We sometimes see previous BMW M automobiles being subjected to a dyno take a look at, however it is a refreshingly primary 318Ci. This 3 Sequence Coupe from what I contemplate to be the golden period of design – the E46 – was produced in 2002 and remains to be going robust regardless of its venerable age. The Dutch journalists at Auto Week have been curious to learn how a lot energy the engine nonetheless has after 22 years because the automotive left the meeting line.

This younger man’s 318Ci was strapped onto the dyno to evaluate the ability of its naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Again within the day, BMW quoted the two.0-liter unit at 143 horsepower and 200 Newton-meters (148 pound-feet) of torque. This “N42” inline-four remains to be pumping out better-than-advertised output figures in 2024: 151 hp and 208 Nm (153 lb-ft).

Granted, the E46 has had some work performed because the proprietor mentions it put in a brand new air filter together with a modified exhaust. Nonetheless, these aren’t the kind of modifications that yield vital energy features. Though it’s getting up there in years, this 3 Sequence Coupe has been dependable and a automotive the proprietor may all the time depend upon. It additionally appears to be like nice inside and outside for a 3 Sequence with 166,776 kilometers (103,629 miles) on the clock.

This pristine BMW 318Ci on Dutch plates has had its justifiable share of householders through the years. Nonetheless, Lars Gillis – who purchased it a few yr in the past – says his E46 got here bundled with a full-service historical past displaying a complete upkeep report.

The M3 CSL was probably the most potent E46 of all of them by packing about two and a half instances the ability of this 318Ci. It had a wholesome 355 hp from a bigger inline-six 3.2-liter “S54” engine. Nonetheless, BMW additionally made 10 models of the M3 GTR Strassenversion, a homologation particular with a V8 codenamed “P60B40” rated at 350 hp routed to the rear wheels by way of a six-speed handbook gearbox as an alternative of the controversial SMG.

Supply: AutoWeek / YouTube