BMW 3 (E46). Manual — part 181

400-1

General

This section covers system descriptions
and general information for the repair
groups found in 4 Body and 5 Body
Equipment.

E46 Sedan

400-2

Body Assembly

The body styles of E46 cars covered by
this manual are the 4-door Sedan,
4-door Sport Wagon, 2-door Coupe
and 2-door Convertible. Body
dimensions vary slightly among
models. Dimensions are given in
inches.

E46 Sedan

E46 Sport Wagon

E46 convertible

E46 Coupe

Body shell

The BMW 3 Series chassis is a unibody
design constructed of high strength
steel. Attaching parts, such as the front
fenders, rear quarter panels, doors,
trunk lid and hood are also constructed
of steel.

Computer aided design (CAD)
techniques have been used in refining
E46 body models to reduce vehicle
weight while retaining strength and
increasing torsional rigidity. For good
handling purposes, the more rigid the
structure the more precisely the
suspension can operate. High strength
steels now account for 50% of the body
shell weight. The body shell's resistance
to twisting forces has been almost
doubled over the previous 3 series
models. To help insure long-lasting
strength, 85% of the body (in surface
area) is made of galvanized steel. This
resists corrosion and maintains body
strength over time.