- For the GT race car, see BMW M3 GTR GT (E46)
- For the homologation road car, see BMW M3 GTR (E46)
The 2006 BMW M3 (E46) is the third generation model of the BMW M3 series, which replaced the M3 E36 in 2000.
Unlike the previous generation model, the E46 M3 was not available as a saloon, with body style choice being limited to coupé and convertible. To address criticism regarding the E36 M3's strong design similarity to regular 3 Series models, the E46 features flared and vented fenders, a domed aluminium bonnet, as well as two double exhaust pipes.[2]
The E46 received a 3.2 litre straight-six engine with a more linear powerband than its predecessor that redlines at 8000 rpm. Other major additions include a special limited-slip differential capable of sending 100% of torque to one wheel, and floating brake calipers. The E46 was available with an optional SMG sequential paddle shift gearbox, which also found usage in other M models.[3]
The E46 was the last M3 to have a unified chassis code throughout all models, and was replaced by the E92 in 2007.
Games[]
Need for Speed: Most Wanted[]
The M3 E46 can be found in the game files of Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
The model is fully customisable with the exception of bodykits or refined performance. In the PC release, the model does not have an assigned texture material and appears black in colour all over. In the PlayStation 2 release, the model doesn't have any problems besides some missing hoods and wrong textures.
The car can be seen in some early development images fitted with a bodykit, hood, and spoiler resembling the American Le Mans Series racing M3 as well as a set of ADR wheels.
Need for Speed: ProStreet[]
The M3 E46 appears in Need for Speed: ProStreet as a tier 2 car with a price tag of $38,000. It is unlocked upon dominating the Showdown II: Autopolis race day.
The BMW M3 is a torquey car with decent handling, making it suitable for Grip and Drift events.
The player is awarded with two modified M3 E46s after successfully dominating React Team Sessions' challenge in Ebisu.
Need for Speed: Undercover[]
The BMW M3 E46 appears in Need for Speed: Undercover as a tier 2 car with a price tag of $145,000. It is unlocked upon reaching Wheelman Level 9.5.
It has powerful acceleration, but a low top speed of 206 mph (331 km/h) compared to most Tier 2 cars.
Need for Speed: World[]
The M3 E46 was available in Need for Speed: World during the closed beta fitted with a custom bodykit and spoiler resembling the BMW M3 GTR GT (E46). It was replaced by the BMW M3 GTR (Street) in later builds.
Game files for the BMW M3 E46 could be found in the directory of Need for Speed: World, although the car was never released, which resulted in the removal of its mesh and textures from the game.
Need for Speed: Shift[]
The M3 E46 appears in Need for Speed: Shift as a tier 2 car with a price tag of $58,000. It has a car rating of 5.40 and is capable of a Works conversion.
It can reach an average top speed and has a decent handling.
Shift 2: Unleashed[]
The M3 E46 appears in Shift 2: Unleashed as a Modern Road car with a price tag of $33,000. It has a C 530 performance rating and a 3.22 handling rating.
It can reach an average top speed and has a decent handling.
Need for Speed (2015)[]
The M3 (E46) appears in Need for Speed (2015) and can be purchased for 
36,300.
| 0 - 60 mph | 1/4 Mile | Top Speed | Power | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | 05.13 seconds | 13.53 seconds @ 110 mph (177 km/h) | 176 mph (283 km/h) | 338 hp |
| Fully Upgraded | 02.23 seconds | 09.20 seconds @ 163 mph (262 km/h) | 234 mph (377 km/h) | 1,095 hp |
Deluxe[]
The Deluxe variant can be purchased at no cost and is included with the Deluxe Edition release. It's a specially modified M3 that resembles the luminary BMW M3 GTR GT featured in Need for Speed: Most Wanted, although it is possible to recreate it.
Need for Speed: Payback[]
The M3 E46 appears in Need for Speed: Payback following the reveal trailer released on June 2, 2017.
Stock
The stock M3 E46 is unlocked for purchase from the drag, drift, and race class dealerships for 
93,850 upon completing three questlines in Chapter 3: "City Lights".
|
Complete all questlines in Chapter 3: "City Lights"
Purchase from an available Dealership
|
Stock: LV 167
Max: LV 399
 Horsepower: 338 bhp
Top Speed: 176 mph (283 km/h)
 0 - 60: 4.90 secs.
1/4 Mile: 13.40 secs.
 N2O Capacity: 3.2
N2O Power: 3.2
 Airtime: 4.5
Landing: 4.1
 Braking Response: 4.1
Braking Power: 3.3
| |
"Most Wanted"
The "Most Wanted" M3 E46 is unlocked upon successfully delivering it to Rav at his airfield during its rotation period as an abandoned car rumour. It has only been made available as a race class car.
As a unique vehicle, it can not be altered with any visual customisation items, it can not have its paint and wrap modified, and can not be stance tuned. It can, however, be equipped with performance parts and vanity items.
It is based upon the BMW M3 GTR GT featured in Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
|
|
Stock: LV 183
Max: LV 399
Horsepower: 390 bhp
Top Speed: 179 mph (288 km/h)
0 - 60: 4.27 secs.
1/4 Mile: 12.70 secs.
N2O Capacity: 3.2
N2O Power: 3.2
Airtime: 4.5
Landing: 4.1
Braking Response: 4.1
Braking Power: 3.3
| |
Need for Speed: Heat[]
The M3 E46 '06 appears in Need for Speed: Heat following an article published[4][5] on August 19, 2019, revealing it to be part of the game's official car list, and appears in the NFS: Heat Studio app as part of container 5, which was released on September 17, 2019.
Stock
The stock M3 E46 is unlocked for purchase from the car dealer for 
70,000 upon reaching Reputation Level 7
.
It has a customisation rating of eight and can be equipped with performance parts.
|
Unlocked at
 LVL 7
 16770,000POWER 1.3
HIGH SPEED 2.3
ACCELERATION 2.3
NITROUS 2.0
HORSEPOWER [bhp] 338
0-60 MPH [s] 4.90
MAX TORQUE [ft-lb] 269
TOP SPEED [mph] 176
|
|
| Customisation (Rating: 8/10) | ||
Engine Swaps (10 Available)
| ||
Need for Speed: Unbound[]
The M3 E46 (2006) appears in Need for Speed: Unbound as part of Volume 1 following a car list article published on October 6, 2022 to the official Need for Speed website.[6][7]
Stock
The stock M3 E46 can be purchased from the "Buy Stock" section of the "Buy and Sell" menu in the garage for $70,000 and has a Tier A 193 performance rating.
Story[]
It is unlocked for purchase in the Story mode upon the player completing the "Prologue" and reaching Sunday, Week 1.
Lakeshore Online[]
It is unlocked for purchase in Lakeshore Online mode upon the player finishing 20 playlists of any tier using any BMW vehicle.
Trivia[]
- The BMW M3 E46 can be equipped with a body kit resembling its ALMS racing variant in every game it has appeared in.
- The M3 E46 features North American side markers in every Need for Speed game except the Shift series and Need for Speed (2015).
- The M3 E46 "Deluxe" appears on the box art of the Deluxe Edition of Need for Speed (2015).
- In the PlayStation 2 release of Need for Speed: ProStreet, the M3 (E46) features red leather seats instead of black leather and has a different wide bodykit from the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 releases.[8]
- In the closed beta release of Need for Speed: World, the BMW M3 E46 was named the "BMW M3 GTR" despite the wheels, hood, interior, and the badge belonging to the BMW M3 E46. It is unknown if it was a mistake by the developers or if it was intentional.
Gallery[]
(Concept Art (Custom M3 E46))
(PC)
(PlayStation 2)
(React Team Sessions - Grip)
(React Team Sessions - Speed Challenge)
(Unreleased)
(Works)
(Deluxe)
(Customised)
(Most Wanted)
References[]
- ↑ Web link: 30 Years of BMW M3
- ↑ Web link: BMW M3 Buyer's Guide
- ↑ Web link: The BMW M3 E46 Coupe
- ↑ Article: ea.com (2019) Under the Hood: Need for Speed Heat Car List. Available at: https://www.ea.com/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-heat/news/nfs-heat-car-list
- ↑ Article: gtplanet.net (2019) Need for Speed Heat Full Car List Revealed. Available at: https://www.gtplanet.net/need-for-speed-heat-car-list/
- ↑ Website: ea.com/games/need-for-speed (2022) Need for Speed Unbound Car List. Available at: https://www.ea.com/games/need-for-speed/need-for-speed-unbound/about/car-list
- ↑ Article: gamespot.com (2022) Need For Speed Unbound Has Over 140 Cars To Collect And Customize. Available at: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/need-for-speed-unbound-has-over-140-cars-to-collect-and-customize/1100-6508106/
- ↑ Images: Front; Rear
| Need for Speed: Most Wanted - Cut Content | |
|---|---|
| Cars | Ambulance · BMW M3 (E46) · Camper · Multipoint · Nissan 350Z |