in order to decrease unsprung mass. However, with a curb weight of , the E46 328ci is heavier than the E36 equivalent. In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics, the E46 was initially available with a rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution. All-wheel drive, which was last available in the 3 Series in 1991, was reintroduced for the E46 on the 325xi, 330xi and 330xd models. Electronics The electronic components in the E46 are more integrated than previous generations of 3 Series, including the use of a CAN bus system. Drivetrain information (such as engine, transmission and stability control) is communicated using the CAN bus. Vehicle electronics (such as the radio, navigation, television and telecommunications) can communicate to each other via the K-bus. The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using Valvetronic (variable valve lift). Various electronic features were also introduced to the 3 Series in the E46 generation, including satellite navigation, electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers and LED tail-lights. Production and sales The E46 was produced in Germany (Leipzig, Munich and Regensburg) and in South Africa (Rosslyn). Local assembly of complete knock-down (CKD) kits was used for cars sold in China, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Russia. The highest selling year for the E46 chassis was 2002, when 561,249 vehicles were sold worldwide. Body styles The body styles of the range are: 4-door sedan/saloon, produced from December 1997 to May 2005. 2-door coupé, produced from December 1998 to May 2006. 2-door convertible, produced from December 1999 to November 2006. 5-door wagon/estate (marketed as 3 Series Touring), produced from January 1999 to May 2005. 3-door hatchback (marketed as 3 Series Compact), produced from April 2000 to December 2004. 3 Series Compact (E46/5) The shorter three-door hatchback version of the E46 was marketed as the BMW 3 Series Compact. The exterior styling has several differences to the rest of the E46 3 Series range, notably the distinctive headlights and tail-lights. Mechanically, the Compact shares many elements with the rest of the E46 range, however the steering rack has a faster ratio. Engines Factory specifications are listed below. Coupe and convertible models were badged as "Ci (petrol) or Cd (diesel)", and all-wheel drive models were badged as "Xi (petrol) or Xd (diesel)". Petrol Diesel Drivetrain Manual transmissions 5-speed ZF S5-39 (325xi, 330xi) 5-speed Getrag 250G (316i, 318i, 320i, 325i) 5 speed