(Almost) Everyone’s Favorite Modern 3 Series
Which BMW 3 Series is the best 3 Series? You’ll probably hear the second-generation E30 or the fourth-generation E46 as the top answers. It’s totally understandable, though, as those two are often regarded as peak models.
The E46 3 Series is a proper classic now. It was introduced on November 11, 1997, and reached showrooms in most parts of the world in 1998. Stylistically, it looked like an evolution of the successful E36, but work on the E46 started in the early-’90s — not long after the E36 went on sale.
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Design Background
The names you’ll often see credited with the design of the E46 are Erik Goplen, Chris Bangle, and Wolfgang Reitzle. Goplen had been a BMW designer since the late ’80s, while Bangle was appointed as the brand’s design chief in 1992. As for Reitzle, he was the chief of product development.
It’s worth noting that the E46 was penned in California. It came from the Designworks studio (via BMW Blog), and some proposals came about in 1992. Goplen’s name comes up again, along with sketches by Marek Djordjevic.
Radical Redesign
If you think BMW designs are polarizing now, the company already had pretty wild ideas over 30 years ago. Given the relatively simple lines of the E36 3 Series, the swoopy and rakish look of these cars had all the potential to alienate BMW loyalists in the ’90s.
Goplen’s proposal featured a split headlight design, a low roofline, and a high beltline. Djordjevic’s design had a more cab-forward look, with a more slippery profile. As we all know, the final product looked a lot more toned down.
That said, we can see elements of the production E46 in Goplen’s sketches from 1993. The bumpers were taking shape, as well as the hood, fenders, and front doors. Later on, Bangle would add further input, as well as Reitzle.
A Timeless Design
It’s amazing how far the E46 3 Series has gone from its sketches in 1992 to its rollout in late 1997. It was Bangle and Reitzle who massaged the sedan’s design into its final shape, while Goplen would get more credit for the Touring (wagon), coupe, and convertible.
No matter the body style, the E46 is still a handsome car. Yes, it’s very much a late-’90s/early-’00s design, but its clean and elegant lines make it a looker in most eyes. It looked great in ’98, and has been ageing gracefully since. Given the love for this model, we’re bound to still see them around being cared for or restored by their owners.
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