The New 3 Series – Bar, raised. Bench, marked.
Gasoline can be dispensed in the minuscule amount of 0.002 grams (0.00007 ounces) per injection in a process that takes just 120 millionths of a second. The fuel is injected directly around the spark plug to ensure that an inflammable mixture is generated there, while the rest of the combustion chamber is largely filled with air. The result: an eight percent cut in average fuel consumption.
Advanced Diesel with high-pressure direct fuel injection BMW is the first automaker in the world to offer this system, which operates at an injection pressure of up to 26,107 psi (lbs./sq.in.) This high pressure means the amount of diesel fuel can be injected with even greater precision. Result: the efficiency of a 4-cylinder with the performance of a V-8.
Introducing the Advanced Diesel 335d. High Precision Injection lives up to its name. Gasoline can be dispensed in the minuscule amount of 0.002 grams (0.00007 ounces) per injection in a process that takes just 120 millionths of a second. The fuel is injected directly around the spark plug to ensure that an inflammable mixture is generated there, while the rest of the combustion chamber is largely filled with air. The result: an eight percent cut in average fuel consumption.
The 3 Series Advanced Diesel model features, as standard, a maintenance-free particulate filter that removes 99 percent more soot particles than the first BMW diesel did. As a result, the particle concentration in the exhaust gas is virtually on a par with the surrounding air. In 2004, BMW was the world’s first automotive manufacturer to offer maintenance-free particulate filters.
The optional Navigation system now comes with a large-capacity, 80 GB hard drive that can be used for storing Navigation system data, including destinations and audio data. It can also store up to 8 GB of your favorite music, downloaded from a variety of sources: CDs, MP3 players or USB sticks.
The extremely rigid body is held in shape by 5,500 spot welds. It is made of so-called multi-phase steels, which are stronger, for an improved margin of safety, yet lighter than traditional types of steel. The all-new 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive Sedans and the 328i xDrive Sports Wagon feature BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In 2007, BMW sold 320,900 vehicles with xDrive – a world record.
The of the rear axle has been widened to 60.2 inches. This change has brought with it a further improvement in road holding and driving dynamics. Thanks to rear-wheel drive, a virtual 50/50 balanced axle load distribution, intelligent lightweight construction and an outstanding suspension, the 3 Series is one of the most agile cars in its class.
Sole operator Forget about the instruction manual: the redesigned iDrive system is self-explanatory. The Start menu shows all function areas at a glance. Menu items are selected by simply pressing a button. Frequently used functions, such as Navigation or the radio, can be called up using directaccess buttons next to the Controller (right).
The world’s benchmark sports sedan is once again accelerating away from the competition. The inspired design of the all-new 3 Series Sedan is more athletic than ever – from the striking V-shaped character lines on the hood, to the elegantly stretched side profile, all the way to its powerful presence at the rear, where a widened track enhances its road holding stance.
In front, chrome surrounds highlight the dual headlights. When equipped with optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Corona headlight-rings can be used as Daytime Running Lights, while the ribbed turn indicators sparkle with innovative LED technology – led lights. The interior, too, has been upgraded with new colors and materials. Storage space has been increased; standard, new front Active Head Restraints help support your head and neck in the event of a rear collision.
The newly enhanced, optional Navigation system now has more features than before. Its large-capacity hard drive can store up to 8 GB of your music. The 8.8-inch display, with its 1280 x 480 pixels, boasts the highest resolution in this segment. Digital road maps can be represented as 3-D landscapes, including photorealistic graphics of points of interest along the way.
This option also includes the latest generation iDrive, and offers six programmable memory keys. What’s under the hood? One of three smooth inline six-cylinder, 3.0-liter engines. In addition to the lauded 230- and 300-horsepower gasoline engines, the BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance engine in the 265-horsepower 335d Sedan will debut in early 2009. Completely new to the U.S., it meets emission standards in all 50 states.
Among its many features are lightweight aluminum construction and high-pressure direct fuel injection with piezo injectors to generate more power on less fuel. And, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, all three boast an unmatched combination of muscular performance and fuel efficiency. The car that sets the benchmark just raised the bar again.
Source: BMW Magazine