BMW launches new 3-Series
New saloon is central to carmaker's future
BMW has launched the new 3-Series, the car that makes up some 65 per cent of the company's UK sales. If BMW messes this one up, there will be blood on the carpet -- and a hole in the bank balance. The looks you can judge for yourself...
Engines
It gets four new engines, one diesel, three 
petrol-fuelled. At the top of the range is the six-cylinder unit that will power the 330i model. Developing maximum output of 258bhp, the top-of-the-range model outperforms its predecessor by 27bhp. You get maximum torque of 221 lb-ft between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm.
BMW reckons it's the most powerful and lightest six-cylinder in its segment. That's because BMW is using magnesium for the first time in volume production, which cuts weight by 30 per cent over aluminium. The crankcase, crankshaft bearings and cylinder head cover are all made of the ultra-light material.
BMW further says that the new Valvetronic system masterminding the opening times and lift of the intake valves makes even more efficient use of fuel injected into the engine, giving better engine response. It retains the double-Vanos variable camshaft adjustment for intake and outlet valves.
Performance of the 330i is 6.3 seconds for 0-62mph and a top speed of 155 mph (limited). BMW says the combined cycle fuel consumption is 32.5 mpg.
Transmission, steering and suspension
All models come as standard with manual six-speed transmission or, as an option, with six-speed automatic. Retaining the 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive, the new double-jointed, all-aluminium front axle offers better tracking stability and low roll noise, says BMW. The rear axle is a five-arm lightweight-steel component.
BMW's optional active steering has generated much controversy, with keen drivers giving it short shrift for lacking feel and being unpredictable. BMW reckons the advantage is a more direct steering transmission ratio at low speeds and a more indirect ratio at high speeds, reconciling the "conflict of interests with conventional steering system between agility, stability, and motoring comfort." Also, when braking on varying surfaces, such as patches of ice, snow and asphalt, active steering "stabilises the vehicle more quickly and precisely than a normal driver."
Features
Other options include adaptive headlamps that look round corners, while the brake force display illuminates more brake lights at the rear depending on how hard you stamp on the middle pedal. They all come with runflat tyres as standard, which allows the driver to drive for up to 150 miles at a speed of up to 50 mph after a puncture.
andy_b said:
and Audi....
although much as I hate the Bangle look, this actually looks just about OK.
slightly O/T suprised how many 1 series I've seen recently, must be selling quite well
"Just about OK" is not good enough. The front end is a mess. My old 3 series coupe looked much better. I'm sure it's a fine "drivers" car but it's no looker.
Will
uldis said:
I'm sure it's a fine "drivers" car but it's no looker.
Will
Sorry but can't be a drivers car with active steering...
More geared towards numpty execs then, or housewives...
>> Edited by uldis on Wednesday 19th January
13:09
In the real world where the alternatives include: Mondeo, A4, C5, 406 etc, it is a "drivers" car.
Will
This interior look almost normal. Transmission tunnel and surround looks nice with the "flame" surfacing!
I'm sure you could buy a new M3 steering rack which will not be active when they come out. Afterall, who's gonna buy one of these brand new anyway, who is a "driver" when the last 330Ci is so good anyway. It'll last a fair few more years still being the top of the class!
As usual though, BMW have done amazing work with the engine. Can't believe valvetronic could allow such a torque plateau right across the rev range!
I'm just waiting for the new M3, the M version is always the best meaasure of the bmw models imho...
Dave
uldis said:
I'm sure it's a fine "drivers" car but it's no looker.
Will
Sorry but can't be a drivers car with active steering...
More geared towards numpty execs then, or housewives...
>> Edited by uldis on Wednesday 19th January 13:09
I'm sorry but, with the greatest of respect, I don't agree. The fact of the matter is that a relatively heavy production car needs power steering. The BMW active system is fantastic.
I'm actually more interested in what the coupé will look like. I hear that it might look markedly different that the saloon...
The current 330Ci, with low front air dam etc, looks quite agressive, this looks to restrained at the front. Maybe the Coupe will be quite different like suggested!
jl34, the valvetronic is a new valve system, where by the lift of the valve is the throttle, ie, no throttle bodies like the M3 and no throttle butterfly on the intake like normal.
Valvetronic lifts the valves more or less depending on throttle position. In essence, it's the valve that acts like the butterfly, and so is much more accurate to air flow and temp etc, so is much more efficient.
The cam/valve phasing that the M3 evo had, Double Vanos, is evident in the top end engines still as far as I know. It was only ever a problem in the old M3 as far as I know.
Either way, this new 3 litre 6 pot is something very special. Very light, exceedingly torquey for it's capacity, and revs hard with alot of torque right to the redline.
Shame the engineering in BMW's is so good, but the cars are now becoming more sales focused than driver focused. You have to go to the M3 CSL or new M5 to really find the "drivers" cars that BMW used to deliver to a fair degree in even standard original 528 series or E30 325 series etc.
Uh well, there are still good ones I suppose
Dave
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