Review: BMW E46 3-Series Coupe (1999-06)

Review: BMW E46.I 3-Series Coupe (1999-03)

Overview

The BMW E46 Mk.I 3-Series Coupe was released in Australia in June 1999. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive E46 3-Series coupe range initially consisted of the 323Ci and 328Ci models. In September 2000, however, the 323Ci and 328Ci were replaced by the 320Ci, 325Ci and, from October 2000, the 330Ci. Please note that the E46 M3 Coupe has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the E36 3-Series coupe , the E46 3-Series coupe was 55 mm longer (at 4488 mm), 47 mm wider (1757 mm), 24 mm lower (1369 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2725 mm). Furthermore, the E46 bodyshell was significantly stiffer and included pre-programmed deformation zones and interlocking side intrusion bars.

Suspension

Like the E46 3-Series sedan on which it was based, the E46 3-Series coupe had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E46 3-Series Coupe included dual front airbags, front and rear side 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.

Features

Standard features for the entry-level 320Ci included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, contoured sports seats, cruise control, front fog lamps, a multi-function steering wheel, folding rear seats with ‘through loading’, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and immobiliser. The 323Ci and 325Ci were further equipped with power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings.

Beyond this, the 328Ci featured 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker HiFi stereo with six-stack CD player, colour monitor with TV tuner, rear parking sensors and an electrochromatic rear view mirror. The 330Ci was further equipped with xenon headlights with washers, heated front seats, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers; from November 2001, the xenon headlights were replaced with bi-xenon units.

Review: BMW E46.II 3-Series coupe (2003-06)

Overview

Released in Australia in May 2003, the E46.II 3-Series Coupe could be identified by its larger front grille, revised lower bumpers, new head- and tail-lights (including clear front indicator lenses and LED tail-lights) and repositioned side indicator lights. New alloy wheels designs were also introduced.

For the 325Ci and 330Ci, six-speed semi-automatic transmissions were introduced; a six-speed manual transmission was also introduced for the 330Ci.

Safety equipment

For the E46.II 3-Series Coupe, an upgraded electronic stability control system (BMW’s ‘Dynamic Stability Control II’) was introduced across the range; rear lap/sash centre seatbelts were also fitted as standard.

Features

For the E46.II 3-Series Coupe, rain-sensing wiper were fitted as standard, while the 325Ci, 330Ci and M3 were all fitted with an in-dash CD player (in addition to the boot-mounted CD stacker). Furthermore,

• The 320Ci was fitted with 17-inch (double spoke 98) alloy wheels and 205/50 R17 tyres;
• The 325Ci was fitted with 17-inch (star spoke 96) alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres; and,
• The 330Ci was fitted with 17-inch (star spoke 119) alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres

May 2004 update

In May 2004, standard features were extended to include an analogue TV tuner and monitor in the centre stack. The 330Ci was also equipped with BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system.

M Sports Package II

Available from May 2004, the optional M Sports Package II included 17-inch ‘M’ light alloy wheels with mixed tyres, Sport suspension, ‘M Sport’ leather-wrapped steering wheel, oval-shaped of lights, aluminium black cube interior trim, satin chrome interior finishes, Anthracite roof lining, ‘M’ door sills, and an M Aerodynamics Package II (bodykit with bootlid spoiler). For models with manual transmissions, the M Sports Package also included a shortened gearshift lever. For the 320Ci, the M Sports Package also included contoured sports seats.

2005 3-Series Coupe Special Edition

From June 2005, the 3-Series coupe was available as a Special Edition model. Compared to their standard counterparts, the Special Editions featured BMW Individual extended Nappa leather trim (in Champagne, bi-colour Grey or Cinnamon), fine wood trim in Birch anthracite, a bi-colour Nappa leather steering wheel, Individual floor mats with Nappa leather piping and Special Edition door sill inserts. The Special Editions were also offered with a choice of three paint finishes: Carbon Black, Stratus Grey or Midnight Blue.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E46 3-Series