BMW Platforms - BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW E24, BMW 7 Series, BMW X5, BMW X3, BMW 6 Series, BMW E9, BMW F3, BMW V3, BMW V7, BMW 1 Series (Paperback)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 178. Not illustrated. Chapters: Bmw 3 Series, Bmw 5 Series, Bmw E24, Bmw 7 Series, Bmw X5, Bmw X3, Bmw 6 Series, Bmw E9, Bmw F3, Bmw V3, Bmw V7, Bmw 1 Series, Bmw E52, Bmw E26, Bmw E87. Excerpt: The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars produced by BMW, produced from 1998 when it succeeded the BMW E36 until it was replaced by the BMW E90 in 2005. The E46 was released in 1998 to worldwide markets (excluding the United States) in the sedan body style. In 1999, a coupe and touring body style became available to all markets, and the sedan was released in the United States. A convertible and hatchback body style was released in 2000, the latter only for Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The E46 experienced enormous success in all markets and was widely considered the performance benchmark of its class. The record selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide. BMW M GmbH produced a high performance variant of the E46 chassis, designated the M3. This version had a larger, more powerful engine, sportier suspension, a limited slip differential, and various aesthetic modifications. The M3 was released in 2001 and was available only in the coupe and convertible body style. It was offered with two transmissions; a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional sequential manual gearbox. The E46 was developed as a modern replacement for the aging and cornered BMW E36 chassis. DesignworksUSA was contracted by BMW to work alongside BMW Group's in house design team to create the exterior body work. Based on the E36 body shell, the design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the cars aggressive stance. An emphasis was put on reducing unsprung weight and structural rigidity rather than increasing power output: the highest displacement model at release, the ...