BMW 3 Series Touring (E46)

The BMW 3 Series Touring (E46) was first seen at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999. Up until the sales launch in October, Touring enthusiasts still had to be satisfied with the predecessor model (BMW 3 Series Touring E36). This was still being manufactured when the first E46 sedans could already be seen on the road. The large trunk to accommodate baggage in the Touring was equipped as standard with a partition net and roller cover. As in the case of the BMW 5 Series (E39), the rear window could be opened separately from the tailgate in order to load and unload smaller items of baggage. The roof rail supplied as an option gave the profile a sporting look and offered the platform based on an integrated design for the multifunction BMW roof rack that facilitated easy transport for surfboards, bicycles and other bulky luggage. The Touring offered a large variety of engine options with the most popular being the BMW 320D. A total of more than 400,000 BMW 3 Series Touring automobiles rolled out of the factory gates at the Regensburg Plant.