line, being that the E36 was introduced one model at a time the E46 did the same starting with the 323i and 328i saloons. How was the E46 changed you ask, well it came by way of an entirely new front end, a rounded roof line and nice wide wheel arches. On the front end the headlights received a new treatment featuring cutouts beneath the lenses, letting the traditional four headlight design shine through from past 3 series.

Following in the same footsteps as the E36 grew in size to the E30, BMW made the E46 larger as well, increasing it’s wheelbase to 107.3″ with an overall of 176″. As the E36 had grown in size in comparison to the E30, so grew the E46. Even though the E46 grew in size making it larger than the previous E36’s it was still comfortable and smaller than the current Acura TSX.

On first look mechanically, major changes to the E46 were rather subtle. BMW engineers claimed the body was 70 percent stiffer than it’s counterpart the E36 and the larger wheelbase allowed for perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The also used an extenzive amount of aluminum in the suspension, reducing unsprung weight, although the basic suspension, braking, steering system components, remained unchaged the track was widened. With the longer wheelbase the rear-seat was much roomier than the previous 3’s, and front, side and side cutain airbags were also added.

BMW did away with offering the four cylinder models in the U.S. however they’re offered elsewhere. The new inline 2.8 liter six cylinder featured an all aluminum block, Double VANOS variable valve timing system and an all new dual resonance intake, this made for 193 ponies at 5,500 RPM and 206 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 RPM for the 328i. Under the bonnet of the 323i we’ll find a 2.5 liter inline six pushing out 170 ponies and 181 poud-feet of torque.

By the year 2000 the lineup was expanded with the introduction of the 323Ci and 328Ci two door coupe models, later that year came the 323iC convertible and for the first time in the U.S. a 323i wagon joined the family.

Even though the E46 was quite new, in 2001 and 2002 it was upgraded. The 2.5 liter was pushing out 184 ponies due to some modifications and the 2.8 liter was replaced by an all new version of the 3.0 liter inline six producing 225 ponies. The convertibles could now receive the larger motors, however the wagons were restricted to the smaller 2.5 liter. In keeping with the correct badging the 2.5 liters are 325’s and the 3.0 liters became 330’s. Once nice addition, BMW added the all wheel drive as an option on sedans and wagons (when are they going to make an all wheel drive coupe? All Wheel Drive M3, Anybody?) In 2002 BMW once again made an update to the front fascia and added new tail lights.

Now came the E46 M3, an entirely new monster from the Motorsport Engineering house.

Featuring the all new side vents, nicely flared wheel arches and four beautifully chromed exhaust tips, the new M3 brought back the muscle the original E30 had.

Roaring underneath the bonnet you will find the most technologically advanced 3.2 liter inline six that BMW has ever rolled out it’s doors. Producing an amazing 333 ponies, this M3 is not for the timid, that’s 93 more than the previous M52 motor. What did BMW do to make this monster of a motor individual throttle bodies (Europe has had this since the first 95 E36 M3 rolled out), tweaked the variable valve timing, an 8,000 RPM redline and what BMW calls one of the freest-flowing exhuasts ever installed in a production car”. In recent tests the M3 rocketed to 60 in just 5 seconds flat and completed the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at 105 mph that’s almost a full second quicker in the quarter than the previous E36 M3.

How will BMW out do itself this time you ask? Well rumor has it the new M3 will feature the M5 V8 producing 400+ ponies. While the New M5 features an all new V10 pumping out a dizzying 500 horsepower.

By 2003 the DVD-based navigation system became an available option for 3 Series consumers. Some other standard new fitments include a front center armrest for the 325’s and a rear center headrest for the saloons and wagons. The Performance Package for the 330i was also an added option featuring 10 more ponies under the hood, a six-speed manual transmission and some firmer springs riding on all new 18″ wheels.

In 2004 BMW added the six speed SMG F1 style gearbox to models ranging beyond the M3 and the added option of an automatic in the 330i Performace Package. Some visual changes on the 330i included a black grille insert replaced the silver piece, the coupes and convertibles received new front facias and light cluster designs. A couple of new standard equipment bits for the sedans and wagons include rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights.