F30 – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

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

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.

September 24, 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 F30 328i by IND

3D Design Japan has announced their tuning package for the new BMW 3-Series – the F30 model. Originally the tuning company planned to introduce the package on August 27^th, but obviously someone was in a hurry.

The tuning package includes a new 3D Design front lip, a set of cool 19″ BBS CH-R wheels in dimensions 8.5J x 19” ET32 at the front axle and 9.5J x 19” ET35 at the rear fitted with HANKOOK sport tyres. Other goodies feature iND Gloss black front grilles, iND painted front reflectors, iND gloss black lower whiskers and H&R Sport Springs for perfect stance and improved handling.

The last touch are the Yellow M-Performance Brakes, which give not only better stopping power, but more individuality to the vehicle.

The car is finished in Imperial blue BMW paint.

Source: IND

August 14, 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 Li at Auto China 2012

BMW has introduced the long version of the new 3-Series F30. It will be presented at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The model is specially created for Chinese market and probably will not be available in Europe or USA.

The range will include – 320Li with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 184HP (135 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. The 328Li will have the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that boasts 245HP (180 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. And the top-of-range 335Li will have the twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder with 306HP (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

The extended wheelbase model will be longer by 110 mm.

Also presented at Auto China will be the new BMW 3 Series sedan with the normal wheelbase and the full hybrid model BMW ActiveHybrid 3.

Source: BMW

April 6, 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

ADF Motorsport BMW F30 335i Race Car

ADF Motorsport has presented the specially prepared racing version of BMW F30 335i. It comes with some BMW Performance parts, which are unveiled for the first time in South Africa.

The car will compete in the local production car championship, the Wesbank Super Series, which is held at Killarney in Cape Town. After that, the F30 race car will hit the Nurburgring for the 2012 24-hour race at the world’s most difficult race track.

Now some performance data: the 335i F30 is powered by the famous TwinPower Turbocharged 3.0 liter straight-six with some upgrades like a new engine management system, Akrapovic sports exhaust system and different turbocharger to comply with the race regulations. The result is the impressive 408PS (300 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft), which is increase of 102PS and 200Nm of torque. The kerb weight is 1360 kg (2998 lbs), so you have to expect superb performance.

Other upgrades include enormous ///M-performance front discs with 370 mm diameter, 18” BBS light alloy wheels fitted with performance tyres and a special GPS data logging system to keep track of everything that happens with the car and on the track.

The price of the racing toy is around $260 000. ADF Motorsport needed just a month and a half to build it.

Source: BMW

March 26, 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 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 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

Tag: F30