BMW 3 Series (F30)
The BMW F30 series, the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars. The car will also be available as a touring (designated as F31) in the fall of 2012. It is the successor to the E90 model and was unveiled by automaker BMW on October 14, 2011 in Munich, Germany. The world premier was broadcasted live over the internet through Facebook. It was released as a 2012 model and has been on sale since early 2012. The F30 sedan was launched on February 11, 2012 by BMW Press.
The BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics is the most widely used vehicle in the London 2012 Olympics due to BMW’s official partnership. New for 2012 is the introduction of a four-cylinder engine for North America since the 318i of the late 1990s. The new 3 Series is also the first to introduce the new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching the BMW kidney grille.
STYLING
The new BMW 3 Series has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor. The styling is similar to previous generations with a sweeping bonnet, short front overhang, and long wheelbase typical of previous generation BMW. The front and back of the BMW 3 Series is now wider (+ 34/77 mm at the front/rear) with a slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. The rectangular headlights extend up to the frame of the kidney grille merging the headlight and grille adding further emphasis to a more broader stance. Exterior mirrors also have integrated turn signal lights. The rear lights return to the traditional BMW L-shaped design positioned at the outer edge of the back end. The interior continues BMW design by angling the cockpit towards the driver by seven degrees. In the driver’s area all the lines converge on a single point behind the wheel. Positioned on the horizontally-structured instrument panel is the freestanding iDrive monitor. Large drink holders are now integrated into the centre console in front of the gearshift lever. The BMW 3 Series can also be ordered with three distinct design variants. The Sport Line, Luxury Line, and Modern Line features different exterior and interior design elements for each line.
[1]Sport Line
The distinguishing element in the sport line is the high-gloss black that gives a more dynamic appearance to the BMW 3 Series. Eight black kidney grille slats in a chrome-colored surround gives the front end of the car a sporty look. Black inserts in the front apron make the air intake and wheel arches appear larger. High-gloss black painted exterior mirrors and B-pillar and window guide add to the sportier look. Finally a black trim strip on the lower crease underlines the width-enhancing effect of the rear styling along with a black tailpipe. The sporty interior ambiance is expressed by contrasting red and black accents. Red trim rings, red scales in the dials, red stitching on the steering wheel underline the ambiance of the cockpit. The ignition key is also specially identified by its black finish and red detailing. From July 2012, it will also gain the M Sport package.
[2]Modern Line
Satinated aluminum underlines the contemporary character of the Modern Line. The BMW kidney grille, with 11 satinated aluminum slats, and double trim strips for the air intakes in the same color gives the front end a contemporary look. Satinated aluminum is also used on the B-pillar and window guide at the front and rear. The interior has a lighter characteristic with a oyster-colored instrument cluster with chronoscale. The interior utilizes a three-dimensional wood surface that is more tactile. The ignition key is identified by its oyster finish and silver detailing.
[3]Luxury Line
The Luxury Line is defined by high-gloss chrome elements that portrays an elegant and exclusive appeal. The BMW kidney grille with 11 chrome slats, two slightly offset chrome trim strips in the front apron air intakes, and high-gloss chrome trim strip running horizontally above the air scoop gives a more striking appearance. The window frame and weather strip are also in chrome. The rear has a high-gloss chrome strip that extends across the full width of the rear apron along with a chrome tailpipe. Inside the cockpit chrome surrounds the radio and air conditioning unit. The ignition key is identified by its black finish and chrome detailing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engines
Naturally aspirated straight-six engines from 325i/330i are replaced by BMW's new N20 turbocharged inline-four two literenginealready introduced in several other BMW models. The turbocharged inline-four is able to achieve better performance and economy than the naturally aspirated straight-six engine. The significant upgrade in power and efficiency is due to the use of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that utilizes technologies such as high precision direct petrol injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing. This results in a efficient way to extract more power from the engine, rather than using a larger displacement engine which adds to weight and fuel consumption.
Top of the range 335i has the same N55 engine as E90. The engine has been fine-tuned to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions to the predecessor unit while maintaining the performance.
Model | Engine | Power (@rpm) | Torque (@rpm) | 0–100 km/h in seconds | Top speed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
320i | 2.0 L | 184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp) @5000 | 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) @1250-4500 | 7.3 (7.6) | 235 km/h (146 mph) (235 km/h (146 mph)) |
328i | 2.0 L | 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp) @5000-6500[10] | 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @1250-4800 | 5.9 (6.1) | 250 km/h (155 mph) (250 km/h (155 mph)) |
335i | 3.0 L | 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) @5800-6000[11] | 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @1200-5000 | 5.5 (5.5) | 250 km/h (155 mph) (250 km/h (155 mph)) |
316d | 2.0 L | 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) @4000 | 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) @1750-2500 | 10.9 (11.2) | 202 km/h (126 mph) (202 km/h (126 mph)) |
318d | 2.0 L | 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) @4000 | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) @1750-2500 | 9.0 (9.2) | 212 km/h (132 mph) (212 km/h (132 mph)) |
320d | 2.0 L | 184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp) @4000 | 380 N·m (280 lb·ft) @1750-2750 | 7.5 (7.6) | 235 km/h (146 mph) (230 km/h (143 mph)) |
320d ED* | 2.0 L | 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) @4000 | 380 N·m (280 lb·ft) @1750-2750 | 8.0 (8.1) | 230 km/h (143 mph) (225 km/h (140 mph)) |
330d | 3.0 L | 262 PS (193 kW; 258 hp) @4000 | 560 N·m (413 lb·ft) @2000-2750 | (5.6) | (250 km/h (155 mph)) |
- Figures in brackets are for automatic gearbox.
- ED stands for Efficient Dynamics Edition.
Gearbox
Available gearboxes in the new 3 Series are the same as in the 1 Series: a 6-speed manual is standard, while an 8-speed automatic ZF-8HP (made by ZF Friedrichshafen) is optional.
Driving Experience Control switch can change the overall character of the car depending on the driving situation. The driver can choose between ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT, and SPORT+. Each of these predefined set-ups activates different settings for the relevant powertrain and suspension components.
BMW Connected Drive
The BMW ConnectedDrive is a range of technology to help with comfort, information, entertainment, and safety. Technology such as help with safety and information BMW Parking Assist, Surround View, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info Display. BMW Parking Assist helps driver maneuver into parking spaces automatically through the use of camera and parking sensors. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function not only maintains the desired distance to the vehicle in front but can slow the car down to a standstill in heavy traffic. Finally, Speed Limit Info helps alert drivers to current speed limit on the road by continuously scanning road-signs with the integrated camera in the rear-view mirror.
Other passenger comfort innovation includes Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI), information and office services, and Google Maps. BMW Connected Drive also utilizes external mobile phones and music players. Internet-based services such as weather, news, calendar entries, and text-based messages can be viewed on the iDrive operating system and read out via text to speech function. BMW Connected app also allows full in-car use of web radio as well as social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Finally the “My BMW Remote” app allows drivers to open and close the car and control heating from the outside. A number of driver assistance system also adds to the safety of the BMW 3 Series. Systems like full color head-up display, lane change warning system, and lane departure warning including collision warning.
BMW Efficient Dynamics
The increased efficiency of the BMW 3 Series is accomplished through the inclusion of auto start-stop, brake energy regeneration, and ECO PRO mode technology. Auto start-stop automatically switches off the engine during short stops at traffic lights or in stationary traffic to not waste fuel. Brake energy regeneration generates power for the vehicle electrical system during braking and overrun. When the engine is under load, the alternator can be disengaged. Finally, ECO PRO mode can modify powertrain management and heating and air conditioning to optimum efficiency, reducing fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent.
E90 COMPARISON
New F30 saloon is 93 mm (3.7 in) longer, 6 mm (0.2 in) wider (42 mm including mirrors) and 8 mm (0.3 in) taller than its predecessor (E90). The wheelbase is longer by 50 mm (2.0 in). Also boot space is bigger by 20 litres (0.71 cu ft). Even though the new 3 Series is bigger and has more standard equipment than its predecessors, it is lighter than the model it replaces. For example, the new 328i has the same weight as the outgoing 325i and the new 335i is 88 pounds (40 kg) lighter than the outgoing 335i.
Notable downgrades to the new 3-series from its E90 predecessor include the deletion of LED turn signals in both the headlight and tail light clusters, and the return to traditional bulbs.
LONGWHEEL BASE VERSION
The BMW 3 Series Li was premiered at the 2012 Auto China Show. Exclusively made for the Chinese automotive market is a long version of the 3 Series sedan. This vehicle will be produced in BMW's Shenyang production plant. The wheelbase is increased by 11 cm which increases rear knee room by 90mm.
sourse: wikipedia.org