Review: BMW E46 3-Series compact (2001-05)

Overview

Released in November 2001, the BMW E46 3-Series Compact was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive the 3-Series Compact range initially consisted of the 316ti and 318ti models; in March 2002, however, the range was expanded with the 325ti. The 3-Series compact underwent a minor update in May 2003, from which time the 325ti was solely offered as a Sport variant and available with a semi-automatic transmission (BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox or ‘SMG’).

Compared to the E36 3-Series Compact , the E46 3-Series Compact was 52 mm longer (at 4262 mm), 53 mm wider (1751 mm), 15 mm taller (1408 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2725 mm). The E46 bodyshell was also significantly stiffer and included pre-programmed deformation zones and interlocking side intrusion bars. The E46 3-Series Compact had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Compared to the E46 3-Series sedan on which it was based, the 3-Series compact was 210 mm shorter and could be identified by its unique front end styling.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, door-mounted front and rear side (thorax) airbags, curtain airbags for front occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, cornering brake control traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. From May 2003, the 3-Series range was fitted with BMW’s upgraded electronic stability control system (‘Dynamic Stability Control II’).

Euro NCAP crash testing

Following improvements to side impact protection and a door latch release problem, a 2001 E46 316i sedan received a four star adult occupant protection rating in Euro NCAP crash testing with a score of 25. In the offset crash test, protection for the driver’s chest, legs and feet was assesed as marginal and weak for the lower left leg. In the side impact test, chest protection for the driver was adequate and abdomen protection was marginal; in this test, the rear of the door-mounted thorax airbag did not fully deploy.

Features

Standard features for the 316ti included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with CD player, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors, power windows and an immobiliser.

The 318ti was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, front fog lamps and a multi-function steering wheel; from May 2003, the 318ti was also fitted with cruise control.

Beyond this, the 325ti was further distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, leather seats and cruise control.

From 2004, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation kits were standard across the range.

M Sport package

The 325ti was also available with an optional ‘M Sport’ package which ‘M’ double-spoke alloy wheels with mixed tyres, sports suspension, clear indicator lenses, aluminium black cube interior trim, anthracite roof lining, an ‘M’ leather-wrapped steering wheel and ‘M’ door sills.

325ti Sport

Released in May 2003, the 325ti Sport was fitted with unique 17-inch alloy wheels, an in-dash CD player (in addition to the boot-mounted CD changer) and an ‘M Sport’ body kit. From November 2003, the 325ti Sport was also fitted with rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and an electrochromatic rear view mirror as standard.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E46 3-Series

Review: BMW E36 3-Series Compact (1995-00)

Overview

Released in March 1995, the BMW E36 3-Series Compact was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 3-Series Compact range initially consisted of the 316i, which was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In August 1996, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 318ti models which had a more powerful 1.9-litre engine. In April 1999, a 1.9-litre engine was made standard for the 316i; the full range is given in the table below.

Compared to the E36 3-Series sedan on which it was based, the 3-Series Compact was 223 mm shorter (at 4210 mm), 12 mm narrower (1698 mm), the same height (1393 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2700 mm). The 3-Series Compact had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms (rather than the multi-link Z-axle of E36 3-Series sedan).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. From January 1998, traction control was fitted as standard across the range.

Features

Standard features for the 316i included a four speaker stereo, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power windows and heated mirrors and an immobiliser. The 316i Open Air was further equipped with a power sunroof.

When released in 1996, the 318ti had similar features relative to the 316i, but added 15-inch alloy wheels. Beyond this, the 318ti Sport added 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, contoured front sports seats, leather trim and front fog lights.

January 1998 update and Contour variants

In January 1998, standard features were upgraded to include a six speaker stereo and remote central locking. Furthermore, the newly introduced Contour variants were fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, a ten-disc CD changer, leather trim, front fog lights, floor mats and scuff plates.

316ti Exclusive

In January 2000, a limited-run 316ti Exclusive variant was released. Compared to the standard 316ti, the Exclusive was equipped with front side airbags and featured 16-inch alloy wheels, a CD player and leather seats.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E36 3-Series

Recalls: BMW E46 3-Series compact

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: BMW E46 3-Series Compact

BMW E46 3-Series Compact: engine could overheat

In October 2001, a recall was issued for BMW E46 3-Series compact vehicles due to a manufacturing problem with the auxiliary cooling fan electronics that could cause the fan to become thermally overloaded, reducing the cooling system’s performance and causing the engine to overheat (PRA 2001/5017).

2004 BMW E46 3-Series Compact: wheel bolts could work loose

In July 2004, a recall was issued for BMW E46 3-Series Compact vehicles manufactured from 8 May 2004 to 22 June 2004. For these vehicles, the wheel hub bores in the wheel rim may be too small. As a result, the wheel may not make proper contact with the brake discs and, although the wheel bolts were tightened to the correct torque, the wheel bolts could work loose (PRA 2004/7140).

2001-03 BMW E46 3-Series Compact: Takata airbag recall

In May 2013, a recall was issued for E46 3-Series Compact vehicles that were manufactured between December 2001 and March 2003. In these vehicles, the front passenger air bag inflator may have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. In the event of a crash, the inflator may rupture and cause the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant (PRA 2013/13576).

2002-05 BMW E46 3-Series Compact: Takata airbag recall

In August 2016, a recall was issued for BMW E46 3-Series Compact vehicles that were available for sale from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2005. If subjected to high levels of absolute air humidity, the gas generator of the driver’s airbag could malfunction; if the gas generator exploded, metal parts could be propelled out of the airbag due to high internal pressure, potentially causing injury to the driver and/or passengers. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2016/15581.

2000-04 BMW E46 3-Series Compact: Takata airbag recall

In March 2017, a recall was issued for BMW E46 3-Series Compact vehicles that were available for sale from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004. During the service life of these vehicles, or as part of the Takata airbag recall, the airbag inflator may have been replaced and the replacement airbag module may not deploy correctly. If the replacement airbag module was faulty, deployment of the airbag could cause the airbag’s metal case to rupture and disperse metal fragments throughout the cabin which had the potential to cause serious injury or death. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/15881.

1999-06 model year BMW E46 3-Series Compact: replacement Takata airbags

In January 2019, recall campaign 0072960100 was issued for 1999-06 model year BMW E46 3-Series Compact that had previously had their front passenger airbags replaced with ‘like-for-like’ Takata airbags as part of recall PRA 2013/13576. For the VINs of the recalled BMW E46 3-Series Convertibles, please see PRA 2019/17279.

Problems and faults: BMW E46 3-Series Compact

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

BMW E46 3-Series: floor cracks at rear sub-frame mount position

For the BMW E46 3-Series and E46 M3, the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the sub-frame and into the chassis – this constant loading and unloading weakens the sheet metal around the rear sub-frame mounts, causing it to fatigue and separate from the chassis.

Compared to the E36 3-Series, the rear suspension for the E46 3-Series had a cross-member on the front two mounting points of the sub-frame – this cross-member protected the front mounting points by placing the bushing and the stud in double-sheer, thereby reducing the twisting action on the sheet metal. As a result, however, the load from the front of the sub-frame was transmitted to the left rear of the sub-frame and caused cracks in the sheet metal in that area.

To overcome this problem, rear chassis reinforcement kits have been developed which thicken the metal and distribute the load over a large area. See, for example,Turner Motorsport: E46 Rear Chassis/Subframe Reinforcement Kit.

In the USA, BMW North America settled a class action lawsuit over for 1999-06 BMW E46 3-Series vehicles, acknowledging that ‘the attachment points of the Sub-Frame may develop a fracture or crack.’ As a part of the settlement, BMW agreed to provide an inspection, repair procedure and reimbursement policy for affected owners. This scheme, however, was only offered in the USA.

BMW E46 316ti and 318ti: N42 timing chains and oil leaks

For E46 316ti and 318ti models with the N42B18 and N42B20 engines,

• The original timing chain tensioners could wear prematurely and slacken. If this occurred, the chain may slip and jump one tooth at a time, adversely affecting the exhaust camshaft timing. If the chain slips, this will also cause the chain guides to break as the surface comes into contact with the chain – this makes it more likely than the chain will jump. At worst, the change in exhaust camshaft timing can cause the valves to hit the piston crowns such that the valve rods bend – if this occurs, the engine will need to be rebuilt. If the chain jumps, diagnostics may indicate a camshaft sensor fault. It is understood that BMW introduced redesigned, longer chain tensioners in 2003 – these tensioners could be identified by their smaller heads. For preventive maintenance, it is common for the original tensioners to be replaced with the redesigned tensioners; and,
• The N42 engine was susceptible to oil leaks from the rocker cover gaskets, top profile gaskets and VANOS solenoid seals.

BMW E46 325ti: M54 VANOS failure

For the M54 engine, the VANOS units may fail due to deterioration of the VANOS piston seal O-rings which are made from Buna (a material with limited temperature resistance). Over time, the O-rings harden and shrink, causing them to lose their functional characteristics – this can cause symptoms such as a loss of power below 3000 rpm, surging around 3000 rpm, a louder idle and rough running.

The piston O-rings lies under and provides support to a Teflon piston seal ring. Replacing the O-rings requires the Teflon seals to be removed for access. Since the Teflon seals cannot be removed from the piston seal groove without damaging it, the Teflon and O-ring seals must be replaced simultaneously. For greater longevity, the Buna O-rings can be replaced with O-rings made from Viton.

The VANOS unit had two piston seals with O-rings, while each piston had two O-ring sizes to provide hydraulic sealing in two VANOS cylinders of different sizes and an additional, smaller O-ring that was used to seal off a piston bearing. It is understood that the O-ring for this cap was also made from Buna and deteriorated in the same manner as the piston seal O-rings.

For more information about the M54 engine, please see BMW M54 and S54 engines.

BMW E46 325ti: M54 engine deposits

In February 2008, BMW issued technical service bulletin SI B 13 01 07 for E46 3-Series Compacts with M54 engines (i.e. the 325ti). In these vehicles, deposits in the injection and induction system may cause driveability complaints and the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light to be illuminated. This condition could be caused by:

• Deposits at the fuel injector’s tip which affected fuel flow and the air/fuel mixture ratio. Symptoms included hesitation or stumble during acceleration or loss of power; poor fuel efficiency; increased HC and CO emissions; and, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lamp to illuminate due to misfire faults;
• Carbon deposits at the valves and on the intake manifold ports absorbing fuel during the warm-up phase, causing a leaner air/fuel mixture. Carbon deposits (or build-up) could also disturb the mixture flow at low throttle conditions and/or idle speeds. Symptoms of carbon deposits included a loss of power; unstable and/or rough idle; increased HC, CO and NOx emissions; and, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ lamp to illuminate due to intermittent misfire faults; and,
• Combustion Chamber Deposit Interference (CCDI) when there was contact between carbon deposits on the piston crown and the cylinder head. The noise created by this contact may be misdiagnosed as a ping, knock or other mechanical failure. CCDI occurs first as a cold start noise that can fade as the engine reaches operating temperature. As deposits build, there is an increase in compression temperature that may cause pre-ignition detonations. Symptoms include knocking, pining, poor acceleration, increased NOx emissions and engine idle speed surges.

BMW E46 325ti: M54 engine and cold climates

In February 2009, BMW issued technical service bulletin SI B11 08 03 for BMW E46 325ti vehicles with the M54 engine. In these vehicles, extremely cold climate conditions could cause moisture to accumulate and freeze in the:

• Engine oil separator;
• Hose to oil dipstick guide tube; or,
• Orifice in the dipstick guide tube.

Depending on the position of the crankcase ventilation valve when this occurred, the following may occur:

• High crankcase pressures (stuck closed) resulting in valve cover leakage and/or breakage; or,
• An oil hydro-lock condition (stuck open) which could result in engine damage.

To fix, the crankcase ventilation valve, hoses and dipstick guide hoses were to be replaced; a new insulated style of oil separator and hoses were also introduced.

2003 BMW E46 325ti: delay engaging drive gear

In April 2008, BMW issued technical bulletin SI B 24 07 03 for BMW E46 325ti Compact vehicles that were manufactured form March 2003 to December 2003 and had automatic transmissions. After a cold start, the driver may – when shifting from ‘park’ – experience a delay of between two and thirty seconds before the ‘drive’ gear engages. According to the technical bulletin, this delay was due to insufficient pressure boost for the C1 forward clutch during the first ‘park’ to ‘drive’ shift after extended (overnight) parking. To fix, the Automatic Electronic Gearbox Control (‘EGS’) control module was to be re-programmed using the ‘manual entry’ method.

Problems and faults: BMW E46 3-Series compact

• Steering wheel vibrations may be attributable to poor isolation of the power steering pump.
• The automatic transmission may slip and/or the ‘check engine’ light may illuminate due to the torque converter clutch (TCC) slipping and/or TCC solenoid failure.
• For models with manual transmissions, the drain plugs may leak and the fill plug may also require replacement.

Recalls: BMW E36 3-Series Compact

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: BMW E36 3-Series Compact

• In July 1996, a recall was issued for certain BMW E36 vehicles due to a fault in the brake light switch which could result in the brake lights not cancelling after the vehicle has stopped braking, or not illuminating at all (PRA 1996/2870).
• In November 1998, a recall was issued for certain BMW E36 vehicles due to a defective radiator cap (PRA 1998/3726).

Problems and faults: BMW E36 3-Series compact

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

BMW E36 3-Series: rear floor cracks at sub-frame mount area

For the BMW E36 3-Series, the rear floor was susceptible to cracks in the area of the rear sub-frame mounts. Due to bending of the rear chassis and movement that was allowed by rubber bushings, the chassis mounting points for the sub-frame would flex, weaken and, eventually, tear from the chassis.

The original, standard mounts were a flat plate that had an internally threaded tube and were welded to the chassis. The flex of the rear sub-frame caused this threaded tube and mounting bolt to act as a lever arm where the plate was welded to the chassis – this weakened the surrounding sheet metal. Due to the torque applied by the drivetrain on the sub-frame, the right side front mount would fail first, followed by the left side rear mount.

For the E36 M3, BMW developed a chassis reinforcement kit – which consisted of four reinforcement plates – that were welded to the underside of the chassis and significantly stiffened the mounts (it is understood, however, that some early 1994 BMW E36 M3 vehicles may not have been fitted with these reinforcement plates). To prevent cracks, these reinforcement plates can be fitted to other E36 3-Series vehicles.

To weld the reinforcement plates, the rear suspension, rear sub-frame, exhaust and driveshaft had to be removed. It is was also recommended that the back seat, rear interior, boot interior and fuel tank were also removed and all fuel lines were capped to prevent a fire hazard.

Problems and faults: BMW E36 3-Series Compact

• The automatic transmission may be slow to engage gears after sitting overnight because the fluid drains out of the torque converter.
• The hazard lights may start flashing by themselves and the turn signals may flash at twice the normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board.
• If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective; alternatively, the boot lock may need to be adjusted.
• The starter motor may fail because it keeps running after the engine starts and eventually burns out – this can occur due to a sticking ignition switch. To fix, the whole lock and switch must be replaced.

Released in March 1995, the BMW E36 3-Series Compact was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 3-Series Compact range initially consisted of the 316i, which was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In August 1996, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 318ti models which had a more powerful 1.9-litre engine. In April 1999, a 1.9-litre engine was made standard for the 316i… Read full BMW E36 3-Series compact review

bmw_3seriescompact_e36_ser1_01

bmw_3seriescompact_e36_ser1_02

bmw_3seriescompact_e36_ser1_03

bmw_3seriescompact_e36_ser1_04

bmw_3seriescompact_e36_ser1_05

bmw_3seriescompact_e36_ser1_06

bmw_3seriescompact_e36_ser1_07

Released in November 2001, the BMW E46 3-Series Compact was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive the 3-Series Compact range initially consisted of the 316ti and 318ti models; in March 2002, however, the range was expanded with the 325ti. The 3-Series compact underwent a minor update in May 2003, from which time the 325ti was solely offered as a Sport variant and available with a semi-automatic transmission (BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox or ‘SMG’)… Read full BMW E46 3-Series Compact review

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_01

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_02

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_03

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_04

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_05

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_06

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_07

bmw_3seriescompact_e46_ser1_08

Euro NCAP: BMW E46 3-Series sedan crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2001E46 316i sedan received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25. This video is provided with the permission of Euro NCAP – for more information about this test, please go to the Euro NCAP website.