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BMW 3 Series Compact (E46, facelift 2001) 318ti (143 Hp) Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Compact (E46, facelift 2001) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Compact (E46, facelift 2001)). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). With a weight of 1375 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 211 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
318ti (143 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Decent power, but the automatic transmission impacts acceleration and overall responsiveness.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption for an automatic petrol, suitable for mixed driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics and handling
- • Premium interior feel and build quality
- • Strong and efficient engine lineup (especially diesels and 325ti)
- • Practical hatchback design with good cargo space
- • Timeless BMW styling
Cons:
- • Limited rear passenger legroom
- • Firm ride can be uncomfortable on rough roads
- • Common E46 reliability issues (cooling system, subframe, VANOS)
- • Dated infotainment and technology
- • Higher running costs than some rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E46): 2000 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Compact (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318ti (143 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.7 Hp/l [216mm less] |
| Torque: | 200 Nm @ 3750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N42B20 More details about the engine N42B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 211 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.6 kg/Hp, 104 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.9 kg/Nm, 145.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1375 |
| Max. weight: | 1800 |
| Max load: | 425 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1100 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 310 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4262 mm mm [216mm less] |
| Width: | 1751 mm mm [12mm more] |
| Height: | 1408 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1474 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1483 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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