Test drive BMW 3 E46 2002 - 2005 sedan

Let's start with two liters ...

When Bavarians are taken for business, then 1995 cubes are enough
 
The new BMW of the 3rd series, I will not hide, made a strong impression on me. First of all, with my running qualities, which I honestly told a couple of months ago (AI No. 4, 2005). But during the official test drive, it was possible to try only a diesel and most powerful gasoline version. What is the initial 320th? Moreover, I was upset in advance, since the magnificent in-line 170-horsepower six under the hood, which could not help but fall in love, came an ordinary 4-cylinder power unit with a capacity of 150 hp. In general, having waited for the appearance of this version in Russia, I took the car for a whole weekend - to get acquainted, so in details.
 
First of all - turnover
 
I'll start with the main one, namely, with running qualities. And I will not be comforted by the fact that now index 320 is quite consistent with the volume of the motor. Here is the first acceleration, inhibition, turn, acceleration, I listen to the car and my own feelings, as if our further fate depends on the accuracy of my assessments. And I come to a careful conclusion: of course, a certain loss in dynamics is felt. But still - how great he goes! With what confidence, and with what dignity! Yes, perhaps Bavarian engineers did everything possible to use two liters of working volume to the maximum. The motor was equipped with a phase of gas distribution phases and removed the mechanical drive of the throttle. In fact, this means that the car instantly reacts to the work of the accelerator pedal and even at low engine speed guarantees a good pickup. However, with active driving, especially if you under you a version with a 6-speed automatic, the bottom can be passed. Electronics that control the automatic transmission, understanding the character of the driver (about ten seconds are required for this), begins to honestly twist the motor in each gear, now and then drive the tachometer to the red zone. In other words, the shooter never drops below 2500 rpm, except at full stop. In addition, at high speeds, the engine is taught to derive a particularly pleasant melody of sports victory.
 
Therefore, this combination - a quick automatic transmission and a modern motor, coupled with a lighter body - forms an incendiary cocktail. It is better to serve it warm, but drinking with a cold head and little by little. Otherwise, you can be drunk, which is unacceptable at the wheel.
 
Once, one colleague noticed that in this car it was not possible to completely relax, you have to constantly hold the steering wheel with both hands. Yes, the BMW of the 3rd series requires an attentive relationship. But it charges with energy, which is appreciated by the admirers of the brand. Well, it is better to relax at all while driving. Although personally, I would not say that the 320th is particularly annoying: do not advance too sharply on the accelerator pedal, and she will understand you. This machine itself is not able to scare either a melancholic or a delicate lady - it all depends on what you demand on it. It makes it clear that it is capable of a lot, but reveals its capabilities in special order.
 
And controllability? The car sensitively reacts to the slightest movement of the steering wheel - the steering wheel is quite sharp. At the same time, he is absolutely transparent, that is, to understand where exactly the wheels are looking in any turn, there is no labor. In steep turns, your body is more likely to whine from lateral overloads than the car will go into skidding. Subject to reasonable and competent control, of course. However, the electronic stabilization system (dynamic control of DSC III stability) can save health and nerves. Her competent work is beyond doubt. But in order to force the DSC to join, you need to drive too fanatic, especially on dry asphalt.
 
The pendants are optimal. On the flat roads of Spain, it was almost impossible to understand their energy intensity, and in Moscow everything fell into place. Of course, on pits and irregularities it shakes, springs and shock absorbers are not the most, let's say, kindly configured (and for the better!). But I never got to the breaks, and besides, the hot car should have appropriate pendants, not to mention the brakes. And the BMW 320 is no exception. Boldop caliper - pads dig into the discs with such force that with sloppy pressing on the pedal, you can hang on seat belts. In addition, the car is equipped with an ABS and the system of distribution of brake forces, and therefore everything is OK on any coating with slowdown. In a word, the weakest BMW version is already an adrenaline generator.
 
Perception
 
Yes, in Moscow the novelty is not deprived of attention. I like the exterior or do not like it, but it does not leave indifferent. For example, I still shrug my shoulders when I look at the back optics. But everyone converges in one opinion - the appearance of a new three -year -old is aggressive and quite in the spirit of the brand. In addition, in the city surroundings, the BMW 320 looks perfectly.
 
The tested three hundred twenties is not a entire basic version offered for 29,900 euros. I dealt with the next in rank with Business. It is three thousand more expensive, but this money, I think, will not be spent in vain. Such a car should still have alloy wheels, a leather finish of the steering wheel, rain sensor and a system of automatic turning on the headlights.
 
The seat is sheathed with fabric, but excellent quality. In addition, it is perfectly profiled, which allows you to stay in the saddle even in the coolest turns. All adjustments are mechanical, but their range is large. The steering wheel moves both in height and by departure. The instrument shield gives out information about the speed, engine speed, fuel supply in the tank and gasoline consumption at the moment. Top versions have a second hump on a torpedo under which a color monitor is hidden. In our case, everything is simpler and, in my opinion, more collective, practical and, perhaps, more sports. The central console is not overloaded with excess buttons and switches. Here is an audio system with a compact drive player, with an average, frankly, sound, and an automatic climate control system, which is also the basic equipment of all versions. All glasses, like mirrors, are equipped with an electric drive, and on the steering wheel, this is already a feature of the Business equipment, there are an audio control buttons. There is no familiar ignition lock, there is only a slot where the keychain is inserted, and the steel engine start button. Heating the seats, the central locking lock and the rear parking sensor are also included in the standard equipment of all versions. There is not too much space behind, but still enough for the passengers to feel comfortable. The trunk will not disappoint, although the ability to fold the backs of the rear seat is an option that in our case is not absent.
 
There is a demand and will remain
 
When in March my good friend, having familiarized himself with the publication in AI, called BMW on the hotline, because he really wanted to purchase a car, he was somewhat upset, saying that there was practically nothing left at the moment. Well, it is logical - the new treshka is in almost acytic demand, although this is not the most popular model in Russia. So, according to the results of the first quarter of 2005, the share of the 3-series in the overall BMW sales structure was 27.8%, that is, almost a third. And this despite the starting price of 29,900 euros. True, the equipment is serious, which I have already said. Will the model continue to be in good demand? I think it will be. After all, she is not able to upset with something Andrei Osipov photo of the author
 
Brief technical characteristics BMW 320
Engine volume, cubic meter. See 1995
The number of valves per cylinder 4
Power, l. With. at about./min. 150/6200
Max. Torque, Nm/at about. min. 200/3600
Acceleration to 100 km/h, p. 9.0 (9.7)
Maximum speed, km/h 220 (215)
The average fuel consumption l./100 km. 7.4 (7.9)
The volume of the fuel tank, l. 60
Car mass, kg 1395 (1425)
Dimensions, mm. 4520x1817x1421
In brackets are given data for the version with automatic transmission
 
Text: Andrey Osipov
 

Source: "Automobile Izvestia"