BMW 3 Series: Updated Model
Motoring Channel Staff - 16/July/2008
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BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has a new look inside and out
The 3 Series diesel models get engine upgrades
With a more sculpted design, the new 3 Series
conveys the image of luxury motoring succinctly
With a 24mm wider rear track, the new BMW
3 Series is expected to boast an improved ride
With a new iDrive controller and an 80Gb hard
disk, BMW has given the 3 Series a tech upgrade
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Munich, Germany — BMW has come clean with the first new images on the updated 3 Series range. The new model will available first in Europe, and BMW has confirmed the updated models will arrive in Australia early in 2009. No prices have been set, but expect them to follow current Australian pricing which starts at around $51,000. Some
of the new features of the updated 2009 models include a slight
restyling of the exterior design, and a retooled 3.0-litre turbo
diesel engine for the 330d models. New look headlights
with smoother, more fluently designed front aprons and bold character
lines on the engine hoods highlight the new look BMW 3 Series' front
end, which now has closer visual links with the new 7 Series flagship
model. New technical-look LED indicator lights are
added when xenon headlights are optioned and larger kidney grilles also
differentiate the new model's look which is expected to generate
renewed interest from previous BMW owners and new buyers alike. The side skirts of the 3 Series range - which includes sedan and touring (wagon) - have also been restyled "with greater
emphasis on the dynamic character lines along the side of the car" reads the BMW press release. Completing
the redesign of the new BMW 3 Series range are new doors mirrors that
"offer a wider field of view and employ concave and convex styling" and
a new look derriere that includes new rear aprons and LED brake light
clustersthat adopt "a more pronounced 'L-shape'". Boasting a more flowing design, the new models also benefit from revised rear suspension to improve ride and handling. The
rear track (width between the wheels) has also been extended by 24mm
which should improve road holding to "deliver even more driving
pleasure" according to BMW. Changes to the two diesel models, which are crucial for the European markets, have also been made. The
BMW 320d 4-cylinder diesel models are more efficient and belch out less
carbon dioxide, gaining EU 5 compliancy, while the larger 6-cylinder
3.0-litre diesel models have been rejigged for improved performance. As
such, the BMW 330d models now get high pressure direct diesel injection
which lifts power to 180kW (245hp) and torque to 520Nm - enough pull to
tow a caravan. Citing changes to the turbocharging systems and standard features such as a diesel particulate
filter and oxidation catalyst, the 6-cylinder diesel models also comply with EU 5
exhaust emission standards. While
performance has improved in the 6-cylinder diesel models, with the zero
to 100km/h sprint taking a very sportscar-like 6.1 seconds, the
BMW 330d is still very efficient, using 5.7 litres of fuel
per 100km. Carbon emissions of 152g/km are also fairly
impressive for an engine of this size. All models,
including the 4- and 6-cylinder petrol models whose engines remain the
same, are available with an updated 6-speed automatic transmission
"with optimised shift dynamics and minimised converter slip" says BMW.
Changes
to the interior of the new BMW 3 Series are wide ranging, including an
upgrade in technology such as the adoption of an in-built 80
gigabyte hard drive that can rip music
from both CDs and portable MP3 music players and improve satellite navigational processes. The
interiors feature "revised and enlarged storage areas" along with the
"new generation" iDrive system. A lot has been said of BMW's iDrive
system in the past, but the German car maker will employ
an ergonomic controller that is similar in design to the item
being used on the upcoming 7 Series flagship. As
well as range of new and updated technologies, BMW has improved the
safety systems of the 3 Series line-up by adding crash-activated
dynamic head restraints as standard on all models. These help reduce
the severity of whiplash effects in the event of a rear-end impacts. The
new 3 Series Sedan and Touring will arrive in Australia early in 2009.
Model variants, specification and pricing for the local market will be
announced closer to launch. Related articles:
- BMW 7 Series (2008)
- BMW
Hydrogen 7 (2007)
- BMW
Concept CS (Concept)
- BMW GINA Light Visionary Model (2008)
- BMW
M3 Coupe (2008)
- BMW 335i Coupe (Road Test)
- BMW X6 (2008)
- BMW
X1 (2010)
- BMW
130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW
120i (Road Test)
- BMW
6 Series Update (2007)
- BMW
120i (Road Test)
- BMW
3 Series Convertible (2007)
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