BMW 3 Series
Rs 2,453,556* -
Rs 3,614,150
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by
the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has
been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different
body styles. It is BMW's best selling vehicle, accounting for nearly 40% of the
company's car sales in 2005. The 3 Series started from the E 21 and has
continued its success by the E 30, E 36, E 46, E90, E91, E92 and E93.
Design
The current generation of E90 cars find its roots
in the E46. It is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to
engines, transmission, the passenger compartment, suspension technology, as
well as the addition of a host of high-tech features and options. The
coupé/cabriolet body is now its own design and no longer derived from the sedan
and is slightly longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart. The saloon
(sedan) model of the 3 series was the first model sold of the 5th generation
BMW 3 series.
The sporty design of BMW 3 Series distinguishes it
from other vehicles in its class. The sedan model flaunts BMW's trademark front
grille. Clear-lens xenon swivel headlights wrap around the corners at the front
and highlight the width and sporty stance of the car. Adding to its dynamic
appearance are the short overhangs. The taillights too are L-shaped and boasts
of chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets accentuate the rear portion of the car.
Debuting in the US in 2006, the E90 came in two
trims, the 325i/x and 330i/x models. Later, the E90 received an engine boost
with the debuts of the 2007 328i/x and 335i/x models.BMW released an M3 variant
of the E90 saloon for the 2008 model year. The M3 features the same V8 Engine
as the Coupe. It separated itself from the standard E90 by utilizing the E92
coupe's front fascia. Three variants of BMW 3 Series are available in India.
These include 320i, 325i and 320d.
Powertrain
The 320i model of the BMW 3 Series has a powerful
1995cc petrol engine. The engine churns out 123 bhp. The 325i petrol variant on
the other hand churned out 168bhp. On the other hand, the diesel model of BMW 3
Series - 320d - is powered by 1995cc 4-cylinder engine, which pumps out a power
of 150 bhp. The four-cylinder petrol engines of BMW 3 Series boast of
remarkable responsiveness. The cars also have a good fuel economy and a strong
acceleration as well. Technical innovations, such as double-Vanos and
Valvetronic, ensure that the power of the car improves the ride quality and
delivers high performance. On the other hand, the diesel driven model of BMW 3
Series - 320d - comes equipped with a new-generation common rail inject
technology, which provides good fuel efficiency and smooth running. All the
engines are so designed that they provide maximum output and make the ride
smooth and also deliver a good economy run.
Handling and Safety
All the three variants of the BMW 3 Series sedan
have been equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, which monitor the chassis of
the vehicle and makes sure that they are within the maximum limit. The
suspension of the car is well tuned and the damper system of the car helps
provide a comfortable ride. The usual crators that we see on Indian roads are
not a big deal for this german car. BMW 3 Series sedan is fully loaded with
latest safety features, which ensure maximum protection for its occupants. The
iDrive control concept is standard in 320i and 320d variants of the sedan. The
run-flat tyres of BMW 3 Series sedan are capable of being driven up to 250 km,
even after a puncture. The Tyre Pressure Indicator (TPS), is standard in all
the variants of the car, warns the driver whenever there is a fall in the tyre
pressure. Apart from this, the standard features found in the automobile
include electronic sensors, six airbags and a restraint system featuring seat
belt pretensioners and force limiters.
Dimensions and Weights
|
|
Overall
Length (mm)
|
4531
|
Overall
Width (mm)
|
1817
|
Overall
Height (mm)
|
1421
|
Wheel Base
(mm)
|
2760
|
Ground
Clearance (mm)
|
161
|
Front Track
(mm)
|
1506
|
Rear Track
(mm)
|
1535
|
Boot Space
(liter)
|
460
|
Kerb Weight
(kg)
|
1445
|
Gross
Vehicle Weight (kg)
|
1965
|
No of Doors
|
4
|
Fuel Economy
|
|
Mileage
Highway (km/liter)
|
10.4
|
Mileage
City (km/liter)
|
9.5
|
Mileage
Overall (km/liter)
|
9.7
|
Capacities
|
|
Seating
Capacity (person)
|
4
|
Fuel Tank
Capacity (liter)
|
61
|
Performance
|
|
Maximum
Speed
|
216Km/Hour
|
0-100kmph
|
8.3seconds
|
1/4 Mile
|
seconds
|
Engine
|
|
Engine
Type/Model
|
|
Displacement
cc
|
1995
|
Power
(PS@rpm)
|
184PS
@4000rpm
|
Torque
(Nm@rpm)
|
380Nm
@1750rpm
|
Valve
Mechanism
|
|
Bore (mm)
|
84
|
Stroke (mm)
|
90
|
Compression
Ratio
|
17:1
|
No of
Cylinders (cylinder)
|
4
|
Cylinder
Configuration
|
|
Valves per
Cylender (value)
|
4
|
Fuel Type
|
Diesel
|
Fuel System
|
|
Transmission
|
|
Transmission
Type
|
Automatic
|
Gears/Speeds
|
6Gears
|
Clutch Type
|
|
Final
Reduction Gear Ratio
|
2.56
|
Suspensions
|
|
Front
Suspension
|
Double-joint
spring strut front axle
|
Rear
Suspension
|
Five-link
rear Suspension
|
Steering
|
|
Steering
Type
|
Rack &
Pinion, Power-assisted
|
Power
Assisted
|
Standard
|
Minimum
Turning Radius (meter)
|
|
Brakes
|
|
Front
Brakes
|
Disc brakes
at the front, inner-vented
|
Rear Brakes
|
Disc brakes
at the rear, inner-vented
|
Wheels and Tyres
|
|
Wheel Type
|
light-alloy
|
|
Wheel Size
|
7 J x 16
|
|
Tyres
|
205/55 R16
|
|
