PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible
Tue Apr 27 12:02:54 CEST 2010 Press Kit
As part of BMW’s most popular model range the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible appeals to the heads and hearts of customers. Both models now offer variants with more power and torque plus lower fuel consumption and emissions, while at the same time presenting a revised exterior and higher standard specification. With the BMW 3 Series Coupé in its third generation and the BMW 3 Series Convertible in its fourth, the benchmark is being set ever higher with the marque constantly evolving the models to ensure they remain the ultimate driving machine. The near 50:50 weight distribution and advanced rear-wheel-drive chassis together with a range of award winning engines, now offer higher power and increased efficiency.
Press Contact.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
Tel: +447815370990
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Author.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible
Contents
1. Introduction.. 3
2. Market 6
3. Drivetrain 9
4. Chassis and Safety 13
5. Design 16
6. History 17
7. Q & A 21
8. Standard and Optional Equipment
(see
separate data table) 23
9. Technical data 24
10. Torque Curves 38
1. Introduction
As part of BMW’s most popular model range the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible appeals to the heads and hearts of customers. Both models now offer variants with more power and torque plus lower fuel consumption and emissions, while at the same time presenting a revised exterior and higher standard specification.
With the BMW 3 Series Coupé in its third generation and the BMW 3 Series Convertible in its fourth, the benchmark is being set ever higher with the marque constantly evolving the models to ensure they remain the ultimate driving machine. The near 50:50 weight distribution and advanced rear-wheel-drive chassis together with a range of award winning engines, now offer higher power and increased efficiency.
With their dynamic lines, sculpted body and sleek rooflines, the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible have been designed and built to ensure this latest incarnation lives up to the exacting standards attained by the very first 3 Series.
BMW 3 Series Coupé
Model/Price/OTR (from)/Power(Hp)/Torque/(Nm)/Zero – 62mph (Seconds)/Top Speed (Mph)/Combined (Mpg)/CO 2 Emissions (g/km)
BMW 320i SE Coupé/£27,845/170/210/8.1/143/42.8/154
BMW 325i SE Coupé/£30,750/218/270/6.7/155*/39.2/168
BMW 330i SE Coupé/£34,130/272/320/6.0/155*/38.9/173
BMW 335i SE Coupé/£36,130/306/400/5.5/155*/33.6/196
BMW 320d SE Coupé/£30,200/184/380/7.5/147/60.1/125
BMW 325d SE Coupé/£32,120/204/430/6.9/152/49.6/151
BMW 330d SE Coupé/£34,740/245/520/6.0/155*/49.6/152
BMW 335d SE Coupé/£38,255/286/580/5.9/155*/42.8/174
*Electronically-limited.
BMW 3 Series Convertible Model
Price OTR (from)/Power (Hp)/Torque (Nm)/Zero – 62mph (Seconds)/Top Speed (Mph)/Combined (Mpg)/CO2 Emissions (g/km)/
BMW 320i SE Convertible/£32,905/170/210/9.1/142/41.5/159
BMW 325i SE Convertible/£35,415/218/270/7.6/152/37.7/176
BMW 330i SE Convertible/£38,925/272/320/6.5/155*/36.2/182
BMW 335i SE Convertible/£40,385/306/400/5.8/155*/32.1/205
BMW 320d SE Convertible/£32,115/184/380/8.3//142/55.4/135
BMW 325d SE Convertible/£36,775/204/430/7.5/148/46.3/160
BMW 330d SE Convertible/£39,390/245/520/6.4/155*/46.3/162
*Electronically-limited.
Drivetrain
Customers will be able to choose from four petrol and
four (three for the Convertible) diesel powerplants from launch, which
utilise a range of innovative technologies including single
turbocharging and High Precision Direct Injection, as well as
BMW’s award winning EfficientDynamics technologies.
For drivers looking for ultimate performance the 335i engine in the BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible offers impressive power and handling whilst still remaining parsimonious. Powered by the award-winning 3.0 litre petrol powerplant, the 335i for the first time combines a single turbocharger with VALVETRONIC variable valve management and High Precision Direct Injection to set a new benchmark for economy amongst its competitors.
The new 320d panders to those drivers looking for unparallel economy, without having to sacrifice driving enjoyment and style. With the 320d Coupé emitting just 125g/km CO2 whilst providing 60.1mpg on the combined cycle it appeals to the head as much as the heart while company drivers will be drawn to its 18 per cent benefit in kind taxation status.
Other highlights of the engine range are the revised BMW 325d and 335d, which have been upgraded to provide greater power and performance with minimised emissions. The unchallenged 335d, available on the 3 Series Coupé, has curtailed its emissions ensuring that it has dropped a VED tier to now qualify for band H and become EU5 compliant.
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible come with an array of award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies all fitted as standard to ensure BMW drivers are getting the most out of their cars, without taking the most out of their pockets.
Chassis
True to form the BMW 3 Series Coupé and
Convertible continues its commitment to build driver focused cars by
refining its long wheelbase, wide track and near 50:50 weight
distribution to uphold the fundamental BMW driving dynamic.
The BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible boast the most advanced suspension in its segment, precise rack and pinion steering and Dynamic Stability Control in an effort to replicate the ultimate driving experience everyday.
Market
BMW UK expects to sell circa 6,500 BMW 3 Series
Coupés and 4,000 Convertibles in their first full year on sale
with the petrol:diesel share being approximately 60:40. The BMW
320d is expected to be the biggest selling Coupé derivative
while it is the BMW 320i Convertible that will remain the most popular
open-top 3 Series.
The BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible not only offers owners more value for money with their greater frugality but also by being the best specified 3 Series to date. Standard specification now includes Dakota leather upholstery across the entire range. Six-cylinder engines additionally gain Cruise Control with brake function, Dynamic Stability Control+ and Electric Power Steering.
A raft of innovative technologies, including Adaptive Headlights, Voice Control and DAB digital radio can also be specified.
Key facts
- Third generation of 3 Series Coupé and fourth generation
BMW 3 Series Convertible. - Revised grill, lights, front air dams, rear valance and side
rocker panels.
Both models now 32mm longer – 29mm at front and 3mm at rear – due to
the design changes. - Highest ever level of standard specification, including Dakota
leather
upholstery. - More information is available on www.bmw-web.tv or
www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk