The new BMW 3 Series Coupé

The new BMW 3 Series Coupé Contents 1. The new BMW 3 Series Coupé: Short story p3 2. Coup de Coeur: The new 3 Series Coupé p15 3. Drivetrain p19 4. Chassis: To harness the power and flatter the style p28 5. Body & safety: Body beautiful ..... but intelligent and safe p32 6. Features and equipment: Exclusivity tailored to the driver p37 7. A brief history of Coupés: From compact to luxury - Coupés for every class p41 8. Standard and optional equipment p46 9. Technical specifications and line drawings p55

1. The new BMW 3 Series Coupé: Short story

BMW has a long tradition of four seat coupés dating back to 1937. The
principle has always been the same: graceful elegance married to sporting
driving behaviour. There is much more besides, of course, but these two
characteristics are the pre-requisites for any successful BMW coupé.

Seventy years of design and engineering experience has been distilled in the
new BMW 3 Series Coupé, the third generation bearing its name. It is a car of
many contradictions: it is larger and more spacious than its predecessor but
weighs less. It is more powerful (and torquey) yet more economical and
produces lower emissions. It brims with new technology and comfort features,
many available in much higher market segments, but it won't break the bank.

And it is clothed inside a stylish coupé body that could only be a BMW.

Rangefinder
Five models will be available at the UK launch on September 23, 2006, all
powered by straight six-cylinder engines - three petrol - and two
diesel-powered - with more to follow including four-cylinder petrol and diesel
models in Spring 2007.

Engine size (cc) Power (hp) Torque (Nm) 0-62mph Top Speed EU mpg
335i 2,979 306 400 5.5 155 29.7
330i 2,996 272 315 6.1 155 32.1
325i 2,497 218 250 6.9 153 33.6
335d 2,993 286 580 6.1 155 37.7
330d 2,993 231 500 6.6 155 43.5

New engines
As usual, many of the surprises in the new 3 Series Coupé lie under the
bonnet. It is customary for BMW to announce new engines to complement a new
coupé and the new model holds true to that tradition. And what an engine! The
world's first straight-six with Twin Turbo technology, High Precision injection
and an aluminium crankcase are all highlights of the new 335i.

335i Coupé
The Twin Turbo arrangement consists of two smaller units each supplying
compressed air to three cylinders. The low inertia of the turbochargers allows
boost pressure to build quickly, thereby eliminating the enemy of the
enthusiastic driver - turbo lag. The turbochargers themselves are made of
special steel resistant to temperatures up to 1050ºC.

The real advantage of this layout, however, is the power to weight ratio. To
have achieved such prodigious power and torque outputs with a
normally-aspirated engine would have required a 4.0 litre V8 engine. By using
the Twin Turbo concept the 335i saves 70kgs/154lbs with concomitant weight
distribution benefits.

High Precision Injection
Direct Injection for petrol engines is not a new concept and the potential
benefits have long been recognised. However, poor economy and emissions
performance plagued early designs. The High Precision Injection on the new
335i overcomes these drawbacks. It is a second generation direct injection
system that allows more precise fuel/air doses via piezo injectors located
between the valves and almost adjacent to the spark plugs. The piezo units
distribute a conical jet of fuel into the combustion chamber and deliver
considerably reduced fuel consumption and excellent emissions values.

The result?
The benefits are seen in the 335i's performance data. Maximum power is 306hp @
5,800rpm and the engine displays typical BMW smoothness, running on to a
7,000rpm maximum. Peak torque of 400Nm (295lbs-ft) is reached at 1,300rpm and
maintained until 5,000rpm to provide effortless and safe overtaking potential.
The 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds complements the 50-75mph figure of
6.2 seconds in fifth gear. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
Perhaps most impressive is the EU average fuel consumption of 29.7mpg.

330i Coupé
Unlike its 335i cousin, the 330i Coupé uses the low weight magnesium-aluminium
engine block from other six-cylinder BMWs. It has more power and performance
than its predecessor - 272hp and 315Nm/232lbs ft of torque - and covers the
0-62mph increment in only 6.1 seconds, going on to reach an electronically
limited 155mph.

The engine weighs only 161kgs/355lbs and VALVETRONIC throttle adjustment
contributes towards a 12 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. Its EU
average is 32.1mpg.

325i Coupé
The 325i engine is also based on the same family and now produces 218hp (the
same as the 1982 635CSi which was a whole litre larger) and 250Nm/184lbs ft of
torque.

The 325i travels from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, reaches 153mph and achieves a
best in class 33.6mpg.

335d Coupé
The smooth, high torque properties of a BMW diesel engine are well known. With
the outgoing E46 BMW 3 Series Coupé the company tested demand for such an
engine in this sector. The customer response was a resounding yes: a sporting
diesel suits customers in this segment very well.

Accordingly, BMW is introducing two diesel models in the new 3 Series Coupé
range from launch. Both are enhanced with an aluminium crankcase that reduces
engine weight to 208kgs/459lbs to aid agility.

The new high performance diesel is the 335d Coupé. It can lay claim to the
title of the world's most powerful straight-six diesel engine - 286hp, exactly
the same as the M635CSi of 1985. From a diesel!

The 335d Coupé achieves this remarkable feat courtesy of Variable Twin Turbo
(VTT) technology that, unlike its petrol-powered namesake, consists of a small
turbo that spins up quickly at low engine speeds until a larger turbo cuts in
at higher speeds. Newly designed vanes on the turbo increase the flow of air
at all engine speeds to increase boost and response.

New engine electronics control the interaction of the two turbochargers while
piezo injectors ensure super-fine fuel atomization with up to five injections
per cycle. Fuel injection pressure is up to 1600 bar.

Maximum torque of 580Nm/427lbs ft is produced at just 1750rpm and is maintained
nearly up to the red line. Maximum power output is reached at 4,400rpm.

The result on the road is astonishing: 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, 155mph top
speed and 37.7mpg in the EU cycle. Is the 335d the 'real' supercar of the
future?

330d Coupé
Not to be overshadowed, the 330d uses an aluminium crankcase and the latest
common-rail fuel injection. Both models feature particulate filters and
pre-catalysts close to the engine that absorb even the finest soot particles
and reduce nitric oxide emissions. The 330d is 25kgs/55lbs lighter than the
E46 330d. The result - 231hp, 500Nm/369lbs ft of torque at 1,750rpm, 0-62mph
in 6.6 seconds, 155mph top speed and 43.5mpg. It is hardly shamed when
compared to the 335d.

New automatic gearbox
All models, except the 335d Coupé, are fitted as standard with a six-speed
manual gearbox. However a new six-speed automatic transmission is available as
an option (standard on 335d Coupé). The new gearbox features upgraded
hydraulics, an innovative torque converter, more spontaneous response and
super-quick gear selection.

Reaction times of the automatic are reduced by 40 per cent while actual
gearshift times have been halved. The torque converter clutch is locked out
almost immediately and remains locked out in most driving situations. This
produces benefits in dynamic response to throttle inputs and improved economy.
The more 'direct' connection between engine and gearbox avoids almost all
converter slip.

Management sensors monitor the accelerator position, road speed, steering angle
and whether the car is going up- or downhill. High performance software then
determines the most appropriate gear and, importantly, ensures the most
economical progress.

This automatic gearbox can shift several gears as quickly as it does one. The
engineers most demonstrative test of this was to drive at 50mph in sixth gear
then apply full throttle. The gearbox reacts in 100 milliseconds, engine revs
rise from 1,400 to 5,000 and it changes down to second gear.

Finally, the gearbox can be operated manually by moving the lever sideways and
then fore and aft or, for the first time, by using paddles on the steering
wheel. This latter feature allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and
their eyes on the road.

Body and soul
The classic coupé has a long wheelbase and bonnet, a shorter cabin with a low
roofline tapering back towards the tail. The new BMW 3 Series Coupé conforms
to this pattern but BMW designers have created styling elements that make the
car both distinctive and distinctly BMW.

In profile the shoulder line and character line converge towards the rear and
are reinforced by the strong side sill line. The light falling on this
interplay of lines leads the eye to the rear wheel arch and suggests a muscular
tension and a slight wedge shape. The familiar Hofmeister kick at the bottom
of the C-pillar is more exaggerated and adds to this visual impression.

At the front, the powerdome on the bonnet extends from the A-pillars to the
outside of the low kidney grille while twin round headlights with distinctive
corona rings are cut off at the top by the bonnet. This gives the impression
of strong, self-confident eyes gazing out.

The tail lights, too, are very distinctive. Horizontal LED light rods wrap
around the rear into the rear wings and accentuate the wide track of the new
Coupé.
Overall, the new BMW 3 Series Coupé is more differentiated from its saloon
counterpart than ever before.

Not for beauty alone
The art of the designer is constrained by many demands - safety, space,
dynamics and, of course, aerodynamics. Careful design of both the exterior
surfaces and the underfloor have resulted in a drag coefficient of Cd=0.28 to
Cd=0.30 depending on model, while lift forces have been reduced to benefit
straight ahead and lateral dynamics.

The quest for more interior space has been rewarded too.

Overall dimensions New v. E46 Coupe
Length 4.59m/180.7ins + 92mm
Width 1.78m/70.1ins + 38mm
Height 1.38m/54.3ins(1.40m for 325i/330i/d) + 26mm
Boot space 440 litres(430 in 335i/d) +30l (20l)
New v. E46 Front Rear
Leg room (mm) +20 + 20
Head room (mm) +12 +1
Shoulder room (mm) +22 +8

Thus, the new Coupé is both 92mm longer and 26mm lower (six millimetres for
335i/d) than the 3 Series Coupé. It also offers more generous passenger and
boot space than its predecessor to ensure it delivers true grand touring
qualities.

Interior
Large doors facilitate access to the comfortable, ergonomic and stylish
interior. All the controls and instruments are placed ideally for the driver,
while the front passenger can access the controls for ventilation,
entertainment and information with ease.

The curvaceous lines of the exterior continue inside. Horizontal lines
dominate the area around the instrument panel while flowing surfaces extend
from the centre console and the door panels right to the back rests of the rear
seats. Light bars running along the inner door and side panels present a
downward-facing glow of warm, indirect light.

Automatic seatbelt handover
An automatic arm in the B-pillar feeds the belt to the hand of the driver and
front passenger when the wireless ignition key is inserted and the doors are
closed. The arm then retracts neatly back into the B-pillar.

Comfort in the rear too
The wide doors and easy entry function - a release on top of the front seats -
provide easy access to two individual sculpted seats in the rear. The front
seat moves forward and returns automatically to its place. The rear seat
passengers are separated by a centre console and sit low in the car providing
them with good headroom. Both rear seats come with ISOFIX safety child seat
fixings as standard.

1167 is the number
Six new exterior colours from a total of 11 and a wide choice of upholsteries,
roof linings and other features allow for no fewer than 1167 different
combinations.

The Holy Grail - a chassis to cherish
The new 3 Series Coupé possesses all the ingredients to deliver the Holy Grail
for aficionados of pure driving pleasure. Rear-wheel drive, long wheelbase,
short overhangs, a low centre of gravity, wide track and the near-perfect 50:50
weight distribution all combine to offer driving nirvana.

It is the chassis that translates the performance potential of BMW engines onto
the road in order to allow drivers to experience that special sensation.
Suspension, damping, steering and brakes are the ingredients that make the dish.

The new Coupé offers the most advanced suspension in its class - a double joint
spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle, both fabricated in aluminium
to reduce unsprung weight. Underfloor reinforcements provide optimum stiffness
and finely tuned dampers further hone the ride and handling characteristics.

Precise steering
Precise rack and pinion steering provides the highest standard of directional
accuracy and unerring feedback. The fact that the power drives the rear
wheels, to leave the steering wheels unpolluted, only serves to heighten this
accuracy.

Active steering
BMW's unique Active Steering is available as an option for the first time on
a 3 Series Coupé. It employs a planetary gearbox and variable electric motor
into the steering column in order to vary the steering ratio, angle and
assistance according to speed and driving conditions. For example, at higher
speeds the steering angle is reduced to ensure directional stability.
Conversely, at lower speeds, Active Steering increases assistance and adjusts
the steering ratio to reduce the amount of arm twirling necessary.

Active Steering is also linked to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) System
enabling it to correct oversteer, for example, automatically or to brake
individual wheels on surfaces with varying grip.

Powerful, fade-free brakes
The new 3 Series Coupé is equipped with large 17-inch alloy rims shod with
225/45 R17 Run-flat tyres as standard. These wheels accommodate larger brake
discs that deliver excellent retardation and minimal fade, even when the car is
used hard on the road.

World First - brake wear display
Another world first on the new Coupé range is a continuous brake wear display.
Brake pad wear is monitored by sensors and a control unit calculates the
mileage remaining before replacements are required. The driver is kept
informed via a display in the cockpit.

DSC+
The enhanced DSC+ system is already standard equipment on several BMW models
and is, naturally, a standard feature of the 3 Series Coupé. The five
additional functions are brake drying, pre-loading the brakes for emergencies,
soft stop, hill start assistance and brake fade compensation.

ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering
Brake Control (CBC) join DSC+ to create the most effective active safety system
on the market.

Cruise Control and Active Cruise Control
Cruise Control is standard on all new 3 Series Coupé models and includes a
brake function when, for example, driving downhill. It also permits changing
gear without deactivating the system.

As an option Active Cruise Control (ACC) brings a new level of sophistication
to the compact sporting coupé segment. Formerly, only available on cars at the
very top of the market, this system allows the driver to pre-set one of four
distance levels to the car in front. If the car in front slows for any reason,
ACC reduces throttle and even brakes to maintain the desired distance. Once
the car ahead speeds up, ACC restores speed to maintain the pre-determined
distance and speed. Even with ACC engaged, the driver retains the prerogative
to override it.

Body beautiful ....... but intelligent and safe
Both the dynamic performance and the safety characteristics of a car depend to
a great extent, on the integrity of design and construction of its body. BMW
has used a combination of innovative materials and the most advanced production
technology to maximise the rigidity and stability of the new 3 Series Coupé
body without adding weight.

The new car is, in fact, ten kilos or 22lbs lighter than its predecessor and
even more in the case of the 330d. And that's despite the addition of extra
standard equipment.

One reason for this is the use of thermoplastic front wings that weigh only
half as much as steel. They are resistant to minor bumps and also integrate
into the painting process very easily.

Stiff = safe
As with low weight, a bodyshell's high torsional rigidity is an important
element in both driving dynamics and safety. The use of high strength steel
and intelligent body design to encourage deformation to absorb impact energy is
essential to create a survival cell in the passenger compartment. Much work
has been done on the 3 Series Coupé bodyshell to facilitate this aim.

For example, the B-pillar has been reinforced by a tubular structure that
varies in design and thickness to feed impact loads into lower parts of the
body. In a head-on collision deformation zones divert impact energy away from
the foot wells, while in the case of a side impact a specially designed floor
assembly transfers impact energy to the opposite side of the car. Also, to
reduce the risk of leg injury, the footrest on the driver's side deforms in a
controlled process. At the rear, longitudinal bars, reinforcement members and
a strong boot floor all absorb and divert energy.

Excellent results have been proven in both virtual simulations and actual crash
tests.

BMW safety system - an intelligent approach
Inside, the passive safety systems include front, hip/thorax and curtain
airbags as well as belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters.

Sensor-controlled electronics detect the type and severity of an accident early
and quickly. Sensors in the middle of the car, in the B-pillars and doors
analyse the conditions and activate only those systems that will be required.

After the event
Even after an accident the BMW system comes to the rescue. The hazard warning
flashers and interior lights are automatically activated, the central locking
is opened, the alternator is switched off and even the battery terminal is
de-activated to remove the chance of a spark. The fuel pump is also switched
off. And, if BMW Assist is fitted, the emergency service will be automatically
contacted should the accident be severe enough to trigger the airbags.

Highlights
All models of the new 3 Series Coupé range are fitted with Bi-xenon headlights
as standard. These feature a smaller, 70mm lens and are dazzle-free. Both
dipped and main beam are xenon-equipped to offer better night vision for
driving safety. Corona rings around the headlights serve to provide constant
daytime lighting. At the rear, new horizontal LED light rods ensure that the 3
Series Coupé can be easily seen at night. These lights also house the Brake
Force Display system that increase the luminescence of the LED light rods even
more in the event of emergency braking to warn drivers following of danger.

Adaptive headlights that turn to follow the intended course of the car are
available as an option. Cornering light function is also added to the Adaptive
headlights package as standard, whereby at speeds of between 22 and 40mph, two
further lights turn to illuminate in the direction of travel.

Cosseted inside
The new 3 Series Coupé is enhanced by a wide range of features and equipment,
many unique to this range. The high standard specification underlines the
exclusivity of the Coupé while customers can choose from a wide range of
options to personalise their cars.

The quality of materials used in the passenger compartment sets new standards.
High quality grained plastic surfaces, painted trim, wood or brushed aluminium
complement padded armrests in the doors and on the centre console all highlight
the special nature of the Coupé. The instrument panel is finished in high
quality leather in a choice of three colours.

Air vents and cup holders are integrated near to trim strips and the door
handles, grab handles, gear lever, air vent adjuster, stop-start button trim
and the trim in the leather sports steering wheel all come in Pearl Grey matt
chrome developed exclusively for the new 3 Series Coupé.

The instrument panel is a model BMW design, and petrol-engined models now have
an oil temperature gauge beneath the rev counter.

Ideal seating
The newly designed front seats are infinitely adjustable to ensure that driver
and passenger will always find their ideal seating position. A choice of 12
cloth, cloth/leather and leather upholstery is available.

Generous flexible storage
The 440-litre boot (430-litre on 335i/d Coupé) makes the 3 Series Coupé an
excellent grand tourer. The rear seat backrests fold down in a 60/40
configuration to provide extra luggage space while an optional storage package
comprises a bag holder, a luggage net on the floor, a retention strap and a net
on the right hand wheel arch. A 12-volt power socket provides power for a
cooling box. Finally, a ski-bag option is available.

Storage boxes
Folding storage boxes, divided into three smaller compartments, for the door
pockets to hide articles from view. Other storage areas include the front
centre armrest, nets on the back of the floor seats and a coin box. There is a
12-volt power socket and an AV adaptor for linking up entertainment media too.

Climate control
An elaborate ventilation, air conditioning and heating system offers a blend of
effectiveness and efficiency unknown in the class. Anti-misting and a solar
sensor manage the system to perfection and the air conditioning system can
change the air volume inside the 3 Series Coupé no less than three times in one
minute. Both passenger and driver can control the temperature individually for
their sides of the car. Finally, an optional electric sunblind in the parcel
shelf reduces glare in the rear window.

Audio, navigation and telematics
The new 3 Series Coupé offers many options in the area of audio, navigation and
telematics.

Comfort access enables a driver to start the engine without even taking the key
out of his or her pocket. An ID sensor integrated in the wireless key is
recognised by the car when the driver approaches. This unlocks the doors and
it only remains for the driver to press the start/stop button to fire the
engine.
The optional iDrive control system allows the user to select and activate all
communication, navigation, entertainment and air conditioning functions. The
chosen function is then presented on the display in the middle of the dash.

This screen also displays information provided by BMW Assist which offers an
emergency call facility, BMW breakdown repair and BMW enquiry service. These
systems provide help with locating restaurants, hotels or cinemas.

The emergency call function is an automated telematics service. When an airbag
is inflated an SMS message is sent automatically to the Emergency Services
detailing the location of the problem and ensuring a quick and efficient
rescue. This emergency call function can also be used manually by pressing a
button in the roof lining.

The premium coupé market
The market for premium four seat coupés is populated by surprisingly few
competitors and the BMW 3 Series Coupé, as creator of the segment back in 1992,
is the leader by a large margin.

The E36 3 Series Coupé accounted for 26 per cent of all 3 Series sales while
E46 achieved 23 per cent. BMW expects this ratio to be maintained with the new
Coupé range. The share total taken by the 320d and 330d Coupés in 2005 was 41
per cent of the total.

BMW UK expects to sell around 4,000 units of the new Coupé in the last three
months of 2006 and to reach a peak of around 13,000 in a full year.

"The two previous generations of the 3 Series Coupé established a new market
segment, and then dominated it", claimed Jim O'Donnell, Managing Director of
BMW (UK) Ltd.

"The new 3 Series Coupé aims to raise the stakes for our competitors by
bringing new high-end luxury and technology to the sector and, by offering new
engines, graceful elegance and advanced innovations, it is so much more than
simply a two-door 3 Series Saloon", he said.

"We intend to strengthen and extend our leadership within the premium coupé
segment. I know we have a winner in our hands", O'Donnell concluded.

3 Series Coupé customers
The broad appeal of the 3 Series Coupé is demonstrated by demographic data.
There is a very even spread across age ranges - 29 per cent are 30-39 years
old, 28 per cent 40-49 and 29 per cent are 50-59 - and 82 per cent of owners
are male.

Occupation data shows that 75 per cent are senior business people. Nineteen
per cent are owners of a business, 20 per cent are professionals and over 35
per cent are directors or executive managers. Average income is £74,000 and
most have two cars in their household whereas 11 per cent have three.

Favourite hobbies and pastimes include the ubiquitous golf, fitness training,
touring and travel, rugby, walking and motorsport. Although many watch these
activities, it is notable that 3 Series Coupé customers show much higher
participation levels than those of other brands.

Asked about their principal motivations for buying a 3 Series Coupé the top
five reasons given by customers were - style, performance, handling and road
holding, comfort and reliability.

Priced to fly
On-the-road prices for the five new Coupé models are:
325i SE £28,090
330i SE £31,290
335i SE £33,420
330d SE £31,840
335d SE £35,475

As an example when compared to the outgoing car, prices for the BMW 325i SE
Coupé have risen by approximately 1.9 per cent but on average the additional
specification reduces the increase to 0.1 per cent. For example-

New model E46 List price % Specification adjusted price
325i SE 28,090 27,580 +1.85 +0.1

The new 3 Series Coupé range goes on sale on September 23, 2006.