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BMW has issued the following press release:
Sport sedan enthusiasts everywhere will soon have cause to celebrate an automotive landmark. Next spring the all-new BMW 3 Series will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
As with its predecessors, the fifth generation BMW 3 Series raises the sport sedan benchmark – decisively and significantly. Continuing to improve a concept that BMW pioneered more than forty years ago, the new 3 Series offers greater performance, safety and security as well as greater comfort and convenience.
Groundbreaking six-cylinder with light-weight magnesium crankcase
From the start the new 3 Series will be available with a choice of two in-line 6-cylinder engines, continuing a 3 Series tradition. The all-new 3.0-liter unit in the 330i offers a significant increase in performance. It is rated at 190 kW (258 DIN hp). In BMW’s ongoing pursuit of weight reduction, this engine is the first in large-scale series production to use magnesium which, compared to aluminum, is 30 percent lighter. Magnesium is used in the crankcase, the crankshaft bearings and the cylinder head cover.
This engine is also the first six-cylinder to use BMW VALVETRONIC. With infinitely variable valve lift in place of the traditional throttle butterfly, this system improves both throttle response and fuel efficiency. Like previous BMW engines which have incorporated VALVETRONIC, the gains are impressive. In the case of the 330i, horsepower increases by 13%, while fuel consumption decreases by 12%. This unique technology works in tandem with BMW’s double-VANOS variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. The new 330i will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in approximately six seconds.
Also there is the 325i with 160 kW (210 hp) and from next summer there will be a four-cylinder 320i, capable of 110 kW (150 bhp) and 200 Nm at 3600 rpm. The 320d rounds-up the engine line-up with common-rail technology. It is capable of 120 kW (163 bhp).
Six-speed transmissions on all models
All models will be offered with a choice of a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. — BMW 330i performance package.
Starting the engine at the touch of a button
The 3 Series is the latest BMW to feature the convenience of a start button. After firing up the engine at the touch of a button, all other functions operate seamlessly.
The standard for handling and agility is raised once again
Reflecting BMW’s rich heritage, the new BMW 3 Series continues some long standing traditions – engine mounted longitudinally up front, drive power to the rear wheels and near perfect 50:50 balance of weight over the front and rear wheels.
Several enhancements will ensure that this new 3 Series lives up to its reputation. Like other BMWs, the new 3 Series gets a double-pivot front suspension for improved responsiveness. The newly developed suspension is made of aluminum to further improve responsiveness and comfort by reducing unsprung weight.
A new five-link rear suspension contributes to the improvement in handling and comfort. The new rear suspension is made of lightweight steel.
Active Steering: unique in this segment
The new 3 Series becomes the first car in its class to offer anything approaching the benefits of BMW’s unique Active Steering.
In the new 3 Series, BMW Active Steering has been enhanced to provide an additional active safety benefit.
Latest generation DSC offers additional benefits
BMW’s latest Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporates new features which provide the driver with even more benefits. A new brake-drying feature can improve braking in wet weather, detected using the rain sensor and/or wiper activity, by gently rubbing the brake pads on the rotors to help keep the pad surface dry. A new Brake Standby feature can reduce braking response time by readying the brakes for application whenever the driver abruptly lifts off the accelerator pedal. The new Starting Assistant feature is designed to prevent rollback when starting off on a grade without having to use the brake pedal or handbrake. — BMW M3 Concept Car.
All of these features will ensure that the BMW 3 Series will maintain its leadership, not only in handling and responsiveness, but in active safety as well.
The BMW 3 Series – the quintessential sport sedan
The design of the new 3 Series is at once bold, dynamic and elegant. Positioned right in the epicenter of BMW’s modern design spectrum, the 3 Series fits comfortably between the sportiness of the Z4 and the elegance of the 7 Series.
Compared to the outgoing model, more generous exterior dimensions ensure even greater spaciousness and comfort for all passengers. At 4520 mm, the length increases by 49 mm. The width at 1817 mm increases by 78 mm. Vehicle height is 1421 mm. The wheelbase is 2760 mm.
Body shell improvements: lighter, stiffer, safer
Not only is the body shell of the new 3 Series larger it is also designed for greater stiffness, leading to improved comfort and safety. A new joint and crossbar concept for the car’s load-bearing structure increases body stiffness by 25 percent without increasing the car’s weight, thanks to intelligent lightweight engineering through the use of more highly developed steel and molding technologies.
The safest 3 Series ever, particularly in side impacts
The new 3 Series is designed to achieve the best results in the very demanding EuroNCAP crash test.
The list of passive safety features includes intelligent front driver and passenger airbags, hip/thorax side airbags and the BMW Head Protection System in curtain form.
Proven technology for an extra measure of safety and security — Audi A4 Cabriolet Concept.
Two-stage Adaptive Brakelights enlarge the brake light area in hard braking or whenever ABS is activated. This brighter warning can help following drivers to react more quickly. Runflat tires come standard. In the event of a puncture, the driver can continue for up to nearly three hours at speeds up to 50 mph, allowing him or her to get the tire repaired or replaced in a safe and secure area by skilled personnel.
The new 3 Series will be available with optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights. The previous BMW 3 Series was the first vehicle to offer these lights, which turn slightly whenever the front wheels turn. Greater illumination around bends improves visibility, particularly on winding roads.
Interior: Modern and purposeful
The new interior reflects the modern ambience seen in other recent BMW designs. The interior is more spacious and more luxurious for drivers and passengers alike. The driver is also offered an environment that is designed to enhance the driving experience. As before, an onboard navigation system will be available. In the new 3 Series the system will include BMW’s iDrive control system for convenient operation.
Get in and go without a key
The optional Comfort Access makes the conventional ignition key a thing of the past. A uniquely coded transmitter, referred to as the ID Sensor, enables the driver to enter the car with the ID Sensor in a pocket and start the engine by pressing a button, without ever touching the ID Sensor. The ID Sensor, in conjunction with Key Memory, sets the driver’s preferences for power seat position, mirrors, automatic climate control and, if equipped with optional iDrive, the radio station presets.
Luxury class infotainment systems
The new 3 Series is able to take advantage of the full range of BMW’s information and entertainment features. The DVD-based onboard navigation system provides quick and accurate route planning and destination information. The standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system can be upgraded to include the Logic7 surround sound system, as offered in the 7 Series.
The new BMW 3 Series will once again raise the sports sedan standard.
