Test drive BMW 3 Episode E46 1998 - 2002 Sedan

Whale or elephant?

The delayed duel of long-standing rivals from Baden-Würtembeg and Bavarian car clans still took place. Mercedes ML430 and BMW X5 went to the barrier.
The first glove was thrown three years ago. The rival was silent, secretly preparing a decent answer. However, this was not a secret. The information that the subsoil of the Munich car giant is developing its own SUV is developing almost immediately after Mercedes-Benz presented M-Klasse to the public, which became the founder of the new concept in the construction of off-road cars. And they were waiting for him, sometimes expressing the most incredible assumptions about what it would be. In principle, the BMW had the experience of producing all-wheel drive cars: in the mid-80s, the 325ix sedan was produced, and in the early 90s a small batch of five525ix came out. Therefore, it was especially interesting what would happen this time.
 
According to a strange coincidence, exactly a year ago, the autopilot (No. 4, 1999) was half seriously expressed the forecast that in the new series of the film about the exploits of James Bond, the hero would use the new SUV from the BMW X5 and famously release hostages in the territory of the rebellious Ichkeria. And what's in practice?
The armor of the duels. The appearance of M-Klasse, I think, is well familiar to our reader, and therefore does not need comments. Version 430 externally differs from the rest perhaps painted in the color of the body with bumpers and new 17-inch discs of unusual design. Looking at the profile on ML and not seeing a three -beam star, a person who is poorly excited in cars can be difficult to determine its origin.
But there will be no error from the X5. These are BMW, and predatory and aggressive features inherent in all models of this brand are much more expressed in it. The energetic and executed forces began to be emphasized by a powerful front bumper with a contemptuously protruding forward lip, a sharp rib on the hood, as well as convex muscles of the wheel arches, and the configuration of the door panels. A small massive spoiler on the back door and the roof religion work on the image of a strong guy. And the sport package, which includes black chrome of two double exhaust pipes and other metal elements, 19-inch wheels and worthy sportsmen, huge bast shoes in the size of 285/45 R19 behind and 255/50 R19 in front completes the image of a formidable SUV. X5 is built on a completely new platform. His body is 15 centimeters shorter than the five, but wider than that of the seventh series, and much higher than that of everyone.
The choice of weapons. I remember that at the first meeting with M-Klasse in the fall of 1997, we described its interior as built on a classic Mercedes rod, which is strung by a fair amount of typically American little things.
And BMW, albeit produced also in the USA (Spartanberg, South Carolina), is in pure BMW. No Americanisms. The steering wheel with all kinds of switches, the dashboard, blocks of the audio system and climatic installation with multifunctional displays are similar to the fact that they are used in the seventh series. High and massive central console, typically backwall seats with powerful ribs of support for different parts of the body shorter, the traditional interior of the Bavarian brand. Against its background, the M-Klasse salon looks rude and too family, or something.
Both cars belong to the luxury class. Therefore, the listing of all kinds of electric drives, control units of garage gates, heating and other service amenities we consider simply inappropriate: all this is in the order of things, both cars are equipped, which is called the full program.
In addition to everything else, X5 has electrical control of the adjustment of the steering column, a three -position memory of the position of the seats, the rain sensor, as well as a completely unique option for heating the rim of the steering wheel. In addition, as in many other BMW models, the right side mirror when reverse moves automatically leans down. And yet, in addition to the traditional measurements of the path traveled, fuel consumption, etc. The X5 triple-computer has a number of additional useful functions: you can program the maximum speed, when it exceeds which the system will give a preventive signal, turn on the stopwatch, program the time of arrival at the destination or use two timers.
     
     
To the barrier! In the all-wheel drive transmission X5, the ADB-X system is used, which deciphered as automatic blocking of differentials. In essence, the same as 4ets on M-Klasse. The clutch with the soil of each wheel is monitored, and the torque is redistributed to the direction of where the clutch is better, while the boxing is slowed down. And while at least one wheel clings to the ground, the car has a chance to move. The advantages of such a completely independent transmission over traditional bridges of SUVs are obvious. But there is no lower series of transmissions in X5. To overcome the difficult road, it is enough that there is, but why do it be overtaken?
Having spent a couple of hours driving ML and slightly refreshing the impressions of this machine, I come to the conclusion that the machine has become sharper and more dynamic with the new engine, but the transmission system is still programmed in such a way as to exclude all possible slipping and slippage, and Hence the impression that there is an intermediary between you and the machine, constantly correcting your actions. Hence, apparently, some delays in the reaction to gas in a fully automatic operating mode of the checkpoint.
We transplant to X5 and note that it is deprived of this shortage. No, it contains no less than the systems that control and adjust the movement (CBC, DSC, DBC, ACS, etc.), but the algorithm of their operation is more correct, and therefore the feeling of contact with the machine is more complete and distinct. With external signs of a jeep, the car rides, maneuver and controls like a sports sedan.
ML 430 in the standard is equipped with an adaptive automatic checkpoint with the ability to switch to manual mode, sometimes it is called Speedtronic. The X5 has a well -known adaptive STEPTRONIC of the latest generation. In addition to the manual regime, it also provides for sports. In automatic mode, no delays in the reaction to gas, and when the speed is discharged, the machine significantly slows down the engine.
Both cars are equipped with systems that optimize the work of the brakes depending on the situation. Nevertheless, in this, X5 demonstrated some superiority over M-Klasse, in the brakes of which, compared to Bavarz, a small but unpleasant satellite and insufficient informativeness was found.
Combat stand. Many kind words have been said about stability and the highest level of controllability ML. And, it would seem, can there be something better? It turns out, maybe. With pleasure and even surprise, you note that the reactions and behavior of high, with a large clearance and heavy X5 are almost indistinguishable from the behavior of its brothers of the 5th or 7th series.
The suspension of Bavarz is much tougher and much more successfully resists the rolls. And M-Klasse is not devoid of some folly. Apparently, the inevitable fee for Americanized softness and comfort. True, there is one secret. The X5 suspension, structurally similar to the one that is used in the 7th series, has a very important addition: a system of pneumo elements controlled by electronics is installed on the eight-cylinder version in the standard. It provides a horizontal position and a constant distance to the ground at any load. The same system monitors on -board loads in steep turns and lifts the side where a large load is. Here is the unraveling of high comfort with a large, seemingly stiffness of the suspension. And in a bunch of high -speed turns, in order to avoid the transverse swing of the body, the system recognizes the situation and turns off. That's so smart.
Without the right to miss. What is the result of this duel? According to external data, aesthetics and interior design, we believe, wins X5 as more corresponding to the corporate identity, traditions and image. In terms of equipment, a variety of high -tech computerized systems that provide safe control in various conditions, too. According to ergonomics, dynamics, sharpness of control, the characteristics of the suspension again in the first place are x5. For comfort, domestic options, they are approximately equal. Ml frame. X5 is built on the principle of Unitbody roughly speaking, the same frame, but a lightweight design is a single whole with the body. Its characteristics in strength and stiffness are little inferior to traditional.
But what, you ask, in this case there remains ML430? First of all, utilitarianism and functionality, the possibility of a broader spectrum of application. The presence of a reduced series of programs, due to which, if that duel will take place on some kind of arable land, ML will be the winner. And the price, which will undoubtedly play an important role in choosing.
X5 The car is very specific and designed for a kind of consumer. This is not an SUV in the literal sense, but precisely the universal car of the luxury class, which most citizens are needed, buying all kinds of comfortable jeeps today.
 
Text Andrey Timofeev, photo Maxim Gudkov
 

Source: "Autopilot"