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ตำนาน 3 Series(2)
M3 Lightweight in 1995 with reduced weight (about 200 pounds less) for competition sort of a throwback to the E30 M3. Though they lacked amenities like air conditioning, a radio and a backseat, and their narrow focus compromised everyday livability and performance, the 85 Lightweights brought to America by BMW sold out quickly.
The M3 Evolution appeared as a 1996 model and nominal engine displacement grew from 3.0 liters to 3.2 liters. In Europe, that meant output now stood at an astounding 321 horsepower at a screaming-banshee 7,400 rpm. In America, with slightly different bore and stroke dimensions, horsepower remained at 240, but peak torque output ballooned to 236 pound-feet at a mere 3,800 rpm. And for the first time, in 1997 the M3 was offered as a four-door and with a five-speed automatic transmission. Motor Trend tested a manual-equipped four-door M3 and made it to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.
With the M3 also being offered as a convertible in 1998, the E36 was coming to the end of its life. How could BMW improve upon this car?
Current Generation
Following the path it set with the introduction of the E36, the E46 3 Series came to market one model at a time, starting with the 1999 323i and 328i four-door sedans. The most obvious changes to the new 3 Series come by way of its reshaped body and include a new front end, wider wheel arches, and a more rounded roofline. The headlights now feature "cut outs" below the lenses, which emphasize the traditional BMW quad headlight design.
As the E36 had grown in size in comparison to the E30, so grew the E46. The wheelbase increased only an inch to 107.3, while overall length was up about an inch and a half to 176 inches. That's larger than the E36, but still comfortably compact and smaller than the current Honda Accord.
Mechanically, changes to the E46 were, at first, rather subtle. Structurally, the body shell was, BMW claimed, 70 percent stiffer than the E36 and the extended wheelbase allowed the engine to be moved further back in the chassis to again achieve a 50/50 weight distribution. More extensive use of aluminum in the suspension components helped reduce unsprung weight, and the track was widened, even though the basic suspension, braking and steering system designs were almost unchanged. Rear-seat passengers found the E46 roomier than any previous 3 Series, and all the occupants were protected by new structures and/or front, side and side curtain airbags.
Four-cylinder models aren't part of the E46 equation in America (though they continue to be offered elsewhere). The six-cylinder engines feature a lighter aluminum block, a more advanced Double VANOS variable valve timing system and a dual resonance intake system so that the 1999's 2.8-liter made 193 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 206 pound-feet of torque at just 3,500 rpm (in the 328i), while the 2.5-liter produced 170 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque in the still confusingly named 323i.
For 2000, the E46 line expanded with the introduction of the 323Ci and 328Ci coupe models and later, the convertible (in 323Ci form only). For the first time, a wagon (only as a 323i) joined the line.
Despite still being fresh in the marketplace, the E46 was upgraded in both 2001 and 2002. For 2001, the 2.5-liter engine was modified to boost its output up to 184 horsepower, while the 2.8-liter engine was replaced by a new 3.0-liter version rated at 225 horsepower. Though wagons were still restricted to the smaller engine, convertibles could now get the big one. In celebration, BMW once again called the 3 Series with the 2.5-liter engines 325s and those with the 3.0-liter engine became 330s. In addition, the company reintroduced all-wheel drive as an option on sedans and wagons to create the 325xi and 330xi, and lightened the steering (to the chagrin of hard-core BMWphiles). For 2002, BMW updated the E46's appearance with a revised front fascia and new taillights.
So, to no one's surprise, the E46 continued to be just as wonderful as all its 3 Series ancestors. But the E46 M3 was something else altogether.
With flared wheel arches, side gills and four chrome exhaust tips burbling under a unique rear skirt, the M3 was muscular, refined and just a bit menacing a frat boy who's both the smartest kid in school and the greatest steroid abuser.
But it's what that sheet metal covers that's best of all. Under the aluminum "power dome" hood is 3.2 liters of straight six packing every engine technology except thrust vectoring (still reserved for fighter aircraft now, but if the air force ever drops its security classification, BMW will probably add it). Output is a staggering 333 horses, which is fully 93 more than the previous M3's motor. It's amazing what variable valve timing, individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, an 8,000-rpm redline and an exhaust system BMW calls "one of the freest-flowing ever installed in a production car" can produce. In our tests, the M3 ripped from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds flat turning a good chunk of the California atmosphere to gelatin in the process. Devouring the quarter-mile takes just 13.5 seconds at 105 mph.
How can BMW possibly top the current M3? Just contemplating the possibilities is dizzying.
For 2003 the 3 Series finally received the option of a DVD-based navigation system. Other enhancements fitted as standard included a front center armrest for the 325 models, a rear center headrest for sedans and wagons and a moonroof for the wagons. A performance package for the 330i sedan brought 10 more horsepower, a six-speed manual and a firmer suspension (with 18-inch alloys) to this already superb sport sedan.
A slew of changes took place for 2004; those of the mechanical variety included the expansion of the six-speed SMG gearbox to models beyond the M3 and the availability of an automatic transmission to the 330i Performance Package. Visual tweaks were subtle on the 330i (a black grille insert replaced the previous silver unit) and more overt on the coupes and convertibles (new front fascias and light cluster designs). A few new features joined the standard equipment list for sedans and wagons, including rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights
////www.edmunds.com/reviews/generations/articles/66153/article.html#
| Create Date : 24 ธันวาคม 2547 |
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