Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) 318Ci (143 Hp) Automatic
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)
Coupe (E46) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Coupe (E46)). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.3 l/100km). With a weight of 1310 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 214 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
318Ci (143 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Acceptable for urban use, but the automatic transmission dulls the performance, making it feel less engaging.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective option for daily commuting.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Strong and refined inline-six engine lineup
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Excellent used car value for the driving experience
Cons:
- • Potential for common maintenance issues (cooling system, subframe, VANOS)
- • Firm ride on sport suspensions can be uncomfortable for some
- • Limited rear legroom, typical for a coupe
- • Older automatic transmissions can be less responsive
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (E46): 2000 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Coupe (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318Ci (143 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.7 Hp/l [19mm more] |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 214 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.2 kg/Hp, 109.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 152.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1310 |
| Max. weight: | 1810 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4490 mm [19mm more] |
| Width: | 1755 mm [16mm more] |
| Height: | 1370 mm [45mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1470 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 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 |
Have you ever driven an BMW 3 Series?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: