- Refined and free-revving six-cylinder engines
- Excellent ride/handling balance
- Accurate steering has great feel
- High standard of fit and finish
- Awkward rear seat access
- Limited cargo space
- Optional sports suspension lacks compliance
- For M54 engine in 325ti, VANOS unit susceptible to failure
Review: BMW E46 3-Series compact (2001-05)
Overview
Released in November 2001, the BMW E46 3-Series Compact was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive the 3-Series Compact range initially consisted of the 316ti and 318ti models; in March 2002, however, the range was expanded with the 325ti. The 3-Series compact underwent a minor update in May 2003, from which time the 325ti was solely offered as a Sport variant and available with a semi-automatic transmission (BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox or ‘SMG’).
Compared to the E36 3-Series Compact , the E46 3-Series Compact was 52 mm longer (at 4262 mm), 53 mm wider (1751 mm), 15 mm taller (1408 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2725 mm). The E46 bodyshell was also significantly stiffer and included pre-programmed deformation zones and interlocking side intrusion bars. The E46 3-Series Compact had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
Compared to the E46 3-Series sedan on which it was based, the 3-Series compact was 210 mm shorter and could be identified by its unique front end styling.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316ti | N/A | 1.8-litre petrol I4 (N42 B18) | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2001-05 | 85 kW at 5500 rpm | 175 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| 318ti | N/A | 2.0-litre petrol I4 (N42 B20) | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2001-05 | 105 kW at 6000 rpm | 200 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 325ti | N/A | 2.5-litre petrol I6 (M54 B25) | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2002-03 | 141 kW at 6000 rpm | 245 Nm at 5000-6000 rpm |
| Sport | 2.5-litre petrol I6 (M54 B25) | 6sp man., 5sp auto, 6sp SMG |
2003-05 | 141 kW at 6000 rpm | 245 Nm at 5000-6000 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, cornering brake control traction 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 for the 316ti included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with CD player, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors, power windows and an immobiliser.
The 318ti was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, front fog lamps and a multi-function steering wheel; from May 2003, the 318ti was also fitted with cruise control.
Beyond this, the 325ti was further distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, leather seats and cruise control.
From 2004, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation kits were standard across the range.
M Sport package
The 325ti was also available with an optional ‘M Sport’ package which ‘M’ double-spoke alloy wheels with mixed tyres, sports suspension, clear indicator lenses, aluminium black cube interior trim, anthracite roof lining, an ‘M’ leather-wrapped steering wheel and ‘M’ door sills.
325ti Sport
Released in May 2003, the 325ti Sport was fitted with unique 17-inch alloy wheels, an in-dash CD player (in addition to the boot-mounted CD changer) and an ‘M Sport’ body kit. From November 2003, the 325ti Sport was also fitted with rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and an electrochromatic rear view mirror as standard.
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