BMW 3-Series Touring
The BMW E46 is a compact executive car which ran from 1998 to 2007. It was gifted with an array of body styles, such as sedan, coupé, convertible, touring and hatchback. BMW re-introduced the all-wheel drive (xDrive) with the three-cylinder 325xi and 330xi sedan/wagon models. The E46 set a performance benchmark in its segment and sold 561,249 units worldwide in its peak selling year 2002. Its competitors at the time were the Alfa Romeo 156, Audi A4, Lexus IS/Toyota Altezza, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3, and the Volvo S60.
The M3 version was powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine from 2001 with optional 6-speed manual or the 6-speed "SMG-II" sequential manual gearbox. Exterior design, led by Erik Goplen, had a fresh look in comparison to its predecessor, the E36 series, with sharper body panels and improved aerodynamics. To match the redesigned body, Chris Bangle took 24 months to develop the interior layout, features, and materials. The peculiarity of the E46's entertainment system was the flexible automotive computer platform which allowed for easy upgrade for new BMW technologies such as Bluetooth system, DVD-based navigation system, and even MP3 CD changers.
BMW focused on reducing the unsprung weight and increasing the vehicle rigidity rather than the engine power output—the maximum output of the E46 328 was only 3 HP more than the E36. With a curb weight of 1450kg, the E46 328ci is 55kg heavier than the E36 equivalent. Despite the slight weight imbalance, the E46 maintained BMW's trademark 50/50 weight distribution with a front engine and rear-wheel drivetrain.
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