We sometimes see previous BMW M automobiles being subjected to a dyno check, however this can be 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 for the reason that automobile left the meeting line.

This younger man’s 318Ci was strapped onto the dyno to evaluate the facility 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 achieved because the proprietor mentions it put in a brand new air filter together with a modified exhaust. Nonetheless, these aren’t the form of adjustments that yield important energy positive aspects. Though it’s getting up there in years, this 3 Sequence Coupe has been dependable and a automobile the proprietor might all the time rely on. It additionally appears to be like nice in and out for a 3 Sequence with 166,776 kilometers (103,629 miles) on the clock.

This pristine BMW 318Ci on Dutch plates has had its fair proportion of homeowners through the years. Nonetheless, Lars Gillis – who purchased it a couple of 12 months 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 occasions the facility 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 through a six-speed guide gearbox as a substitute of the controversial SMG.

Supply: AutoWeek / YouTube