Car Model History

Fourth generation · E46 · 1999–2005

1999BMW 3 Series

Widely regarded as a high-water mark for the 3 Series, balancing analog feel with modern refinement. Home of the celebrated S54-powered E46 M3 (US 2001–2006).

Fourth generation · E46

1999 BMW 3 Series E46 coupe, front three-quarter view

Photo: “1999-2003 BMW 3 Series (E46) coupe 01.jpg” by OSX / Wikimedia Commons — Public domain. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
6offered1.9L M44 DOHC inline-four → 3.2L S52 DOHC inline-six
Top output
240hp3.2L S52 DOHC inline-six

Body stylesE46 sedan · E36 coupe · E36 convertible · E36/5 Compact hatchback

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 1999 BMW 3 Series model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

Complete, source-verified lineup

Find your exact 1999 3 Series

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

9factory configurations
Verified complete for the U.S.-marketHow this lineup was verified

We checked this U.S.-market lineup against period sources for BMW's complete 1999 U.S. factory E36/E46 transition service roster by model, body, chassis, and engine. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from BMW — 1999 U.S. factory service-manual model, chassis, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror), BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications.

9versions shown
Three-door rear-wheel-drive E36/5 hatchback

BMW 318ti E36 Compact

Body
Three-door rear-wheel-drive E36/5 hatchback
Engine
1.9-liter M44 DOHC inline-four (138 hp / 133 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan

BMW 323i E46 Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M52TU DOHC inline-six (170 hp / 181 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan

BMW 328i E46 Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan
Engine
2.8-liter M52TU DOHC inline-six (193 hp / 206 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe

BMW 323is E36 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe
Engine
2.5-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (168 hp / 181 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 convertible

BMW 323i E36 Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 convertible
Engine
2.5-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (168 hp / 181 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe

BMW 328is E36 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 coupe
Engine
2.8-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (190 hp / 207 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 convertible

BMW 328i E36 Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 convertible
Engine
2.8-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (190 hp / 207 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 performance coupe

BMW M3 E36 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 performance coupe
Engine
3.2-liter S52 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 236 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 performance convertible

BMW M3 E36 Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E36 performance convertible
Engine
3.2-liter S52 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 236 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 1999 model year

Overview

BMW's 1999 U.S. 3 Series was a nine-configuration E36/E46 transition. The new E46 sedan arrived as the M52TU-powered 323i and 328i. E36 carryovers included the 318ti Compact, 323is and 328is coupes, 323i and 328i Convertibles, plus S52 M3 Coupe and Convertible models. The former M3 Sedan was gone, and E46 coupes, convertibles, wagons, and M3 had not yet joined the U.S. roster.

Specifications

Engines
  • 1.9L M44 DOHC inline-four138 hp
  • 2.5L M52 DOHC inline-six (E36)168 hp
  • 2.5L M52TU DOHC inline-six (E46)170 hp
  • 2.8L M52 DOHC inline-six (E36)190 hp
  • 2.8L M52TU DOHC inline-six (E46)193 hp
  • 3.2L S52 DOHC inline-six240 hp
Body styles
E46 sedan, E36 coupe, E36 convertible, E36/5 Compact hatchback

Year over year

What changed

  • The E46 323i and 328i sedans launched with M52TU engines.
  • E36 coupes, convertibles, Compact, and M3 Coupe/Convertible continued alongside the new sedans.
  • The M3 Sedan left the roster; E46 two-door and wagon bodies followed in later model years.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • First U.S. model year for E46 3 Series sedans.
  • A genuine two-generation overlap with nine separately browsable configurations.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Verify E36 versus E46 and M52 versus M52TU before ordering cooling, intake, emissions, electronics, suspension, body, or driveline parts.
  • Badge displacement alone is insufficient because 323 and 328 models span two chassis and two related but distinct engine families.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 1999 3 Series on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1999 BMW 3 Series. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
8
Factory intervals
4
Fitment-scoped
8
Exact references
1

Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter

    Fitment must be confirmed

    At each indicated Engine Oil Service and Inspection service; no fixed mileage is claimed.

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Engine Oil Service and Inspection I/II · checked

  • Inspection I

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Perform when the service indicator calls for Inspection I.

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service I · checked

    Inspection II

    Perform when the service indicator calls for Inspection II; includes Inspection I plus the additional published tasks.

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II · checked

  • Microfilters

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Replace at each indicated Engine Oil Service and Inspection; shorten in dusty operation.

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Engine Oil Service and Inspection I — microfilter replacement · checked

  • Engine air-cleaner element

    Exact reference available

    Replace at Inspection II; shorten in dusty operation.

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — intake air-cleaner replacement · checked

    1.9-liter M44 DOHC inline-four (138 hp / 133 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2733

    K&N 33-2733

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 1.9-liter M44 DOHC inline-four (138 hp / 133 lb-ft) · 318ti · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW 318i/318ti replacement air-filter catalog · 1999 BMW 318i/318is/318ti 1.8L/1.9L gasoline — 33-2733 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M52TU DOHC inline-six (170 hp / 181 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 2.5-liter M52TU DOHC inline-six (170 hp / 181 lb-ft) · 323i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.8-liter M52TU DOHC inline-six (193 hp / 206 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 2.8-liter M52TU DOHC inline-six (193 hp / 206 lb-ft) · 328i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (168 hp / 181 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 2.5-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (168 hp / 181 lb-ft) · 323is · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (168 hp / 181 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 2.5-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (168 hp / 181 lb-ft) · 323i Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.8-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (190 hp / 207 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 2.8-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (190 hp / 207 lb-ft) · 328is · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.8-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (190 hp / 207 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 2.8-liter M52 DOHC inline-six (190 hp / 207 lb-ft) · 328i Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.2-liter S52 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 236 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 3.2-liter S52 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 236 lb-ft) · M3 Coupe · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.2-liter S52 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 236 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2070

    K&N 33-2070

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 1999 · 3.2-liter S52 DOHC inline-six (240 hp / 236 lb-ft) · M3 Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E36 six-cylinder/M3 replacement air-filter listing · 1999 BMW E36 six-cylinder gasoline application — 33-2070 · checked

    Verified ordering references

  • Brake fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 24 months · From vehicle production date.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Additional Services / Inspection I — every two years · checked

  • Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 48 months · From vehicle production date.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Additional Services / Inspection I — every four years · checked

  • Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 100,000 mi / 160,000 km · Published replacement interval.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · 100,000-mile normal/additional-service row · checked

  • Oxygen sensor

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 1999 · M52TU 2.5L inline-six · 323i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 1999 323i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 100,000 mi / 160,000 km · Published replacement interval.

    Source: BMW — 1999 323i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · 100,000-mile normal/additional-service row · checked

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Famous variants this year

Sources

  1. BMW — 1999 U.S. factory service-manual model, chassis, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror)
  2. BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications

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