- Responsive and refined six-cylinder engines
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- Steering for E46.II 3-Series Touring has accuracy and feel
- M52 and M54 engines susceptible to VANOS failure
- Dark, dull interior
Overview
Released in June 2002, the BMW E46 Mk.II (E46.II) 3-Series Touring was a compact executive wagon. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 3-Series Touring range consisted solely of the 320i. The 320i was powered by a 2.2-litre inline six cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Compared to the E46 3-Series sedan on which it was based, the E46 3-Series Touring was 7 mm longer (at 4478 mm), the same width (1739 mm), 6 mm lower (1409 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2725 mm). The E46 3-Series Touring had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320i Touring | 2.2-litre petrol I6 (M54 B22) | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
125 kW at 6250 rpm | 210 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, door-mounted front and rear side (thorax) airbags, curtain airbags for front occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, cornering brake control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. From May 2003, the 3-Series range was fitted with BMW’s upgraded electronic stability control system (‘Dynamic Stability Control II’).
Euro NCAP crash testing
Following improvements to side impact protection and a door latch release problem, a 2001 E46 316i sedan received a four star adult occupant protection rating in Euro NCAP crash testing with a score of 25. In the offset crash test, protection for the driver’s chest, legs and feet was assesed as marginal and weak for the lower left leg. In the side impact test, chest protection for the driver was adequate and abdomen protection was marginal; in this test, the rear of the door-mounted thorax airbag did not fully deploy.
Features
Standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels with 225/50 R16 tyres, a six speaker stereo with an in-dash CD player, climate control air conditioning, ‘Montana’ leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, cargo net, roof rails, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
From May 2003, the 320i Touring was also fitted with rain-sensing wipers; in November 2003, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation kits were also made standard.
M Sport package
The 320i Touring was available with an optional M Sport package which included modified suspension, contoured sports seats, an ‘M Sport’ steering wheel and a sports body kit.
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