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BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) 318i (118 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 180 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.4 l/100km). 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 202 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.
318i (118 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate for daily commuting and city driving, but lacks the typical BMW spirited performance.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for a petrol engine of its size and era, suitable for mixed use.
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): | 318i (118 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: | 118 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.3 Hp/l [7mm more] |
| Torque: | 180 Nm @ 3900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M43B19 More details about the engine M43B19 |
| Engine displacement: | 1895 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 202 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.6 kg/Nm, 131.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1365 |
| Max. weight: | 1905 |
| 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: | 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 | 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 | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the BMW 3 Series. How does it handle on the road?