E46 M3 Facelift Changes

[EvoJay]

Hey..wondering if you could fill me in on something. I see on alot of adverts cars listed as facelift. Checking on Wikipedia it says the E46 M3 was facelifted in 2004. But iv also seen a few 03 cars with "facelift" in the titles.

Can anyone fill me on on exactly when they were facelifted and what were the differences? I know the boot handle on the boot is shorter, and the rear LED lights. What about at the front, any differences?

Cheers

Jay

[M3 UFM]

no other differences except what you said i believe...not on the front anyway like the other coupes had

[EvoJay]

I thought that..but i was browsing through some parts earlier and they had a vorsteiner bonnet on the site. But it said it was for Pre-Facelift only...so it got me thinking what the differences were.

[Huliganov]

Mar-01
• E46 Introduced to the UK
• Brushed Titanium replaced by Titan Shadow
• Business Radio with MD added (Europe)

Jun-01
• SMG-II Option Added (Europe)
• 19” Wheels Made Available (Europe)

Jul-01
• 19” Wheels made available (UK)

September 2001 (Model Year 2002)
• SMG-II Option Added (UK Only)
• Seat Width Adjustment Made Standard (UK Spec)
• SatNav Screen replaced with Wide Screen Model
• Auto-On Lights Added as Standard (UK)
• Individual Options permitted (UK)
• Standard Xenon lights upgraded to Bi-Xenon
• Black Gloss Interior trim discontinued (Replaced by Titanium shadow)
• Minidisc Option Added (UK)

Oct-01
• SMG Paddles Changed (Size & Colour of + and -)

Jan-02
• Minidisc / CD option combined with Nav/TV made possible.

February 2002 Changes
• M Racing Strut added to Coupe & Cab

March 2002 Changes
• Brushed Aluminium Interior Trim Added.
• M Rear Wing Spoiler option added (As on 330Ci Clubsport)

September 02 (Model year 2003)
• Cab Central Brake light made clear
• SatNav Control unit upgraded to DVD player.
• Bluetooth Phone Kit added.
• Interior buttons changed from printed to embossing.
• AUX Connections added to TV Unit

April 2003 Changes
• New LED Rear Lights Added
• Silver Grey Paint Added
• Mystic Blue Paint Added
• Steel Grey Discontinued
• Topaz Blue Discontinued
• SMG Logo removed
• Cabs now get "convenience opening"
• Climate Control Buttons changed
• Brushed Aluminium Interior trim added (UK)
• Boot lid handle changed

September 2003 (Model year 2004)
• SatNav CD replaced with DVD including TMC
• Le Mans blue added to Individual range of colours (UK)

September 2004 (Model year 2005)
• TV Module upgraded to digital
• Business CD Head Unit upgraded to play MP3

September 2004 (Model year 2005)
• M3 CS Model Added (Europe)
• Interlagos Blue Paint Added

April 2005 Changes
• Phoenix Yellow dropped
• Laguna Seca Blue dropped
• M3 CS model introduced (UK)
• Interlagos Blue Paint Added (UK)
• 3rd Point seat belt and headrest added

September 2005 (Model year 2006)
• CD Changer upgraded to play MP3


All the info you need mate

[EvoJay]

Thanks mate. Much appreciated

[pablos911]

Really useful list. Thanks.

[Zod]

Essentially, the differences are minor and many, if not all, can be retro-fitted. My first one was a very early car and had teh small screen navigation. That's about the only feature to avoid.

[ooral]

Really informative, I am considering one of these as my next car, so I've marked it as a favourite, I'll be returning in a few months when I am ready to buy!

[996 sps]

Hey good list, thats what i've been after.......thanks.

[nottyash]

Thats Brilliant. thanks

[housen]

top list cheers

so infact there really is no such thing as the facelift

Edited by housen on Tuesday 17th April 13:02

[shibby!]

It was more on non M3 cars,

They got LED rear lights and a new front lights, wings and bumper.


M3's just got the LED rear lights and extended boot handle. LED lights are £150

[M7RT V]

Don't forget the engine was revised on the 2003+ models negating the need for the bearing shell recall.

[fen7on]

I ordered my old M3 in November 2002; delivery was 1st May 2003. It included led lights & DVD satnav (as well as every option!); my brother bought an 02 plate car in 2004, there were several more pipes under the bonnet of mine going into brake servo. Both were recalled for bearing issue.

Great cars & I would definately recommend owning one.

[Bolognese]

Interesting. Mines an 02 and I can play mp3 cd's. I take it the PO changed this. Im glad they did