The 3 Series with BMW's internal development code E46 is nearing its end of life. The successor, the new E90, is ready to hit the market next year. Time for the competitors to position revised models to damp the impact, as the new model can surely be expected to outperform the current 3 Series and to set new standards. So would it be unfair to compare the aging E46 with the latest and greatest of its competitors?

Well, AutoBild (7/2004) took the 320d Touring for a test ride, along with the Audi A4 1.9 TDI, the new Jaguar X-Type Estate 2.0D, and the revised Mercedes C-Class 220 CDIT. The result was -- once again -- a victory for BMW. It's really remarkable to see that the six year "old" 3 Series triumphes over all its younger rivals! Just imagine what light this sheds on the upcoming E90 :-)

Some quotes: "The 320's extremely smooth engine develops thrust in a very homogeneous way, is acoustically quite reserved, and accelerates in speedy 9.5 seconds (0-100 km/h). Combined with the best and most exact gear box, this defines the best you can get in this circle."... "Mercedes has significantly improved the handling and especially the steering of the C-Class; however, the sensitive and exact steering of the BMW still defines the reference."... "The better is the enemy of the good -- this is once again proven by the BMW whose sportive and yet comfortable chassis outperforms the already excellent one from Mercedes."