2001 e46 M3

A year on from the BMW E46 M3 being introduced into the retail market, changes both significant and discreet were being planned for the next model of the car which was to be released in the September of 2001.

There was skepticism in the September of 2000 that the second generation of the M Series from Munich, the E36, could be toppled. It is imaginable that there was similar doubt that the 2001 model of the E46 could further boost the significant improvements seen in the third generation. However, the engineers of BMW were not to be doubted, as the already excellent car was taken to new elevated standards.

One of the principle changes seen in the 2001 model was the gearbox. Formerly a Getrad Type D manual gearbox, the launch of the 2001 model saw a transition to the SMG II gearboxes which played a key part in the M Series for some time afterwards. This new gearbox was even accompanied by software, which was known as Drivelogic. In total, the gearbox had 11 gears to choose from – with six should the driver choose to change gear manually and five if the gear changes were computer-controlled. An automatic operation of the clutch was also thrown into the system for good measure.

2001 brought more choice when it came to the headlights of the car. Now, in the used 2001 E46 M3 market, there are cars with two types of headlights in the streets. This is because BMW offered Bi-Xenon as well as Xenon headlights in the market. The difference that sets Bi-Xenon apart from Xenon is the fact that the lights are adaptive, with beam pattern changing with the speed of travel.
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An optional modification in the 2001 model was a spruced-up navigation system. The larger screen that housed the navigation and the audio unit was an appealing update, with an increased size to 6.5 inches. The audio unit had an added practicality in the sense that radio presets could be remembered in addition to other memorized data.

For those who did not pursue the option of a navigation and audio system, there still was some benefit to be had. For all North American models, a built-in CD player was introduced as standard. The system was integrated into the dashboard in this model.

Much more of an emphasis on automation was included in the 2001 model. With a sensor detecting rain and headlight control no longer being manual, it seems that the 2001 model added much more practicality to the beauty of the first model of the E46.

Aesthetically, BMW were taking no prisoners. It took but a year for an upholstery option to be discontinued. The Black high-gloss interior which was available at launch was discontinued with the introduction of the 2001 model. All other interior options continued to be produced for the new model, along with a new interior named Titan Shadow. This popular option was to remain right through until the end of production of the third generation of the M Series.

BMW were having a great time enjoying the popularity of the E46 M3, which like previous generations of the M Series, was a respected and market-leading car. They wanted to be sure that the glory continued by making modifications to their cars which kept the quality consistent in line with their competitors.