BMW 3 Series – Automobiles Review

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and the new BMW 3 Series Touring

2023 BMW 3-Series - front view

Targeted updates to the front and rear-end design shine an even brighter spotlight than ever on the sporting ability for which the BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring are renowned. BMW Operating System 8 including the BMW Curved Display brings extra modernity to the interior, and all variants of the new BMW 3 Series now come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and a newly designed selector lever.

With its elegantly sporty design and agile handling, the BMW 3 Series has provided a reference point for driving pleasure in the premium mid-size segment from day one. And it also represents the core of the BMW brand. The new edition of the sports sedan, which has enjoyed great success for over 45 years, and the Touring model – unveiled for the first time 35 years ago – will be launched in July 2022. Both models will be produced at BMW Group Plant Munich, while the new BMW 3 Series Sedan will also be made at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico. A variant of the Sedan developed specifically for the Chinese market will be built at the Tiexi plant in Shenyang operated by the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture.

Headlights and BMW kidney grille with a new design.

With its clearly structured surfaces, dynamic lines and large air intakes, the front apron adds even greater emphasis to the sporty appearance of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring. The redesigned headlights and kidney grille also give the car strong visual presence. The standard full-LED headlights are now much slimmer, with clear contours and daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L shape to create a harmonious and modern look.

Adaptive LED Headlights are available as an option, and are identifiable by the blue accents inside their covers. Blue light effects below the headlight units also give the front end a striking and high-class appearance in the hours of darkness. The Adaptive LED Headlights’ range of functions includes the cornering light and non-dazzling matrix high beam as well as dynamic headlight range control and variable light distribution.

The lightly modified contours and new double bars give the BMW kidney grille an even more powerful look. Air intakes in Black high-gloss positioned below the kidney grille cool the braking system and add a sophisticated touch.

New rear apron with clean and modern surface design.

A higher proportion of surfaces painted in the body colour and a clean-cut design lend the rear apron of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring a particularly sophisticated look. Horizontal lines, slim light units and flared rear wheel arches accentuate the width and muscular stance of the rear. The exhaust system’s tailpipe finishers now measure 90 or 100 millimetres in diameter, depending on engine variant.

The focus on dynamism and modernity woven into the exterior design is also reflected in the restructured model range. The new BMW 3 Series already has a boldly sporty appearance in standard specification – a visual quality further emphasised by the now standard M High-gloss Shadowline trim. Added to which, standard specification for all BMW 3 Series Sedan models now includes 17-inch light-alloy wheels.

M Sport package with new design, premiere for M Sport package Pro.

The stylistic dynamism of the 3 Series can be further strengthened with the M Sport package. It brings new design features including a honeycomb pattern for the BMW kidney grille, a new design for the front and rear aprons and likewise new M light-alloy wheels in 18-inch format with mixed-size tyres.

The BMW Performance models from BMW M GmbH also stand out with distinctive looks. As well as a BMW kidney grille in mesh design, M light-alloy wheels in 18-inch format – or 19-inch as an option – and trapezoidal tailpipe trims for the exhaust system, their exclusive design features also include M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss.

The M Sport package Pro is a new arrival on the options list. Available as an extension of the M Sport package as well as for the BMW Performance models from BMW M GmbH, this package includes extended M High-gloss Shadowline trim, M lights Shadowline and an M Sport braking system with red callipers. Retrofit items from the BMW M Performance Parts range offer distinctive options for accentuating the dynamic character of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring even more intently.

The range of exterior colours has been expanded to include Skyscraper Grey metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic as part of the M Sport package. The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic special paint finishes have been added to the range too. And customers can also choose from a selection of around 150 additional BMW Individual special paint finishes.

Newly designed cockpit with BMW Curved Display.

The interior of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring has been treated to a comprehensive update. The new interpretation of the brand-typical driver focus is embodied by the standard-fit BMW Curved Display. Here, a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches merge together into a single fully digital and high-resolution unit. This cutting-edge cockpit design has progressive digitalisation at its heart and enables the number of buttons and controls to be significantly reduced in favour of touch and voice control.

The selector lever for the eight-speed Steptronic transmission also has a new design. It is positioned in the control panel on the centre console along with the Start/Stop button, iDrive Controller, Driving Experience Control buttons, parking brake and other vehicle functions.

Three-zone automatic climate control and navigation system now come as standard.

An automatic climate control system with three-zone adjustment is fitted as standard in both the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring. The climate functions are operated by voice command or touch via the control display.

Other new additions to standard specification include an automatically dimming rear-view mirror, the extended storage package and Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear. All models now also come with the BMW Live Cockpit Plus including BMW Maps navigation system.

Wide variety of drive systems, eight-speed Steptronic transmission now standard for all models.

Among other signature features of the BMW 3 Series is the wide range of drive systems available. Highly efficient internal combustion engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and electrification in the form of plug-in hybrid and 48V mild hybrid technology, strike an exceptionally fine balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan can be ordered in three plug-in hybrid variants, and the new BMW 3 Series Touring in a choice of four. Added to which, four petrol and four diesel engines with four or six cylinders are offered for both the Sedan and Touring. This line-up includes a four-cylinder petrol unit with an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and an upgraded turbocharger system to optimise power delivery.

Heading the engine range for the Sedan and Touring are two BMW Performance models from BMW M GmbH with ultra-sporty characteristics. This means the BMW 3 Series covers an output range from 110 kW/150 hp to 275 kW/374 hp (fuel consumption, combined: 8.7 – 1.8 l/100 km [32.5 – 156.9 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle, CO2 emissions combined: 198 – 40 g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures in the NEDC cycle: –). Mild hybrid technology brings particularly rapid response and increased efficiency to the six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and the four diesel units.

All the engines for the new BMW 3 Series link up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. Its sporting character is reinforced by the likewise standard gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. Available as an option is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, which stands out with its particularly sharp shift dynamics, provides a Launch Control function for traction-optimised acceleration off the line and unlocks ultra-quick bursts of mid-range power with its Sprint function.

BMW xDrive is standard on the range-topping models. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system can also be ordered as an option for two of the petrol variants (BMW 3 Series Touring: one petrol), two diesels and the plug-in hybrid models.

Large selection of driver assistance systems.

A host of automated driving and parking systems are available to elevate the comfort and safety of the new BMW 3 Series to another new level. Standard equipment includes Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, which detects the presence of cyclists as well as vehicles and pedestrians, Cruise Control with brake function, the Speed Limit Display with no-overtaking indicator, Manual Speed Limit Assist and Lane Departure Warning with lane return. Options include lane change warning, the BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Professional*, which comprises the Steering and Lane Control Assistant and the Active Cruise Control system with Stop&Go function, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, the route monitoring function and traffic light detection.

Among the functions provided by the optional Parking Assistant are the Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant. The Parking Assistant Plus* – with Park View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View functions – and BMW Drive Recorder are also available as options.

Latest generation of BMW iDrive with BMW Operating System 8.

The multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8 introduced in the new BMW 3 Series leads the way into the digital future with powerful connectivity and data processing capabilities, plus intuitive interaction between the driver and vehicle. At the heart of this are the BMW Curved Display and the extended capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface between the driver and vehicle and for controlling the charging process for the high-voltage battery of plug-in hybrid models. While inside the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring, customers can make use of the Personal eSIM designed to work with 5G mobile technology, the BMW ID for individualising the user experience, and further improved smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Meanwhile, the BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades function keeps the new BMW 3 Series right up to date with the latest software. The content of the upgrades ranges from new services to improved vehicle functions.

* Initially available for the BMW M340i xDrive and BMW M340d xDrive

O2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan: Combined fuel consumption: 9.5 – 8.7 l/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 215 – 192 g/km according to WLTP; figures according to NEFZ: -)

The BMW 3 Series Touring: Combined fuel consumption: 1.9 – 1.4 l/100 km according to WLTP; power consumption combined: 18.1 – 16.1 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 42 -31 g/km according to WLTP; figures according to NEFZ: -)

May 18, 2022

2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo gets significant updates. Here is what you should expect

2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is one of the most attractive models out there. It is currently being prepared to be officially launched on the market this summer, and for that reason the Bavarian company has added some significant updates, which the new customers would most definitely enjoy.

Besides the benefit of the coupe-like appearance mixed with the spaciousness of a sedan and the boot capacity of a station wagon, the 3 Series Gran Turismo can now show-off with refinements on its exterior, three additional petrol and five diesel engines (by the way they offer more hp) as well as interior infused with high quality materials, new user interface for the Navigation system Professional and even improved smartphone connectivity feature.

18 Engines Out There

2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo engine

Yes, there is a total of 18 engine, transmission and drive configurations to choose for the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. The offer significant output gains but lower fuel consumption. As mentioned there are three new petrol units developing from 184 hp (135 kW) to 326 hp (240 kW), while the five new diesel variants produce 150 hp (110 kW) and 313 hp (230 kW). All come with the classical rear-wheel drive or BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, with six-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

The efficiency gains have been raised and the CO2 fumes are lowered considerably, says BMW. The numbers show improvements from 4.5 per cent in the BMW 318d Gran Turismo to 13,8 per cent for the BMW 320d Gran Turismo.

Exterior & Interior Updates

2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo front view

The first noticeable change is that the 2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is around 200 millimetres longer than the other members of the BMW 3 Series family. It also seems that the front and the rear have been made more dynamic and sportier. The front for instance gets new standard-fitted LED headlights and foglamps, as the rear features updated LEDs too.

The interior offers sophistication with its abundantly treated cabin, including additional chrome around the interior controls, new decorative wood elements, and more colours and leather trim variants. Inside is also more spacious, because of a wheelbase lengthened by 110 millimetres (now 2,920 millimetres). At the back, the boot offers 520 to 1,600 litres of load space.

The latest BMW Navigation system Professional will be offered as an option here. It benefits from more intuitive menu and it is easier for operation. Added convenience is now delivered for the smartphones, which can now also be charged and connected to the car’s external aerial wirelessly via an inductive tray.

Three Equipment Lines

If we have already convinced you to buy the new 2017 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, then you should also know that there is another choice to make. And it is the trim level. You can choose between Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport variants. Of course the latter comes in Estoril Blue shade, exclusively (the car featured in the gallery below).

There is a lot to be happy about the new 3 Series GT, isn’t it?

Source: BMW

June 8, 2016

Fresher Than Ever: AC Schnitzer Upgrades the Recently Premiered BMW 3-Series

2015 AC Schnitzer BMW 3-Series It is still fresh and new, but it has already a comprehensive upgrade: two 3-series LCI models are now geared with numerous additional features with the aid of tuning specialists AC Schnitzer. The engineering team has helped to improve the power units of the 316d and 335d to additional 139hp (102kW) for the 316d and 360hp (263kW) for the 335d model.

All the performance upgrades make the 3-series even more interesting and more appealing for customers and fans. In fact, one more time readers of magazines have voted AC Schnitzer for the best engine tuner.

The 3-series LCI models benefit from the incorporated adjustable AC Schnitzer Racing suspension with adjustable compression and rebound settings, while the ground adhesion is improved by combination of suspension components and wheel and tire sets. And in order to achieve visually appealing stance, the team geared special wheels that widens the wheelset for the 3-series models.

2015 AC Schnitzer BMW 3-Series

On the other hand, interior is geared with AC Shnitzer Black Line aluminum cover for the BMW i-drive system controller, widened choice of gear knobs, Black line aluminum handbrake handle and restyled aluminum pedal set. And for these who are still not satisfied: the tuner has also geared the vehicles with front spoiler elements, carbon mirror cover, rear roof spoiler and rear spoiler, along with stylish desigh stripes and rear skirt protective film. How cool is that?

2015 AC Schnitzer BMW 3-Series

Source: AC Schnitzer

November 27, 2015

Was D3 Bi-Turbo’s Facelift Necessary?

Alpina has finally demonstrated dthe D3 Bi-Turbo refreshment for sedan and estate models. As you know, the vehicle is influenced by the facelift of the BMW 3-Series and now it offers restyled grille, front spoiler, LED headlights and some changed graphics. The interior has also received its attention and now includes high-quality components and numerous more additions, that will be part of the standard equipment. For example, Cruise Control System and Park Distance Control System.

But the vehicle didn’t receive any changes on the drivetrain system. It will be still powered by the 3.0-liter diesel unit with two turbochargers which provide a total of 350 hp (275 kW) and 700 Nm of torque. Let us remind you that this set up provides a short 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of just 4.6 seconds and the top speed is 276 km/h (171 mph). In fact, as we see these stats look like enough, but I am pretty sure that there are numerous BMW fans, who wanted even more.

However, the facelift still remains an arguable topic. Even though it contributed for some minor cosmetic changes and some additional gadgets, we still wonder if it was that necessary. What do you think about it?

Source: Alpina

August 21, 2015

BMW 3 Series Family Gets Minor Updates for 2016 Model Year

The updated BMW 3 Series cars are here. There are minor updates throughout the range, but still the emblematic car family look stunning. The 3 Series has been an icon for over 40 year and in its sixth generation it continues to set standards for design, dynamic excellence and efficiency. New for the 2016 model year are some changes in the design, the advanced technologies featured and some engine range. Available in sedan and touring forms, I must admit that the 3 Series are more attractive than ever before.

Exterior

In terms of exterior changes, the updated model range receives various improvements. At the front, we see new aprons with redesigned air intakes. As an option, the car gets the Active Cruise Control (ACC), which has sensors integrated into the central air intake. The most prominent features here are the refreshed headlights and the LED daytime driving lights, while the full-LED headlights come as an option.

At the back, the new thing is the design of the rear apron, which features Line-specific trim element. Just like at the front, the car gets standard LED rear lights, further highlighting the sporting nature of the 3 Series.

Interior

The interior is updated via chrome highlights for the controls, air vents and central control panel. In fact, the centre console is entirely new and features sliding cover for the cupholders. Of course, BMW is offering a wide range of options, which can make the car as individual as one wishes.

Engine Range

There are exactly four petrol and seven diesel units available. They develop range from 116 hp (85 kW) to 326 hp (240 kW) and can be coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The latter comes as a standard on the BMW 330d, BMW 335d and BMW 340i Touring. In addition, the customer can choose whether to drive a rear-wheel drive or xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive BMW.

Precisely, the three-, four- and six-cylinder petrol engines are now sourced from the BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. The four-cylinder diesel engines include revised turbochargers, while the three-cylinder petrol engine is an entirely new option for the 3 Series.

The four-cylinder petrol engine makes a debut in the BMW 320i Sedan and 320i Touring, offering a combined fuel consumption starting at 5.3 liters per 100 km and emitting CO2 as little as 124 g/kg.

Another premiere is making the four-cylinder unit in the BMW 330i Sedan and 330i Touring with a fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km, as well as the six-cylinder petrol unit in the BMW 340i Sedan and 340i Touring. The latter has a combined fuel consumption rating, starting at 6.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions beginning at 152 g/km.

Impressive are the figures of the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition Sedan, which has a fuel consumption of 3.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km, and which develops 163 hp (120 kW).

Technology

Navigation system Professional and LTE mobile technology are the features that are entirely new for the 3 Series. The full-color BMW Head-Up Display shows all information in the driver’s field of vision. In addition, the new BMW 3 Series is the first model to support the fastest current mobile technology standard (LTE). What is more, Parking Assistant feature will help drivers to make automatic parallel parking.

BMW 3 Series family includes the Sedan, M Sport Sedan, M3, 320d Touring and its EfficientDynamics Edition. The models will go on sale in July, while pricing will be announced at a later date.

Source: BMW

May 8, 2015

BMW 3-Series GT ///M Performance by Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Motors is currently exhibiting another specially prepared BMW model – a 3-Series GT ///M Performance. The car comes with a number of styling upgrades drastically improving its presence.The Abu Dhabi 3-Series Gran Turismo boasts a set of 20” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires, a white body paint combined with the world famous ///M stripes. Other notable highlights include chromed dual exhaust pipes, a glossy black diffuser, carbon mirror caps and blackened front kidney grilles featuring M-colored finish. Last, but not least are the corner spoilers for the front bumper.BMW 3-Series GT M Performance looks pretty nice with the new upgrades. It is definitely a lot better than before and can make up for the oddly looking rear end.The overall length of the new BMW 3-Series GT is 4,824 m, which makes it even longer than the 3-series Long version (4,734 m). The hatchback offers significantly more luggage space – 520 liters – than the normal 3-Series. There is also a possibility of opening the entire fifth door. The 3-Series GT also offers more leg- and headroom, so it is a lot more convenient.The engine range is carried from the normal 3-Series as well as the transmission choice and RWD or xDrive (all-wheel drive) variants.

June 18, 2014

BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Scored at 2014 Annual Magazine Awards

BMW has once again took several awards from Automobile Magazine in the US. This time the winners are the 2014 BMW 3 Series Sedan and all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe. As the segment leader since its launch in 1977, the BMW 3 Series has now collected nearly 20 of Automobile Magazine’s awards. The BMW 4 Series Coupe is now also recognized as an All-Star in its inaugural year.

“The BMW 3 Series is a perennial Automobile Magazine All-Star award winner, with this being its eighteenth year on the list. For 2014, the 3 Series name refers to four-door models, while coupe and convertible versions get the 4 Series badge. The 3 Series/
4 Series sums up a lifetime of automotive hopes and dreams for generations of American automotive enthusiasts.”, noted the editors at Automobile Magazine.

The awards will be presented during the 2014 New York International Auto Show, which will showcase the full range of BMW 3-Series and 4-Series models including the new 4-Series Gran Coupe which makes its North American debut.

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 119 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.

Source: BMW US

April 8, 2014

2013 Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Based on BMW F30 and F31

Alpina has announced the new 2013 D3 Bi-Turbo based on BMW 3-Series F30 (Saloon) and F31 (Touring). The model boasts uncompromising performance with nice styling modifications.

The new D3 Bi-Turbo presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is a logical and consistent step: the extremely successful and proven straight-six 3-litre diesel with Bi-Turbo charging, known from the D5 Bi-Turbo and most recently also the XD3, now finds its way into the new and multi-award winning BMW 3-Series.

2013 Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel with 350HP (257 kW) at 4,000RPM and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) at just 1,500RPM. The engine is connected to an 8-speed ZF Sport-Automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 278 km/h (173 mph). The fuel consumption is extremely low – 6.0 liters / 100 km in city; 4.9 liters / 100 on highway and 5.3 liters / 100 in combined cycle. The curb weight is 1585kg (3487 lbs).

With the new BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo, Alpina is once again setting the benchmark, combining extraordinary performance and excellent efficiency with familiar Alpina virtues appreciated by the customers worldwide.

D3 BITURBO Saloon SWITCH-TRONIC

Dimensions
Length (mm)	4628
Width (mm)	1811
Height, unladen (mm)	1428
Wheelbase (mm)	2810
Track, front (mm)	1539
Track, rear (mm)	1556
Luggage capacity (l)	480
Fuel tank capacity (l)	ca. 57

Weight
Unladen (kg)	1585
Max permissible (kg)	2135
Permitted load (kg)	550
Max axle load, front (kg)	1020
Max axle load, rear (kg)	1175
Max trailer load, braked (kg)	1800
Max trailer load, unbraked (kg)	750

Engine
Cylinders	6 in line
Capacity (cc)	2993
Bore (mm)	84.0
Stroke (mm)	90.0
Compression ratio (:1)	16.5
Max output (kW / hp / 1/min)	257 / 350 / 4000
Max torque (Nm / 1/min)	700 / 1500-3000
Engine management	BOSCH DDE 7.31
Fuel type	Diesel
Emissions classification	EU6

Transmission
Transmission	8-Speed Sport-Automatic ZF 8HP70 SWITCH-TRONIC
1st	4.71
2nd	3.14
3rd	2.11
4th	1.67
5th	1.29
6th	1.00
7th	0.84
8th	0.67
Final drive ratio	2.81

Performance
Acceleration 0-100km/h (s)	4.6
Top speed (km/h)	278

Fuel consumption *
Urban (l/100km)	6.0
Extra-urban (l/100km)	4.9
Combined (l/100km)	5.3
CO² emissions (g/km)	139
Efficiency category	B

Wheels and tyres
Standard wheels and tyres	ALPINA CLASSIC 19″
Front	8 x 19 245/35 ZR19
Rear	9 x 19 265/35 ZR19

Standard Equipment

Adaptive ALPINA Sport Suspension

Air conditioning and radio control panel with Black High-gloss highlight

Airbags, for driver and passenger with seat occupant detection

Auto Start-Stop

Automatic air-conditioning, single-zone

Auxiliary input point for auxiliary playing devices (e.g. MP3 player)

BMW Emergency Call

Brake Energy Regeneration

Brake system 18″ high-performance, callipers painted in blue with ALPINA lettering

Centre armrest/centre console – rear

Door sill finishers ALPINA

Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO mode

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incl. Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

Exhaust system ALPINA, made by Akrapovič, stainless steel, two double-ended tailpipes

First aid kit and warning triangle

Floor mats ALPINA

Fog lights

Front spoiler ALPINA

Hands-free facility with USB interface

Headlight wash

Instruments ALPINA

Interior trim: ALPINA luxury wood Burled Elm

Kidney grille, Chrome with Black vertical slats, front air inlet with Chrome finisher

Move cloth upholstery

Paintwork: non-metallic paintwork in standard BMW colours

Production plaque

Radio Professional

Rear spoiler ALPINA

Rear valance ALPINA with two double-ended tailpipes

Remote control, including integrated key, in Black with insert in Chrome

Sport Automatic Transmission (8-speed) with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC

Sport seats, front

Steering wheel: SWITCH-TRONIC leather steering wheel with Multi-function

Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS)

Variable sport steering

Wheels: ALPINA CLASSIC 19

Xenon headlights

Source: Alpina

September 24, 2013

KW Automotive BMW 3-Series GT With Sportier Characteristics

The new BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo (GT) is higher, longer and wider when compared with the famous 3-Series station wagon. For this GT model, the tuners at KW Automotive have developed coilovers made of stainless steel.

There is a choice of adaptive KW DDC “Plug & Play” coilovers with electronic damper control KW coilovers Variant 1, Variant 2 and Variant 3. These four kits allow a continuous lowering of 30 to 55 mm at the front axle and 15 to 40 mm on the drive axle via the rear-axle height adjustment. In addition, the KW coilovers can be individually adjusted.

The KW coilover kit Variant 1 has fixed damping characteristics with a sporty and harmonic setup, while the BMW driver can adjust the rebound damper settings with his Variant 2. With the KW coilover kit Variant 3 has special adjustment technology, which regulates the compression damping separately with twelve clicks to influence potential rolling motion of the F34 body.

The overall length of the new BMW 3-Series GT is 4,824 m, which makes it even longer than the 3-series Long version (4,734 m). The adaptive KW DDC “Plug & Play” coilovers are compatible with the BMW electronics, and only for those BMW models which are equipped with optional adaptive series suspension. With only a BMW button in the center console, drivers can still choose between the BMW driving dampening modes.

Source: KW Automotive

September 19, 2013

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

Tuning Concepts BMW E92 in Stunning Transformation

Tuning Concepts BMW E92 is definitely a transformation that we will remember. The transformers are the company Tuning Concepts from the in Schleswig Holstein situated Neumunster. What they have done basically in this BMW, is to alter it visually completely.

First of all we can see that there is the two-tone paint in red and black. It is perfectly suited with both the fenders and the door-mirrors in a M3-look. In addition, this tuned E92 has been equipped with sports break system.

Furthermore, next to the coilover suspension delivered by Bilstein, the Crew from Tuning Concepts has attached special importance to the most decisive interface between car and road – the wheels.

Forged “concave” Gambit rims in the dimensions of 8,5×20 or 10×20 inch fit perfectly to the tiring is 235/30-20 and 265/25-20 and to the overall appearance of the car. At last, an alternative weight optimization was applied to the wheels.

Source: Miranda Media

September 26, 2012

BMW test driver crashes in a 3-Series F30 Hybrid

Horrible accident happened on the Autobahn in Germany. A BMW 3-Series Hybrid Prototype crashed severely in a truck. The driver of the car had no passengers, but he is not alive. The crash was on September 21 on the A92 near the automaker’s Dingolfing factory.The test driver obviously was running the 3-Series Hybrid at high speeds while passing several trucks and one of them pulled out. Despite the reaction of the driver, he didn’t manage to safe himself and the impact was inevitable. The car went under the rear trailer and he had no chance (check the pictures).The A92 was closed for several hours due to the difficulties of recovering the crashed car.Of course, there is ongoing investigation which will explain how this terrible accident happened.May the driver rest in peace.