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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) 320i (170 Hp)
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 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1390 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.2 s). The top speed reaches 226 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.
320i (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A smooth and refined inline-six, offering a good blend of performance and the classic BMW driving experience with a responsive manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a 2.2L inline-six petrol, but not as frugal as the diesels, best for mixed driving.
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(Sedan (E46): 2000 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 320i (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 78.3 Hp/l [1mm less] |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M54B22 More details about the engine M54B22 |
| Engine displacement: | 2171 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 226 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 151.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1390 |
| Max. weight: | 1890 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4470 mm [1mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [1mm more] |
| Height: | 1420 mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1480 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1495 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 | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the BMW 3 Series? Tell us in the comments!