1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety - Consumer Guide Automotive

Detailed safety information for this generation BMW 3-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA. Specs for this generation BMW 3-Seriesinclude everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe	4-door sedan	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	107.3	107.3	107.3	107.3

Overall Length, in.	176.7	176.7	176.0	176.3

Overall Width, in.	69.2	69.2	68.5	68.5

Overall Height, in.	54.0	53.5	55.7	55.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3560	3020	3153	3351

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	7.7	9.5	10.7	25.7-48

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.6	16.6	16.6	16.6

Seating Capacity	4	4	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.3	37.5	38.4	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7	41.7	41.4	41.4

Rear Head Room, in.	36.9	36.5	37.5	37.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.0	33.2	34.6	34.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Two distinct inline six-cylinder engines were used in regular 3-Series models: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter in the 323i, and a 2.8-liter that made 193 horsepower in the 328i. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with five-speed automatic optional. For 2001, engines in the upper series grew to 3.0-liter displacement, and the new 2.5-liter six gained 14 horsepower (but lost a bit of torque output). A 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine, rated at 330 horsepower, drove a six-speed manual gearbox in the high-performance M3 coupe. For 2002, the M3 got an available 6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT). In '03 330i sedans with the Performance Package got a 10 horsepower boost and a 6-speed manual transmission. Offered on all models except the 330i in '04 was the SMT.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I6	2.5 / 152	170	181	5-speed manual: 20/29 5-speed automatic: 19/28	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	2.5 / 152	184	175	5-speed manual: 20/29 5-speed automatic: 19/27	5-speed manual: 23.5 5-speed automatic: 19.7

dohc I6	2.8 / 170	193	206	5-speed manual: 20/29 5-speed automatic: 19/27	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.0 / 182	225-235	211-222	5-speed manual: 21/30 6-speed manual: 20/30 5-speed automatic: 19/27	5-speed manual: 25.4 6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.2 / 192	330	225	6-speed manual: 16/24 SMT manual: --	6-speed manual: 18.7 SMT manual: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

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