Driving all the BMW 3-Series, Chapter 4: E46 (1998-2005)

Previous: driving the 1991 ‘E36’ 3-Series

E46 328i

This one feels like what it is, an evolution of the E36. It grew a little, the chassis got more lightweight parts, and the engines were fettled.

Most of all, the styling was honed to a perfect pitch, the curves smoothed, the junctions neatened, the older E36's frowning face now softened. This coupe version is a joy to behold.

(Incidentally, the E46 was finished under Chris Bangle. I interviewed him about it at the saloon's launch. So was the first X5. He worked hard to make sure the last of that generation of BMW design was as finessed it could be. Meanwhile he was preparing for the impact of his headbanging reboot 7-series.)

Some of it has aged. In the middle of the dash is a screen – in colour! – which once ran a rudimentary nav system. It looks like Teletext.

But in other ways it's vastly more satisfactory than cars you can buy now. The steering is a thing of joy, the handling and ride balance is the work of BMW absolutely in its pomp. It rolls less and damps its body motions better than the E36, and corners with calm resolution. ESP has arrived too.

But the older E36 has a better ride: the trend to heavier brakes and 18-inch tyres taking its toll in the E46, bringing more harshness and shudder.

This six-cylinder engine sounds great, but has a low rev limit and feels slightly hesitant. At first I thought it was an early Valvetronic, as that's how they always felt.

But no, I'd got my history wrong. They hadn't arrived yet. I think the stickiness is down to the fact this car isn't run in. As I drive, the odometer rolls over 1400km: 860 miles from new.

And the five-speed box might have a slick shift but there's a chasm of a gap between the ratios of second and third.

Still, this is another classic. A truly evolved machine but with the purity connectedness that has gone out of so many modern cars. Oh, and to start it you put the key in the steering column and twist. Who can say no to that?

Next: driving the 2005 ‘E90’ 3-Series