July 17, 2008

There’s bad new for the rest of the compact executive sector as BMW unveil their updated 3-Series range.  The theme of the changes is to keep it simple, build on the success of the current model.  Arguably this start point is an unfair advantage with the 335i, boasting twice winner of International Engine of the year, an in line six cylinder powerhouse boasting a twin turbo system that works in parallel, with the blowers servicing three cylinders each.  But regardless of what’s under the bonnet the quality of finish from front to back is superb.

There are ten engines to choose from in total with five petrol and five diesels.  The 320d model is the most popular among buyers and with the performance ability of 0 – 60 in 7.9 seconds, a top speed of 134mph and fuel figures of 58.9mpg it’s easy to see the appeal.  Top of the petrol heads list will be the 335i or the 335d.  The 335i will probably attract more attention with the award winning parallel twin turbo engine which offers mouth watering performance at 5.6 seconds from rest to 60 mph and a top speed limited to 155 mph.  It does this at a cost of 31 mpg on the combined cycle.  The oil burner posts slightly slower for the sprint with 6 seconds, and is also limited to 155mph, but it weighs in with an impressive 41 mpg.  The diesel is only available with an automatic gearbox and with it’s sequentially linked twin turbo engine generating 580Nm of torque, available from as low down as 1750 rpm, it pulls like an ox from idle revs.

Across the board the engines are superb and offer exceptional levels of performance for the fuel used.  BMW have invested heavily in improving fuel economy and can boast the most fuel efficient and least polluting diesel and petrol engines in their class. All BMW 3 Series engines feature direct injection technology and the extensive use of lightweight materials to improve engine efficiency.

The bulk of the changes that have taken place centre around the look of the cars.  They have been changed to add a greater sense of muscle, while retaining the same sense of sophistication that the marque is associated with.  The front apron has been slightly reshaped to look more sporty, while side valences see a new crease line, again to give the car a more sporting look. 

The option of an all new iDrive system is available, which is claimed is simpler to use and more effective in operation.  The new system also features 8GB of storage for music, so you’ll be able to drive all summer without listening to the same track twice, if you don’t want to.
 
Six airbags come as standard as to ISOFIX child seat mounts (with airbag deactivation). In the event of a rear-end collision the front section of the head restraint moves forward by 60mm and up by 40mm to reduce the distance between head rest and the occupants’ heads thus reducing the risk of spinal injury.

The 3-Series has set the bar for the Compact Executive model for a long time and with these revisions BMW look to cement that position further.  It’s bad news for the competition but good news for the customer.  We can’t wait for this model to come out, and to see how the rest of the pack responds.

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