BMW E46 VIN DECODER
Find out the full background of any BMW E46 with the help of our dedicated BMW E46 VIN decoder.
How to Check BMW E46 VIN Decoder?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for a BMW is a distinctive 17-character code exclusive to every BMW automobile. This identifier is not only unique to each vehicle but also encodes details about the vehicle’s model year, type, engine size, and additional characteristics, making it an essential tool for identification and information.
The VIN of a BMW E46 can be located in various places on the car such as:
- On the dashboard on the driver’s side, which can be seen from outside through the windshield.
- The jamb of the driver’s side door.
- In the engine area, either on the firewall or the radiator support.
- On the car’s registration and title papers.
By following these steps, you can easily access a wealth of information about any BMW vehicle, ensuring a deeper understanding of its heritage and features.
BMW E46 Engine Overview (Including Diesel Options)
The BMW E46 series, acclaimed for its exceptional blend of performance, handling, and comfort, was produced from 1998 to 2006. It offered a wide array of engine options, from efficient 4-cylinder units to powerful 6-cylinder engines, both in petrol and diesel variants. This expanded engine lineup underscored BMW’s commitment to providing drivers with a choice that catered to their specific needs, whether it was fuel efficiency, low emissions, or high performance. Below is an updated table that includes both the petrol and diesel engines available in the E46 series, providing details such as engine code, configuration, displacement, power output, and production years.
This comprehensive list reflects the advancements in engine technology during the E46’s production run, including the introduction of BMW’s advanced diesel engines, which offered remarkable efficiency and torque.
| Engine Code | Configuration | Displacement | Power Output | Production Years | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol Engines | |||||
| M43B16 | 4-cyl, 8-valve | 1.6 L | 102 hp | 1998–2001 | Petrol |
| M43B19 | 4-cyl, 8-valve | 1.9 L | 118 hp | 1998–2001 | Petrol |
| N42B18 | 4-cyl, 16-valve | 1.8 L | 143 hp | 2001–2004 | Petrol |
| N42B20 | 4-cyl, 16-valve | 2.0 L | 136 hp | 2001–2004 | Petrol |
| N46B18 | 4-cyl, 16-valve | 1.8 L | 143 hp | 2004–2006 | Petrol |
| N46B20 | 4-cyl, 16-valve | 2.0 L | 150 hp | 2004–2006 | Petrol |
| M52TUB20 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 2.0 L | 150 hp | 1998–2000 | Petrol |
| M54B22 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 2.2 L | 170 hp | 2000–2006 | Petrol |
| M52TUB25 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 2.5 L | 170 hp | 1998–2000 | Petrol |
| M54B25 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 2.5 L | 184 hp | 2000–2006 | Petrol |
| M52TUB28 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 2.8 L | 193 hp | 1998–2000 | Petrol |
| M54B30 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 3.0 L | 231 hp | 2000–2006 | Petrol |
| S54B32 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 3.2 L | 343 hp | 2000–2006 (M3) | Petrol |
| Diesel Engines | |||||
| M47D20 | 4-cyl, 16-valve | 2.0 L | 136 hp | 1999–2001 | Diesel |
| M47TUD20 | 4-cyl, 16-valve | 2.0 L | 150 hp | 2001–2005 | Diesel |
| M57D25 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 2.5 L | 163 hp | 1998–2003 | Diesel |
| M57TUD25 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 2.5 L | 177 hp | 2003–2005 | Diesel |
| M57D30 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 3.0 L | 184 hp | 1998–2003 | Diesel |
| M57TUD30 | 6-cyl, 24-valve | 3.0 L | 204 hp | 2003–2006 | Diesel |
The inclusion of diesel engines in the E46 lineup brought BMW’s advanced diesel technology to the forefront, offering drivers impressive torque for spirited driving and excellent fuel economy for everyday use. The E46 remains highly regarded for its engineering quality, driving dynamics, and the extensive range of engine choices it offered, embodying BMW’s commitment to performance and efficiency.
What you can get from checking your VIN of your BMW E46
Damages
No one desires a vehicle with undisclosed damages. This could lead to paying more than necessary or encountering safety concerns on the road.
Mileage rollbacks
Mileage manipulation is a more widespread issue than you may realize. It not only results in overpaying for the vehicle but can also lead to significant repair expenses.
Recorded images
Understanding the vehicle's appearance in the past is crucial for gaining insights into its history and identifying any areas of damage or vulnerability.
Safety recalls
Manufacturers usually issue safety recalls to address dangerous defects. Ensure that your vehicle does not have any such defects before driving it.
Ownership changes
Understanding the number of previous owners a vehicle has had is important in determining its sales history. This information can provide insights into any potential underlying problems.
Theft records
We thoroughly examine millions of records from both international and local law enforcement agencies to ensure that a vehicle has not been reported as stolen in any country.
Car history report
Avoid costly problems by checking a car’s history. Just enter the VIN and get a full report.