2000 e46 M3

It was in 1999, at the Frankfurt Motor Show when the concept of a third generation of the M Series was unveiled to the public. Some thought the idea of a new era in the BMW’s M Series was difficult – the boots of the E36 too big to fill. These fears were unfounded though when the car was unveiled in Geneva in March 2000, to go retail in the Fall.

The 2000 model was a glorious car – with a mere 4.8 seconds to get from 0-60mph. With max speeds at 185mph, this was a generation of car that had so much more power than its two predecessors and seen as an idyllic competition car.

The E46 can manage 24 miles to the gallon if you are on the motorway, with 16 miles to each gallon when driving in the city. Given the performance provided by the car, it certainly is efficient.

The new engine seen in the first model in the third generation of the M series was a challenge to the BMW team in Munich. Having to comply with a long list of legal regulations to do with environmental impact, engineers still managed to formulate an engine that had a lower weight and extra torque.

Interestingly, wherever you are, the specification for the engine of the E46 M3 remained the same. For the first time, the engine was made to the specifications of all countries where the car retailed, whilst still increasing the output of the car compared with previous models by nearly 7%.

Mechanically though, there are some differences with international models which are to be noted. However, the continental variations which are seen are known to be minor and in some cases insignificant. First and foremost, the catalysts which are in North American models of the E46 are slightly closer to the engine block of the car. Hence, the slight differences in horsepower from the American and European models of the car are explained. (It is noted that American models have horsepower of slightly less than the European models when compared, but it is not too significant that it affects the cars overall performance.)
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The 2000 BMW m3 model introduced a new diagnostic system which was more capable at processing. With power of 25m MIPS, notifications for service and maintenance and ability to time certain utilities like the ignition were just a few of the elements which the new engine control system covered at a higher cycle frequency than seen before.

You don’t have to be an expert to know that with engine power, more brake power is a necessary accompaniment. The braking system seen in the E36 M3 is consistently powerful and has a remarkably short stopping distance of 35m when travelling at 60mph.

Aesthetically, the 2000 model E46 M3 set the pace for the paint colours available in the series. Colours at launch included Alpine white, red, Jet and Carbon black, Titanium silver, Steel grey, Topaz blue, green and yellow.

Nappa leather was the upholstery of choice which was seen in the 2000 model of the E46 and most successive models. Black, grey, red and blue and kiwi were the options of leather shades to choose from, with an extended Nappa leather cover optional for each respective colour.

The third generation of the M series from BMW did not disappoint. The award-winning car’s 2000 model began what was to be a very successful run over a six-year period.