2001 BMW 3 Series Touring (E46, facelift 2001) Dimensions, Size & Specs

With mirrors opened, the BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift measures 1932 mm (76.0 inches) in width. This increased width is important for drivers to consider when parking in narrow spaces or garages, as the opened mirrors require additional clearance. Knowing this helps avoid accidental damage to mirrors and ensures better spatial awareness during tight maneuvers.

The curb weight of the BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift ranges from 1395 kg to 1725 kg (3075 to 3802 lbs), depending on specific variant and configuration. The maximum weight, which includes passengers, cargo, and fuel, varies between 1935 kg and 2220 kg (4266 to 4892 lbs). The variation in weight is influenced by engine options, trims, and added equipment, affecting performance and fuel economy.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift offers a luggage capacity of 435 liters (15.3 cubic feet) with the rear seats upright, which is spacious for everyday luggage, groceries, and gear. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity expands dramatically to 1345 liters (47.5 cubic feet), significantly increasing the space available for larger items such as sports equipment, furniture, or multiple pieces of luggage, making it versatile for family outings or moving large cargo.

Typically, the BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift will fit comfortably inside a standard residential garage, as it measures approximately 4.48 meters (14.7 feet) in length and 1.74 meters (5.7 feet) in width without mirrors extended. Standard garages usually provide around 6 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width, allowing adequate space for the car and additional room for opening doors and walking around. However, with mirrors opened, its width expands to about 1.93 meters (6.3 feet), so caution is advised in very narrow garages.

Compared to its predecessor, the BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift (1998–2001) received minor dimensional updates but largely retained similar measurements. The facelift version maintained the compact station wagon length of around 4.48 meters but introduced subtle refinements in styling and materials. Overall, the changes focused more on aesthetic updates and mechanical improvements rather than significant changes in size, preserving the balance of agility and practicality that defined its predecessor.

In comparison to similar station wagons from the early 2000s such as the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate, the BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift stands as a competitively sized option. With a length around 4.48 meters (176 inches) and width about 1.74 meters (68.5 inches), it is slightly more compact than the Mercedes C-Class Estate but quite similar to the Audi A4 Avant. The luggage capacity and dynamic driving characteristics typically provide a sporty yet practical alternative in this segment.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift supports several rim sizes, including 6.5J x 16 inches, 7J x 16 inches, 8J x 16 inches, 8J x 17 inches, and 8J x 17 inches, depending on the model variant and trim. Corresponding tire sizes commonly range from 205/55 R16 to 225/45 R17, giving owners flexibility to choose between ride comfort, performance, or aesthetic upgrades while maintaining proper fit on this generation’s suspension setup.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift has a roof load limit of 75 kg (165 lbs). This means that any rooftop cargo, such as roof boxes, bike racks, or luggage carriers, should not exceed this weight to ensure vehicle stability and safety. Adhering to this limit helps maintain proper handling characteristics and avoids structural damage to the roof frame, making it essential for safe and efficient use during travel.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E46 facelift from 2001 to 2005 is well-regarded for its blend of sporty driving dynamics, solid build quality, and comfortable interior. It typically features updated engines with improved efficiency and performance, refined suspension for smooth yet engaging handling, and a range of comfort options like better upholstery, climate control, and enhanced infotainment compared to earlier models. This generation balances driving pleasure with everyday usability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and families alike.