
The BMW M3 E46 appears in Need for Speed: Undercover as a tier 2 car with a price tag of $145,000. The player is awarded with two modified M3 E46s after successfully dominating React Team Sessions' challenge in Ebisu. The BMW M3 is a torquey car with decent handling, making it suitable for Grip and Drift events.

It is unlocked upon dominating the Showdown II: Autopolis race day. The M3 E46 appears in Need for Speed: ProStreet as a tier 2 car with a price tag of $38,000. The car can be seen in some early development images fitted with a bodykit, hood, and spoiler resembling the American Le Mans Series racing M3 as well as a set of ADR wheels. In the PlayStation 2 release, the model doesn't have any problems besides some missing hoods and wrong textures. In the PC release, the model does not have an assigned texture material and appears black in colour all over. The model is fully customisable with the exception of bodykits or refined performance. The M3 E46 can be found in the game files of Need for Speed: Most Wanted. The E46 was the last M3 to have a unified chassis code throughout all models, and was replaced by the E92 in 2007.ĭevelopment - Main article: Need for Speed: Most Wanted/Development. The E46 was available with an optional SMG sequential paddle shift gearbox, which also found usage in other M models. Other major additions include a special limited-slip differential capable of sending 100% of torque to one wheel, and floating brake calipers. The E46 received a 3.2 litre straight-six engine with a more linear powerband than its predecessor that redlines at 8000 rpm.

To address criticism regarding the E36 M3's strong design similarity to regular 3 Series models, the E46 features flared and vented fenders, a domed aluminium bonnet, as well as two double exhaust pipes. Unlike the previous generation model, the E46 M3 was not available as a saloon, with body style choice being limited to coupé and convertible. The BMW M3 (E46) is the third generation model of the BMW M3 series, which replaced the M3 E36 in 2000. For the GT race car, see BMW M3 GTR GT (E46) For the homologation road car, see BMW M3 GTR (E46)
