BMW 3 Series Base (2003) price & specs

Base
Overview
The 2003 BMW 3 Series Base is a rear-wheel drive, 4-door Sedan that was released to the Australian market on 4th January 1970 classified as a E46. The BMW 3 Series is regarded as a Medium Luxury built in South Africa with prices starting at $72,100 before on-road costs.
This BMW 3 Series is powered by a 2.5L 6-cylinder engine that has 141 kW of power (at 6000 rpm) and 245 Nm of torque (at 3500 rpm) via a Five-speed Automatic transmission. It has a 63L fuel tank
The BMW 3 Series measures 1415mm (55.7 inches) in height, 4471mm (176.0 inches) in length, 1739mm (68.5 inches) in width with a 2725mm (107.3 inches) wheelbase that brings about a total of 1480kg (3262.8 lbs) of unladen weight. The 3 Series Base comes standard with 205/50 R17 front tyres and 205/50 R17 rear tyres. It has a 24 month, unlimited km warranty.
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Dimensions
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4,471 mm |
| Overall Width | 1,739 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm |
| Load Capacity | 470 mm |
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Explore BMW 3 Series Features & Specs
Engine
Bore Engine: 84
Engine (cc): 2494
Compression Ratio: 10.5
Engine Configuration: In-Line
Engine (L): 2.5
Number of Cylinders: 6
Number of Valves per Cylinder: 4
Stroke Engine: 75
Valve Gear Type: Double Overhead Cam
Variable Valve Timing Camshaft: yes
Fuel
Generic Primary Fuel Type: Petrol
Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Octane Number: 95
Fuel System
Injection Carburetion: Multi-Point Injection
Fuel Tanks
Main Capacity Gal: 16.6
Main Capacity (L): 63
Main Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded
Main Type: Total
Computer
Average Fuel Consumption: yes
Average Speed: yes
Range for Remaining Fuel: yes
Fuel Consumption
AS 2877 Country Highway (L/100km): 8
AS 2877 Country Highway (mpg): 29
AS 2877 Standard: As 2877
AS 2877 Urban (L/100km): 10.5
AS 2877 Urban (mpg): 22
Fuel Economy
AS 2877 City (L/100km): 10.5
AS 2877 Highway (L/100km): 8
Performance
Acceleration 0 To 100 km/h: 8.7
Maximum Speed (km/h): 225
Maximum Speed (mph): 140
Power
Maximum Power (hp/PS): 192
Maximum Power (kW): 141
Maximum Torque (Nm): 245
Measurement Standard: EEC
Rpm For Maximum Power Low: 6000
Rpm For Maximum Torque Low: 3500
Drive
Driven Wheels: Rear
Electronic Traction Control
Controlled By: Abs & Engine Management
Transmission
Electronic Control Auto Only: yes
Lock Up Auto Only: yes
Manual Mode: yes
Mode Select Auto Only: yes
Number of Speeds: 5
Shift Lever Location: Floor
Type: Automatic
ABS
Location: 4-Wheel
Disc Brakes
Number of Disc Brakes: 4
Number of Ventilated Disc Brakes: 4
Steering Wheel
Height Adjustment: yes
Multi Function: yes
Telescopic Adjustment: yes
Type: Leather Covered
Alternate Suspension
Type: Sport
Suspension
Location: Front
Front Spring Type: Coil
Front Stabilizer Bar: yes
Front Type: Strut
Front Wheel Dependence: Independent
Location: Rear
Rear Spring Type: Coil
Rear Stabilizer Bar: yes
Rear Type: Multi-Link
Rear Wheel Dependence: Independent
Tires
Location: Front
Front Wheels Tire Profile: 50
Front Wheels Tire Speed Rating: W
Front Wheels Tire Width: 205
Rear Wheels Tire Location: Rear
Rear Wheels Tire Profile: 50
Rear Wheels Tire Speed Rating: W
Rear Wheels Tire Width: 205
Wheels
Location: Front
Front Wheels Rim Diameter (In): 17
Front Wheels Rim Type: Alloy
Front Wheels Rim Width (In): 7
Location: Rear
Rear Rim Diameter (In): 17
Rear Rim Type: Alloy
Rear Wheels Rim Width (In): 7
Body Style
Body Type: Sedan
Driver Location: RHD
Local Body Type: Sedan
Chrome Bright Trim
Bright Chrome Trim Around Side Windows: yes
Non-Corrosive Body
Non-Corrosive Panel Location: Part
Non-Corrosive Panel Type: Galvanised
Spoiler
Location: Front
Front Spoiler Type: lip
Bumpers
Front Bumper Colour: Painted
Location: Front
Rear Bumper Colour: Painted
Location: Rear
Cargo Capacity
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (cu ft): 15.5
Rear Seat Up to Lower Window (L): 440
External Dimensions
Front Track (in): 57.9
Front Track (mm): 1471
Overall Height (in): 55.7
Overall Height (mm): 1415
Overall Length (in): 176
Overall Length (mm): 4471
Overall Width (in): 68.5
Overall Width (mm): 1739
Rear Track (in): 58.4
Rear Track (mm): 1483
Wall to Wall Turning Circle (ft): 34.4
Wall to Wall Turning Circle (mm): 10500
Wheelbase (in): 107.3
Wheelbase (mm): 2725
Internal Dimensions
Front Headroom (in): 38.4
Front Headroom (mm): 975
Rear Headroom (in): 37.5
Rear Headroom (mm): 952
Front Hip Room (in): 54.4
Front Hip Room (mm): 1382
Rear Hip Room (in): 54.2
Rear Hip Room (mm): 1376
Front Shoulder Room (in): 56.6
Front Shoulder Room (mm): 1437
Rear Shoulder Room (in): 56.6
Rear Shoulder Room (mm): 1437
Doors
Location: Driver
Driver Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Passenger
Passenger Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Rear Driver
Rear Driver Door Type: Front Hinged
Location: Rear Passenger
Rear Passenger Door Type: Front Hinged
Headlight Control
Auto Highbeam: yes
Dusk Sensor: yes
Internal Height Adjustment: yes
Headlights
Low Beam Bulb Type: Halogen
Configuration: Twin
Lens Type: Complex Surface
Paint
External Colour: Blue
Type: Gloss
Sunroof
Front Sunroof Location: Front
Front Sunroof One Touch Opening: yes
Front Sunroof Operation: Electric
Front Sunroof Sliding: yes
Front Sunroof Sunshade: yes
Front Sunroof Tilting: yes
Front Sunroof Type: Glass
Blind
Location: Rear
Rear Blind Type: Electric
Door Mirrors/Cameras
Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras Colour: Painted
Heated Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras: yes
Mirrors/Cameras Location: Driver
Driver Door Mirrors/Cameras Type: Electrically Adjustable
Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras Colour: Painted
Heated Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras: yes
Mirrors/Cameras Location: Passenger
Passenger Door Mirrors/Cameras Type: Electrically Adjustable
Headlight Cleaners
Cleaners Type: High Pressure
Heat Reflective Glass
Location: ?
Power Windows
Front Electric Windows: Front
Number of Front Express Power Windows: 2
Safety Operation for Front Power Windows: yes
Rear Electric Windows: Rear
Number of Rear Express Power Windows: 2
Safety Operation for Rear Power Windows: yes
Windshield Wipers
Intermittent Wipe Windshield Wipers: Automatic
Rain Sensor Windshield Wipers: yes
Weights
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (kg): 1600
Gross Trailer Weight Braked (lb): 3527
Gross Trailer Weight Unbraked (kg): 720
Gross Trailer Weight Unbraked (lb): 1587
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): 1950
Gross Vehicle Weight (lb): 4299
Published Kerb Weight (kg): 1480
Published Kerb Weight (lb): 3263
Antenna
Type: Element
Audio Anti-Theft Protection
Type: Integrated In Dash
Type: Code
Audio System
Digital Cassette Mini Disc: yes
Disc Autochanger: yes
Autochanger Disc Capacity: 6
In-Dash CD: yes
Radio Type: Am/Fm
System Type: Stereo
Disc Player
Boot Capacity: 6
Location: Boot
Remote Audio Controls
Type: Steering Wheel Mounted
Speakers
Number of Speakers: 6
Load Restraint
Type: Hooks
Cigar Lighter
Location: Front Seats
Courtesy Lights
Delayed Fade: yes
Entertainment Display Screen
Location: Front
Front TV: yes
Memorised Adjustment
Number of Memorised Driver Seat Positions: 4
Adjustment Settings: 3
Parking Distance System
Location: Rear
Rear Type: Sensor
Reading Lights
Location: Front
Location: Rear
Remote Trunk Hatch Release
Operation: Remote Control
Smart Card/Smart Key
Includes Keyless Entry: yes
Includes Keyless Start: yes
Includes Memory Seat Adjustments: yes
Type: Manual
Vanity Mirror
Driver Mirror Illuminated: yes
Driver Mirror Location: Driver
Passenger Mirror Illuminated: yes
Location: Passenger
Voice Activating System
Includes Phone: yes
Luxury Trim
Centre Floor Console: Wood Or Woodlook
Doors: Wood Or Woodlook
Gear Selector: Wood Or Woodlook
Instrument Panel: Wood Or Woodlook
Shift Lever Skirt: Leather
Front Airbag
Location: Driver
Location: Passenger
Front Seat Belts
Driver Height Adjustable: yes
Driver Operation: Reel
Driver Pre Tensioners: yes
Driver Seat Position: Driver
Driver Type: 3-Point
Passenger Height Adjustable: yes
Passenger Operation: Reel
Passenger Pre Tensioners: yes
Passenger Seat Position: Passenger
Passenger Type: 3-Point
Head Restraints
Front Seats Height Adjustable: yes
Front Seats Location: Front Seats
Front Seats Number: 2
Rear Seats Height Adjustable: yes
Rear Seats Location: Rear Seats
Rear Seats Number: 3
Rear Seat Belts
Center Operation: Reel
Center Seat Position: Centre
Center Type: 3-Point
Driver Operation: Reel
Driver Seat Position: Driver
Driver Type: 3-Point
Passenger Operation: Reel
Passenger Seat Position: Passenger
Passenger Type: 3-Point
Side Airbag
Location: Front
Location: Rear
Side Curtain Airbag
Location: Front
Front Seat
Driver Front Seat Height Adjustment: yes
Location: Driver
Driver Front Seat Type: Bucket
Passenger Front Seat Height Adjustment: yes
Location: Passenger
Passenger Front Seat Type: Bucket
Seat Upholstery
Additional Seat Material: Leather
Main Seat Material: Leather
Seating
Capacity: 5
Door Pockets Bins
Location: Driver
Location: Passenger
Seat Back Storage
Location: Front
Air Conditioning
Climate Control - Number of Zones: 2
Fully Automated Climate Control: yes
Ventilation System
Digital Display: yes
Micro Filter: yes
Anti-Theft Protection
Interior Monitoring: yes
Peripheral: yes
Remote Operation: yes
Power Locks
Includes Power Windows: yes
Includes Trunk Hatch: yes
Operation: Remote
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