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BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) 330d (184 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) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Touring (E46)). With 245 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1590 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 225 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.
330d (184 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Outstanding torque and strong acceleration, making it a superb long-distance cruiser with effortless power.
Fuel Economy
Exceptional fuel economy for a powerful six-cylinder diesel, ideal for high mileage and efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent driving dynamics and handling
- • Wide range of refined and powerful engines (both petrol and diesel)
- • Premium interior quality and comfortable ride
- • Practical estate body with good cargo space
- • Timeless design and strong enthusiast following
Cons:
- • Common issues with cooling system components (water pump, thermostat)
- • Potential for rust, especially on rear wheel arches and subframe mounts
- • Some interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Older technology compared to modern cars (infotainment, safety features)
- • Maintenance can be costly if not properly cared for
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (E46): 1998 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Touring (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 330d (184 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 184 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.9 Hp/l [7mm more] |
| Torque: | 245 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M57D30 More details about the engine M57D30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2926 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.8 l |
| Coolant: | 10.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.6 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 225 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 115.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.5 kg/Nm, 154.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1590 |
| Max. weight: | 2130 |
| Max load: | 540 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1345 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4478 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Width: | 1739 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1409 mm mm [6mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1471 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1483 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 | 205/50R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the BMW 3 Series? Tell us in the comments!