Fifty years of the BMW 3 Sequence signify half a century of wealthy automotive historical past in some of the fascinating segments of all: the mid-size class. However which era of the three Sequence is the most effective? Opinions are divided, but relating to the mix of design, powertrain and progress, a lot speaks in favour of the E46—ideally with a six-cylinder engine, and why not even the lesser-known 323i?
Because the Seventies, the BMW 3 Sequence has been the sporty and dynamic automotive of selection within the European mid-range phase. Again then, no person used the phrase “premium”. Fifty years on, that’s modified. On the time, direct rivals got here from manufacturers like Ford, Opel and Audi. Real premium competitors solely emerged within the mid-Nineteen Eighties, when Mercedes entered the entry-level market with the 190. Whereas the E30 3 Sequence has lengthy develop into a sought-after traditional, and lots of E36s now carry historic quantity plates, consideration is popping to the E46. For a lot of fanatics, it’s essentially the most lovely and stylistically assured 3 Sequence of all time. Although it might want a number of extra years earlier than it’s formally a traditional, now could be the right time to snap one up—this mid-size mannequin is destined to develop into a legend.
In comparison with its instant predecessor, the E36, the E46 stands out due to its design, avoiding the detached look of the sooner mannequin. Whereas the E36 had first rate proportions, it appeared uninspired from the entrance and rear. The E46, launched in 1998, performs in a league of its personal. The identical applies to its engine vary, spanning from 1.6 to three.2 litres—and even as much as 4.0 litres in a restricted GTR run. These searching for a future traditional can simply disregard a number of variations. The perfect-selling four-door saloon and property fashions, particularly the short-lived 3 Sequence Compact hatchback, are much less fascinating. The Compact, constructed to rival the Golf, lacked allure and the driving dynamics of its bigger siblings. These in search of sturdy residuals or future appreciation ought to concentrate on the coupé or convertible.
There’s little hope for the underpowered four-cylinder fashions just like the 316i, 318i and even the 320i—regardless of the latter having a straight-six engine. An insider tip is the comparatively unknown BMW 323i, constructed for a brief interval. Although missing in recognition, its 2.5-litre straight-six with 170 PS provides the minimal for entertaining efficiency. From autumn 2000, the upgraded 320i changed it with the identical output. Extra stable bets for future classics embody the 325i and 328i, with 192 PS from the M54 and 193 PS from the M52 engine respectively. As soon as-popular diesel variants at the moment are largely irrelevant within the traditional scene as a result of emissions restrictions and entry limitations.
The perfect engine selection for the E46, whether or not coupé or convertible, is the 330, providing 231 PS and 300 Nm at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates to 100 km/h in below seven seconds and might attain 250 km/h with a handbook gearbox. Early five-speed manuals can really feel noisy and rev-happy, whereas post-2003 fashions with six-speed manuals provide higher long-distance consolation and gasoline effectivity. The five-speed computerized from ZF dulls the vigorous nature of the straight-six, though Sport mode helps considerably. The three-litre six stays a improbable all-rounder, whether or not paired with a handbook or torque converter auto. When it comes to powertrain and dealing with, neither Audi nor Mercedes had a lot to compete with within the early 2000s. Actual-world consumption isn’t a lot larger than weaker six-cylinder variants. For coupé followers, the 330Ci was additionally out there with all-wheel drive.
Extremely wanted on the used market are the M3 fashions, which outshine even the rarer Alpina variants. The three.2-litre S54 straight-six produces 343 PS and 365 Nm at 4,900 rpm. The M3 coupé is an outstanding sports activities automotive with excellent dealing with. Many homeowners have eliminated the 250 km/h velocity limiter to maintain tempo with Porsche 911s and different rivals. Solely the Alpina B3 and B3S, with 280 and 305 PS respectively, had been formally quicker, providing refined efficiency as much as 270 km/h.
For these in search of an ideal sports activities coupé with funding potential, the M3 is a transparent selection. The 330i fits the convertible higher, aligning with the open-top character. If going for an M3, guarantee it has the usual six-speed handbook. The SMG sequential gearbox is ill-suited to the much less highly effective fashions and solely fulfilling below full throttle within the M3. It’s customary within the M3 CSL, which now fetches over €80,000. Properly-maintained customary M3 coupés with below 100,000 km begin at €40,000.
There’s some debate about whether or not the 2001 facelift improved the E46. The coupé and convertible had been refreshed in 2003. The kidney grille grew wider, indicators moved into the wings, and new bumpers featured smaller spherical fog lights. Entrance and tail lamps had been barely redesigned, and LED rear lamps had been launched on the coupé and convertible. The inside noticed little change over the near-decade-long manufacturing run, other than a bigger widescreen show. As with every future traditional, extra gear means extra desirability. Options like alloy wheels, xenon headlights, and part-electric leather-based seats weren’t all the time customary. Ultimate package contains leather-based sports activities seats, local weather management, 18-inch wheels, heated seats and a good sound system. A well-kept BMW 330i coupé with below 125,000 km and good spec begins at round €15,000. Convertibles value little extra. Costs are solely heading a method—and that applies to saloons and estates too, which begin from €10,000.
