E46 BMW - the most popular "Bavarian" of the late 90's

E46 BMW is a car that was born in the distant 1998. It became a replacement for the E36 model and, it must be admitted, the car turned out to be very successful. It's not for nothing that this "Bavarian" became one of the best BMW cars.

History of appearance

So, we should start with history. Model E46 BMW was developed under the guidance of a talented engineer named Chris Bangle. It was this man who followed the process and observed that all previously developed ideas were embodied in the image of the planned novelty. And of course, everything went well - in 1999, both the station wagon and the coupe of this long-awaited model came to the car market. Why was her premiere so noisy? Because this car came out with a new development of the Bavarian company - with the transmission, the name of which gave Steptronic. That is now the driver could independently switch gears, despite the fact that this is an automatic transmission. This innovation was available on all models.

A little later, in 2000, there was a cabriolet (BMW M3 E46). He was followed by three-door hatchbacks. Compact, comfortable and stylish - many like them. Unequivocally, the E46 BMW model became more and more popular. And that's why the manufacturer decided not to stop at what has been achieved, but to move on.

Further development

In 2001 the sedan was restyled. What did the car buy? Improved engines - they definitely became stronger and stronger. It was also possible to see new bumpers and headlights, which much more favorably emphasized the image of the "Bavarian" than those established earlier.

In 2003, the fate of restyling overtook another coupe version. Also, the developers decided to improve and BMW M3 E46 (cabriolet). Here the changes were less significant than in the case of the sedan - engineers changed only the bumpers with headlights, and also introduced new colors into the palette.

Completion of production

In 2004, the hatchback Compact became available to motorists. But it did not last long. The fact is that next year BMW developed a new model (E90) and in connection with its appearance interest in its predecessor began to fade. And it had to be removed from production. At the same time, universalists ceased to produce. But the E46 BMW continued to produce a convertible in the bodies, as well as a coupe.

It is worth noting that this really was a popular car at the time. Practically in all countries he enjoyed a frenzied success. Almost all automobile manufacturers were guided by this model in their developments. Needless to say, if in 2002 more than 561 thousand of these models were sold all over the world. And for all time the sales figure was 3.266.885 cars in all its modifications.

Variety of models

And now it's worth talking about which E46 BMW models existed and were popular. The very first one is 316i. It could be purchased within three years - from 1999 to 2001. The engine was not very powerful - only 105 liters. With., But the maximum speed is quite high - 200 kilometers per hour. Up to a hundred, by the way, this car was dispersed in little more than 12 seconds. For that time this is an excellent indicator. Slightly more powerful was the version of the 318i. There power reached 118 "horses", but the maximum speed increased slightly - only 6 kilometers. But to accelerate to hundreds now it took 10 seconds.

And which model can be considered the most powerful? In terms of overclocking, this is 330i. To reach the hundred, it needs only 6.5 seconds. The same model has the most powerful engine (231 hp) and develops the highest speed (250 kilometers per hour). Almost identical to it is another version - 330Xi. The difference here is not great - at 3 kilometers per hour less. "Medium" variants can be considered 323i and 320d. The power of their engines is equal to 170 and 150 "horses", respectively, the speed is 221 and 231 km / h. Overclocking - 8-9 seconds. Indeed, the golden mean between the weakest models and the most powerful.

Engines

It is necessary to mention the theme of the BMW E46 engines . Diesel - that's what I would like to talk about first. The turbocharged 2-liter and 16-valve engine is much more powerful than the 1.9-liter gasoline engine. It is distinguished by an excellent thrust "at the bottom", as well as a very confident movement on the revs. This is important. Not all BMW E46 engines feel so confident on turns and steep turns. Such car perfectly moves, as on ideally equal line, and on a dirt road.

But do not think that the gasoline variations are bad. By no means - very good motors, characterized by smooth work. One can not help but note the decreasing vibrations that were used by the developers in the process of creating engines. In general, both diesel and gasoline models are good, and what option to choose - there is already an individual case.

Sensors and accessories

Finally, something about the subject, like the BMW E46 sensors. There are several nuances that I would like to talk about. After all, they make the car even more reliable. For example, a temperature sensor. Due to it, the internal resistance is controlled and the intake air balance is maintained. Alternatively, a vacuum sensor - it regulates the pressure. Everyone knows how important this is. Also you can not fail to note the attention of the speed sensor - due to it creates an alternating voltage. Lambda probe is also an important detail, it is installed on the exhaust pipe and controls the temperature of the heater. There is also a detonation sensor - it regulates the moment of ignition. This is necessary to prevent the moment in which it can be produced prematurely.

In general, all these details are very important and, importantly, they are thought out. They provide safety and comfortable, comfortable driving. Due to this, the driver feels at the wheel well and gets a real pleasure from driving.