|
Page 1 of 3
The new BMW 3 Series is making its world debut at this year's Geneva
Motor Show. Marking the fifth generation of this unique model series, the new car is once again moving up the benchmark significantly.
Acknowledged for 30 years as the best car in its class, the 3 Series comes with a wide range of innovative, tangible progress on the engine and suspension, and in terms of motoring comfort.
Making its world debut with four new engines.
Entering the market, the new BMW 3 Series is setting out from the start
with three petrol engines and one diesel power unit. All four of these engines
offer a significant increase in power and performance, motoring refinement,
and all-round economy. Indeed, each of these new power units is a highlight for itself in its own right.
Six-cylinder with crankcase made of extra-light magnesium.
Developing 190 kW/258 hp, the straight-six in the top-of-the-range
BMW 330i outperforms its predecessors by 20 kW or 27 hp. Maximum
torque of 300 Nm or 221 lb-ft is maintained consistently between
2,500 and 4,000 rpm, making this the most powerful and lightest six-cylinder in its segment.
To reduce weight to a minimum, BMW is for the first time using magnesium
in large-volume production, that is a material 30 per cent lighter than aluminium. This very special and efficient material is used specifically on the
crankcase and the crankshaft bearings as well as on the cylinder head cover.
A further new feature in the six-cylinder is VALVETRONIC engine management masterminding the engine opening period and intake valve lift infinitely as a function of the gas pedal position. This allows even more efficient use of the fuel supply and makes the engine even more responsive. These qualities are further enhanced by double-VANOS variable camshaft management on both the intake and the outlet valves.
The BMW 330i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph, fuel consumption in the EU tests cycle is 8.7 litres/100 km or 32.5 mpg Imp.
Last but of course not least, the BMW 325i is also making its debut in
spring 2005. The most important facts and figures are 160 kW/218 hp maximum output at 6,500 rpm, 250 Nm/185 lb-ft peak torque
between 2,750 and 4,250 rpm, and engine displacement of 2.5 litres.
BMW 320i with an even more powerful four-cylinder.
The BMW 320i is the most powerful four-cylinder in the range based
on the two-litre straight-four previously homologated as the BMW 318i.
Also featuring VALVETRONIC as well as BMW's variable double-VANOS camshaft management, this engine develops maximum output of 110 kW/150 hp at 6,200 rpm, with maximum torque of 200 Nm/147 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm.
Acceleration to 100 km/h comes, as a result, in 9.0 seconds, with maximum speed of 220 km/h or 136 mph. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle, finally, is 7.4 litres/100 km or 38.2 mpg Imp.
This improvement of the most important facts and figures over the previous engine already acknowledged as very dynamic lies in the detailed optimisation of the engine's intake and exhaust systems.
The range of petrol engines in the BMW 3 Series will naturally be expanded step-by-step in the course of time, a "basic" four-cylinder rounding off the
line-up as of autumn 2005.
The BMW 320d continuing the successful story of the
BMW Sports Diesel.
The diesel engine is transformed into pure dynamics in the BMW 320d: Featuring second-generation common rail technology as well as an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, the four cylinders of
this outstanding engine develop a very substantial 120 kW/163 hp plus outstanding torque of 340 Nm/251 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm. Drive comfort and
dynamic performance, as a result, are both best in segment.
The car's acceleration is equally impressive, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph, fuel consumption 5.7 litres/100 km or 49.6 mpg Imp. And at the same time the BMW 320d naturally complies in full with the EU4 emission standard. Six-speed gearbox on all models.
All models come as standard with BMW's six-speed manual gearbox or,
as an option, with six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the additional gear, its closer increments, as well as the larger range of gear ratios between the smallest and highest gear, the driver is able to shift smoothly from one gear to another, without the slightest "gap" between gears. This is particularly advantageous when setting off, with the first gear being laid out for even more power and pulling force. As a result, the new BMW 3 Series is even more dynamic than its predecessor, accelerating faster and reaching an even higher top speed. And to round off all these benefits, fuel consumption has been reduced accordingly.
Starting the engine at the touch of a button.
A new feature in the midrange segment: Benefiting from the comfort starter, the driver only has to briefly press the starter button in order to start
the engine. All other functions in starting and warming up the engine are handled automatically.
Top-end technology for an even higher standard of driving dynamics.
Following a great BMW tradition, the new 3 Series again comes with all the characteristic features of the brand, that is the engine fitted lengthwise, engine power going to the rear wheels, and a superb axle load distribution of
50:50 making a significant contribution to the high standard of agility offered by the new BMW 3 Series.
The double-joint front axle newly developed for the BMW 3 Series and made entirely of aluminium ensures an optimum balance of driving dynamics
and motoring comfort. Directional and tracking stability are superb, roll noise is reduced to a minimum. And despite its low weight, the aluminium front axle is very stiff and sturdy.
The five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel design ensures supreme agility
and sports handling at all times, guaranteeing precise wheel guidance and very good roll comfort.
Active Steering: Absolutely unique in this segment.
For the first time in the midrange segment, the customer now has the choice of optional BMW Active Steering in the six-cylinder models of the new
BMW 3 Series: Active Steering maintains a more direct transmission ratio at low speeds and provides a more indirect transmission at high speeds,
thus ideally solving the conflict of interests between agility, stability, and comfort arising time and again with a conventional steering system. |
Geneva Auto Show 
Sunday, 11 May 2008
BMWsport Home | BMW Racing News | Racing Schedules | BMW AG News | BMWsport Site News | Photo Galleries | BMW e30 Owners | For Sale | Giveaways | Sponsors | BMW Tech | Geneva Auto Show | 2006 BMW M5 | NAIAS | Product Reviews | Special BMW's | BMW History | Main Download Page | BMW Wallpapers | Videos | WinAMP Skins | Search | Links | Affiliates | Sitemap | 