Andy_Bangle Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Here it is, BMW's next bread and butter model, the F30 3er. The sixth generation mid-size BMW has grown considerably compared to its predecessor. It is 93 mm longer and an augmented wheelbase at 2,810 mm (+50mm) as well as wider front (+37 mm) and rear (+47 mm) tracks. The increase in dimensions promises to address one of the model’s disadvantages compared to the competition, namely that of rear passenger space. The new model now offers 15 mm more legroom and 8 mm more headroom for rear seat passengers. Yet, despite the increase in size, numerous weight saving measures help make the new 3-Series up to 40 kg (88 lb) lighter than the model it replaces (depending on the version). BMW’s best-selling model will initially be offered at launch with four TwinPower turbocharged engines: two petrol and two diesel units, which are available with two transmissions, a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic, the latter being a first in its class. The gasoline range comprises of the 328i and 335i, both equipped with the fuel-saving EfficientDynamics package. The 328i is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic variable valve timing. The 328i ditches the naturally aspirated inline-six for the new turbocharged, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder (N20) variant that develops 240HP at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft from 1,250 rpm to 4,800 rpm. The new 328i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 130 mph or 155 mph for the Sport Line trim. The 335i gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (N55) with 300HP at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of peak torque delivered constantly between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm. BMW says it completes the 0-60mph sprint in 5.4 seconds (same for both transmissions) while top is speed electronically governed at 130 mph (210km/h) and 155 mph (250 km/h) with Sport Line. BMW notes that in the EU cycle, the 335i gets 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers (35.7 mpg) for the manual, and 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers (39.2 mpg) for the 8-speed auto. In the fall of 2012, BMW will add the ActiveHybrid 3 to the range of the 3-Series. It features a 300HP inline 6-cylinder engine and a 55HP electric motor for a combined output of 335HP and 330 lb-ft. Average consumption in the EU test cycle is less than 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (41.1 mpg). The 184HP 320d and the 163HP 320d EfficientDynamics turbodiesels: The more powerful engine accelerates the 3er from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.5 seconds, tops out at 235 km/h (146 mph), consumes 4.5 lt/100 km (62.8 mpg) of fuel and emits 118 g of CO2 per km. In the 163HP EfficientDynamics diesel version the corresponding numbers are 8.0 seconds, 230 km/h (143 mph), 4.1 lt/100 (68.9 mpg) and 109 g/km. The new 3-Series will also feature the Driving Experience Control system that in addition to its three basic modes, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, offers an Eco Pro setting that can reduce consumption up to 20%. For the first time, three BMW’s new sedan will be offered with three different configurations named Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line that allow buyers to customize their car. They can also opt for the M Sport package which adds 10 mm (0.4 inch) lower as well as firmer suspension, harder anti-roll bars, 18- or 19-inch M alloy wheels, chrome exhaust pipes, exclusive bodywork paint and sport interior trim. Of course, there will be a long optional equipment list with features such as the Adaptive M Sport suspension, Head-Up Display, ConnectedDrive infotainment system, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, parking assistant, real-time traffic info and the lane change and lane departure warning systems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 It looks little different to the old one in lots of places, hardly radical is it. Interesting that they have the three different trim leves will have to see what the specs are like. Same also that there is only one petrol straight six, what is happening to the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted October 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 I like the look of the M-pack, waiting to see the coupé. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Yeah it looks good, but the front has elements close to the current 3 non M-Sport. I guess I was hoping for a bigger change and it's certainly not cheap but then what cars are these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stooH Posted October 16, 2011 Report Share Posted October 16, 2011 Strange that they've got two versions of the 320d why not make the more powerful one a 323d? The specs for the more powerful one are amazing though, 7.5 to 62 and 62mpg! Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted October 16, 2011 Report Share Posted October 16, 2011 Any idea when the new M3 is due? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted October 16, 2011 Report Share Posted October 16, 2011 Any idea when the new M3 is due? The Saloon is expected later next year much earlier than normal, but the coupe isn't out until 2013 I think so will be later on that year or even 2014, they are best gestimates from what I've read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted October 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 M3 F80 'spy video'. Biturbo (poss triturbo) V6 with DCT..? Lots of rumours flying about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldavo69 Posted October 17, 2011 Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 My E91 isn't "the old model" just yet then either Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted October 17, 2011 Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 M3 F80 'spy video'. Biturbo (poss triturbo) V6 with DCT..? Lots of rumours flying about. These "disguised" cars make me laugh. Oh, and have you seen this thing linked to at the end of the vid above - it's sick bro 2XyV6Dstnyo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted October 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2011 These "disguised" cars make me laugh. Several years ago I used to run a SpyShot forum, back then pictures used to be just that - Spy Shots. These days the automotive builders run their test mules around for months/years before launch, no sneaking about. It's all part of the PR machine now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted October 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Configuration website on-line: BMW 3 Series Sedan : 360° view Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanG Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 must be in a mood today, but that as a design, leaves me very cold. BMW, Audi, Merc, Infinity, Hyundai etc etc are all kncoking out cars that seem to be identical, and identically dull looking. Sure it will drive fine and be quick and have some nice leather and stuff, but it just looks boring. Where have all the designers gone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 They've all gone to KIA and Jaguar Land Rover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 They've all gone to KIA and Jaguar Land Rover. :roflmao:I was going to say the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 The Saloon is expected later next year much earlier than normal, but the coupe isn't out until 2013 I think so will be later on that year or even 2014, they are best gestimates from what I've read. Well it seems that the 4 series coupe and thus the new M4 isn't going to be out until 2014. So an M3 will be saloon only and the M4 will be the coupe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 That'll be the marketing boys and girls covering off the fact that Audi have got a 4 saloon and a 5 coupe. Don't you just love 'em? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Yep, apparently they were going to do it for the last refresh but bottled it, but Audi's success with the split means they are following suit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golfer Posted February 20, 2012 Report Share Posted February 20, 2012 I drove the "Modern 328i" last weekend, it was nice quick and responsive. I am waiting for the XDrive 35D M Sport, now that should be a good car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 The new 328i, which has a 2 litre lump. Go figure with their naming now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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