2002 BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 320i 5AT RWD (170 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW introduced a refreshed version for the fourth generation of the 3 Series in 2001 for the 2002 model year, and along with some exterior updates, it greatly improved the interior and the engine lineup.

When the German automaker launched the fourth generation of the 3 Series in late 1997 for the 1998 model year, it instantly became a sought-after vehicle. Customers already knew what the 3 represented and understood it would dominate the market segment. Even though it wasn’t such a significant aesthetic upgrade over the previous E36 lineup, it was still eye-catching enough to attract not just older customers but also new ones, even from other brands. Besides some mild exterior changes, the automaker dramatically improved the interior, offered new features, and added more safety systems. In addition, the drivetrains were heavily upgraded. The German automaker replaced almost the entire engine range, added new six-speed manual transmissions for selected versions, and made the all-wheel drive systems available for more powerplants.

At the front, customers noticed a new look for the car, which had everything new. There was a fresh set of headlights featuring wider double-curved lines on their lower area. In addition, Bi-Xenon lamps became available across the range, and they even had self-leveling systems. Between them, the automaker installed a new hood, which sported a broader kidney-grille design, regardless of the engine. Below, the automaker put a completely new bumper. It featured a broad trapezoidal-shaped slim air intake on the lower area, with angled-down outer edges. In the previous version, non-LCI, the 3 Series E46 featured angled-up, reversed-trapezoidal-shaped air intakes, like it was smiling.

There were no significant upgrades for the sporty-looking sedan. Thanks to its initial development, the car still looked classy with its long hood and cab-rearward design. But still, BMW considered improving it with redesigned front fenders to match the fresh headlights. It also offered chromed trims for a more luxurious look, depending on the market. In addition, base models were fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels with a few options for redesigned 17-inch sets. In the back, the most significant change was for the taillights, which sported either red or clear lenses over the turn signals, depending on the country. Furthermore, the bumper got a redesigned lower area with a broad black trim that could integrate the parking sensors.

Inside, the base versions featured the same cloth upholstery for all seats, but a leather-wrapped interior was available. Fronting the driver was an utterly new instrument panel. While it still featured the same large dials for the speedometer and tachometer flanked by smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature, it had new LCDs on the lower area showing data from the onboard computer. On the center stack, the automaker offered an option for a wider color screen for the navigation system, which replaced the previous one that showed only arrows for directions to follow. Furthermore, the center console received a new design, featuring a storage compartment with a retractable cover.

The 2002 BMW 3 Series sedan (E46) retained many underpinnings from the non-facelifted version, but it had significant changes for the drivetrain. Like its predecessor, the lineup had new engines with four and six cylinders. However, these were new and provided more power and improved fuel efficiency. In addition, more versions were available with all-wheel drive systems, including turbodiesel engines. The new three-liter powerplants received a six-speed manual instead of five like the rest of the range.