Test drive BMW 3 E46 2002 - 2005 sedan

Secret virtues

Manufacturers like BMW have a hard time - they need to constantly support the unique image of the brand. After all, this is more than just a brand - this is a breed that has its many years of fans who cannot be lost in any way. Specifically - BMW models are valued for dynamics, controllability and, of course, for a classic rear -wheel drive. I have never been an unconditional admirer of the Bavarian brand, but, for example, I always liked all -wheel drive threek, starting with the E30 body, and universals - so even more than Emki.

 

And so fate brought me up with the BMW 325xi Touring in the E46 back - the test was dedicated to the beginning of sales of the model in Russia. In front of me is a black station wagon in the maximum configuration on large 16-inch wheels with a light-beige leather salon.

 

The power of attorney, documents, keys, a runaway inspection, the signature of the car accepted something about the deadline for return (missed the ears), the last happy path - and now I'm on a crooked street. I can not resist the temptation - selector in the S (Sport) mode, gas to the floor. A small delay - and explosive acceleration, the red zone - instantly, but the second, then the third is already turned on. Ahead is a closed turn, the asphalt is wet - just in case I besiege, the steering wheel to the right is a fast, clear reaction of the car ... It seems that the turn is too cool - now I’ll slip through, but no, I will pass as along the rails. The next one is the same, but the left. This time I go faster and under the traction. The rubber screeched, the car swam smoothly. We’ll drop a little ... everything is under control, the limit is still far away. However, we must cool down, the city stream is not a place to search for it. So, in torment, I got to Khodynka - I really wanted to shoot ...

 

There is no photographer yet, so we will cut off. The limit, although far away, is, however, with disconnected electronics. Despite all -wheel drive (permanent), the behavior of the car is almost rear -wheel drive. Most of the torque - 62% - is transmitted here to the rear wheels, and the remaining 38 reduce the rear -wheel drive excess rotability, bringing it to neutral. Such not quite traditional (most passenger all -wheel drive machines are prone to front -wheel drive or in extreme cases of neutral behavior) The distribution of the moment BMW engineers explain the desire to save the steering wheel from the influence of torque (on the front drive when the rod in turning in the turn, the steering wheel strives to straighten up, breaking out of the hands) and,,,,,,,,, by Of course, preserve the family rear -wheel drive character. True, the spent will not work. However, I found a turn sprinkled with a sand and, turning off the electronic lotions, I caught the rear-wheel drive pleasure-the side sliding is very easily controlled, which allows you to pass almost the entire turn side by side (to ride on the 325th winter ...). I would like to note an exemplary setting on the sensitivity of the steering and gas.

 

I get to the end of the runway, turn around, and - to take off. Surprise: after 150-160 km/h, the steering wheel is empty, the car begins to dim, the feeling of confidence disappears ... Nevertheless, he managed to accelerate up to 200. It's time to stop. The brakes are powerful, to match the motor, with an optimal ratio of force/slowing. ABS is connected quite late, when the tires are already starting to scrap - allows the driver to work himself. It is better to return to the turns - there the treshka gives a lot of pleasure. The rolls are small - the suspension is tough, but not so much that the comfort of passengers suffers seriously, although it shakes pretty on large irregularities. Noise insulation mercilessly cuts off all external noises. I was pleasing plenty and did not even notice how the photographer drove up - he watched for about 15 minutes after the black universal worn with a roar. Yes, the sound of an in -line bimer six will not leave anyone indifferent ...

 

We must give a partner to work. And at the same time, to inspect the car in more detail, for which there was not enough patience at first. The treshka, of course, the car is small, but it looks very solid and presentable. I have already said that I like BMW station wagons more than sedans and even compartment. The whole thing is in the profile: a short front overhang, a long hood, the front wheels displaced forward in combination with a heavy ass and a heavily littered rear persistent association with a cat picked up before jumping.

 

Delted chrome exhaust trunks remind of the number of cylinders. And no nameplate for you with information about the model, engine, all -wheel drive. Indeed, H. Under the mask hides a 2.5-liter 192-horsepower engine, an automatic box with a sports regime and the possibility of forced gearboxes (a toy for a couple of days, then about this mode, as a rule, forget). And, of course, an all-wheel drive transmission with a system of simulating blocking differentials Adb-X (Automatic Differential Brake), borrowed from X5. The advantages over ordinary designs are evident - simplicity, compactness and lightness. In addition, ADB -X helps other systems of DSC stability, ASC+T traction control, working together with ABS. The principle of their action is based on braking a slipway. And so that the brakes do not overheat, the ASC+T system, if necessary, strangles the engine a little - it limits its power.

 

Despite the all -wheel drive, the treshka turned out to be very maneuverable: the turning radius is only 5.4 m. From the rear -wheel drive BMW, an all -wheel drive, among other things, is distinguished by an increased road clearance.

 

The door closes almost by itself, it just needs to be pushed. But there is no need to clap, she does not like it - she snapps with an unpleasant blow. Salon - black plastic with light beige leather inserts. Traditional for BMW convenient hard seats with developed lateral support and a pillow set by the length are equipped with electro -regulations with memory for three positions and heating.

 

There are no complaints about ergonomics - the breed affects. Sports landing: elongated legs and a back close to a vertical. Very convenient in section and diameter the steering wheel and, of course, the floor gas pedal. The machine gun selector is made in the style of a mechanical lever. Our 325xi is in full configuration, and all the bells and whistles that you can only dream about are available in it. A very famous and respected company for the production of home Hi -End - Harman/Kardon worked on the musical system.

 

There is not very much space behind (also, by the way, the family line, and not only for the 3rd series), especially for the legs. A large armrest with cup holders divides the rear sofa into two autonomous places, and although there is an additional headrest, the third passenger here is clearly superfluous.

 

The trunk is a compartment, although small, but functional. The grid and horizontal curtain are folded into one block, which can be removed when transporting large -sized cargoes. In the tunnel in the back of the rear seat, a ski cover is hidden. For the convenience of loading, the glass in the rear door opens separately. Under the floor, there is a full -sized stock and the necessary set of tools.

 

Yes, this is not just a car - it is a lifestyle, and the style is correct. A perfectly balanced car - sports, universal, safe. Yes, even with all -valued all -wheel drive. As for the price, nearly 50 thousand euros do not seem to be transcendent for the proposed set of advantages. In addition, this is BMW. In general, the fans of the brand will be satisfied. And I have to admit that now I relate myself to their number.

 

Text: Sergey Yakubov
 
 

 

Source: Motor magazine [No. 1/2002]