Recant of MY2002 E46 3-Series Changes (archive)

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�New Standard Equipment
�In-dash single CD-player will be standard, a cassette player that replaces the CD-player
will be offered as a no-cost option.
�Improvements
�Bi-Xenon headlights, which offer Xenon high-beam lights in addition to the Xenon low-
beam lights, will be offered as an option.
�Improved optional navigation system, includes larger 16:9 screen, improved legibility
and upgraded on-board computer.
�STEPTRONIC manual mode operation changes. Downshifts will be executed by moving
the lever forward and upshifts are executed by moving the lever back. This change in
approach is to make STEPTRONIC consistent with the operation of the M3�s optional
Sequential M Gearbox, which will be introduced late this year. (Planned phase-in 11/01
production on the E46 M3 only.
�Rear-side airbags will now be available per customer request for coupes and
convertibles. (Currently, available on sedans, sport wagons, and M3s.)
�Visual changes/Color and Trim
�Vehicles equipped with the optional Sport Package will receive white turn signal
indicators. (Please note: to comply with U.S. law, the reflector portions of the sedan
and sport wagon front lights are amber.)
�New Titanium-finish trim replaces the High Gloss painted and Aluminum-finish trims
�Electric Red replaces Bright Red and Light Yellow Metallic is discontinued
�Gray Green will be released for the sedan and sport wagon
�New leather will be offered as an option: Natural Brown

�Visual changes are as follows:
�Front bumper with fewer horizontal lines for a cleaner look with integrated circular
foglights.
�Wheel arch extended beyond character line.
�Wedge-shaped side direction indicators moved up to character line.
�New front lights and direction indicators are a self-contained unit.
�Redesigned kidney grille approaches the front lights and aligns itself with the power
dome line that runs from the kidney grille to the A pillar
�Rear lights
�Sedan: shape remains unchanged, however the colors and sections change
slightly; direction indicators are now arranged in the middle of the clusters
�Sport wagon: shape of rear light unchanged, however the brake light lenses are
slightly different
�Closed rear apron with cleaner, simpler lines on the sedans only. On the 330i/330xi
sedan PDC is integrated in the molding strip.
�All-wheel drive is no longer available as an option. The 325xi sedan, 325xi sport wagon,
and 330xi sedan can only be ordered using model codes for MY2002. The factory
implemented this change in order to improve all-wheel drive production planning.
�Hill Descent Control (HDC), standard on the X5, will be standard on all all-wheel drive
models.
325 sedan, coupe, convertible and sport wagon
�16 x 8 Five Spoke (Styling 43) alloy wheel will replace the 16 x 8 Star Spoke (Styling 45)
alloy wheel on the 325Ci convertible.
�Sport package on the 325i sedan and sport wagon only will feature a new 17 x 8 Star
Spoke (Styling 96) alloy wheel replacing the 17 x 8 Star Spoke (Styling 44) wheel.
�Interior trunk release will be added on the 325i sedan.
330 sedan, coupe and convertible
�Automatic Headlight Control. The system recognizes light conditions via two light sensors
in the windscreen and turns on the lights in dusk or dark conditions. This feature is
included with the rain sensor within the Premium Package.
�Run-flat tires will be offered as an option with the new 17 x 7 Double Spoke (Styling 98)
alloy wheel. Vehicles equipped with this option will include Flat Tire Monitor and space
saver spare tire replacing the full size spare tire (except the 330Ci convertible, which
already has a space saver tire standard.)
�18 x 8 front, 18 x 8.5 rear M V-Spoke (Styling 72M) wheels are now available as an option
(only with Sport Package, not available on 330xi. Phased-in November 2001 production)

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