BMW 3 Series E46 dimensions 1997–2006
The BMW 3 Series E46 (1997–2006) is 447 cm long, 174 cm wide and 141 cm tall, with a 272.5 cm wheelbase. That makes it about 63 cm longer than the average 3-door hatchback in our guide (384 cm across 63 versions). In size it is closest to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 3-door hatchback (1999, 5.6 cm longer), the Volvo S40 Estate (1995, same length) and the Alfa Romeo 156 (1996, 4 cm shorter).
Compare with…
Size
Practicality
Info
No figure yet: width incl. mirrors, ground clearance, boot (seats up), boot (seats folded)
Sources: Wikipedia: BMW 3 Series (E46) · Figures refer to: Figures from Wikipedia infobox "E46"; production December 1997 – November 2006. Dimensions may vary by trim, market and model year; check with the manufacturer.
Will the BMW 3 Series fit?
UK parking bay 4.8 × 2.4 m
Fits comfortably33 cm spare in length; with mirrors (194 cm wide (est.) including mirrors) about 23 cm free each side for opening doors.
UK single garage 4.8 × 2.4 m, 7 ft door
Fits, but tightLittle room to walk round; not enough width to open the doors fully. Height 141 cm vs a 198 cm door.
Assumes a UK standard parking bay of 4.8 × 2.4 m and a typical UK single garage of 4.8 × 2.4 m inside (2.1 m high) with a 7 ft × 6 ft 6 in (213 × 198 cm) up-and-over door. Where we have no width-with-mirrors figure we add 20 cm to the body width. “Comfortably” leaves about 60 cm to walk round and open a door; “tight” means it goes in but getting out is awkward. Garages and bays vary a lot — measure yours and use the garage fit checker. For guidance only.
Sources
- Wikipedia: BMW 3 Series (E46) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Figures taken from Wikipedia are used under CC BY-SA 4.0; see the linked article for its authors and history.