How many official versions of the E46 M3 were produced?

How many examples of the E46 M3 were produced?

How many examples of the E46 M3 were produced with the optional Sequential Manual Gearbox II (SMG II)?

What changes were made during the production of the E46 M3?

What is the E46 M3 Competition Package?

What is the E46 M3 CS?

How many examples of the E46 M3 coupe with Competition Package were produced?

What size brakes are used by the E46 M3?

The standard E46 M3 is equipped with four-wheel vented discs measuring 12.8-inches in front and 12.9-inches in the rear. With the exception of U.S.-spec M3 models, the brakes also feature cross-drilled rotors and a two-piece "compound" design whereby the aluminum hat is connected to the outer portion of the rotor via steel pins, which greatly reduces rotor deformation under havy braking conditions. All M3 CSL and M3 ZCP/CS models sold worldwide are fitted with larger 13.7-inch front brake rotors that are also cross-drilled and incorporate the two-piece compound construction. The rear rotors are the standard 12.9-inch cross-drilled items.

How does the steering system of the E46 M3 differ from that of the regular E46 3 Series?

Like all E46 3 Series, the E46 M3 utilizes a rack-and-pinion steering design with engine-speed-sensitive variable power assist. However, the system has been modified with special knuckles and a slower overall ratio of 15.4:1 (versus 13.7:1 in the standard E46 3 Series). A slightly quicker 14.5:1 steering rack is used in the M3 CSL and M3 ZCP/CS models.

What are the factory wheel and tire sizes for the E46 M3?

Did BMW M produce any special versions of the E46 M3?

BMW M GmbH produced two highly-specialized editions of the E46 M3 coupe, the M3 GTR and M3 CSL. These models were both radically different from the standard M3, though only the CSL was legitimately offered to the public. (Unlike the M3 CSL, the M3 GTR was created strictly as a homologation model for American Le Mans Series racing, and therefore only the very minimum required by ALMS regulations were produced. When the competition model was ultimately banned by the ALMS, it is believed that all of the existing road cars were returned to BMW in Munich.)
In addition, two limited editions of the standard E46 M3 coupe were produced: The "30 Years of BMW M" edition was offered exclusively in the German market during 2002 and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the creation of BMW Motorsport (later renamed BMW M), while the Silverstone Edition was produced specifically for the UK market in 2004. Both editions featured special cosmetic enhancements from BMW Individual but remained mechanically unaltered from the regular M3.

What is the E46 M3 GTR?

The E46 M3 GTR is a special competition-based version of E46 M3 that was designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series. Changes to the ALMS regulations ultimately rendered the model ineligible for competition, though not before a small number of street-legal iterations were produced in late 2001 and early 2002 in order to satisfy the original ALMS rules (which stated that an equivalent street version had to be offered to the public on at least two continents within 12 months).
It is likely that only three examples of the E46 M3 GTR street version were ever produced, all in Titanium Silver metallic (354). Each was converted from a standard E46 M3 production model (and thus were included within the standard E46 M3 VIN sequence) and priced at 250,000 Euros. However, all examples were subsequently returned to BMW and are now part of BMW M's private collection.
Essentially a thinly-veiled race car, the road-going E46 M3 GTR differs greatly from the standard production E46 M3. Instead of the usual 3.2-liter S54 inline-six, the M3 GTR is powered by a compact 90-degree V8 with aluminum block and heads. Displacing 3,997-cc, the dry-sump motor produces 380 hp (DIN) at 7,000 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm in road trim. Power is transferred via the Getrag six-speed manual gearbox and M Differential Lock from the regular E46 M3. The chassis benefits from a wider track and more aggressive spring/shock rates, though the steering rack, 12.8-inch cross-drilled vented disc brakes with compound calipers and forged 19-inch M Double Spoke II alloy wheels carry over unaltered from the regular E46 M3. BMW claims the 2,976-pound (dry) E46 M3 GTR can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds.
The bodywork of the M3 GTR features a much more aggressive front fascia and rear valance, both made of lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (GFP). The entire roof, large fixed rear spoiler and smaller rear spoiler lip are also constructed of GFP. Finally the aluminum hood contains two louvered cooling ducts. The interior retains the standard E46 M3 dashboard, instruments and steering wheel (without the audio system or cruise control switches), though the rear seats have been deleted and heavily-bolstered manual front racing seats covered in black cloth or leather replace the heavier M3 items There are also special "cube-effect" interior trim and unique door sill plates with the "M3 GTR" insignia.

What is the E46 M3 CSL?

The E46 M3 CSL is a special variation of the standard E46 M3 coupe that features numerous lightweight components, as well as a myriad of drivetrain, chassis and cosmetic enhancements. The "CSL" moniker denotes "Coupe Sport Lightweight" and was first used on the 3.0 CSL homologation special in 1971. A total of 1,383 E46 M3 CSLs were produced to European specification between June and December of 2003 in both left-hand drive (841 built) and right-hand drive (542 built) configuration. (This figure excludes an additional series of at least a dozen pre-production M3 CSL prototypes built between September of 2002 and February of 2003.)
The E46 M3 CSL is most notably distinguished from the standard E46 M3 by its various lightweight components. The largest of these is the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (GFP) roof panel, which weighs over 13 pounds less than its conventional steel counterpart. The front bumper support is also constructed of GFP, as is the uniquely-shaped front airdam with its single intake on the left-hand side. At the rear, the lower rear valance panel is made of GFP, while the reshaped trunk lid is made of SMC (sheet molding compound). Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is used for the rear bumper supports and this material is also "sandwiched" with thermoplastics and foam to create the trunk floor and rear bulkhead. As a final weight-saving measure, the rear window glass is extra thin. BMW claimed that the M3 CSL weighed 3,054 pounds, or roughly 10 percent less than the normal model.
The E46 M3 CSL is powered by a modified version of the usual 3,246-cc S54 inline-six that lacks a conventional mass airflow meter. Instead, the air draw is determined directly by the DME for quicker calculations. There is also a more efficient air intake system made largely of GFP and routed through larger manifolds to the circular opening in the front airdam. Further changes include modified camshafts and exhaust valves, plus a lightweight exhaust system constructed of thinner steel. The CSL-spec engine is rated at 360 hp (DIN) at 7,900 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.
The M3 CSL is equipped exclusively with the SMG II transmission featuring a special launch control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration. This is mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and M Differential Lock. Finally, the DSC system of the M3 CSL can be switched to M Track Mode via the steering wheel-mounted button. This raises the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of wheelspin.
The suspension of the M3 CSL is based closely upon that of the standard E46 M3. However, it does incorporate a number of changes, including front coil springs that are shorter by one winding, different spring and shock rates (for both rebound and compression), plus larger anti-roll bars in the front (30.8 mm) and rear (22.5 mm). In addition, the normal aluminum front control arms (shared with the standard E46 M3) are joined by aluminum rear suspension links with stiffer ball bushings. Rounding out the chassis upgrades are a quicker steering rack (overall ratio: 14.5:1) and larger 13.7-inch cross-drilled front brake rotors. Finally, the M3 CSL rides on lightweight cross-spoke alloy wheels measuring 8.5x19-inches in front (0.5 inches wider than the normal M3) and 9.5x19-inches in the rear. These are shod with special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires sized 235/35ZR19 (front) and 265/30ZR19 (rear). (Conventional tires mounted to the 19-inch forged M Double Spoke II wheels from the standard E46 M3 were also offered as a no-cost alternative.)
In addition to the aforementioned lightweight body components and unique wheels, the exterior of the E46 M3 CSL is further distinguished by a special "CSL" insert in place of the usual "M3" model designation within the decorative intake grilles on either fender. In addition, there is an "M3 CSL" badge on the trunk lid. Exterior colors were limited to Silver Grey metallic (A08) and Black Sapphire metallic (475).
Though the interior of the M3 CSL retains the standard E46 M3 dashboard (with Titan Shadow trim), instruments and general controls, it differs significantly in most other areas. The minimal door panels are constructed of lightweight GFP and lack the usual side airbags. Likewise, the center console surrounding the parking brake is also made of GFP and contains the power mirror switch that normally resides on the driver-side door. The deeply-bolstered front seats (similar to those found in the M3 GTR) have GFP backings and are upholstered in a combination of Anthracite "Reflex" cloth and Amaretta (synthetic suede). The two special individually-shaped rear seats are also covered in the same materials. The Alcantara-wrapped M three-spoke steering wheel contains only the M Track Mode switch in place of the usual audio and cruise control buttons. The parking brake handle is similarly fashioned from Alcantara and both door sills contain unique trim plates.
In keeping with the lightweight, driver-focused manner of the M3 CSL, standard comforts were limited to just power windows, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, central locking and the on-board computer. The short list of extra-cost options included only an anti-theft alarm, green-tinted windshield stripe or climate comfort windshield, velour floor mats, bi-Xenon headlights with headlight washers (washers excluded on UK-spec examples), Park Distance Control, rain sensor with automatic headlight control, automatic climate control and various cassette/CD/mini-disc radios. There were also three no-cost options available: deletion of the rear "M3 CSL" badge, a "smokers package" that included an ashtray and cigarette lighter, plus the fitment of the forged M Double Spoke II alloy wheels with conventional tires from the standard M3 in place of the CSL's cross-spoke alloy wheels with Cup tires. One final factory option was the removal of the standard 155-mph top speed limiter.

What is an E46 M3 "30 Years of BMW M" edition?

In order to mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of BMW Motorsport (later renamed BMW M), a limited edition of the E46 M3 coupe was offered exclusively in Germany during the Spring of 2002. Though mechanically unaltered from the standard M3, this edition was available in one of three unique color schemes: Imola Red II paint with Bi-Color Imola Red + Black extended Nappa leather upholstery, Estoril Blue metallic paint with Bi-Color Estoril Blue + Black extended Nappa leather upholstery or Velvet Blue metallic paint with Bi-Color Ink Blue + Black extended Nappa leather upholstery. In addition, each of the 30 examples (10 in each color scheme) was equipped with BMW Individual Anthracite Birch wood interior trim and many items from the regular M3 options list including the SMG II transmission, power moonroof, bi-Xenon headlights, heated front seats, Park Distance Control, Harman/Kardon audio system and BMW Individual high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim.

What is an E46 M3 "Silverstone Edition"?

A limited edition of 50 E46 M3 coupes with BMW Individual paint and interior trim were quietly produced for the UK market during late 2004. Available with either the six-speed manual or six-speed SMG II transmissions, they all received Silverstone metallic (425) paintwork paired to a Dark Estoril Blue extended Nappa leather interior, including the gearshift knob/boot and parking brake boot. The interior was additionally equipped with silver Aluminum Cube trim and black floor mats with Dark Estoril Blue leather edges. A generous amount of regular series options were also included, such as the Harmon/Kardon audio system, satellite navigation with TV function, 19-inch forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels, Park Distance Control and bi-Xenon headlights with washers.