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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 320i (150 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)
Sedan (E46) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E46)). With 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1365 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 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 216 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 (150 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and refined six-cylinder, but the automatic transmission limits its responsiveness and sporty feel.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel economy, typical for a small six-cylinder with an older automatic gearbox.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics and precise handling
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Strong and smooth inline-six petrol engines
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Good balance of sportiness and everyday usability
Cons:
- • Common cooling system component failures (water pump, expansion tank)
- • Potential for rear subframe cracks on early models
- • Window regulator failures are frequent
- • Rust can appear on rear wheel arches and sills
- • Maintenance costs can be higher than average for a car of its age
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Compact (E36): 1996 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 320i (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 75.3 Hp/l [261mm more] |
| Torque: | 190 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M52B20TU More details about the engine M52B20TU |
| Engine displacement: | 1991 |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 66 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 216 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.1 kg/Hp, 109.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1365 |
| Max. weight: | 1865 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 440 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4471 mm mm [261mm more] |
| Width: | 1739 mm mm [39mm more] |
| Height: | 1415 mm mm [25mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [25mm more] |
| 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 | 4 |
| 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 | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Your first impression of the BMW 3 Series in one word? Go!