M3 Complete Vehicle BMW M3 E46

Introduction

The E46 M3 is the third generation of the M3 replacing the E36 M3. In comparison to its predecessor, the high engine performance and dynamic driving characteristics is expressed in its sport-oriented design. The E46 M3 is a high performance automobile which assumes the leading position in its class. The E46 M3 is a high performance coupe based on the new E46/2 body.

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System Components

The vehicle is fitted with an in-line 6-cylinder 3246 ccm engine (S54B32) which is used worldwide. The 4-valve induction engine with high pressure VANOS outputs 333 bhp at 7900 RPM. The maximum engine speed is 8000 RPM. The engine develops its maximum torque of 355 N.m at 4900 RPM. The engine management system is the MS S54. The drive train is reinforced to satisfy the engine's increased horsepower and torque.

The running gear of the E46/2 production vehicle and that of the E36 M3 form the basis of the E46 M3 running gear. In addition to the running gear which was specifically adapted to the M3, the vehicle also features: special wheels, Teves MK 20 dynamic drive control system, a variable locking M-differential and high performance brakes.

The design of the E46 M3 makes it capable for everyday driving, economic operation, and high performance while meeting environmental requirements.

Vehicle Dimensions

The overall length of the E46 M3 measures 4 mm longer than the E46 coupe (license plate bracket).

Compared to the E46/2 production vehicle, the track width on the front and rear axle of the E46 M3 have been increased considerably (track width: front axle +37 mm, rear axle +47mm). The new wider side panels enhance the sports character of the E46 M3.

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E46 M3 Specifications Table

E46 M3 SPECIFICATIONS

E46 M3 SPECIFICATIONS

E46 M3 SPECIFICATIONS

E46 M3 SPECIFICATIONS

Changes Compared ToE46/2

The increase in engine output, torque, dynamic driving characteristics and sport design of the E46 M3 places more demand requirements on the individual components in the body. Visual, functional as well as technical features of the E46 M3 body have been modified in order to satisfy all these requirements. The individual changes contribute to increasing the E46 M3 body rigidity.

The visual differences of the E46 M3 as compared to the E46/2 in the body area include widening of the front and rear side panels, a modified aluminum hood as well as front and rear bumper covers.

The increased body rigidity is achieved by the use of additional gusset plates and weld points. Both functional and technical modifications have been made to the side frame structures, front and rear wheel arches, reinforcement in the C-pillar area as well as the luggage compartment floor.

Floor Assembly/Luggage Compartment Floor

The basic structure of the E46 M3 floor assembly corresponds to that of the E46/2 but with M3-specific modifications.

The luggage compartment floor has been modified in order to accommodate the larger rear silencer: The M-mobility system is mounted in a foam molding in the luggage compartment floor.

Side Frame/Wheel Arches

Due to the larger tire sizes, the side frame structures of the E46 M3 are modified in the area of the wheel cutouts. The front and rear wheel arches have been modified for the larger tire sizes and track widths. The inner side section has also been modified as compared to the E46/2.

The C-pillar area features additional reinforcement.

The hole pattern of the front spring strut towers and rear shock absorber mounts is the same as on the standard parts.

Side Panels

The design of the front and rear side panels lends the E46 a sport appearance.

The front fenders have been formed corresponding to the tire sizes and track width.

The rear quarter panels have also been formed corresponding to the tire sizes and track width.

Hood

The hood of the M3 is made of aluminum. The "power dome" is an elevated section in the center of the hood which accents the sports-oriented character of the vehicle. The hood consists of the outer skin panel, an inner panel and the front inner panel. A reinforcement plate is integrated at the rear left and right for mounting the hinges.

The gas struts for opening and closing the hood have been modified to the weight of the M3 hood. The hood latch is the same as that of the E46/2 production vehicle.

Front Bumper

The front bumper cladding is aerodynamically designed.

The air inlets for brake cooling next to the fog lights are closed off. The air inlet next to the left fog light is used for engine air intake.

Rear Bumper

The cladding for the rear bumper is also modified with painted PDC sensors. The PDC setting has been modified due to the changed positions of the PDC sensors in the rear bumper.

Fuel Filler Flap

The fuel filler flap is new and has been modified to the shape of the rear quarter panel.

E46 M3 Interior/Vehicle Trim

The E46/2 serves as the basis for the Interior/Vehicle trim of the E46 M3.

The cockpit contains an M-Multifunction Sports Steering Wheel and specially designed seats.

E46 M3 Sports Seats

The M3 is equipped with sport seats as standard equipment. The seat is manufactured by Lear. The E46/2 sport seats serve as the basis for the M3 sport seats.

The sport seats are mechanical or electrical depending on the accessory package.

For the first time, a variable side support is offered as an option. Air cushions fitted in the left and right side upholstery can be inflated or deflated to adapt to the body shape of the driver. In addition, a pneumatic lumbar support is fitted.

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Aero Outside Mirror

The E46 M3 Aero mirrors can be "manually" folded up for additional clearance in tight spaces.

The driver can adjust the outside mirrors by the switch on the handle in the door trim panel. The mirror memory control unit is located in the front of the door behind the door panel.

M-Multifunctional Sports Steering Wheel (MFL II)

The MFL in the E46 M3 is a BMW M development. The assembly and operation of the buttons for audio communication and cruise control function as in the E46/2.

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Central Body Electronics

The Body Electronic Systems of the E46 M3 are carried over from the E46 Coupe and Sedan models. The Driver Information System and Central Body Electronic System (ZKE V) continue to be used as the primary body electronic systems.

The M3 uses the "K"- Bus as the Primary communication link between body electronic control modules. The "D" - Bus is used as the diagnostic interface from the diagnostic equipment to the instrument cluster. The "CAN" Bus is used as the communication link between all power train systems. Finally, the "M" - Bus is used for IHKA operation of the flap control stepper motors.

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Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster in the E46 M3 is similar to the cluster used in the coupes and it is the main source for information display. Information about the status of different operating systems in the vehicle is displayed through the gauges, LCD display, warning LEDs and Gong. Switches are also integrated in the instrument cluster to reset the trip mileage, perform BC functions and to change over some units of measurement e.g. degrees F to degrees C.

Additional to the E46 M3 Cluster is the use of an engine oil temperature gauge which replaces the fuel economy gauge below the tachometer.

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The tachometer incorporates the cold engine warning LEDs that were introduced with the E39 M5. Starting at 4000 RPM, orange LEDs are illuminated with a cold engine start up. The LEDs will go out, in 500 RPM increments, as the engine warms up. The MS S54 engine control system monitors the engine oil temperature and signals the instrument cluster over the CAN line for operation of the oil temperature gauge and illumination of the LEDs.

Central Body Electronics (ZKE)

The following functions are directly controlled by the General Module (GM V)

1. Windshield wiping/washing with optional Rain Sensor Interface
2. Central locking with power trunk release
3. FZV Keyless Entry
4. Power window control
5. Car Memory/Key Memory Capabilities
6. Interior lighting
7. DWA alarm system (optional)
8. Consumer cut-off/sleep mode

The following functions are included as body electrical systems but are not directly controlled by the GM V

1. Rain Sensor
2. Sunroof operation (Sunroof Control module on K Bus).
3. Driver's seat electrical adjustment with memory (Seat Memory control module on K Bus)
4. Passenger seat electrical adjustment (no control module - switch controlled)
5. Mirror Memory - adjustment/heating (also includes windshield washer jet heating switch controlled)