 The fourth generation of BMW's 3-Series compact sedan started in September 1998. The baseline was the 318i with 4 cylinders, with a capacity closer to 1.9 litres. Engine produce 87 kW and 180 Nm, and e46 price was $52,950 for the five-speed manual and the four-speed auto - $1700 more. The 2.5-litre six-cylinder 125 kW/ 245 Nm 323i cost $66,900 as a five-speed manual, adding $2500 for the five-speed auto. The auto-only 142 kW/280 Nm 328i - a 2.8-litre - topped the range at $84,950. BMW E46 was designed as a modern replacement for the aging BMW 3 series E36. DesignWorksUSA take part in creation the exterior body E46. Based on the BMW E36 body shell, the design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the cars aggressive stance. An emphasis was put on reducing unsprung weight and structural rigidity rather than increasing power output - the highest displacement model at release, the E46 328, had only 3 horsepower more than the E36 328. To counter this small power increase, the body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than the E36's, and aluminum suspension components were used increasingly in order to decrease unsprung weight. In tune with BMW's core values, the E46 was released with a front engined rear-wheel drive layout with 50/50 weight distribution. This balance allows for optimal handling in regards to the drive train layout. | 
