BMW 325xi Touring (E46)

Since all-wheel drive was not supplied in the BMW 3 Series (E36), the BMW 325ix Touring (E46) was the first all-wheel-drive Touring model to be marketed for nearly 10 years. The power-plant engineering for this vehicle was identical with that of the BMW 325i Touring (E46) powered by the M54B25 engine. The innovative all-wheel-drive system developed from the ground up had entirely eliminated mechanical locks. Instead, the electronic chassis control systems (DSC, ADB) provided the necessary control. This cut down weight and simultaneously provided greater driving stability. 62 % of the drive force came from the rear axle so as to retain the athletic, sporty driving style and agility so typical of BMW. This played a major role in essentially removing drive influences from the steering.