Car Model History

Fourth generation · E46 · 1999–2005

2001BMW 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

1999–2001 BMW 3 Series E46 sedan, front three-quarter view

Photo: “'99-'01 BMW 3-Series Sedan.JPG” by Bull-Doser / Wikimedia Commons — Public domain. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
3offered2.5L M54 DOHC inline-six → 3.2L S54 DOHC inline-six
Top output
333hp3.2L S54 DOHC inline-six

Body stylesFour-door sedan · Two-door coupe · Two-door convertible · Five-door Sports Wagon

The 2001 model year

Overview

BMW transformed the 2001 U.S. E46 range into twelve exact configurations. The 184-hp M54-powered 325 family spanned rear-drive sedan, coupe, convertible, and Sports Wagon plus all-wheel-drive 325xi sedan and Sports Wagon. The 225-hp 330 family covered rear-drive sedan, coupe, and convertible plus the 330xi sedan. Above them, the new 333-hp S54-powered E46 M3 arrived as Coupe and Convertible models.

Specifications

Engines
  • 2.5L M54 DOHC inline-six184 hp
  • 3.0L M54 DOHC inline-six225 hp
  • 3.2L S54 DOHC inline-six333 hp
Body styles
Four-door sedan, Two-door coupe, Two-door convertible, Five-door Sports Wagon

Year over year

What changed

  • The 325 and 330 M54 families replaced the former 323 and 328 names.
  • All-wheel-drive 325xi Sedan, 325xi Sports Wagon, and 330xi Sedan joined the U.S. 3 Series.
  • The S54-powered E46 M3 launched as Coupe and Convertible configurations.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • First U.S. model year for the 325/330 naming structure, xi all-wheel drive, and E46 M3.
  • Twelve exact body/drivetrain configurations without multiplying option packages.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Distinguish 2.5-liter M54, 3.0-liter M54, and S54 powertrains before ordering engine, cooling, intake, exhaust, clutch, or transmission parts.
  • Confirm rear-wheel drive versus xi all-wheel drive before ordering front suspension, steering, oil-pan, driveline, wheel, or chassis components.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 2001 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 2001 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
9
Scheduled topics
4
Applicability stated
9
Exact references
2

Before ordering Identify 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 filterView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil and filter

    Fitment must be confirmed

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

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Engine Oil Service and Inspection I/II · checked

  • Inspection IView intervals, applicability and sources

    Inspection I

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Perform when the service indicator calls for Inspection I.

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 2001 325i 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: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II · checked

  • MicrofiltersView intervals, applicability and sources

    Microfilters

    Fitment must be confirmed

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

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Engine Oil Service and Inspection I — microfilter replacement · checked

  • Engine air-cleaner elementView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine air-cleaner element

    Exact reference available

    Replace at Inspection II; shorten in dusty operation.

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i sedan record; coupe, convertible, wagon, xi, M3, SULEV, and other E46 configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Indicated Inspection Service II — intake air-cleaner replacement · checked

    3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2231

    K&N 33-2231

    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: 2001 · 3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 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 M3 replacement air-filter catalog · 2001 BMW M3 3.2L S54 gasoline — 33-2231 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2231

    K&N 33-2231

    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: 2001 · 3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 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 M3 replacement air-filter catalog · 2001 BMW M3 3.2L S54 gasoline — 33-2231 · checked

    Verified ordering references

  • Brake fluidView intervals, applicability and sources

    Brake fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i 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 — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Additional Services / Inspection I — every two years · checked

  • Engine coolantView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i 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 — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Additional Services / Inspection I — every four years · checked

  • Spark plugsView intervals, applicability and sources

    Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i 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 — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · 100,000-mile normal/additional-service row · checked

  • Oxygen sensorView intervals, applicability and sources

    Oxygen sensor

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2001 · M54 2.5L inline-six · 325i sedan (E46) · United States · Exact 2001 325i 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 — 2001 325i sedan (E46) service-indicator schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · 100,000-mile normal/additional-service row · checked

  • Engine oil filter — catalog fitmentView intervals, applicability and sources

    Engine oil filter — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 2001 · United States

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325Ci Coupe · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325Ci Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325i Sports Wagon · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325xi Sedan · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325xi Sports Wagon · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) · 330i · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) · 330Ci Coupe · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) · 330Ci Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    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: 2001 · 3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) · 330xi Sedan · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2001 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

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 — 2001 U.S. factory service-manual model, body, drivetrain, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror)
  2. BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications

Other Fourth generation years

Explore the E46 generation →All Fourth generation · E46 years →

Complete, source-verified lineup

Find your exact 2001 3 Series

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

12factory 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 2001 U.S. factory E46 body, rear/all-wheel-drive, M54, and S54 service roster. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from BMW — 2001 U.S. factory service-manual model, body, drivetrain, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror), BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications.

12versions shown
Browse 12 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan

BMW 325i Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe

BMW 325Ci Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible

BMW 325Ci Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Five-door rear-wheel-drive E46 Sports Wagon

BMW 325i Sports Wagon

Body
Five-door rear-wheel-drive E46 Sports Wagon
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door all-wheel-drive E46 sedan

BMW 325xi Sedan

Body
Four-door all-wheel-drive E46 sedan
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Five-door all-wheel-drive E46 Sports Wagon

BMW 325xi Sports Wagon

Body
Five-door all-wheel-drive E46 Sports Wagon
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan

BMW 330i Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E46 sedan
Engine
3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe

BMW 330Ci Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe
Engine
3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible

BMW 330Ci Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible
Engine
3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door all-wheel-drive E46 sedan

BMW 330xi Sedan

Body
Four-door all-wheel-drive E46 sedan
Engine
3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance coupe

BMW M3 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance coupe
Engine
3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance convertible

BMW M3 Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance convertible
Engine
3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

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