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BMW 3 Series Touring (E46, facelift 2001) 318Ci (143 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)
Touring (E46, facelift 2001) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Touring (E46, facelift 2001)). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1395 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 9.6 s). The top speed reaches 213 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
318Ci (143 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Decent performance for a four-cylinder petrol, responsive and engaging when paired with the manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size, offering a reasonable balance for daily driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging and balanced driving dynamics
- • Premium interior quality and timeless design
- • Wide range of capable and efficient engines (especially diesels)
- • Practical Touring body style with good cargo space
- • Strong aftermarket support and enthusiast community
Cons:
- • Potential for costly maintenance (cooling system, suspension bushes, subframe issues)
- • Firm ride may not appeal to all drivers
- • Older automatic transmissions can be less refined than modern units
- • Some engines have known common issues (e.g., M54 oil consumption, M47 swirl flaps)
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E46): 2000 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Touring (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318Ci (143 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.7 Hp/l [2mm 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 213 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.8 kg/Hp, 102.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7 kg/Nm, 143.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1395 |
| Max. weight: | 1935 |
| Max load: | 540 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1345 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4480 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm 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 | Manual |
| 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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