2012 BMW 3-Series – Automobiles Review

BMW is The Most Reliable Brand in the UK for 2012

BMW is the most reliable car company in the UK… and not only there. Still, this is according to a survey of the 50 largest contract hire and leasing companies in the country.

BMW has repeated its double victory in the 2011 FN50 survey coming top as most reliable car manufacturer as well as having three cars in the top 10 with first place taken by the 3-Series. Other premium models have also moved up – the VW Golf is one place higher and the third-place Audi A4 is five positions higher than in 2011.

The BMW 1-Series and Ford Focus scored equal points to achieve joint 8^th place, while the final place in the top 10 is taken by the BMW 5-Series, proving the latest version of the car is as reliable as its predecessor.

Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK commented:

“To have three of our biggest selling cars in the top ten is a fantastic achievement and our customers will take great heart from realising they not only drive a class-leading car in terms of efficiency and driving pleasure but also one that is the most reliable too”.

2012 Top 10 most reliable cars: (2011 position in brackets)
1 BMW 3 series (1)
2 Volkswagen Golf (3)
3 Audi A4 (8)
4 Honda Civic (-)
5 Honda Accord (2)
6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (-)
7 Audi A3 (4)
8= BMW 1 Series (-)
8= Ford Focus (-)
10 BMW 5 Series (10)

2012 Top 10 most reliable car manufacturers: (2011 position in brackets)
1 BMW (1)
2 Audi (2)
3 Honda (3)
4 Volkswagen (4)
5 Toyota (5)
6 Ford (8)
7 Skoda (10)
8 Mercedes-Benz (7)
9 Nissan (6)
10 Volvo (-)

Source: BMW

November 7, 2012

AC Schnitzer 2012 BMW 3-Series F30 [video]

AC Schnitzer has always created something special from “boring” family saloons like BMW 3-Series. This is their latest project based on the all-new BMW F30.

AC Schnitzer boosted the Diesel range significantly: 318d and 320d to achieve 171 HP (126 kW) and 218 HP (160 kW). The performance upgrades for the 328i and 335i will realise 294 HP (216 kW) and 360 HP (265 kW) but both are still in the final development stage. One thing is for sure: with the AC Schnitzer performance upgrades the 3 series will have an even more impressive presence.

The saloon makes itself heard with the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with one or two chromed “Racing” tailpipes. A pure optical enhancement is given by the AC Schnitzer “Racing” tailpipe

In the 3 series by AC Schnitzer, you ride out life’s ups and downs on the AC Schnitzer suspension spring kit. In combination with lowering, this ensures that you can never lose ground adhesion even on turbulent, twisty events. This is guaranteed with the AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV BiColor and silver, Type VI and Type VIII in 18 to enormous 20”, which form a solid yet sporting and elegant basis for the wheelarches.

A new addition to the AC Schnitzer range is the Type VIII wheel in BiColor silver. This comes in 18, 19 and 20 inch and impresses with its sporting elegance. The colouring – lacquered silver with bright turned aluminium accents – makes it appear even larger.

The ACS3 reveals its inner values with the AC Schnitzer “Black Line” aluminium cover for the BMW “i-Drive” system controller, several gear knobs, the “Black Line” aluminium handbrake handle, the aluminium pedal set, a foot rest and floor mats in velours. But that’s not all:

The aerodynamic components from AC Schnitzer make the already excellent standard model into a vehicle with even more dynamism and sporting ambitions. The AC Schnitzer front spoiler, chromed front grille, rear roof spoiler, rear spoiler and rear skirt extension, complemented by design stripes are also now available.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX9n4FAnlQg

Source: AC Schnitzer

October 2, 2012

KW coilover kit for the new 2012 BMW 3-Series F30

The new BMW 3-Series – the F30 is exceptional car. It comes with better engines, nice aerodynamics and good material quality. Its sports nature is all over the car, but KW will add a little more aggressiveness with a special coilover kit Variant 3+ “inox-line” which is part of the worldwide Top-aftermarket products.

“In the new design of the KW coilover Variant 3+ we have integrated the compression adjustment wheel in the bottom of the housing. To adjust the rebound damping, the adjustment wheel has to be attached on top of the front axle piston rod.”, commented Johannes Wacker, KW Product Manager.

“For example when drivers replace the tire / wheel combination from BMW against a bigger tire set or if the dimension of the standard break system will be changed thru a performance modification, this can be considered when adjusting the rebound”,, he added.

The KW coilover kit Variant 3+ ensures already in basic setup an increase of the steering precision and tracking. Even at a lowering of up to 65 mm at the front and 60 mm at the rear axle in combination with 20” alloy wheels and Dunlop tires, the rolling comfort at the BMW F30 will not be affected.

KW also offers coilover kits Variant 1 and Variant 2, which are a lot softer, but still can be adjusted to give better performance.

All three KW coilovers for the BMW F30 are manufactured in long life stainless steel technology and allow a continuous lowering within the German TÜV-tested adjustment range of 40 – 65 mm at the front axle and 30 – 60 mm at the rear axle.

Source: KW

August 27, 2012

BMW has won two awards from What Car?

BMW has earned 1st places in two categories at the What Car? Awards event. The new BMW 3-Series Saloon has topped Best Compact Executive Car category, while the 2012 BMW X3 took home the accolade of Best SUV of the year.

2012 BMW 3-Series F30 with EfficientDynamics package is the most economical car in its class. However, it was not just the BMW 3 Series’ outstanding economy that stood out for the judges; it was commended for being smooth and refined whilst still offering that sheer driving pleasure.

“The new BMW 3 Series is great to drive, with sharp steering and a well judged chassis. But the biggest gains are in efficiency; it delivers 60mpg and CO2 emissions so low that it falls into the cheapest 13 per cent company car tax band for diesels. It’s a convincing winner of our Executive Car of the Year award.”, commented Chas Hallett, What Car? editor-in-chief.

“It is a testament to the quality and refinement of the BMW 3 Series to win this prestigious award for seven consecutive years. To have this consistent recognition, across the generations, for all of the hard work that goes into producing BMW’s core model is a great honour.”, Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK added.

On the other hand, the superb 2012 BMW X3 xDrive20d was awarded the top honour in recognition of its exceptional blend of efficiency, practicality and quality. It has achieved incredible results – 50.4 mpg on combined cycle with emissions of just 147g/km CO2.

“There’s more competition than ever among SUVs, but the BMW X3 wins the category award by offering lots of space, excellent fuel efficiency and a beautifully finished cabin. It’s a great family car, really – and its running costs are around those of a regular hatchback.”, Chas Hallett, What Car? editor-in-chief finished.

Source: BMW

January 13, 2012

2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan F30

BMW has revealed the all new 2012 3-Series F30 Sedan. This is the sixth generation of the world’s best-selling premium saloon. The car will hit the market in February next year and it will build on the current model’s position as the ultimate drivers’ car in its sector. It will also be the most logical business proposition, thanks to new powertrains and additional EfficientDynamics fuel-saving, emissions-reducing technologies.

BMW F30 is larger and more spacious than E90. It is also lighter and quicker, more fuel-efficient; and more nimble and agile while even safer. There have been big steps forward in style, quality, comfort and specification for only a minimal price increase. A wider choice of trim levels and an extensive personalisation programme will allow 3 Series Saloon buyers to order virtually a bespoke car.

F30 continues to be the ultimate driver’s car by featuring rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, agile chassis set-up and responsive engines.

The engine range includes a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol unit with whopping 245PS and 350Nm of torque. This engine is installed in 328i and replaces the six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines in the previous 325i and 330i. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a staggering 44 mpg on combined cycle with CO₂ emissions below 150g/km. The new unit features High-Precision Direct Injection, BMW’s new TwinScroll turbocharging, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening technology. The other petrol engine on offer is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo unit in the 335i.

The diesels are an improved 2.0-litre in 320d with 184PS and 320d EfficientDynamics with 163PS, which is capable of doing 68.9mpg fuel consumption and just 109g/km CO₂. Previously only available as a manual, the 320d EfficientDynamics is also now available with the new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Less than a month after launch, three new engines will be added. There will be 316d and 318d diesels, powered respectively by 116PS and 143PS variants of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus another version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will slot into the new 320i, and will be tuned to deliver 184PS and 270Nm of torque, with the same free-revving, supremely flexible character of all other BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engines.

BMW UK can confirm that towards the end of 2012 it will introduce four-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains to the 3 Series Saloon for the first time in the UK. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been available on the 3 Series in some markets previously, and has now been engineered for right-hand-drive cars. It will be of particular benefit to owners who live in areas prone to extremes of bad weather, and will be available with selected petrol and diesel engines.

The ActiveHybrid 3 will arrive at roughly the same time, and will use the powertrain recently announced for the ActiveHybrid 5. This pairs the 335i’s 306PS six-cylinder engine with an up to 40kW electric motor in a particularly intelligent and efficient way.

Check out the price list, below!

Model	Price OTR from	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO₂ Emissions g/km
BMW 328i Saloon	£29,060	245	350	5.9 (6.1)	155*	44.1 (44.8)	149 (147)
BMW 335i Saloon	£35,525	306	400	5.5 (5.5)	155*	35.8 (39.2)	186 (169)
BMW 320d Saloon	£28,080	184	380	7.5 (7.6)	146 (143)	62.8 (64.2)	120 (118)
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon	£28,080	163	380	8.0 (8.1)	143 (141)	68.9 (68.9)	109 (109)

*Electronically limited.

Source: BMW

October 14, 2011

2012 BMW 3-series and 1-series Performance Editions

BMW has released two special edition models exclusively for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The manufacturer hits the market with two new Performance Edition models based on the popular BMW 1 Series and 3 Series.

The 2012 BMW 1-Series Performance Edition comes with an M aerodynamic package, dark chrome 18” M light alloy wheels, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, dark chrome exhaust tailpipe and dark line rear lights. There are also M Sport Suspension, sport seats with Royal Blue stitching, M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and gearshift leaver, floor mats with Royal Blue piping and London 2012 exterior badges complete the sporty look.

The Performance Edition is available on the 116i, 116d and 118d three- and five-door models. Prices start at £19 530 OTR for a BMW 116i Performance Edition three-door.

The 2012 BMW 3-Series Performance Edition also comes with M aerodynamic body kit, M sport multi-function leather steering wheel, sport seats, floor mats with blue piping, 18-inch light alloy wheel, chrome exhaust finisher and London 2012 exterior badges.

Prices start at £23 195 OTR for the BMW 318i Performance Edition Saloon.

The BMW Performance Editions are available in a choice of four colours; Alpine White, Titanium Silver, Bluewater and Black Sapphire, and are on sale now.

Source: BMW

July 12, 2011

Tag: 2012 BMW 3-Series

BMW is The Most Reliable Brand in the UK for 2012

AC Schnitzer 2012 BMW 3-Series F30 [video]

KW coilover kit for the new 2012 BMW 3-Series F30

BMW has won two awards from What Car?

2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan F30

2012 BMW 3-series and 1-series Performance Editions