BMW 3 Series – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

Prior Design BMW 3-Series E46 M3 – More Flexible and Stable

The latest project undertaken by the talented tuners from Prior Design is again on one of the most famous Bavarian cars – BMW. This time, under their scalpel is the famous 3-Series model.

They have equipped it with a complete aerodynamic package made from Dura-Flex. To be more precise, the latter is a high quality material, characterized by perfect surface structure. In addition, this structure delivers enough flexibility and stability.

In details, the M3Styling package contains Prior-Design M3Styling front bumper, Prior-Design side skirts (2X), Prior-Design M3Styling rear bumper, mounting material and an included TÜV parts certificate.

Source: Prior Design

August 29, 2012

Kelleners Sport Package for BMW 3-Series F30

Kelleners Sport have been dealing with BMW‘s for 25 years now. Ever since the first 3-series came out, they have been providing various tuning products for it. Now, it only feels right to go ahead and work on the F30. Welcome then, to the Kelleners Sport Package for the BMW 3-Series, both diesel and petrol.

Virtually every engine in the range can undergo the Kellener‘s power boost. The 320d goes from 184 hp to 218 hp and from 380 Nm to 435 Nm of torque. The 328i petrol on the other hand goes from the generous 242 hp to 291 hp. The torque here goes up to 430 Nm.

Subtle elements have been glued to the exterior as well – all, a front spoiler lip, a rear skirt extension and a trunk spoiler, add a sense of character at the least. The road stance is lower by 30mm thanks to the Kelleners Sport coilover suspension system. A bit of M-ishness comes from the four-pipe exhaust system that comes fort both the petrol and the diesel.

The wheel choice ranges between 19-inch and 20-inch in size. Thoroughly light, these titanium alloys bare a “Hamburg” design and come in 9 different colors. Then there are the “Berlin” type wheels which are all matte polished gray.

By request, Kelleners will trim the interior with lots of leather, carbon and wood. All shades and types of leather as well: 60 different colors, Napa or ostrich leather. The only non-leather features that stick out are and aluminum pedals and velour floor mats.

Source: Kelleners Sport

July 12, 2012

2013 BMW 3 Series Saloon with enhanced model line-up

2013 BMW 3 Series Saloon will now be offered in hybrid version, four-wheel-drive and M Sport variant. The production of 320i xDrive, ActiveHybrid 3 and M Sport versions will start from this July along with the 330d. Then the production of the 316i and 320i EfficientDynamics will follow from November.

First, the ActiveHybrid 3 is one-of-a-kind. It is powered by the BMW TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine which works in collaboration with a 40kW (55 hp) electric motor. Therefore it can generate 340 hp (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, reaching 100 km/h from zero in just 5.3 seconds.

The electric power is supplied by its high-performance lithium-ion battery. Thanks to which combined fuel consumption is of 47.9mpg and the CO2 emissions are of 139g/km.

More practical and economical, these are the synonyms of this BMW model. The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 starting price begins at £40 225 and will be in SE, Modern, Luxury and M Sport specification.

Next, the xDrive will deliver its customers the stability and safety of four-wheel-drive to the 3 Series. It will be added at first on the 320i model, which is powered by the 184 hp (135 kW) TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The latter is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. 320i xDrive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and has fuel consumption and CO2 figures of 41.5mpg and 159g/km.

There is also an optional choice for transmission here, which is the eight-speed automatic one, which enhances the economy and emissions. The initial price of this model stars at £27 400.

BMW eight-speed Sport automatic transmission comes as a standard to the new 330d. The vehicle is propelled by the 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 258 hp (190 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque.

This astounding power speaks for itself with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. Despite that it is also supremely efficient and has a combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of just 129g/km. The new BMW 330d Saloon is priced from £33 280.

Going further, M Sport specification will be now added to all variants of the BMW 3 Series Saloon. This special trim builds on the striking styling of the new 3 Series and its agile and dynamic character. It adds one-of-a-kind interior and exterior design changes and chassis upgrades.

Moreover, standard features here include 18-inch M Star-spoke alloy wheels, M Sport suspension and M aerodynamic body styling with High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. Dakota leather upholstery is standard alongside a unique M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, Anthracite headlining, M Sport seats and M designation door sill finishers, Sport+ function added to the Drive Performance Control switch, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim with an Estoril Blue finisher, Black finisher, Brushed Aluminium interior trim.

But the enhancement of the 3 Series does not stop here. The 316i Saloon and 320i EfficientDynamics Saloon will be presented in November. The 316i is powered by a 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine and generates 136 hp (100 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. It has a combined economy of 47.9mpg, CO2 emissions of 137g/km* and can reach zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. Its starting price is £22 850.

On the other hand the 320i EfficientDynamics has a fuel economy of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions down to 124g/km, being powered by the 170 hp (125 kW) version of the 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo engine punching out 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. It will be available priced at £25 730.

Source: BMW

June 22, 2012

Vogtland Suspension for BMW 3 Series

It’s hard to imagine that the BMW 3 Series, the current one, needs a suspension revision. In fact it doesn’t. Even Vogtland themselves admit so. However they have provided one nevertheless. It’s for the hardcore fans of sideways lunacy and track day goers.

I say suspension but the whole thing is just a set of springs which lower the car by 30 mm. Supposedly, one would benefit from the lower center of gravity and the better sway control. Nobody can’t be quite sure if all works out, but at the very least, the F30 gets a cooler and more desirable stance. A stance that costs $304. For that you get also a TÜV certificate and a two year guarantee.

And the springs themselves are not what you’d call outdated – manufactured from high strength “chromium-silicon alloy”. Haven’t got the slightest ideal what that means but it just sounds cool.

Source: Vogtland

March 30, 2012

AC Schnitzer BMW 3-Series F30

The official tuning company of BMW – AC Schnitzer has revealed some small pictures of the new updated 3-Series F30. The AC Schnitzer F30 will make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next month. Until then, you can check the images below to get some information about it.

The exterior is slightly touched with adding new front and rear skirts and sets of different wheels in dimensions from 18” to 20” fitted with proper tires. There is no information about the interior, but the owners won’t be disappointed. A set of aluminum ACS pedals are planned as well as ACS floor mats and sports steering wheel and knob.

Performance packages will be available for the new turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The new 28i is expected to develop more than 300PS with just an ECU re-map and sports exhaust system. The twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol now delivers 245PS (180 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Stay tuned for more pictures and information about the ACS F30.

Source: AC Schnitzer

February 23, 2012

BMW at the 2012 NAIAS Detroit

With the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit dangerously close, BMW have kindly offered a glimpse of what their exhibit will look like. So here is a quick summary of what you should be excited about.

BMW 3-Series Sedan – The sixth generation of the compact executive vehicle will be showcased there with an improved design and a new engine lineup. The company is eager to announce that now the new 3 series is around 45 mm wider and 93 mm longer than its predecessor. Despite these stretchy dimensions the sedan has actually managed to lose some weight (40 kg lighter). The trim and equipment level comes in three different categories: Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.

Initially, customers will have the opportunity to chose from two petrol engines with two diesels coming later the same year. It is important to mention that all power plants will utilize the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology

The BMW 328i will carry the new generation 2.0 liter, four-cylinder petrol engine. It will produce 180kW/245 hp and a peak torque of 350Nm (258lb-ft) from as early as 1.250 rpm. That sort of power will give the luxury sedan a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just bellow six seconds. Amazingly enough the stated fuel economy is a generous 44 mpg figure. Keep in mind that all of the trim levels will come with an Auto Start-Stop system as standard.

The more power hungry can go for the BMW 335i. It will house a renown 3.0 liter straight-six which develops 225 kW/306 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at just 1,200 rpm. Thus in every single respect the 3 series will outperform their predecessors.

Upon request an 8 gear automatic box can be paired to whichever engine you might chose. This option is claimed to bring benefits in terms of economy and driving experience.

In true BMW spirit the cabin is full with neat gadgets such as a sharp Head-up Display, Active Cruise Control, the Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System. A new Driving Experience Control switch not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also ECO PRO mode which will allow drivers to fully optimize their driving in order to achieve stunning fuel economy.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – This is something that will make it’s debut on the NAIAS as

the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment. Fuel efficiency and power output are targeted

To provide power, the same engine which can be found in the 335i and 535i is used. However, here it has a co-worker: a 40 kW/55 hp electric motor supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. So that is 250 kW/340 hp overall power which thrusts the ActiveHybrid from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, limits average fuel consumption to between 6.4 and 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres (44 – 40 mpg imp) and puffs CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km.

Not surprisingly, it is a very clever this hybrid. When the car is coasting or braking, the motor acts like a generator which in turn charges the high-performance battery pack. However, if you put your foot down, the motor will assist the straight-six petrol powerhouse to give the sort of dynamic boost you do not experience in ordinary cars. Then when you have reached a respectable amount of speed (up to 100 mph) what you can do is to shut down the engine and disengage it from the wheels so that you are back to coasting, using that gathered potential energy as efficiently as possible. You’ll be able to do that with no regrets as all safety features will be fully operational.

BMW M5 – Yes, this sensational performance miracle will also be there. BMW boast about how their new engine (as opposed to the old one) has a 10 percent increase in power and 30 percent increase in torque and that consumption has dropped by 30 percent. This is the first time the company gives a chance to the turbo technology to prove itself better than the pure, naturally-aspired, brute force that was in the previous generations of M5s. As a result now the engine is a V8 rather than a V10 and the displacement is only 4.4 liters but the power is up – 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 680 Newton meters (502 lb-ft).

To handle that massive lump of power, the M5 makes use of a very clever rear axle differential with a variable locking function. It works alongside with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system to ensure the best rear-wheel drive experience there is. The suspension is also notable for its electronically controlled dampers. Dynamic Damper Control uses electro-hydraulic damping force adjustment to provide a set-up suited to the driving situation or the wishes of the driver.

Here is a full list of it’s specifications:

V8 petrol engine, M TwinPower Turbo technology with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control.
Displacement: 4,395 cc
Power output: 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm,
Max. torque: 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 5,750 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.4 seconds, acceleration 0–200 km/h (124 mph): 13.0 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package)
Average fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5

The i3 and the i8 – No, those are not the latest Apple products although they do have similar visionary ambitions. We are talking about two new concepts which will embody the BMW technological know-how.

The i3 is a fully electric vehicle which is a result of BMW’s commitment to the environment. Suitable for the urban area, the i3 sets new standards for efficient use of materials, light weight technology and long-distance electricity runs. It has a 125 kW/170 hp electric motor which delivers an impressive amount of torque (250 Nm (184 lb-ft) to the rear wheels. It will take you under four seconds to reach 60km/h (37mph) from a standsill and around 8 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph).

BMW say it will be spacious and practical too with a boot capacity of 200 liters, and enough space to breathe freely in the cabin.

The more driver oriented i8 is a daring one with some innovative plug-in hybrid technology inside. Along with the electric wizardry that can be find in the i3, the i8 has a rear-mounted, high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp which delivers 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is under five seconds while economy is stated to be three liters per 100 km (approx. 94 mpg imp). It can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electricity alone and it has seating for four. Because of the two motors (the electric one at the front and the petrol one at the back) it has perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity which is all beneficial to the driving experience.

For more technological nirvana, be careful not to miss out on anything at NAIAS in Detroit which starts next year, January the 9^th.

Source: BMW

December 15, 2011

2012 BMW 328i and 335i Sedans – Price

BMW Announces Prices for All-New 3 Series: 2012 BMW 328i and 335i Sedans priced at $35 795 and $43 295 respectively

Just before a couple of hours BMW of North America had made an announcement of the prices for the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedans. The 2012 328i Sedan will be priced from $35 795 while the 2012 335i Sedan will be priced from $43 295. Of course in the stated prices is included destination and handling (which costs $895). The base price of $320 and $370 increase over the outgoing models, nevertheless, as an addition to the brand new redesigned exterior and interior, the new cars include a significantly higher level of standard equipment. If you wonder what it might be, it is the following: a 6.5-inch central display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode and Brake Energy Regeneration. Further improvement is made with larger wheels and tires, which go as standard equipment for both models.

The sixth generation BMW 3 Series Sedan raised the question once again about the benchmark by which all sport sedans are measured. Not surprisingly the pioneering history of the 3 Series is taken as an inspiration for the new sports sedan. Every BMW admirer would love the new powerful styling that is actually a fresh interpretation and conscientious development of traditional BMW design. These all-new 3 Series will without exception set very high standards for performance and handling, for luxury, technology and last but not least – for efficiency.

To go further into details, the 328i Sedan is equipped with its TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine. On the other hand we have the 335i, which features the BMW’s TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six. Both will be available in a trio of trim and equipment versions – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. This is to be made because as usual BMW presents its own individual take on the character of the sports sedan, and of course – they care about the customer individual taste.

The all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan will debut at the North American International Auto Show in January and arrive in US showrooms in February 2012 as a 2012 model.

Source: BMW

November 24, 2011

Fleet News – 2010 BMW 3-Series is the most reliable car

The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.

The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10^th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.

“We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

“Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.

The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.

Check out all rankings, below!

Most reliable cars

BMW 3 Series
Honda Accord
Volkswagen Golf
Audi A3
Toyota Avensis
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Passat
Audi A4
Mazda6
BMW 5 Series

Most reliable car manufacturers

BMW
Audi
Honda
Volkswagen
Toyota
Nissan
Mercedes-Benz
Ford
Lexus
Skoda

Most reliable vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Ford Transit Connect
Volkswagen Caddy
Ford Transit
Volkswagen Transporter

Most reliable van manufacturers

Volkswagen
Ford
Mercedes-Benz
Fiat
Renault

November 9, 2011

Prior Design BMW 3-series E90 PD-M

Prior Design has announced a complete styling package for all BMW E90 models except the M3, of course. The Widebody-Kit not only gives the saloon more aggressiveness, but improves the airflow as well.

All parts are made from Dura-Flex, which is a high quality material, characterized by exccelent surface structure that provides sufficient flexibility and stability. Furthermore, all parts are easy to paint, so you won’t have any problems with matching the original colour of the car.

The package consists of Front Bumper, a pair of Side Skirts, a pair of Front Fenders, Rear Bumper, a peir of Rear Widenings and all mounting materials. TÜV parts certificate is also included.

If this is not enough, you can always order PD-M Front Bonnet, Rear Trunk and Mirror Panels.

Source: Prior Design

October 4, 2011

5 Most Aerodynamic Family Saloons on the Market

BMW E90 3 Series - Front Angle View

We have all heard the idiom “This … has the aerodynamics of a brick” at one time or another and it is not by accident that the expression has become universally popular among automotive enthusiasts. It turns out, in fact, that when it comes to aerodynamics (which in a car determines a number of characteristics, including but not limited to top speed, fuel consumption, and noise inside) you pretty much cannot do any worse. How do we know? Well, some really smart people invented the ‘drag coefficient’, which is a useful number to measure the frontal area resistance of a solid object in air or liquid. When this solid object is a brick, the number equals 2.

Back to cars, ever since people recognized that cars and carriages are not the same thing, car manufacturers started to pay more attention to aerodynamics as part of their efforts to make their cars go faster, be more stable, and look better (although the latter turned out to be way more than a function of wind resistance). All in all, in the last half a century aerodynamics has had a crucial role in shaping our concept about the attributes of a car’s exterior.

So what are the 5 cars of today, which are most brick-un-like in terms of their Cd (the accepted designation of drag coefficient)?

5. Opel Insignia

So it is not only beautiful but also efficient in the way it slips through the air. The 2009 European ‘Car of the Year’ award winner has been a total hit so far with its sales in Europe and is well-received on the US market, as well, where it appears with a Buick badge. Of course, the Insignia has its faults – the scarce rear passenger leg room is something the vast majority of automotive journalists who have tested the car agree on. Another thing they agree on, however, is its successful design, which is not only pleasing to the eye but also responsible for a Cd of only 0.27.

4. BMW E90 3 Series

In our minds, BMW’s have never won people over through their aerodynamic design – something which has been the reserved territory of brands, such as Citroen for example. Still, despite the fact that the little bimmer is quite different to look at when compared to the renaissance-like shapes of the Insignia, it has the same Cd value of 0.27 as the Opel. That is, only if it bears a 318i/320i badge – the reason is that larger wheels and fatter tires, as well as a few other exterior tweaks, increase the Cd number slightly in the name of better stability and driving security.

1-3. Japanese Wedges versus the Three-Pointed Star: A Three-Way Tie!

There are three cars, which occupy the top of this ranking: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius, and the Honda Insight. They all share a drag coefficient of just 0.25 and two of them – the Prius and the Insight – also share a largely similar design concept. In fact, to use the word ‘share’ would not be entirely correct because the Insight came in 2008 in response to the Prius’ considerable market success and stole its silhouette in an attempt to steal its sales. Nowadays, however, we are all quite used to automotive anonymity and other such examples abound, so it is hardly scandalous. While the two cars have the same Cd value, the Honda needs it a bit more to compensate for the smaller gasoline engine it packs (1.5 vs. 1.8 liters).

Unlike the above two cars, whose hybrid nature and green marketing obligations force them to be as aerodynamic as possible, the E-Class Mercedes is built around the idea of comfort and luxury. It is the most prestigious and expensive car in this ranking and has the most conventional visual profile of the lot. Therefore, we consider it a small miracle that it manages to equal the achievement of the Japanese ‘eco-wedges’. Hat tip to Mercedes, therefore, as they have found a way to win in one more category without giving up any of their traditional qualities!

August 29, 2011

2012 BMW 3-Series – Edition Exclusive and M Sport Edition packages

BMW has introduced two new styling packages for the latest 3-Series Coupe and Convertible. Edition Exclusive and M Sport Edition packages will be both available this fall.

The M Sport Edition comes with black mirrors, a rear diffuser, a ///M sport suspension and 18” alloy wheels finished in Ferric Grey paint. The interior boasts Dakota leather sport seats, an M steering wheel, Aluminum Glacier trim and unique floor mats with blue stitches.

The Edition Exclusive package includes Oxide Silver mirrors and 18” Space Grey alloy wheels. Inside, there are Dakota leather seats, special floor mats and Bamboo Grain Anthracite wood trim.

The new packages give the 3er better value for money, more comfort and individuality. Still, you will be able to order additional extras to make your Bimmer unique.

Source: BMW

July 5, 2011

Vorsteiner reveals CS-01 1-Piece Cast Wheel design

Vorsteiner has presented their latest project, the Vorsteiner CS-01 1-Piece Cast Wheel. Sculpted from 7 twin spokes, which extend beautifully to the edge of the wheel, the brand-new CS-01 design distinguishes with bold and sophisticated vision. (more…)

February 19, 2010

Tag: BMW 3 Series