Test drive BMW 3 E46 2002 - 2005 sedan
Drive
In modern everyday life, the word drive is not only the process of driving a car, but also any dynamic lesson, performed with enthusiasm, with pleasure. The possession of the BMW of the 3rd series is a drive. When choosing a prestigious model of the middle class, the main role is not played by technical characteristics, not the cost of service, or even the price, but the buyer’s personal attachment to a particular brand. In the Great German Troika (Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi), the Bavarian company has always been the personification of a assertive, dynamic image. Therefore, cars with a white-blue propeller on the emblem, as a rule, choose ambitious, purposeful people, whose blood is at least slightly diluted with gasoline. And campaigning them for something else is usually pointless. However, after the start of the BMW assembly in Kaliningrad, when the prices decreased, the eyes and dry pragmatists, accustomed to counting money, turned to the treshka.
What is how much?
The Kaliningrad plant collects 4-cylinder sedans 318i and 6-cylinder 320i. They are the most profitable. Three eighteen costs 27,900 euros with a manual gearbox and 30,900 with an automatic one in a slightly richer configuration. For three twenty, only an automatic machine is provided. 36,900 euros in conventional configuration and 38,900 euros in a more expensive version of the exclusive are asked for it.
If you lack a 170-horsepower 320i motor or fundamentally need a 6-cylinder machine with a manual box (possible as an option), take a closer look at the 192-horsepower modification of 325i. True, it will already be a German -made machine, which in almost equal to three twenty configurations costs 7,500 euros more. In fact, only because of the engine and higher customs duties.
In addition, a treshka can be all -wheel drive. This is 325xi (47 60049 600 euros) and 330xi (55 60057 600 euros). The latter is equipped with a 3-liter 231-horsepower engine.
Fans of the station wagons are not forgotten. True, for Russia, only all-wheel drive version of 325xi-touring is proposed at a price of 50,50052,500 euros, depending on the gearbox. But, given the preferences of Russian buyers, dealers order station wagons extremely rarely.
Based on the cost and popularity, the Kaliningrad car suggested the acquaintance. We decided that the real BMW should be 6-cylinder, and took 320i. It was a car performed by exclusive for 38,900 euros.
Version 318i is distinguished by unpainted door handles. The design of the bumper, which we see in the picture, is characteristic of all modifications, except for exclusive
Equipment list
318i manual transmission:
ABS
Dynamic stabilization system (DSC III)
Fog lights
Six airbags (frontal, lateral and window)
Immobilizer
Security alarm
Air conditioner
Electric drive of glasses and mirrors
Heating of seats and mirrors
BMW-Reveers cassette radio tape recorder with 6 speakers
Central Castle with DU
On-board computer
Leather steering wheel
Fabric salon with graphite inserts
Coloring metallic
Steel wheels
Tires 205/55 R16
318i automatic transmission additional:
headlight washer
Climate control
Front central armrest
320i additionally:
Xenon headlights
Rain sensor with automatic turning on the headlights
BMW-Business CD Magnetola with 8 speakers
Preparation for installing a mobile phone with a Bluetooth wireless system
The rear central armrest
Leather sports steering wheel with control of cruise control, radio and phone
Leather interior Montana with dark gray inserts
Light alloy wheels
Tires 205/55 R16
320i exclusive additionally:
Rear -view mirrors with an anti -coating effect
Rear parking sensors
Set of lamps in the cabin
External mirrors with electric power supply
Cassette radio tape recorder business with 10 Hi-Fi speakers
CD chain for 6 disks
Curtain in front of the rear window with electric drive
Leather salon chameleon with wood inserts
Leather sports steering wheel motorsport
Aerodynamic package Motorsport
Tires 225/50 R16
325i in addition to 320i (with the exception of preparation for the phone):
Preparation for the installation of a CD changer for 6 disks
Velor rugs in the cabin
325xi in addition to 325i*:
Rear -view mirrors with an anti -coating effect
Driving driver with settings memory
10 speakers Hi-Fi
Leather salon Montana with wood inserts
330xi Additionally*:
Tires 205/50 R17
Outside and inside Drive in a relationship with a three -lash begins already from the moment when you see it parked at the side of the road. Perhaps the current matured and rounded model does not look as predatory as her predecessor. But still, it is perceived by a frozen clock of energy, ready to break off the place immediately after turning the ignition key. The wide nostrils of the radiator grilles, angrily squinted headlights, widely placed wheels under the stretched wings of the wings are especially assumed to the version of the exclusive with a different design of the wheel discs and an aerodynamic plastic bag from the BMW-motorport court atelier. Yes, in comparison with the new five and seven, these cyborgs from fantastic cartoons, the model of the 3rd series, perhaps, remained the last classic BMW. Sorry, however, depending on whom. Fortal admirers of the brand will soon really sigh after the treshka. Well, the one who buys it only extends for himself the pleasure of possessing a classic BMW.
The car interior is completely in harmony with the appearance. The torpedo driver, a high central tunnel, low seats, everything here suggests that the car was created primarily for the driver and for fast driving. And here's what is interesting. If in Italian cars the interiors are impregnated exclusively by the southern temperament, then in BMW a clear mood in a sporting fret is peacefully adjacent to German thoroughness and quality. The salon is worked out very carefully. All details are perfectly fitted and made correctly in appearance and to the touch.
It is gratifying that, unlike the previous threek, the mood of the car for the driver did not require the sacrifice of the convenience of placing passengers. In any case, the inhabitants of the rear sofa will no longer rest their knees into the hard plastic backs of the front seats. True, BMW does not promise much spaciousness. As is customary in a prestigious middle class segment, there should be enough space for four in the car, but nothing more. You can not think about the fifth rider. The tall and wide tunnel of the cardan shaft leaves him no chance.
In our case, the salon was trimmed with shameleon shake skin and noble wooden inserts. In the usual, three twenty are smooth skin and dark gray overlays. But if the differences in the skin variety are quite justified by the execution of exclusive, then why is the buyer impose a decor option? The same story with pre -equipment. On Kaliningrad machines, each motor, each modification involves a very defined set of options, from which you can not step aside. For example, rear parking sensors are present only in exclusive. Why is the customer of the usual three twenty is the opportunity to get such a useful thing from the factory?
And for sure, not everyone needs skin and a strictly defined audio system. It is clear that in order to reduce prices and optimize the assembly process in Kaliningrad, you have to resort to a reduction in choice. But not to the same extent that the expensive German car turns into an incubator chicken of the same as everyone else ...
Additional lamps on the rear racks of the prerogative of the version of the exclusive
The letter m with a tricolor chevron means that the steering wheel is installed on the machine from the engineer atelier
The rear curtain with electric drive was installed in the exclusive
On the left on the torpedo there is a convenient box for trifles
Electrically folding mirrors are installed only on exclusive and on German assembly cars by order
A first -aid kit hides under the right front armchair
Behind the wheel
Placing a hard and a hard chair and closing the door in a low and German, you find yourself enclosed in a sports cockpit, surrounded by a curved torpedo with a myriad of buttons and a massive central tunnel with a highly located joystick of an automatic box selector.
The chair profile is chosen very correctly, and its adjustments are simply huge. Plus, adjustable in two directions of the steering wheel. In general, convenient landing behind the wheel is guaranteed to you. And in general, the ergonomics of the driver's workplace have been worked out perfectly. Only the floor gas pedal of which costs a very convenient thing. Only the issue of landing in the car remains open when you have to fall into the chair. Even if it is in the highest position (which is far from suitable for everyone), the pillow is still low.
Governing bodies
1. The mirror settings remote control. 2. The central light switch, the brightness regulator of the lighting of the devices and the switches of the fog heads and lamps. 3. The control panel of the audio system and the phone. 4. Cruise control control panel. 5. The radio. 6. Climate control remote control. 7. Boxing for little things. 8. Switches switches. 9. The switch of the system of dynamic stabilization. 10. The switch of the electric drive of the curtain. 11. Ash. 12. Window buttons. 13. Alarm switch. 14. The Central Cast button.
Dashboard
1. Fuel level indicator. 2. button for the zeroing of a daily run. 3. A speedometer. 4. The signaling device of the system of dynamic stabilization. 5. Block of control lamps. 6. Tachometer. 7. Econometer. 8. Switch of time indicators/seating temperature/service interval. 9. The indicator of the temperature of the coolant. 10. indicator of the automatic transmission selector. 11. Clock/mileage counter/screen of the on -board computer. 12. The signaling device of the uncleaned doors.
In all versions, starting with three twenty, a multifunctional sports steering wheel with a cruise control and a radio is installed (the 320th on the steering wheel also has a wireless remote control for the Bluetooth phone). If you have such a system, you can communicate by phone, even if it lies in your pocket. In addition, in the performance of an exclusive steering wheel from motorports with a thicker rim and tides in the main grip zones.
I was pleased with the lateral visibility. The front racks of the roof, although massive for the sake of safety, are in the section they are a trapezoid and are turned to the driver with a narrow base. Therefore, they create a minimum dead zone. Great lateral mirrors. This is not to say that they are large, but they require only a short look to evaluate the situation. Feed, like most modern sedans, is high. Therefore, the parking sensors installed on the exclusive occurred very by the way.
Safety
Already in the standard configuration, the threek is equipped with six airbags. Moreover, experts recognized Bavarian sausages with tubular window pillows that protect the heads of the driver and passengers especially effective. As a result, in the independent crash tests of the Euroncap, a treshka earned 25 points, placed on the lower border of a prosperous 4-star category. For a car that appeared in 1998, the result is quite worthy.
In addition, BMW has devices that do not affect safety, but nevertheless very useful. For example, in an accident, automation will immediately unlock the central lock and turn on the alarm.
On the back sofa, fasteners are provided for children's chairs of the isofix standard. But the right front pillow is strictly prohibited to install the chair with the back in the front seat.
The car will take care of your personal safety. The central castle has the function of separate unlocking the driver's door and all the others, and when setting speed, the doors are locked automatically from the inside. Accordingly, even if you forget to do it yourself, the car will not allow uninvited guests to break to you at a traffic light. In addition, having parked in the dark, you can use the function of the headlights path to the house when they remain turned on for some time.
The alarm with an immobilizer installed at the factory will take care of the safety of the car.
We load the suitcases
The trunk is clearly not a priority value of BMW. In terms of volume, it is decent (440 liters), but too tightened with wheel arches and other relief protruding inside. However, in order to make bags from a supermarket in it, there is enough trunk.
And, again, to a conversation about the incubator chickens. Why are the Kaliningrad sedans not equipped with a hatch in the back of the rear sofa, or a folding back? It turns out that the owner of a three -lady can only carry himself and a small luggage that fit in the trunk. No one says that the owner of the BMW must deliver boards to the cottage. But there is equipment for outdoor activities or large -sized musical instruments, finally. The days passed when the trips of owners of expensive cars ran exclusively along the route of the Office-Kazino Kabak. People have learned to live a full life using leisure time. However, in fairness, it should be noted that in 6-cylinder machines, the hatch behind the central armrest can be cut out by fixing a ski cover in it. And the buyer of the German 325i can stipulate when ordering and a folding back.
In the turlah, the trunk also does not differ in the most effective use of the internal space. This is a typical image-universal, and not a rectangular cargo van like Volvo-V70.
Car dimensions, mm
Salon dimensions, mm
On good roads
Indeed, BMW should be 6-cylinder. Cool motor. Excellent pulls in the entire speed range, very smooth and quiet begins to muffled only on intense accelerations. But what kind of song is the noble rumbling of the in -line six! The automatic box is also good. Perhaps in normal mode, it is not so vague when switching down, like other BMW machines, but it works very smoothly. And in order to get quick switching and active feedback to the gas pedal, it is enough to convert the selector into sports mode. With active driving, it is so logical that the possibility of manual switching becomes sooner to a toy.
Remove the hat in front of the brakes. They are so sensitive and informative that they put a three -lane in a number of the best cars in terms of slowdown. Separately, it should be noted the work of ABS. It comes into effect only when the adhesion properties of the tires are already completely exhausted.
Well, of course, BMW would not have been BMW if he had not demonstrated excellent handling. A cool sports trunk is perceived by a continuation of your hands and a sensitive executive mechanism of brain signals. The car perfectly holds a straight line, easily rebuilt at any speed and clearly prescribes an arc in the turns of various steepness. The main thing is not to disconnect the DSC button on the central console. After all, a powerful motor and rear -wheel drive without an electronic bridle combination are insidious.
Engine
1. Glass washer tank. 2. The oil -pounding neck of the engine. 3. The tank of the main brake cylinder. 4. The oil probe of the engine. 5. The tank of the power steering. 6. The traffic jam of the engine cooling radiator.
And bad
It is unlikely that the road to the country house of the owner of the BMW will not be covered with asphalt. But it can be bad even in large cities. And in winter, our roads become the likeness of off -road. Therefore, all three -domestic three -domestic ones (with the exception of all -wheel drive) are equipped with a suspension adapted under bad roads with an increased clearance of an increased by 20 mm. This is a real increase that allows you to feel more confident on the road.
It is gratifying that when installing a package for bad roads, the smoothness was not particularly affected. Yes, the car has become somewhat harsh, but this is a completely moderate fee for the saved engine crankcase and chassis details. And, most importantly, the suspension on irregularities works almost silently, which creates a feeling of an expensive car.
Operation, service
In Russia from Sochi to Irkutsk, 26 BMW official dealers are working, ready to provide a warranty (one year without limiting mileage) and post -warranty service of your car. BMW offers very favorable conditions of service. The terms of oils are determined by the engine itself, and they can reach 25,000 km (it really turns out 18,00025,000 km). That is, on average oil and filters will have to be changed only after 20,000 km. At the same time, full -compound is carried out through one oil or approximately every 40,000 km. How long such rare maintenance will allow maintaining the car in our conditions a separate issue. But for the first owner it is beneficial. Although, of course, we must understand that we brought in the table the cost of basic then without replacing consumables such as, for example, brake pads.
BMW cars are well provided with spare parts. In Moscow, there is a central warehouse from which Moscow dealers receive parts daily, and regional weekly. In extreme cases, the necessary spare part will be brought from Germany in 12 weeks. Normally, Moscow dealers cost an average of 60 euros.
We liked
The ideal ergonomics of the driver's workplace
Great -readable dashboard
Wireless system free hands
The presence of rear parking sensors
As well as:
Great motor
Sensitive and informative brakes
Excellent driving qualities
We didn't like it
Overloaded with buttons central console
It is inconvenient to use the gearbox located around the checkpoint buttons to the touch
Flapping before the eyes of the shooter of the economy meter
As well as:
Lack of the possibility of individual set of configuration
Non -transformed trunk
BMW 320i
common data
Body
5-door sedan
Equipped mass, kg
1395
Complete mass, kg
1895
Maximum speed, km/h
223
Acceleration time 0100 km/h, with
9.4
Highway fuel consumption/city, l/100 km
7.3/13.1
Fuel supply, l
63
Engine
Location
The front is longing
Design
gasoline, 6-cylinder, in order, with two upper camshafts
The number of valves per cylinder
four
Diam. cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
80.0x72.0
Working volume, SMZ
2171
Compression ratio
10.8
Power, L.S. at rpm
170/6100
Torque, kgsm at rpm
12.4/3500
Chassis
Drive unit
On the rear wheels
Transmission
Automatic, 5-speed
Gear rates I; II; III; IV; V; Z.Kh.
3.67; 2.0; 1.41; 1.0; 0.74; 4.1
main gear
3.38
Suspension:
Independent, with stabilizers of anti -resistance stability
front
Type McEzerson
behind
Mollycent
Steering
REMENCH with an amplifier
Brakes
disk, ventilated, ABS
Tires
205/55 R16
Prices for spare parts and then, euro
Oil then (20,000 km) 170
TO1 40,000 km 350
Oil then (60,000 km) 170
TO2 80,000 km 400
Oil filter 12
Air filter 21
Fuel filter 84
Spark plug (1 pc.) 5.7
Front brake pads/rear 101/88
Steering rod assembly 98
Ball support 250
Front shock absorber/rear 199/125
Front wing 211
Rear wing 226
Hood 391
Front door 460
The rear door is 460
Front bumper assembly 710
Rear bumper assembly 781
Lobic glass 350
Side glass 99
Front headlight assembly (xenon) 765
Rear lamp assembly 181
We decided:
The BMW of the 3rd series was and remains one of the best cars in the prestigious sector of the middle class. And Kaliningrad cars also have good price.
Alexander Konov, photo of Alexander Sadovnikov
Source: Magazine "Limousine" [11/03]
