
One of the easiest ways to find full information about your vehicle is the VIN. There are numerous ways to check the car's history via VIN decoder services. But if you look for an easier way, you should know the answer to several questions: Is your BMW 3 Series or M3? Is it produced in 1998-2005 (for BMW 3 Series) or 2000-2006 (for BMW M3)? If both of the answers to these questions are "Yes", most likely, your BMW is an E46.
BMW 325i is a modification of the BMW 3 series. It is produced in several different generations, each using a specific platform. First BMW 325i appears in 1983 on the E30 platform. Through the years, 325i is offered as coupe, cabriolet, sedan and touring. The successful modification is used in various platforms – from E30 through E34, E90, E91, E92, and E93. The last BMW 325i was produced in 2013.
BMW M3 E46 is a generation of the model, which is in production from 2000 to 2006. It offers two editions of the engine. The first one is a 3.2-liter petrol motor, generating 343 hp at 7900 rpm and 365 Nm torque at 4900 rpm. It is used in both coupe and convertible M3's. The second engine is a CSL 3.2-litre gasoline powerplant that generates 360 hp at 7900 rpm and 370 Nm torque at 4900 rpm. It is available only in combination with the coupe body type of the vehicle for the period 2003-2006.
The BMW 323i is in production from 1998 to 2001 and is offered with a 2.5-liter petrol engine, generating 170 hp at 5500 rpm and 245 Nm torque at 3950 rpm. The top speed is 231 km/h or 143 mph.