BMW M3 E46 (2001–2006)

Year by year

Convertible: power top and pop-up rollover bars

The M3 convertible has an automatically deployed rollover protection system: bars pop up through covers in the rear headrests when sensors detect a rollover. Source: archive.org.

What makes the M3 body different from a regular E46 coupe

The M3 gets an aluminum hood with a power dome, wider front and rear fenders, a reinforced C-pillar, modified rear axle mounts and an M-specific trunk floor. There is no spare tire: it uses the M Mobility sealant kit. Source: archive.org.

S54B32 engine: 3.2-liter inline-6, 333 hp, 8,000 rpm

Every US E46 M3 uses the S54B32: 3,246 cc, 333 hp at 7,900 rpm and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) at 4,900 rpm, with an 8,000 rpm limit and 11.5:1 compression. Source: archive.org, cars.com, kbb.com, supercars.net.

Individual throttle bodies and high-pressure double VANOS (no Valvetronic)

The S54 breathes through six individual throttle bodies driven by one electronic actuator, with a separate idle air valve for low load. Cam timing on both cams is moved by a 100-bar oil-pressure VANOS unit. It has no Valvetronic. Source: archive.org.

Chassis, brakes, wheels and differential

Standard cars have 18-inch wheels (8 in front, 9 in rear) on 225/45 and 255/40 tires, 325 mm front and 328 mm rear brake discs, 15.4:1 steering, a 3.64 final drive and BMW's variable M differential lock. Source: archive.org.

Recalls

Recall 01V245000: parking brake cable bracket screws (2001)

On some 2001 cars the two screws holding the parking brake cable bracket to the backing plate were not tightened, so they could loosen and fall into the parking brake drum. Dealers replace and torque the screws. Years: 2001. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recalls 13V172000 (2002-2003) and 17V047000 (2001-2002): more airbag campaigns

13V172000 covers the passenger front airbag on 2002-2003 M3s. 17V047000 covers 2000-2002 cars that may have received a defective replacement driver airbag after a crash. Dealers inspect and replace it. Years: 2001-2003. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 14V428000: Takata passenger front airbag (2001-2006)

BMW recalled 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles because the passenger front airbag inflator could rupture and throw metal fragments. Dealers replace the passenger airbag free. Years: 2001-2006 (US model years). Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 20V018000: non-desiccated Takata passenger inflators (2001-2006)

A later Takata recall covers 2000-2006 E46 3 Series and M3 coupes and convertibles with non-desiccated PSAN passenger inflators. Dealers replace the passenger airbag free. The recall began Feb 13, 2020. Years: 2001-2006 (US model years). Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 15V318000: driver front airbag module (2002-2006)

2002-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles were recalled to replace the driver's front airbag module. Owners are told not to drive the car until repaired. Years: 2002-2006. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Recall 03V160000: window anti-pinch control unit (2003)

Some 2003 cars had a window anti-pinch function that might not work. Dealers inspect and, if needed, replace the control unit. Years: 2003. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Two 2006 'M3' recall listings target later E9x-era cars

NHTSA's 2006 M3 list also shows 20V017000 (driver inflators used as interim parts on 2006-2015 models) and 17V676000 (HVAC blower wiring on 2006-2011 3 Series). Their text describes later-generation cars, so an E46 M3 is probably not covered. Years: 2006. Source: api.nhtsa.gov.

Check a specific car with our VIN decoder or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What the full BMW M3 E46 report covers

• Start here: Verdict: score dashboard and best and worst years; Generation DNA: year-by-year changes and what the VIN tells you
• Buying: Failure atlas: known issues ranked by cost and likelihood, each with a walk away, negotiate or ignore verdict; Rust map; Printable pre-purchase inspection, about 45 minutes
• Owning: First 90 days: what to fix first; Real-world maintenance schedule; DIY job cards
• Modding: Mod-readiness scorecard; Build paths with budgets; Swaps, interchange and wheel and tire fitment
• Tracking: What breaks on track; Safety and tech inspection; Prep by level and setup baseline

Everything in a MettaCar report

All BMW M3 generations

• BMW M3 E462001–2006 (this page)
• BMW M3 E90/E92/E932008–2013

More BMW

• BMW 3 Series E461999–2006