The New BMW 3 Series

Car enthusiasts really have a special highlight to look forward to next
spring. For that is when the new BMW 3 Series will be making its world
debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Now entering the market in its fifth
generation, the BMW 3 Series is moving up the benchmark once again in a
big and significant step. Acknowledged for 30 years as the best car in
its class, the new BMW 3 Series comes with a whole range of innovative,
impressive improvements on the engine and chassis, and in terms of
motoring comfort. Making its world debut with four new engines.
Entering the market on 5 March 2005, the BMW 3 Series is setting out
with no less than three petrol power units and one diesel engine, all
of which offer a significant increase in performance, refinement, and
economy. Indeed, each engine as such is a highlight in itself:
Six-cylinder with extra-light magnesium crankcase. The straight-six in
the top-of-the-range BMW 330i offers a significant increase in engine
output by 20 kW/27 bhp over the former model, engine power now peaking
at 190 kW/258 bhp. Muscular torque of 300 Nm/221 lb-ft is maintained
consistently between 2500 and 4000 rpm. All together, this makes this
new three-litre the most powerful and lightest six-cylinder in its
segment. In the interest of minimum weight, BMW is using magnesium in
this new power unit for the first time in large-scale series
production, with a decrease in weight versus aluminium by 30 per cent.
Specifically, magnesium is used on the crankcase, the crankshaft
bearings, and on the cylinder head cover. Another new feature on this
six-cylinder is BMW VALVETRONIC varying intake valve opening times and
lift infinitely as a function of the accelerator position. The result
is even more efficient use of fuel and even faster engine response.
This superior technology comes in a team with BMW's double-VANOS
variable camshaft adjustment on the intake and outlet valves. The BMW
330i accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. Top speed is
electronically limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph. Average fuel consumption,
finally, is 8.7 ltr/100 km (32.5 mpg Imp) in the composite EU cycle.
The BMW 325i is also making its debut in spring 2005, with maximum
engine output of 160 kW/218 bhp at 6500 rpm, maximum torque of 250
Nm/184 lb-ft between 2750 and 4250 rpm, 2.5 litres engine capacity,
acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.1 sec, top speed of 245 km/h or 152 mph,
and fuel consumption in the EU combined cycle of 8.3 ltr/100 km (34.0
mpg Imp). BMW 320i with high-output four-cylinder. The BMW 320i is
the most powerful four-cylinder in the range. Based on the two-litre
straight-four so far designated the BMW 318i, this equally superior
power unit featuring VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS variable camshaft
adjustment delivers maximum output of 110 kW/150 bhp at 6200 rpm, with
maximum torque of 200 Nm/147 lb-ft at 3600 rpm. This accelerates the
BMW 320i to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and gives the car a top speed of
220 km/h or 136 mph. Fuel consumption in the EU combined cycle,
finally, is 7.4 ltr/100 km, equivalent to 38.2 mpg Imp. These
improvements over the previous engine already acknowledged as a genuine
performer are attributable to the optimisation of both the intake
manifold and exhaust system. It almost goes without saying that the
range of petrol engines in the BMW 3 Series will be enlarged
step-by-step, our "basic" four-cylinder rounding off the
line-up as of autumn 2005. Continuing the successful story of the
sports diesel - the BMW 320d. The diesel engine in the BMW 320d means
supreme dynamics in every respect. Featuring second-generation common
rail technology as well as an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable
turbine geometry, this four-cylinder develops a staggering 120 kW/163
bhp, plus equally superior torque of 340 Nm/251 lb-ft at 2000 rpm.
Clearly, with perfomance figures of this kind both drive comfort and
engine dynamics are "best in segment" in every respect. The
car's acceleration is equally impressive, with the 320d reaching the 100
km/h mark in 8.3 seconds. Top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph, fuel
consumption a mere 5.7 ltr/100 km, equal to 49.6 mpg Imp. And at the
same time the BMW 320d naturally complies in full with the EU 4
emission standard. Six-speed transmissions on all models. All models
come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox or, as an option,
six-speed automatic transmission. Benefitting from the additional gear,
the closer increments, as well as the larger range between the lowest
and highest gear, the driver is able to select engine speeds perfectly,
each gear merging smoothly into the next. This is a particular
advantage when setting off, with first gear being configured for even
more muscle and pulling force. In all, the new BMW 3 Series is even
more dynamic on the road, accelerating even faster than before and
achieving a higher top speed. And all this comes on even less fuel with
a higher standard of all-round economy. Starting the engine at the
touch of a button. A new feature in the midrange segment is that now,
benefitting from the comfort start function, the driver only has to
briefly press the starter button in order to fire the engine. All other
operations then continue automatically without any further
intervention. Top-of-the-range technology for enhanced driving
dynamics. Reflecting BMW's great heritage, the new BMW 3 Series comes
with all the characteristic features of the brand, that is with the
engine fitted longitudinally, drive power going to the rear wheels, and
perfect axle load distribution of 50:50. Clearly, features of this kind
make a significant contribution to the superior agility of the new BMW
3 Series. The double-joint front axle newly developed for the 3 Series
and made completely of aluminium ensures an optimum balance of driving
dynamics and motoring comfort. Directionaly stability is improved to an
optimum, roll noise reduced to a minimum. And despite its low weight,
the aluminium front axle is extra stiff and sturdy. The five-arm rear
axle made of lightweight steel, in turn, ensures supreme agility and
dynamic handling at all times. Further advantages are precise wheel
guidance and very good roll comfort. Active steering: unique in this
segment. A unique feature available for the first time in this segment
is BMW's active steering coming as an option in the six-cylinder
versions of the new BMW 3 Series. Active steering provides a more
direct transmission ratio at low and an indirect ratio at higher
speeds, thus solving the conflict of interest between agility,
stability, and comfort, which conventional steering simply cannot
offer. Now, in the new BMW 3 Series, BMW active steering is being
enhanced by an additional feature particularly important in everyday
motoring: Whenever you apply the brakes on surfaces with varying
frictional coefficients such as spots of ice, snow and asphalt, active
steering, actively intervening in the steering control, stabilises the
car more quickly and more precisely than a "regular" motorist
would ever be able to do. Latest-generation DSC. BMW's DSC Dynamic
Stability Control featured here in its latest generation also ensures
safety of the highest standard. On the six-cylinder models DSC comes
additionally with useful functions such as dry-breaking of the brake
discs on wet roads, Brake Standby with the brakes being alerted by
pre-aligning the brake linings, a Start-Off Assistant preventing the
car from rolling back when setting off on a gradient, as well as
anti-dive control when applying the brakes slowly. As a result of all
these features and improvements, BMW's sports saloon is once again
increasing its leadership in driving dynamics, an area which has always
been a stronghold of the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series - a dynamic but
elegant saloon. In its design language, the new BMW 3 Series is a
unique, self-confident contender clearly boasting its qualities as a
dynamic but elegant sports saloon. Positioned right in the epicentre of
BMW's modern design spectrum, the new 3 Series harmonising the body
design of the BMW Z4 or the BMW 1 Series with the elegance of the 5 and
7 Series. Characteristic features are the short overhangs, the
greenhouse moved far to the back, and the long engine compartment lid.
With the new model being considerably larger both outside and inside,
the interior is bright, spacious and generous reflecting the lifestyle
of its target group. Expressed in simple facts and figures, overall
length is 4520 millimetres or 178.0" (49 millimetres or 1.93"
more than on the former model), width measures 1817 millimetres or
71.5" (+78 mm/3.1"), and height is 1421 millimetres or
55.9" (+6 mm/0.24"). Wheelbase, finally, is 2760
millimetres/108.7" (+ 35 mm/1.38"). Bodyshell improvements:
lighter, stiffer, safer. Even stiffer but lighter than before, the
bodyshell of the new BMW 3 Series makes a significant contribution to
the car's perfect concept harmony. Intelligent lightweight engineering
in this case means the specific use of further developed steel and
moulding technologies. A new joint and crossbar concept for the car's
load-bearing structure increases body stiffness by 25 per cent, without
increasing the weight of the car over its predecessor. In collisions
from the side: the safest 3 Series of all times. The new BMW 3 Series
is designed to achieve best results in the EuroNCAP crash test. It is
also one of the first cars in the world fully prepared for the
extremely demanding side-crash requirements in the USA as well as the US
high-speed rear impact test. Apart from optimised belt systems, the
passenger safety system comes as standard with six airbags: frontal
airbags for the driver and front passenger, hip/thorax airbags, and
curtain head airbags. Proven technology for extra safety. Apart from
dual halogen headlights featured as standard, the customer also has the
choice of bi-xenon headlights with or without an adaptive light function
as an option. Dynamically adjusting the position of the headlights in
an infinite process, the bi-xenon headlights with their adaptive
headlight function ensure perfect illumination of the road ahead geared
to current driving requirements. The result, clearly, is much better
visibility for the driver. This pays off particularly in bends, where
the headlights dynamically following the course of the road quite
literally guide the driver along as if by magic. Featured as standard,
the two-stage Brake Force Display enlarges the brake light area as soon
as the driver really pushes down the brake pedal or when ABS cuts in.
The motorist following from behind will perceive this intuitively as an
emergency braking maneouvre, thus applying the brakes hard himself and
saving vital stopping distance in the process. The new BMW 3 Series
also comes as standard with runflat tyres enabling the driver to
continue for up to 250 kilometres after a puncture at a speed of up to
80 km/h or 50 mph. Clever solutions inside the car - premium class
space and comfort. The interior of the new BMW 3 Series is modern and
harmonious, the generous ambience creating a feeling of controlled
dynamism and lightness. The occupant quite literally feels the two
characters combined harmoniously within the 3 Series: that of the
comfortable midrange saloon and that of the sports driving machine.
Harmonious integration of superior functions for the driver and
passengers. Following BMW's typical philosophy, the cockpit is clearly
structured and driver-oriented. The driver zone gives the man - or
woman - at the wheel all the information he or she needs, ensuring
optimum clarity at all times. The middle section serves as the comfort
zone within perfect reach of the driver and front passenger. Combining
high information density with ease of control. The new BMW 3 Series
combines optimum control with equally superior ergonomics. Controlling
important features such as the air conditioning and radio is easy,
convenient and safe. Complex systems with high information density are
masterminded by iDrive featured as an option together with the fitment
of a navigation system. In this case the display comes in a binnacle in
the middle of the instrument panel. The controller enables the driver
to select the various functions and navigate through the individual
menus. Unlocking the car and setting off without an ignition key. With
iDrive eliminating the conventional array of buttons and knobs in the
cockpit, Comfort Access available as an option makes the conventional
ignition key a thing of the past: A transmitter referred to as the ID
Sensor enables the customer to enter the car and start the engine
without even touching the key. And in conjunction with Key Memory, the
ID Sensor also serves, inter alia, to set the seat position, the
mirrors, automatic air conditioning and radio reception according to
the customer's wishes entered in advance. Ultra-fast cooling and
heating. Conceived for maximum comfort and ease of control, the air
conditioning in the new BMW 3 Series ensures exceptionally fast cooling
and heating behaviour. In addition, the driver, front and rear
passengers are able to set their own, personal temperature, benefitting
from an optimised, automatic anti-mist function. Luxury class
infotainment systems. The wide range of information and entertainment
features in the new BMW 3 Series comes from BMW's luxury performance
cars. Enjoying the advantages of DVD data systems, the customer has the
choice of either the Business or Professional navigation unit both
available as optional extras. The optional Professional Logic7 HiFi
system, in turn, provides a special surround sound effect within the
car. On cars fitted with a telephone as an optional extra, the driver
or passenger may also retrieve all services through BMW Assist
enhancing motoring comfort and driving safety to a maximum: emergency
call, BMW breakdown assistance, BMW Info, traffic information, as well
as mobility-related enquiry services.