BMW 3 Series

Overview

The BMW 3-Series has been one of the most successful executive saloons the car maker has ever made. The 3-Series always formed the base for the more powerful and sportier M3 which in itself justifies the kind of engineering that goes into making a 3-Series. Since its conception back in the seventies, the 3-Series has spawned into a family spanning five generations and now, it’s the time of the latest F30 generation. It has been launched in 2012. The new BMW 3-Series looks nothing short of stunning with the highly expressive headlights that blend into the famous twin-kidney grille. The intakes on the front bumper are there to vent air around the front wheels reducing drag. BMW call this “Air Curtain”.E ven in the Luxury Line trim the 3-Series oozes sportiness. It has a more aggressive stance its predecessor.

Inside, buyers can choose the interior options that best suit their tastes depending on Sport Line, Luxury Line and Luxury Line Plus trims. Of course, the 328i in Sport Line trim is the one to choose if you want a car with all the bells and whistles. The cockpit is angled towards the driver by seven degrees and puts all the important controls within easy reach to provide a sense of personal control and comfort. Seats in the all-new BMW 3 Series are electrically adjustable on both the driver and front seat passenger sides.The larger dimensions of the all-new BMW 3 Series (length +93 mm, wheelbase +50 mm) mean that the rear seat passengers can now enjoy extra legroom.

The new 3 Series has two engines- petrol and a diesel. The new BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine's displacement of 1,997 cc delivers maximum power of 245 hp. The 320d has an unchanged maximum power of 184 hp at 4,000 rpm. The new 3 Series is available with two engines- a diesel and a petrol. The 320d gives 19 kmpl which is a great figure. The petrol 328i will give 10-12 kmpl depending upon driving style. ECO PRO mode further helps save fuel.

The classic BMW 3-Series rear-wheel-drive set-up and a balanced weight distribution provide for great handling. The new BMW 3-Series is fitted with the electromechanical power steering system EPS (Electronic Power Steering), which uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance, with no concessions on the sporty steering characteristics for which this sedan is noted. The new BMW 3-Series thus uses lightweight sliding-calliper brakes with large vented discs. The aluminium front callipers bring a further reduction in unsprung masses. The brake system is further supported by various state-of-the-art electronic safety systems, which are integrated into the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system for improved driving dynamics and safety

The prices for the new BMW 3-series start at Rs 29 lakhs to Rs 38 lakhs. For this price you get a much more improved car and probably which is best in class too! For a detailed analysis read below

Interior

The larger dimensions of the all-new BMW 3 Series (length +93 mm, wheelbase +50 mm) mean that the rear seat passengers can now enjoy extra legroom. Behind the fully contoured front seats, 14 mm of additional knee room and 8 mm of extra headroom further enhance the passenger’s comfort. The volume of the luggage compartment has been increased by 20 litres to a total of 480 litres.

The cockpit is angled towards the driver by seven degrees and puts all the important controls within easy reach to provide a sense of personal control and comfort. Seats in the all-new BMW 3 Series are electrically adjustable on both the driver and front seat passenger sides.

The BMW iDrive (the on-board Driver Information System) with 6.5 inch high-resolution display and BMW Radio Professional are featured as standard in the all-new BMW 3 Series. BMW Navigation Professional (integrated Global Positioning System - GPS)

Interiors Details

• Boot Space

  The BMW 3 Series has a Boot space of 480 liters being an internationally acclaimed Sedan it’s quite good.

• Speedometer

  The instrument cluster comes with four analogue displays, which comprises of a Speedometer, a rev counter, the fuel gauge, oil temperature and other information display along with outside temperature as well as other on-board computer functions. All in all the other meters illuminate the Speedometer vehemently.

• Gear Lever

  The BMW 3series got classy looking gear lever which small in size, designed in curvy shape with chrome finish, it lies just in the middle console of the car. Though its speed auto transmission.

• Cup Holders

  There is an open compartment under the front center arm rest as well as the rear center console and there are a couple of cup holders.

• Glovebox

  Being a luxuriant Sedan Car BMW 3 series has a spacious Glove box at front.

• Audio System

  BMW 3 Series is loaded with luxurious accessories like, 6 CD changer, Multimedia appliances in different format and AUX IN port and USB/Audio Interface which helps to connect an external device easily to your CD player. One can now have complete control at the convenience of steering wheel. One can enjoy music with Hi-Fi Loud speakers system integrated with 10 speakers. There is a music interface for Smartphones too.

• Air Conditioner

  The BMW 3 Series has an automatic air conditioning, with powerful cooling system which enhances the comfort level of this Sedan. The standard air conditioning unit featured in the new BMW 3 Series employs an additional filter system that also becomes effective when switched to the air circulation mode.

• Arm Rests

  The BMW 3 series has its arm rest in the middle console both at front a rear which is quite comfortable when it comes to a luxuriant Sedan car like this.

• Air Vents

  The air Vents of BMW 3 series are very well designed by keeping the comfort in mind. The air vents are designed as such the can work in the climate control technology introduce by BMW. Each air vent of the automatic climate control system is controlled by a compact and centrally located flap mechanism, rendering additional stepper motors unnecessary. When opting for a two-zone automatic climate control system, both the driver and the front seat passenger are able to set the desired temperature f

• Seats

  The interior space is exceptionally comfortable and so is the spacious seating arrangement, which can easily have room for 5 commuters. The interiors of the BMW 3 Series include Dacota leather upholstery.

• Leg Room

  The leg room is 120/960mm (max/min) which is quite appropriate for a luxurious car like BMW 3 Series.

• Knee Room

  The Knee room is 850 /620mm (max/min) which much comfortable for the commuters in the BMW 3 Series.

• Shoulder Space

  The shoulder space is 1400 mm which indicates the passengers in the back can easily enjoy the ride while going for any long drive or trip of course a sedan like BMW 3 Series proves that.

• Head Room

  The head room is 940 / 920 mm respectively at front and rear which indicates the passengers in the back can easily enjoy the ride while going for any long drive or trip of course a sedan like Accord proves that.

• Steering Wheel

  BMW 3 Series possess a very sporty looking leather wrapped electronically powered three spoke steering wheel with audio controls and other functional controls mounted on it. All in all it’s a multifunctional power steering.

• Power Windows

  BMW 3 Series is equipped with power windows on each door. The arm rest beside the driver seat at the door has the control switches for the four windows, while each door got their own control switches on the respective doors in the Arm rest.

• Keyless Entry

  Looking upon the safety and elegance BMW 3 Series has the keyless entry option with remote In addition to controlling the power door locks for the driver's and all other doors, this system also lower all the power windows and other functionalities too. This allows drivers to vent the interior of the BMW as they approach their vehicle.

• Driver Information Display

  The driver information display in BMW 3 Series consist of four analogue displays, which comprises of a Speedometer, a rev counter, the fuel gauge, oil temperature and other information display along with outside temperature as well as other on-board computer functions.

Exterior

The new BMW 3-Series looks nothing short of stunning with the highly expressive headlights that blend into the famous twin-kidney grille. Having said that, don’t think for a moment that the shape of car isn’t designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, because it is. The intakes on the front bumper are there to vent air around the front wheels reducing drag. BMW call this “Air Curtain”.E ven in the Luxury Line trim the 3-Series oozes sportiness. It has a more aggressive stance its predecessor and in full sport trim it is a different animal all together.

Exteriors

• Front Design

  The outsides of this new BMW 3 Series luxury sedan are simply fascinating and polished with a signature BMW kidney shaped front radiator grille that has 11 slats and are finished in glossy chrome. The air intakes are black in color with a high gloss finish and in a line specific design. The large and aggressive head light cluster is equipped with Xenon powered headlamps, which have high as well as low beams and the standard four LED light rings as well. There are horizontal inserts in the front

• Rear Design

  The rear end BMW3 Series has a large wind shield with an elegant and neatly carved out boot lid, which has a prominent BMW insignia on the lid. The dynamic tail light cluster comes with a flashing function to help the vehicles behind tell the difference between a light tap of the brake or a hard stop. The exhaust pipe trim is also finished with high gloss chrome, which makes it look sportier and energetic.

• Side Profile

  The side profile is reflected by body colored external rear view mirrors, which are integrated with a side turn blinkers. The body colored door handles and the neatly carved out pronounced wheel arches have been fitted with a modish set of newly designed 17 inch multi spoke styled light alloy wheels. The side profile also has precise contours along with ascending lines. These lines stretch this premium sedan optically and enhance its dynamic character.

• Ground Clearance

  BMW 3 Series got a ground clearance of 140 mm which is quite good for Indian roads thinking about a luxurious sedan car.

• Bumpers

  The front body colored bumper has a couple of radiant fog lamps, which have a high gloss finish to its surrounds.

• Head Lamps

  The large and aggressive head light cluster is equipped with Xenon powered headlamps, which have both high as well as low beams. This advanced headlamp cluster comes with a new sophisticated features of a head light washing feature and the standard four LED light rings as well.

• Tail Lamps

  The dynamic tail light cluster comes with a flashing function to help the vehicles behind tell the difference between a light tap of the brake or a hard stop.

• Fog Lamps

  The BMW 3 Series has a couple of radiant fog lamps, which have a high gloss, finish to its surrounds in the front bumper.

• Tyres

  BMW 3 Series has a wheelbase of 2760 mm. The tyres measure up to be 205/55 R16.The diesel variant 320D comes with tyres that measure 225/50 R16.

• Alloy Wheels

  The BMW 320i has light alloy wheels measuring 360 7Jx16 with V spokes.BMW 330i has multi spokes light alloy wheels measuring 284 8Jx17 .The diesel variant 320D comes with star spoke light alloy wheels with dimensions as 283 7Jx16 .

• Outside Mirrors

  The BMW 3 series has body coloured and black outlined downwards outside mirrors which are electrically retractable with sleek turn indicators on it.

• Colors

  BMW 3 Series comes in different variant such as Havanna Sparkling Bronze, Black, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, Mineral White, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect, Mineral Grey, Orion Silver, Alpine White, Liquid Blue.

• Rear Wiper

  BMW 3 Series don’t have this rear wiper option.

• Roof Rails

  BMW 3 Series don’t have Roof rails option across its variants.

• Sun Roof

  The new BMW 3 Series luxury sedan also has a panoramic sun/moon roof on the top, which makes it more stylish.

• Spoiler

  BMW 3 Series don’t have this option.

• Side Steps

  BMW 3 Series don’t have this option.

• Spare Wheel

  Spare wheel space is there at the back boot of BMW.

Mileage Running Cost

The new 3 Series is available with two engines- a diesel and a petrol. The 320d gives 19 kmpl which is agreat figure. The petrol 328i will give 10-12 kmpl depending upon driving style. ECO PRO mode further helps save fuel

Mileage Running Cost

• City Fuel Economy

  BMW 3 Series gives 11.0 kmpl (approx.).

• Highway Fuel Economy

  BMW 3 Series gives 21.0 kmpl (approx.).

• Arai Rated Economy

  BMW 3 Series 18.88 kmpl (approx.).

• Tank Range

  The tank range of BMW 3 Series is 1000 Kms in one single tank which car bare 75 litres and the petrol variant can do 800 Kms in one full tank.

Comfort Suspension

In suspension, the front axle of the new BMW sports sedan is based on a proven design which provides an optimal fusion of driving dynamics and comfort. The wheel suspension combines maximum stiffness with minimum weight, while aluminium torque struts, wishbones and swivel bearings bring a substantial reduction in unsprung masses. Incorporating various significant improvements and refinements, the rear axle of the new BMW 3-Series makes an important contribution to the new model's improved driving dynamics and comfort. The ride is great now.

Comfort and Suspension

• Comfort

  The interior space is exceptionally comfortable and so is the spacious seating arrangement, which can easily have room for 5 commuters. The leg room is appropriate and so is the shoulder and head space, which gives a much unperturbed driving experience for all the occupants. The door sill finishers are in an aluminum finish with BMW Luxury lettering at the front. The premium upholstery integrated in this BMW 3 Series has a few options, to begin with the seats are covered in Move cloth Amber or t

• Front Suspension

  BMW 3 Series has Double joint spring-strut axle front suspension to ease driving at any terrain

• Rear Suspension

  BMW 3 Series a five link rear suspension.

Engine Performance

The new BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine's displacement of 1,997 cc delivers maximum power of 245 hp at 5,000 rpm while, thanks to twin-scroll turbocharging, the maximum torque of 350 Nm is developed at just 1,250 rpm and remains constant up to 4,800 rpm. These statistics translate the new BMW 328i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds, on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. The 320d has an unchanged maximum power of 184 hp at 4,000 rpm, and powerful torque of 380 Nm on stream between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. Standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of just 7.5 seconds.

Engine Performance

• Acceleration

  The BMW 320i picks up amazingly from 0 to 100kmph in a matter of 9.8 seconds

• Top Speed

  The BMW 3 Series reached a top speed of 216km/h.

• In Gear Acceleration

  The BMW 3 Series can reach 40-60 during overtaking acceleration at 1.79 seconds and 80-100 in just 2.64 seconds.

• Gearbox

  The BMW 3 series has 8 Speed Automatic Transmission.

• Power

  The 2012 BMW 3 Series comes in five guises out of which BMW 320d, BMW 3 Series 320d Luxury Line, BMW 3 Series 320d Sport and BMW 3 Series 320d Luxury Plus are all diesel variants and the only petrol variant is BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Line. The diesel variants hold a 1995cc engine four-pot, under their hood which is considered to be one of the best four-cylinder diesel mill in the auto world. The 2.0L diesel engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox which effectively churns

• Torque

  The 2.0L diesel engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox effectively churns out 184bhp peak power 380Nm torque @ 1,750-2,750rpm. The single gasoline variant also holds a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol motor with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger produces 245bhp power and 350 @ 1,250-4,800rpm.

• NVH Levels

  The BMW3 Series has the option of NVH controls so the noise levels are always at minimum.

Braking Safety

The classic BMW 3-Series rear-wheel-drive set-up and a balanced weight distribution provide for great handling. The new BMW 3-Series is fitted with the electromechanical power steering system EPS (Electronic Power Steering), which uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance, with no concessions on the sporty steering characteristics for which this sedan is noted. the new BMW 3-Series thus uses lightweight sliding-calliper brakes with large vented discs. The aluminium front callipers bring a further reduction in unsprung masses. The brake system is further supported by various state-of-the-art electronic safety systems, which are integrated into the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system for improved driving dynamics and safety

Brakes and Wheels

• Handling

  BMW 3 Series possesses great handling. All the variants of BMW 3 Series have disc brakes both at the front and rear, the braking of the car is efficient as well, the car has Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Run flat indicator. BMW 320i, 330i, 320D Corporate Edition and 320D Highline, all have a Double joint spring-strut axle front suspension and a five link rear suspension.

• Braking Performance

  All the variants of BMW 3 Series have disc brakes both at the front and rear. The braking of the car is efficient as well, having an Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

• Safety Features

  The safety features of the car include - Air bags that are present for the driver and front passenger, head airbags front to rear, side air bags for driver and front passenger, Antilock Braking System, Concerning Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Run Flat indicator, Safety battery terminal clamp, Bumper system with aluminum impact absorbers at the front and steel impact absorbers at the rear, integrated side impact protection, Ergonomic seat belt system at the r

• Abs

  BMW 3 Series have ABS.

• Traction Control

  BMW 3 Series has the option of Traction control which is named Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).