Review: BMW E46 3-Series sedan (1998-05)

Review: BMW E46.I 3-Series sedan (1998-01)

Overview

Released in September 1998, the BMW E46 Mk.I (E46.I) 3-Series was a compact executive sedan (the E46 3-Series Touring has been reviewed separately). Manufactured in Rosslyn, South Africa, the rear-wheel drive E46 3-Series sedan range initially consisted of the 318i and 328i models, with the 323i following in November. In October 2000, the range was revised with the introduction of the 320i, while the 323i and 328i were replaced by the 325i and 330i respectively.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the E36 3-Series sedan , the E46 3-Series sedan was 38 mm longer (at 4471 mm), 29 mm wider (1739 mm), 22 mm taller (1415 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2725 mm). Furthermore, the E46 bodyshell was 60 per cent stiffer and included pre-programmed deformation zones and interlocking side intrusion bars.

Suspension

The E46 3-Series had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E46 3-Series sedan included dual front airbags, 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 October 2000, athree point centre rear seatbelts was made standard across the range.

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 assessed 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 318i included six speaker stereo, climate control air conditioning, ‘Flock’ cloth upholstery with velour headlining, rear fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats and an immobiliser. From April 1999, the 318i was also fitted with an in-dash CD player (as was the 323i), while leather seats were fitted from April 1999 to January 2000 (until the introduction of the 318i Executive).

Compared to the 318i, the 318i Executive was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and cruise control. Beyond this, the 323i added front fog lights, a multi-function steering wheel and on-board computer.

The 328i was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, ten speaker HiFi stereo with a six-disc CD player, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and woodgrain interior trim.

October 2000: revised range

Available from October 2000, the 320i was similarly equipped to the 323i. Beyond this, the 325i added 16-inch alloy wheels and a six-disc CD player, while, the 330i was differentiated by its 17-inch alloy wheels, colour monitor with TV tuner, xenon headlights with washer jets, rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers.

Review: BMW E46.II 3-Series sedan (2001-05)

Overview

Released in November 2001, the E46 Mk.II (E46.II) 3-Series sedan range introduced revised steering, sportier suspension settings, new transmissions and a new engine for the 318i. From January 2004, the 325i was also available with a six-speed semi-automatic transmission (BMW’s sequential manual gearbox or ‘SMG’). Visually, the E46.II 3-Series sedan could be identified by its new head- and tail-lights, bonnet, bumpers, wider grille and repositioned side indicator lights.

Safety equipment

Compared to its E46.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the E46.II 3-Series sedan was substantially the same as for the E46.I. From March 2003, however, the 3-Series range was fitted with BMW’s upgraded electronic stability control system (‘Dynamic Stability Control II’).

Features

Across the range, standard features were largely unchanged, although the 318i Executive was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels and the 330i was fitted with satellite navigation, bi-xenon headlights and automatic headlights. From March 2003, rain-sensing wipers were standard for the 320i and 325i.

2004: Sport and Executive variants

In 2004, the 3-Series sedan range was divided into Executive and Sport variants for each model; standard features were also extended for the 318i to include cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel and on-board computer, while all models were fitted with Bluetooth telephone preparation kits.

The Executive variants were distinguished by their in-cabin monitor with TV reception and fine wood interior trim. The Sport variants, however, were fitted with ‘M’ double spoke alloy wheels with ‘M Sport’ suspension settings, ‘Montana’ leather trim, contoured front sports seats, Anthracite roof lining, front fog lights, an ‘M’ leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminium black cube interior trim, ‘M’ door sills and an M Aerodynamics Package, including a deeper front air dam and rear lip spoiler. The 318i Sport also received rain-sensing wipers.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E46 3-Series