We recently posted the first fully exposed F31 3 series touring M Sport (from inside a BMW facility), and now here’s the first public sighting of an Alpine White F31 touring M Sport.
In the latest episode of Head 2 Head (by Motor Trend), Jonny Lieberman compares the BMW 328i with its N20 240hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine versus the Mercedes C250, also powered by a turbo 4 cylinder (1.8L turbocharged I-4 with 201 hp).
Which car redefines the segment according to Lieberman? View the video inside to find out.
The recently revealed 2013 F31 3 Series touring is set to make its world public debut this week at the 2012 AMI (Auto Mobil International) auto show in Leipzig, Germany 2012.
And although we’ve already posted some great looks at the F31 M Sport test mules, we’re hoping to see the M Sport model fully revealed at the AMI show. Whether it does or not however, here is a first look at a beautiful fully revealed production F31 3 Series touring with M Sport package, in Estoril Blue II.
For details on the F30/F31 M Sport package, see our M Sport Guide.
Last week we posted the 2013 3 Series Sedan (F30) Pricing and Ordering guides. For those wondering exactly what equipment and options changed between the 2012 and 2013 model year, here is a comprehensive list.
In the latest set of Euro NCAP results, the BMW 3 Series has received Euro NCAP’s maximum five star rating. The BMW 3 Series in particular achieved a commendable 78% in pedestrian protection, a good result for a compact executive car with no active bonnet.
The F30 3 series scored 95% in adult occupant protection, 84% in child occupant protection and 86% in safety assist technology.
Full results, photos, and videos of the crash tests are inside.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan a “Top Safety Pick”, continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to offering class-leading safety with each new model. In order to earn “Top Safety Pick”, a car must receive a rating of “good”, the Institute’s highest rating, in all of four tests – 40 mph frontal offset impact, side impact, rear impact protection/head restraint and rollover protection – and must be equipped an electronic stability control system like BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control.
“The new 3 Series is a testament to BMW’s long tradition of passenger safety as well as to the men and women who engineer and build them,” noted Tom Baloga – Vice-President, Engineering (US) for BMW. “While we remain committed to … CONTINUED
BMW enthusiasts and tuners gathered for the 2012 Bimmerfest event yesterday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
Starting as of July 2012 production, the next generation Navigation Professional system (609) will be available on the 5 Series Sedan, 5 Series Gran Turismo, 7 Series Sedan and ActiveHybrid 3. Although the link above doesn’t mention the F30, it will also be available on the F31 touring and should be available on the F30 3 series as of July.
This new system offers faster processing and an enhanced design over the current system and incorporates several great new features:
• Streamlined radio/media menu structure
• Improved navigation submenu structure
• Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information
• Weather information in navigation map
• POI enrichment*
• GoogleTM autocomplete*
* requires BMW Assist Convenience Plan.
More details and images inside.
One of the more exciting items from the full BMW M Performance Parts catalog for the F30 3 series are the M Performance Brakes. These are Brembo 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle and 2-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle. They come in red, yellow, or orange and feature the M logo on the calipers.
The internally-vented lightweight sports rotors measure 370 x 30 mm (diameter x thickness) on the front axle and 345 x 24 mm on the rear axle. Unlike the M Sport brake discs, the M Performance brake discs are cross drilled for better grip and grooved to reduce water film build up. The BMW M Performance sports brake system is only approved in combination with at least 18″ aluminum … CONTINUED
