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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) 320d (150 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)
Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E46, facelift 2001)). With 330 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1415 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 9.1 s). The top speed reaches 213 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
320d (150 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A good balance of power and efficiency, the 150hp diesel provides strong mid-range torque, even with the automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy for an automatic, making it a practical and cost-effective option for daily driving and longer trips.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional driving dynamics and handling for its class
- • Wide range of smooth and powerful petrol and diesel engines
- • Premium interior quality and timeless design
- • Good fuel economy on diesel variants
- • Strong aftermarket support and community
Cons:
- • Prone to cooling system failures (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank)
- • Potential for rear subframe cracks (especially pre-facelift, but still a concern)
- • Rust can be an issue on older models, particularly around wheel arches
- • Some interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Older infotainment and safety tech compared to modern cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E46): 2000 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 320d (150 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 75.2 Hp/l [7mm less] |
| Torque: | 330 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M47D20 More details about the engine M47D20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 17:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 213 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 233.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1415 |
| Max. weight: | 1915 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 440 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4471 mm mm [7mm less] |
| Width: | 1739 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1481 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1488 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 | 16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the BMW 3 Series live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!