The new BMW 3 Series Coupé

1. The new BMW 3 Series Coupé. (Short Version) 2. Concept:
Aesthetic Looks, Driving Pleasure, Individual Style. 3. Design: More
Expressive, More Dynamic, More Different. 4. Power Unit: Dynamism and
Motoring Refinement in Perfection. 5. Automatic Transmission: Fast,
Responsive and Precise for Dynamic Driving Pleasure. 6. Chassis and
Suspension: Where Power becomes Performance. 7. All-Wheel Drive: BMW
xDrive in the Coupé: a Perfect Match of Driving Dynamics and
Safety. 8. Bodyshell and Safety: Stable but Light. 9. The Lights
Concept: Superior Innovations for better Vision and Visibility.
10.Features and Equipment: Exclusivity Tailored to the Driver.
11.Production: Quality, Flexibility and Environmental Care. 12.History:
Always Something Special - the BMW Coupé. 13.Exterior and
Interior Dimensions. 1. The new BMW 3 Series Coupé. (Short
Version) A typical BMW. But a very special BMW 3 Series. And a unique
car. That is the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. Introducing this truly
outstanding twodoor athlete, BMW is continuing a long tradition and, at
the same time, setting entirely new standards in a highly interesting
segment of the market. This is the third time that the BMW 3 Series,
following the Saloon and Touring, is being supplemented by a
Coupé. And this time the new BMW 3 Series Coupé is more
different, more unique than ever before. The individual character of the
car is clearly recognisable at very first sight, with your eyes admiring
the sporting and stretched lines of a body new in every detail. The new
Coupé also offers unique standards within the engine compartment,
where BMW's 3.0-litre straight-six with Twin Turbo technology,
High-Precision Injection and an all-aluminium crankcase is making its
debut. This 225 kW/306 hp high-performance power unit gives the BMW 335i
Coupé truly outstanding performance combined with impressive fuel
economy. And no less than two other petrol engines as well as two diesel
power units will be available for the BMW 3 Series Coupé right
from the start upon the introduction of the new car. Rear-wheel drive,
optimised weight, harmonious axle load distribution and the most
sophisticated suspension in the segment are further essential factors
guaranteeing a truly fascinating driving experience. And for the first
time, the BMW 3 Series Coupé is available with BMW's intelligent
xDrive all-wheeldrive system. Through its looks alone, the BMW 3 Series
offers the very best in individual style, character, and driving
pleasure. The two-door model stands out very clearly from the Saloon and
Touring versions of the BMW 3 Series - and this unique look you will
find not only behind the B-pillar, but also at the front of the car and
within the interior. At the same time the new 3 Series Coupé
offers a standard of agility and driving dynamics quite unique in its
segment. Through its handling and superior performance (not just on the
top model) alone, the new BMW 3 Series Coupé simply begs the
driver to show an active style of motoring. And in the process the new
Coupé combines its sporting character with stylish looks. For
while the design of the car exudes a feeling of power and dynamism in
many respects, the overall look is full of sophisticated style and
elegance. Individual design from the powerdome to the rear end. The
special look of a coupé results above all from the side view of
the car. Precisely this is why the BMW 3 Series Coupé boasts a
short front overhang, long wheelbase, a passenger compartment moved far
to the rear, low-slung A-pillars, low windows, and a smooth roofline
tapering out gently towards the rear to give the car its very special
silhouette. Large, voluminous wheel arches give the Coupé a
distinctive look of power and performance, the flow of shoulder,
character and side-sill lines emphasising the stretched dynamics and
sleek appearance of the car. Like the shoulder line, the character line
extending from the upper edge of the front wheel arch along the door
handle all the way to the rear emphasises the sheer length and elegance
of the new 3 Series Coupé. The side-sill line rising up from the
side as a distinctive, light-reflecting element moves up towards the
rear of the car and is taken up and accentuated both in the front and
rear air dams. Through the curvature of the car's surfaces and the
interplay of lines, the designers have created a side view again
reflecting the dynamic style and characteristics of the Coupé.
The character line of the car, for example, rises up and at the same
time appears to extend outwards above the rear wheel arches, providing a
touch of tension and sheer excitement. This three-dimensional effect
guides the eyes of the beholder to the area around the rear axle, the
place where engine power is converted into dynamic performance also on
the BMW 3 Series Coupé. At the same time the character and
side-sill lines form an elliptical curve sweeping to the front and again
emphasising the forward-moving dynamism of the car coming out
particularly clearly in the three-quarter rear view. Bi-xenon
headlights with corona rings featured as standard. The front air dam,
headlight units and contours on the engine compartment lid of the BMW 3
Series Coupé are also new and truly unique in their design. Seen
from the front, the car is low and wide, emphasising its sporting
character. The lines of the powerdome stretching above the drive unit
extend from the A-pillars all the way to the outer sides of the BMW
kidney grille. The low-slung dual round headlights, in turn, merge
smoothly beneath the engine compartment lid and thus look as if they
were cut off at the top, giving the car a very self-confident and
concentrated "face". The new BMW 3 Series Coupé comes
as standard with bi-xenon headlights featuring corona rings conceived
and designed for daytime use. Indeed, these striking light rings create
a double effect, making the car clearly visible at all times and
showing the beholder from the start that this is a genuine BMW. The LED
rods in the rear lights also give the new BMW 3 Series Coupé
unmistakable style and impression. Merging smoothly into the rear and
side of the car, the light units are split up into two sections and
extend all the way into the trunk lid. The entire rear view of the car
is again low and wide, characterised in particular by smooth, horizontal
lines. This emphasises the wide track and the sporting flair and
appearance of the car also from this perspective. A whole range of
details contributes to the unique design of the new BMW 3 Series
Coupé. Through their contours alone, for example, the rearview
mirrors designed especially for the Coupé take up the side lines
of the car. And the design of the side window frames is also typical of
BMW but nevertheless quite unique and different from all other models.
The famous "Hofmeister kick" at the bottom of the C-pillars,
finally, rises up into the shoulder line of the car, showing a
distinctive angle pointing to the front. Indeed, to make this special
effect possible in the first place, the chrome trim on the side window
surrounds is made for the first time in one single piece, again standing
out as a very special feature proving the sophisticated style and value
of the Coupé. Sleek dynamics also within the interior. The aura
of dynamism and exclusivity conveyed by the new BMW 3 Series
Coupé through its body design alone continues consistently within
the car. Indeed, the interior is dominated by powerful contours and
flowing lines, with convex and concave shapes and surfaces flowing into
one another. Conceived as a fully-fledged four-seater, the Coupé
is perfect for fast travelling in a sophisticated ambience. The two
individual seats at the rear are separated by a storage compartment in
the middle, like the centre console separating the two front seats.
Horizontal lines on the dashboard and in the side panels accentuate the
feeling of generous space. The instrument panel itself is inclined
towards the driver at the top, the armrest on the side panel flows
smoothly from the dashboard all the way to the backrests of the rear
seats. This exclusive ambience within the car is rounded off by the
light contour lines on the inner door and side panels available as an
option. Sealed off at the top, these light strips present the interior
and surrounding areas in warm, indirect illumination. All controls and
surfaces the driver and passengers touch particularly often, such as the
door openers and shift lever, are finished in a particularly
sophisticated metallic touch. To customise the interior, finally, the
driver has the choice of exclusive colour schemes for the upholstery,
roof liner, and interior panels. Straight-six power units for efficient
dynamics. The new BMW 3 Series Coupé is entering the market with
three petrol and two diesel engines. Focusing on straight-six power
units fitted lengthwise at the front and conveying their power to the
rear wheels, BMW is opting for a proven drive concept particularly rich
in tradition. But still, there is ample space beneath the engine
compartment lid for some spectacular innovations. One example is that
the new BMW 3 Series Coupé for the first time features a Twin
Turbo 3.0-litre straight-six power unit, High-Precision Injection, and
an all-aluminium crankcase. This 225 kW/306 hp power unit, while based
on BMW's highly successful normal-aspiration six-cylinder, opens up a
new era in engine development. For now BMW is combining the qualities
typical of this six-cylinder with the power-boosting effect of two
turbochargers and second-generation direct gasoline injection for the
first time offering significant advantages in fuel economy also in
practice. The result of this combination, clearly, is a particularly
thrilling rendition of efficient dynamics. The power unit of the BMW
335i Coupé develops its maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres or
295 lb-ft at just 1,300 rpm, providing its power and performance much
more spontaneously than a conventional turbocharged engine and revving
up smoothly and consistently all the way to 7,000 rpm. On the road, this
means impressive acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, with
top speed of the 335i Coupé being limited electronically to 250
km/h or 155 mph. Despite this outstanding power and performance, the
new top-of-the-range engine within the straight-six model series also
offers equally outstanding all-round economy: In the EU composite test
cycle, the BMW 335i Coupé consumes just 9.5 litres of premium
fuel for 100 kilometres, equal to 29.7 mpg Imp. This efficiency is
attributable, first, to the low weight of the entire engine, the Twin
Turbo six-cylinder weighing some 70 kilos or 154 lb less than an
eight-cylinder with comparable power. The second factor is
High-Precision Injection allowing unprecedented economy in the
consumption of fuel. Innovative piezo-injectors positioned right in the
middle between the valves in the cylinder head ensure consistent and
exactly metered fuel injection in every situation for a high degree of
efficiency with superior fuel economy also in everyday traffic.
Optimised weight, more power. The two normal-aspiration six-cylinders
available in the new BMW 3 Series Coupé right from the start upon
introduction of the car also offer an optimised balance of power,
weight, and fuel economy: The power unit featured in the BMW 330i
Coupé now develops maximum output of 200 kW/272 hp and peak
torque of 315 Newton-metres or 232 lb-ft. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes
in 6.1 seconds and top speed is again limited electronically to 250 km/h
or 155 mph. This impressive performance and the car's superior
refinement are supplemented by a new record level of efficiency in the
3.0-litre normalaspiration power unit: Averaging fuel consumption of
just 8.8 litres in the EU test cycle, equivalent to 32.1 mpg Imp, the
new BMW 330i Coupé is approximately 12 per cent more fuel
efficient than its predecessor. The use of magnesium on the crankcase,
bedplate and cylinder head cover, together with the lightweight
crankshafts, serves to significantly reduce the weight of the engine as
such. Further advantages in efficiency are provided, inter alia, by
fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management. Both of these improvements
are also featured on the 2.5-litre straight-six: Developing maximum
output of 160 kW/218 hp and peak torque of 250 Newton-metres or 184
lb-ft, this engine gives the BMW 325i Coupé equally superior
performance on the road. Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in 6.9 seconds;
top speed is 247 km/h or 153 mph. And to substantiate the car's supreme
efficiency also in this performance class, average fuel consumption
under the EU standard is just 8.4 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 33.6
mpg Imp. Diesel engines in the Coupé - more attractive than ever
before. Again, diesel engine technology offers a highly tempting and
attractive alternative also on the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. And so
the BMW 335d Coupé and the BMW 330d Coupé have two truly
outstanding power units featured in the new car: powerful, economical,
and naturally boasting a particulate filter as standard. Particularly
the BMW 335d Coupé offers outstanding superlatives in this
context, the world's most dynamic six-cylinder diesel giving the car
power and performance truly unique in this segment: Maximum output of
the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel with Variable Twin Turbo technology is
an impressive 210 kW/286 hp. Peak torque, in turn, is 580 Newton-metres
or 427 lb-ft at just 1,750 rpm. And with maximum output coming at 4,400
rpm, the engine revs up smoothly all the way to 5,000 rpm. This smooth
and consistent surge of power naturally means dynamic acceleration on
the road: From a standstill, the BMW 335d Coupé accelerates to
100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, with top speed limited electronically to
250 km/h or 155 mph. Fuel economy in BMW's most powerful six-cylinder
diesel is nevertheless very modest, amounting to just 7.5 litres of
diesel fuel for 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle (equal to 37.7 mpg
Imp). As a result, this engine also clearly underlines the principle of
BMW Efficient Dynamics, displaying the significant advantages it is able
to provide. This superiority is attributable, first, to two-stage
turbocharging with a small turbocharger cutting in first at low engine
speeds and then followed at higher speeds by a large turbocharger and,
second, by third-generation common-rail fuel injection incorporating
piezo-injectors for a rapid and finely-metered supply of fuel and air.
Yet a further outstanding feature is that the power unit of the BMW 335d
Coupé is the first all-aluminium diesel engine in its performance
class. With weight reduced to 208 kilos or 459 lb, this benefits both
the agility of the car as such as well as its all-round economy.
Developing maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp, the second version of the
3.0-litre straight-six diesel also offers a standard of performance most
appropriate for a sporting two-seater. Maximum torque of 500
Newton-metres or 369 lb-ft, at any rate, guarantees a level of power and
performance simply predestined for dynamic driving pleasure at all
times. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds confirms the sporting
character of this diesel just as impressively as the car's top speed
limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph. And featuring a new turbocharger
together with the latest generation of common-rail fuel injection, the
power unit of the BMW 330d Coupé enters a new world also in terms
of economy, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just
6.5 litres/100 km (equal to 43.5 mpg Imp). Offering the sports driver
either manual or automatic transmission. As an alternative to the
six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the new BMW 3 Series
Coupé is also available with particularly fast and responsive
automatic transmission, which is standard on the BMW 335d Coupé.
Featuring a highly effective hydraulic control unit, a new torque
converter and extremely efficient control software, the newly developed
six-speed automatic transmission ensures particularly fast and dynamic
acceleration at virtually all speeds, shifting gears with a response
time of only 100 milliseconds, regardless of whether the transmission
has to shift down one or several gears in the process. Selecting
exactly the right gear in each case, the new automatic transmission also
enhances fuel economy with the car driving at a smooth, consistent
speed, while at the same time giving the driver the option to shift
gears manually as desired. This option is provided by paddles on the
steering wheel making the manual gearshift a truly dynamic and sporting
experience. Modern suspension technology for maximum precision. The
sheer power of the engine is matched in the new BMW 3 Series
Coupé by equally superior transmission of this power to the road.
Standard drive with the engine at the front and the drive wheels at the
rear ensures maximum agility, directional stability, and safe handling
at all times and within the entire speed range. Boasting a double-joint
tiebar axle made largely of aluminium at the front and further enhanced
by spring struts, as well as a five-arm axle at the rear, the new BMW 3
Series Coupé offers the most modern suspension currently
available in its class. The low centre of gravity, excellent
front-to-rear weight balance, and the special set-up of the dampers also
help to give this two-door performer truly impressive driving qualities.
Rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance ensures supreme
precision and exact feedback on road conditions. And with the power of
the engine being conveyed to the rear wheels, the steering is not in any
way affected by drive forces. As an option the BMW 3 Series
Coupé is available with Active Steering specially tailored to the
car: Depending on driving conditions, the driver is able to keep
steering forces and the effort required to a minimum while remaining
precisely on course without the slightest problem at high speeds. The
BMW 3 Series Coupé comes as standard with a high-performance
brake system, the extra-large brake discs requiring the use of 17-inch
wheels. The advantages on the road are superior stopping power,
fading-free brake qualities, and wear reduced to a minimum. BMW is
indeed the world's first car maker to fit its models with a continuous,
ongoing wear indicator providing exact information on all times on the
brake pads and their current condition. DSC with enhanced functions for
extra safety and dynamics. In its superior efficiency, the brake system
is supported by DSC Dynamic Stability Control with innovative functions
of particular interest. Indeed, this latest generation of DSC not only
performs the ABS brake control function and maintains the car's
stability on slippery surfaces by intervening in the brakes, but also
compensates any decrease in deceleration as a result of extremely high
brake temperatures. The regular Dry Braking function serves furthermore
to ensure optimum brake power also in the wet, Brake Standby preparing
the brakes for immediate use whenever required. Should the need for
deceleration and stopping power be particularly great, DBC Dynamic Brake
Control maximises brake pressure. CBC Cornering Brake Control
counteracts any undesired swerving or spinning motion of the car when
applying the brakes slightly in a bend. And in conjunction with Active
Steering, finally, DSC ensures fast and precise steering control also on
surfaces with varying frictional coefficients, thus providing additional
stability whenever necessary. On loose, slippery surfaces, integrated
ASC stability control guarantees optimised traction, while DTC Dynamic
Traction Control moves up the thresholds for DSC brake intervention,
enabling the driver to set out and pick up speed smoothly and
consistently also, say, on loose snow with the drive wheels slightly
spinning. DTC also helps to provide a particularly sporting and active
style of motoring, allowing light spin on the drive wheels and thus
enabling the driver to take bends in a controlled drift. And last but
certainly not least, the driver of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé
has the option to fully deactivate DSC whenever he wishes. Intelligent
xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the 3 Series Coupé. For the
first time, the new BMW 3 Series Coupé is available with BMW's
intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system. As an alternative to standard
drive, this superior all-wheel-drive technology offers even better
traction and driving stability on slippery or loose surfaces.
Electronically controlled, variable distribution of drive forces
front-to-rear not only optimises the transmission of power on roads with
a low frictional coefficient, but also enhances the car's driving
dynamics by counteracting any trend towards over- or understeer. The
new BMW 3 Series Coupé comes as standard on 17-inch light-alloy
rims combined with 225/45 R 17 runflat tyres. A further feature is BMW's
tyre defect indicator permanently monitoring air pressure and warning
the driver once the level of pressure drops more than 30 per cent
beneath the ideal figure. Ultra-modern body structure: less weight,
more safety. The intelligent combination of innovative and proven
materials plus modern production technology gives the new BMW 3 Series
Coupé a particularly light but very stable bodyshell
approximately 10 kilos or 22 lb lighter than the bodyshell on the
Saloon. The use of innovative plastic side panels on the Coupé,
in turn, also helps to optimise the weight of the car at the front end
as a particular advantage in terms of enhanced driving dynamics:
Compared with conventional steel components, the front panels are
approximately 50 per cent lighter. Production processes have also
become more straightforward through the development of this new
material, the new front side panels, unlike plastic components in the
past, no longer requiring separate application of the paintwork and
separate assembly after having been painted. Instead, they can go
through the standard painting process together with the entire bodyshell
of the car, since, through their enhanced thermal and geometrical
consistency as well as optimised expansion and uptake of moisture, the
painted side panels also look exactly the same as conventional steel
components after completion of the car. New production processes are
also used for the car's steel components, the B-pillars on the
Coupé being reinforced for the first time by ultra-high-strength
steel tubes made in a process of thermal forming. Interacting with the
doors, the seats and the instrument panel bulkhead between the
A-pillars, these tubes again serve to ensure maximum stability. Yet
another "strong" point is that forces acting on the car in a
side-on collision are conveyed via the floorpan to the other side of the
vehicle. The support holding the bulkhead in place, to present yet
another example, is made of innovative, particularly strong multi-phase
steel. Maximum occupant safety in a head-on collision is provided,
inter alia, by dynamic deformation zones in the front end of the car.
Longitudinal support bars, specific reinforcements as well as the strong
finish of the luggage compartment floor, rear panel and side panels,
finally, serve to minimise the consequences of a rear-end collision.
All-round occupant protection. Through their carefully conceived
arrangement and appropriate dimensions, the load-bearing structures,
crash boxes and deformation zones effectively protect the passenger cell
from impact energy. Within the interior itself, carefully interacting
restraint and safety systems masterminded by one central safety unit
ensure individual safety and protection for each of the car's occupants.
The frontal, hip, thorax and curtain head airbags, belt latch tensioners
and belt force limiters are all activated by sensor-controlled safety
electronics as a function of the type and severity of a collision. In
the interest of safe driving at night, the new BMW 3 Series Coupé
comes as standard with bi-xenon headlights, with the adaptive headlight
and turning light functions available as options. Through the striking
looks of their light rods, the rear lights also ensure superior safety
in the dark. Two-stage adaptive brake lights, in turn, help to prevent
the risk of collisions from behind: In the event of a particularly
forceful braking manoeuvre, the adaptive brake lights come on over a
larger area, encouraging drivers following from behind through the
larger and brighter brake lights to apply their brakes all-out as well.
Four seats, lots of space: the interior. Considering its engine output
and dynamic qualities, the new BMW 3 Series Coupé appeals above
all to the sporting and active motorist. Still, the driving pleasure the
car has to offer is a truly outstanding experience not only for the
driver himself, but also for up to three passengers accompanying the man
- or woman - at the wheel. For the new BMW 3 Series Coupé is
conceived and designed as a genuine four-seater, offering ideal
conditions for relaxed travelling in style on all seats. The centre
console extending all the way back to the rear subdivides the rear seats
bench into two independent, separate seats offering passengers generous
headroom and freedom of movement in general thanks to the low-slung seat
position. Access to the two rear seats is facilitated by the comfort
entry function on the front seats. The backrest release lever for the
front seats is positioned at exactly the right ergonomic point at the
top on the outside of the seat backrests themselves. Offering capacity
of 440 litres or 15.4 cubic feet (430 litres/15.1 cubic feet on the BMW
335i Coupé), the luggage compartment sets yet another record in
this segment. Substantial capacity is also provided by the folding
storage boxes in the inner door panels. Indeed, this special feature
provided for the first time in the new BMW 3 Series Coupé allows
the driver and his passengers to take along their belongings in
appropriate privacy, kept appropriately out of the way of prying eyes
looking in from outside. An innovation for extra comfort: automatic
seat belt feed. The front seats in the BMW 3 Series Coupé also
ensure superior comfort on long distances and excellent side support on
winding roads and in dynamic bends. And using the seat belts is
facilitated to an even higher standard by the newly developed belt feed
units literally handing the belts over to the driver and front passenger
once they have closed the doors and the driver has inserted the wireless
key into the box opening to the right of the steering wheel. With the
belts themselves being housed within the B-pillars moved far to the back
in typical coupé style, the belt feed unit is geared in its
function to the seat occupancy detector, meaning that the two belt feed
units are only activated when the front passenger's seat is also
occupied. And with the belt feed units being housed conveniently within
the side panels when not in use, they do not in any way disturb the
overall, harmonious appearance of the interior. The door openers, grab
handles, gearshift lever bracket and air vent adjuster, as well as the
trim rings in the leather sports steering wheel featured as standard,
all come in a special Pearl Grey chrome surface developed specifically
for the new BMW 3 Series Coupé - and the same colour is also
featured on the starter button trim. In both the petrol and diesel
models, all the driver has to do is press this button to start the
engine. The design of the cockpit as such also accentuates the sporting
and driver-oriented character of the Coupé, the driver's eyes
immediately focusing on the speedometer and rev counter extending up to
280 km/h or 175 mph and, respectively, 8,000 rpm on the BMW 335i
Coupé (and 260 km/h or 160 mph and, respectively, 7,500 rpm on
the other models). Individual and exclusive features. Offering a wide
range of safety and comfort features, the BMW 3 Series Coupé
makes even the shortest trip an outstanding experience in pleasure.
Numerous customisation options also give the driver the opportunity to
tailor his or her car to his personal wishes. Supplementing the wide
range of standard equipment, therefore, the new BMW 3 Series
Coupé is available with a large number of high-tech solutions for
audio, navigation, and telematics purposes, features originally
developed strictly for the luxury performance car and now making their
way into this segment. Again, this clearly underlines the exclusive
character of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé.