BMW 3 series: The New Generation

Sunday, 06 March, 2005

Concept: A class of its own which has sets new standards. The New BMW 3 series is the epitome of the sports saloon and has been determining the image of the brand for the past 30 years. The fifth generation has raised the bar yet further in the disciplines of design, handling, safety and driver orientation.

The new 3 Series has a unique design that fits harmoniously into the historic BMW 3 series and the design language of the new generation.

It's larger, faster and more economical - this is the best way to describe the new BMW 3 series in just a few words. The new saloon is currently unique with innovative assistance systems like the active cruise control ACC, cornering lights or the active steering with additional stability function, and also with the New Six Cylinder engines and the precision chassis.

Although the new generation has become 49mm longer and 78mm wider and 6mm higher the BMW 3 series is still the most compact sports saloon in its segment. Despite its size and wider range of equipment, it weighs the same as its predecessor. The reason for this is the intelligent lightweight construction concept from which the handling and the agility have also profited.

As regards to the Interior one could have numerous possibile combinations of material and leather in wide range of colours, as well as four different decorative strips, you can choose from a possibile 624 combinations for the interior - just let your imagination run wild!

The operation of the new BMW 3 series is tailored even more to the driver. Both sporty ambitious drivers as well as those who attach greater importance to comfort will feel at home behind the wheel. The basis comfort functions are conveniently postioned for both the driver and the passenger in the centre console.

The new BMW 3 series also carries a feature the likes of a Locksmith which recognises which key is opening it, and causes the key Memory functions to adjust, for example, the setting of the electric seat adjustment, lighting, wing mirrors and air conditioning and audio system to be set in accordance with the requirements of the key owner. With optional Comfort the driver can start without having to take the key out of his pocket.The key sends out an identification signal as it approaches the Vehicle.

Top Technology: A leader in its class. The claim to leadership isn't just restricted to the technology hidden under the body shell, but also encompasses customer benefits and comfort, space, safety and quality.

A completely unique engine concept lies behind the two straight six engines with a 2.5 and 3.0 litres cc. Innovations and intelligent lightweight construction make these the most powerful and light six-cylinder engines
compared to their competitors. The new engines demonstrate what the BMW group means by the term efficient dynamics; not only more power and torque, but also more efficiency and environmental compatibility.

With 190 kw / 258 HP, the six-cylinder in the 330i surpasses its predecessor by 20 kw / 27 HP even though the engine is around ten kilos lighter and consumes noticeably less. Its Maximum torque of 300 Nm is applied constantly from 2,500 to 4, 000 rpm. The 250 Km /h 330i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.3 seconds and consumes only 8.7 litres / 100 km on the basis of the EU average.

The 325i with 160 kw/218 HP and a maximum torque of 250Nm is also moving towards the market launch. The four cylinder petrol engine in the 320i with 2.0 litres cc hasbeen upgraded and now produces 110kw /150 HP. The common rail Diesel engine in the 320D has also been enhanced to 120 kw/163 HP and a maximum torque that has increased to 340 Nm.

All the 3 series models are now equipped as a standard with a six gear manual transmission. Upon request a six gear automatic with Steptronicis now available in the 3 series. More news will follow for those BMW associates once this New Generation arrives in Malta.