New 3-Series makes a good thing better
By Gautam Sharma
Creating a successor to a segment benchmark product is never an easy task. Change too little and the design is dismissed as unimaginative, change too much and the car risks losing the magic that spelt its success in the first place.
BMW has struck a fine balance with its new E46 3 Series. The latest variant is just as accomplished as its predecessor.
At first glance it looks little changed. But park one next to an E36 and the differences stand out.
E46 has a dynamic, muscular and menacing visual presence, while the older variant looks angular and staid by contrast.
The wide track broadens the appearance, which combined with minimal front and rear overhang, results in a squat and purposeful stance.
The E46 is 38mm longer, 41mm wider and 23mm higher than its forebear, and the increased dimensions are partly responsible for the greater room and stability of the new car.
Adding 15mm more knee room has solved a key 3 Series problem. Rear passengers can now sit in relative comfort unless they are locked in behind a particularly tall driver.
But the 3 Series is a driver's car and it does not disappoint.
The level of fun depends on the size of engine selected but even the 318i powered by a redesigned four-cylinder, 1.9-liter engine offers respectable performance.
It generates 87kW at 5500rpm and 180Nm at 3900rpm and is a free-revving motor with remarkable smoothness thanks to twin balancer shafts which cancel out vibrations.
The 318i engine responds willingly to commands issued by the right foot.
Although quite tractable, it must be revved to deliver its best, not altogether unpleasant given the sporty tailpipe note.
The 328i six-cylinder engine is an absolute jewel. Equipped with BMW's double-VANOS system, the 2.8-liter produces 142kW at 5500rpm and 280Nm at 3500rpm.
The 2.8-liter engine provides a seamless rush of acceleration all the way to 200km/h and beyond.
It is also excellent point-to-point as well as while cruising, making it an honest, better riding and more practical alternative to the M3.
The 328i excels when the going gets twisty. It rockets out of the corners while meaty disc brakes provide efficient stopping.
The chassis' inherent balance and poise enable the driver to make the most of the grip available. Rack-and-pinion steering is nicely weighted and offers plenty of feedback.
Enthusiastic drivers will stick with the five-speed manual while Steptronic automatic is an option on six-cylinder models.
Steptronic can run as an auto or as a manual by nudging the lever up or down for gear changes at will.
Forward and lateral visibility are good but reversing poses a challenge as the high-booted rear restricts the driver's view. The optional parking sensor is a worthwhile investment.
Standard safely features include antilock brakes, ASC+T traction control, dynamic stability control (DSC3) and eight air bags.
New options include park distance control, Xenon gas discharged headlights and tire-pressure control, which monitors tire pressure and temperature inside all four wheels.
Handling and crashworthiness of the car has been improved thanks to a 60 percent increase in torsional rigidity. A 12kg decrease in unsprung weight has also contributed to enhanced ride and handling characteristics.
The 3-series sedan will be joined by the coupe and touring wagon next year, followed by the cabriolet and compact in 2000.
The new 3 Series impresses with its competence in virtually all areas. It is stylish, sure-footed, refined and, in 328i guise, fast -- all the ingredients which could retain its crown in the junior luxury category.