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BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46, facelift 2001) 318Ci (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)
Convertible (E46, facelift 2001) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Convertible (E46, facelift 2001)). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1615 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 11.3 s). The top speed reaches 206 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
318Ci (143 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 143 Hp N42B20 engine provides sufficient power for daily driving, but the Steptronic automatic transmission dulls acceleration, making it feel less engaging than manual versions.
Fuel Economy
With a combined 8.4 l/100 km, fuel economy is reasonable for a petrol automatic convertible of its era, though not outstanding.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant design, especially with the roof down.
- • Engaging driving dynamics and excellent chassis balance.
- • Smooth and powerful inline-six petrol engines.
- • High-quality interior materials and build.
- • Practical four-seater convertible for its class.
Cons:
- • Potential for cooling system issues (water pump, expansion tank).
- • Rear subframe issues on some early models (less common on facelift convertibles, but worth noting for E46).
- • Fuel economy can be high on larger petrol engines, especially with automatics.
- • Convertible roof mechanism can be complex and expensive to repair if faulty.
- • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds compared to the coupe/saloon.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe (E46): 2001 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Convertible (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318Ci (143 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | February, 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.7 Hp/l [2mm 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: | 11.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 206 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.1 kg/Nm, 123.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1615 |
| Max. weight: | 1960 |
| Max load: | 345 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 300 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 260 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 680 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%): | 1600 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4488 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Width: | 1757 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Height: | 1369 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1471 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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