PressClub Canada · Article.
The New BMW 3 Series Sedan and 3 Series Touring.
Thu Oct 08 13:00:00 CEST 2015 Press Release
Significant enhancements throughout the 3 Series lineup and the debut of new BMW 340i and 340i xDrive models.
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Robert Dexter
BMW Group
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Author.
Robert Dexter
BMW Group
Richmond Hill, ON. BMW is pleased to announce the latest enhancements to its brand-shaping 3 Series model lineup. Accounting for approximately 25 percent of total BMW worldwide vehicle sales, the BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring models represent the brand’s most successful model line with over 14 million sales globally.
For the 2016 model year, the new BMW 3 Series receives a range of enhancements highlighting driving dynamics and supporting the vehicle’s true emotional commitment to the brand and its customers. The introduction of the BMW 340i marks the world premiere of an all new inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 320 hp with 330 lb-ft of torque. This new modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, combining unbeatable performance with outstanding efficiency.
The new BMW 3 Series chassis has been significantly improved encompassing new front struts, new rear damper technology and redesigned electric power steering to enhance overall vehicle dynamics. The BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring feature a sharper design and a sportier “face”, supported by the newly designed headlights with optional full-LED headlights (standard on 340i models). The rear view also cuts an even more dynamic figure thanks to its LED tail lights and sculptural, clearly defined lines.
The respective MSRP for the new 3 Series model lineup is as follows:
320i xDrive Sedan $39,990
328i xDrive Sedan $46,700
328d xDrive Sedan $48,200
340i Sedan $51,900
340i xDrive Sedan $54,500
328i xDriveTouring $48,050
328d xDriveTouring $49,550
Powertrain and chassis
Raising the benchmark –sportier and more
efficient.
The BMW 3 Series has represented the core of
the Ultimate Driving Machine for the past 40 years. Now, the new BMW 3
Series Sedan and the new BMW 3 Series Touring are raising the bar yet
again. The engine range is comprised of gasoline engines with outputs
ranging from 241 to 320 hp and a diesel engine with180 hp and an
impressive 280 lb-ft. The new modular BMW EfficientDynamics inline
6-cylinder engine in the 340i is equipped with the latest BMW
TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines exceptional performance
with excellent fuel efficiency.
This new BMW EfficientDynamics modular engines in the New 2016 BMW 3 Series will share a common design blueprint, with 3 (Europe only), 4 and 6-cylinder inline cylinder arrangements, a displacement per cylinder of 500 cc and very lightweight, thermally optimized all-aluminum construction. The crankcase is very rigid due to its closed-deck design – which means that the cylinder water jacket is closed at the top – while thermally joined, high-strength cylinder liners with twin-wire, arc-sprayed coating save weight, allow greater thermal transfer due to the thinner cylinder wall thickness and reduce internal friction.
The new BMW 340i Sedan inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine.
The BMW 340i is the first model in the BMW line-up to
be powered by the all-new inline 6-cylinder engine from the new
modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. The lightweight and rigid
all-aluminum unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology provides a
perfect blend of superb performance and outstanding efficiency.
This new 3.0 liter engine powering the 340i produces a maximum power of 320 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, a 20 hp increase over the previous model. Peak torque is an impressive 330 lb-ft, which is available from 1,380 rpm. The new BMW 340i Sedan is equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds while the BMW 340i xDrive model takes just 4.6 seconds. The new EfficientDynamics 6-cylinder engine is equipped with the latest generation of BMW’s innovative TwinPower Turbo technology, featuring twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. It also incorporates VALVETRONIC fully variable valve lift.
Improved manual and automatic transmissions.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan comes standard with an
8-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission is
available as a no-cost option on the 340i and 340i xDrive models (not
available on the 320 xDrive, 328i xDrive or 328d xDrive models). The
crisp-shifting 6-speed manual transmission on 340i models is equipped
with a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorbers. This
technology counteracts uneven running on high-torque engines so that
the driver can change gears smoothly. The 6-speed manual transmission
is a equipped with a rev matching function, which means the engine
automatically blips the throttle on downshifting, resulting in
improved smoothness.
The updated 8-speed Steptronic transmission features enhanced efficiency, wider gear ratio spread and reduced torque converter slip during gear shifts. At the same time, improved damping of engine irregularities make for improved comfort and smoother shifting. Sporty drivers will also enjoy the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. In Sport+ transmission mode, it allows the driver to rev the engine right up to the rev limiter, and also to perform multiple sequential downshifts. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters is now standard on 320i xDrive, 328i xDrive, 328d xDrive and 340i/340i xDrive models.
Further economy benefits are offered by the 8-speed Steptronic transmission’s coasting mode in ECO PRO. When the driver lifts off the throttle at higher speeds, for example on a gentle downhill grade on the highway, the engine is automatically decoupled from the transmission. It then simply idles, which saves fuel and ensures there is no unwanted engine braking at high speed.
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan can optionally be specified
with xDrive, the BMW intelligent all-wheel drive system. BMW xDrive
combines the customary advantages of all-wheel drive such as optimal
power transfer to the road, excellent safety and maximum traction with
hallmark BMW agile and precise handling. BMW xDrive efficiently
reduces understeer and oversteer when cornering by sending as
necessary power front or rear, improving driving dynamics, for example
when steering into a corner or accelerating out of even the tightest bends.
Sporty, agile and comfortable suspension.
The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark in driving
dynamics for generations. The further developed damper technology and
optimized suspension of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3
Series Touring team up with a more finely honed steering set-up to
deliver significantly enhanced dynamic capabilities without any
compromise on comfort. Some of the specific changes include: new
geometry of the chassis with new front struts with five bolt upper
anchors points (versus 3 previously), redesigned electric power
steering, new rear damper technology, and updated Dynamic Stability
Control. All these updates translate to increased handling
capabilities as well as feedback to the driver.
The retuned suspension improves both transverse and longitudinal dynamics under all load conditions. This is expressed in reduced roll, improved directional stability and higher level of steering precision. This is true of the standard suspension as well as the M Sport Suspension and the Adaptive M Suspension options. The Adaptive M Suspension offers electronically controlled dampers and allows individual adjustment of the car’s dynamic responses at the touch of a button. Continuous sensor monitoring of longitudinal and lateral acceleration, speed and steering angle allows the damping to be optimally matched to road characteristics and the driving situation.
M Performance Package.
The M
Performance Package, designed for driving enthusiasts and available on
the 34oi and 340i xDrive models only, includes Variable Sport
Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high
performance brake pads mounted to blue calipers that highlight the new
3 Series sportiness while sharpening handling. The package includes
19” Light alloy wheels in Orbit Grey.