The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring

1. Introduction p.3 2. Design p.6 3. Drivetrain p.11 4. Chassis & safety p.20 5. Market and history p.23 6. Q & A p.30 7. Standard and optional equipment (see separate documents) p.32 8. Technical specifications: Saloon p.33 Touring p.41 9. Exterior and interior dimensions p.49 10. Power and torque diagrams p.51

1. Introduction

The new mid-life refresh of the fifth generation BMW 3 Series is set to
maintain BMW as the number one manufacturer of premium cars. With its
unsurpassed driving dynamics, executive class refinement and technological
innovation, the 3 Series has defined the compact executive segment since the
first E21 model appeared in 1977. Its dominance is so strong that the compact
executive segment has long been referred to as the 3 Series class by its
competitors. And this dominance makes the launch of any new BMW 3 Series an
important event in the calendar of the car-buying public and motoring
commentators alike. September 20, 2008 is therefore a date of note.

The BMW 3 Series might lead the pack but BMW has never lost sight of its
customers and their expectations. The BMW 3 Series starts at £21,475 OTR for a
318i ES Saloon and £22,665 OTR for a 318i ES Touring, and rises to the 335i and
335d Tourings priced at £36,170 OTR and £38,250 OTR respectively. This range
provides aspirational buyers, each with differing requirements, the opportunity
to comfortably enter, or stay with, BMW 3 Series ownership. For those wanting
the ultimate in 3 Series ownership, of course, the alphabet stops at M!

The range diversity is highlighted by the fact that a total of 24 Saloon and 24
Touring models are offered within the range, and that doesn't include M cars.
Such a diverse spread of engines, bodystyles, and specifications, in addition
to 73 optional equipment lines, means that very few identical cars are ever
made.

Klaus Kibsgaard, Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: "A new BMW 3 Series
is a big event and one that is clearly not lost on UK car buyers who have kept
the car at the top of its segment for more than a decade. Now more than ever
the BMW 3 Series is subject to some strong competition - both economic and
market-driven. But with award-winning engines, class-leading driving dynamics,
exceptional residual values, and low whole life running costs through
EfficientDynamics, the 3 Series range will wear its compact executive crown for
the foreseeable future and provide BMW with a strong sales performance for the
last few months of the year."

Design
The current generation of BMW 3 Series was launched to wide acclaim in Spring
2005. For 2008 the design of the car has been subtly enhanced to bring it up
to date. The front bumper, lower valance and headlight configuration have been
changed, while the bonnet now features precision lines to accentuate the
sporting nature of a BMW and give the car a more dramatic look. At the side a
re-profiled sill and larger door mirrors underscore the rear-wheel-drive
configuration and provide better rearward visibility respectively. At the rear
new headlight clusters feature LED light technology, a new bumper and
re-profiled boot lid complete the exterior design changes. Inside, the biggest
news is the introduction of an all-new iDrive concept for those buyers who
specify one of the two navigation systems. A new iDrive controller combines
with a new operating system and new menu features to deliver improved
functionality and ease-of-use.

Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series comes with a choice of award-winning powerplants. The
current, and twice overall, winner of the International Engine of the Year
awards powers the 3 Series as does a clutch of other title winning powertains.
The latest engine to be introduced to the 3 Series is an all-new 3.0-litre
six-cylinder diesel engine that records 245hp and 520Nm of torque, but still
posts a 49.6mpg combined consumption figure and an emissions figure of 152g/km.

Much of the new 3 Series range features powerplants that were recently updated
to feature EfficientDynamics technologies. A new development sees the
introduction of the 318d available with an automatic gearbox for the first
time. This move opens up another option to those buyers wanting diesel economy
with the relaxed driving characteristics of an automatic. No other
manufacturer can match BMW's heady mix of highly-efficient and dynamic engine
output and performance with its low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures.

Chassis and Safety
The BMW 3 Series features the same 50:50 weight distribution and front-engine,
rear-wheel-drive chassis as every non-X BMW models of the last 40 years. All
new 3 Series models come as standard with Dynamic Stability Control to enhance
the driving dynamics and provide a high degree of active safety. With its five
star EuroNCAP adult occupant impact, the BMW 3 Series provides a substantial
safety cocoon for the driver and passengers.

Market
The BMW 3 Series range comprising four different body styles, Saloon, Touring,
Coupé and Convertible, account for nearly half of all BMW UK's sales. The
launch of a new 3 Series is therefore a very important event for both car
buyers and the marque itself. The BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring went on sale
20 September and are offered in ES, SE or M Sport trim specifications with a
choice of five petrol and five diesel engines. One of the specification levels
also makes the 3 Series in the UK unique - the UK is the company's largest
market for M Sport models. No other market comes close in terms of sales of
this specification with UK buyers accounting for nearly double the number of
German customers who choose M Sport. The BMW 3 Series also offers strong
residual values for true low cost overall life ownership.

BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring key facts:

• The BMW 3 Series range incorporating Saloon, Touring, Coupé and Convertible
comprises 45 per cent of all BMW UK sales.

• The BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring are available with 10 different engine
options, 73 optional items of equipment and 48 levels of standard specification.

• BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are standard on all 3 Series Saloon and
Touring vehicles. Twelve of the variants emit less than 140g/km while 53 emit
less than 160gkm - the current BMW Group average CO2 emissions.

• To see more on the BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring log on to www.bmw-web.tv

See downloadable docoument for full table of technical detail by model -
Power / Torque / 0-62mph / Top speed / Combined / CO2