The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series (F30) debuted on October 14, 2011 in Munich. The model is expected to arrive in showrooms in February 2012. Its exterior is influenced by the F01 7 Series and especially the F10 5 Series. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan is appearing for the first time in the BMW Sport, Luxury and Modern lines.
Technology currently available in the 7 Series and 5 Series is expected to feature in the 2012 3 Series, such as a lane-departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from falling asleep, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking.
To coincide with the market launch of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, four high-torque, low-consumption engines are available, which all work with modern BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. They are the powerful heart in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan.
The modern and lively 2.0-litre engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is the strongest power unit in a new generation of four-cylinder spark ignition engines, which are technologically derived from the award-winning six-cylinder petrol engine. As part of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, they have been systematically designed for enhanced driving dynamics while at the same reducing fuel consumption and emission figures.
Also employed in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is the established 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel, which offers an undiminished high output but now performs even more cost-efficiently and with fewer emissions. The engine with aluminium composite crankcase sets standards in many respects and combines the latest generation of common-rail direct injection with a turbocharger, including variable turbine geometry.
As a result, the BMW 328i with 180 kW (245 hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds with an average fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km. The BMW 335i with 225 kW (306 hp) only needs 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres and achieves a CO2 value of 172 grams per kilometre. Equipped with the new 8-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 320d has an output of 135 kW and uses only 4.4 to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres while achieving a CO2 value of 117 g/km. Thanks to additional special BMW EfficientDynamics features, the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics with 120kW (163 hp) achieves a CO2 value of 109 g/km and a fuel consumption of 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres, whether equipped with manual or automatic transmission. (Figures in accordance with EU test cycle, dependent upon the selected tyre format (include range according to technical data).
The BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system enhances traction, directional stability and safety. And particularly so when adverse conditions call for more power to be applied to the road. For the new BMW 3 Series, xDrive will be available as from the third quarter of 2012.
Auto Start Stop function
Red lights, traffic jams, road works – in everyday driving situations there are many instances where the engine is idling, unnecessarily burning fuel. The Auto Start Stop function in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan – standard in all engine and gearbox combinations – switches off the engine when the vehicle stops temporarily and thus avoids unnecessary fuel consumption.
BMW Apps
Well connected: now you no longer have to do without the apps on your iPhone while on the road. Simply connect your iPhone to your BMW using the snap-in adapter or via the original Apple cable and you can conveniently operate individual apps with the iDrive Controller.
Lane Departure and Lane Change warning
Driving with instinct: the new BMW 3 Series Sedan provides discreet support and active assistance to avoid dangerous situations. Radars and cameras monitor conditions and warn the driver of lane changes and vehicles coming too close.
Traffic sign recognition
The camera on the interior mirror keeps track of traffic signs. In combination with the Navigation system Professional, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info recognizes speed restrictions and overtaking bans – both on signs at the side of the road and mounted above the carriageway.
Adaptive Headlights with High Beam Assistant
Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution and glare-free High Beam Assistant: BMW lighting systems share the thinking – on winding roads, at high speeds or for oncoming traffic.
Rear View Camera and Surround View
A clear view in unclear situations with innovations from BMW ConnectedDrive: up to five cameras give the BMW 3 Series Sedan a new view of any situation.
Contactless opening of the tailgate
You’re standing behind your new BMW 3 Series with your hands full of shopping and want to load the boot. So now you need to search your pockets to find the car key. Or do you? No, not any more. With innovative Comfort Access as special equipment you can open the tailgate without making contact. One well-placed movement of the foot is all that’s needed.
Park Assistant
The Park Assistant from BMW Connected Drive provides you with support when searching for parking spaces. And helps you to manoeuvre safely and conveniently into parking spaces parallel to the direction of travel.
iDriv
Many functions, just a few buttons: with the iDrive system you have full control over all functions of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, from navigation system to integrated operating manual. Simple and intuitive. The iDrive system is integrated as standard in every new BMW 3 Series Sedan model.
Convenience functions such as navigation, special features of the automatic climate control and BMW Assist are regulated using the iDrive Controller on the central console. The Controller can be operated with one hand as well as from the front passenger seat. Thanks to a clear feedback signal, it requires only minimum attention.
8-speed automatic transmission
The most dynamic and comfortable way to save: the 8-speed automatic transmission not only ensures incredibly soft changes and reduces background noise at high speeds, it also significantly reduces fuel consumption. The transmission can be combined with all power units, including entry-level engines.
A finely tuned system of suspension, engine management, brakes and tyres combined with an array of electronic measuring devices – all with one single objective: to keep the BMW 3 Series Sedan safely on track in the most demanding situations. Because giving the driver maximum control means ensuring maximum safety.
