Full International Press Release: BMW_F30_3er_EN.pdf
Full UK Press Release: 111014_BMW_F30_3_Series_Saloon.doc
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan- New BMW face emphasises dynamic and elegant design.
- BMW 3 Series now available in three different equipment lines.
- Full-colour Head-Up Display for the sports sedan.
- Sporty suspension tuning with enhanced ride comfort.
- All engines with the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
- All engines can be combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
- Driving Experience Control with Eco Pro mode; Auto Start-Stop function included as standard.
The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the world’s best-selling premium car, sets new benchmarks in terms of sporting prowess, elegance and comfort. The pioneering history of the 3 Series serves as inspiration for the new sports sedan, whose powerful styling represents a fresh interpretation and conscientious development of traditional BMW design cues. The new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille, emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series. The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown in size compared to its predecessor, with its wide track (front + 37 mm, rear + 47 mm) particularly prominent, and the car’s increased length (+ 93 mm) and augmented wheelbase (+ 50 mm) also accentuate its sporting silhouette. Inside the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the noticeable increase in space benefits the rear passengers above all. And the BMW 3 Series range is now also available in a trio of trim and equipment variants – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Each presents its own individual take on the character of the sports sedan, with exclusive, high-quality material combinations and unbeatable build quality underlining the premium ambience of the new range.
Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. The new car belies its larger dimensions with a kerb weight 40 kilograms (88 lb) below that of its predecessor. In addition to the sports performance typical of the brand, the further enhanced levels of comfort on board the new 3 Series make a significant contribution to driving pleasure.
A choice of four refined, economical and muscular engines – all of which feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology – will be available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan from launch. In addition to two further optimised diesel powerplants and the already successful six-cylinder petrol unit, customers can also enjoy the talents of the new turbocharged four-cylinder variant in the BMW 328i. This latest-generation petrol engine rewards the driver with a dynamic driving experience coupled with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
BMW is the first carmaker to offer an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment. It can be specified in combination with any of the petrol and diesel engines in the range and links up with the Auto Start-Stop function that comes as standard. Compact and exceptionally efficient, it allows the new BMW 3 Series to match or outperform models fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox in terms of both fuel economy and emissions. The new eight-speed automatic brings together shift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest order, making it the perfect partner for the new sedan’s dynamic potential.
As components of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology line-up, the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and need-based operation of ancillary components (including a disengageable air conditioning compressor) also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. Added to which, the new Driving Experience Control switch not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also ECO PRO mode, which gives all the models in the range the potential to further improve these figures. This switch helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel between visits to the pumps. The same goes for the CO2-minimising BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, whose peak output of 120 kW/163 hp contrasts with average fuel consumption in the EU driving cycle of 4.1 l/100 km (68.9 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. BMW will add further cutting-edge engines to the line-up in 2012, when the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will also celebrate its premiere.
Enhanced superiority, convenience and safety thanks to intelligent connectivity.
BMW ConnectedDrive offers an unmatched combination of driver assistance technology and mobility systems for the new BMW 3 Series range. A new arrival in the premium mid-size segment is the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information – in sharp resolution – onto the windscreen so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View, which gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it. In addition, a parking assistance system helps the driver to manoeuvre into parking spaces. Among the other assistance technology available under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner are Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, the Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System with camera-based Collision Warning system, which are offered for the first time in a BMW 3 Series Sedan. Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) and special apps such as “BMW Connected” for using social networks are also available. An innovative comfort access function allowing hands-free opening of the boot lid and the additional Active Protection occupant protection system are likewise included on the options list, as is Advanced eCall with automatic position finding from BMW Assist. In the event of an accident, this system gives the emergency services detailed information on the nature of the collision before they arrive at the scene of the accident.
Launch of the new BMW 3 Series
- BMW 3 Series most successful vehicle in premium segment
- More than 12 million cars sold since 1975
- Reithofer: New BMW 3 Series will continue success story
- Investments of over one billion euros in global production
Munich. The BMW Group will launch the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the sixth generation of its most important high-volume model, in early February 2012. “We are confident that the new BMW 3 Series will build on the tremendous success of its predecessors,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Norbert Reithofer, at the world premiere in Munich on Friday. More than 12 million models from this series have been sold since the first generation was launched in 1975. “That makes the BMW 3 Series the world’s most successful premium vehicle,” added Reithofer.
New BMW 3 Series Sedan on the market from 11 February
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan will reach markets worldwide on 11 February 2012. “The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series is the sportiest car in its segment and offers sheer driving pleasure at the highest level,” commented Reithofer. The 328i and 335i models with petrol engine and the 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics diesel variants will be offered at market launch. Prices for the above models will lie between 35,350 euros (320d) and 43,600 euros (335i).
The new 3 Series Sedan offers a choice of four strong, refined, fuel-efficient engines that operate with the new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Additional variants will join the model line-up in spring 2012. A full-hybrid version of the new BMW 3 Series will also be available in autumn 2012.
More performance, less consumption – also thanks to innovative lightweight construction
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan exceeds the already outstanding performance of the previous model, but, at the same time, is even more fuel-efficient. The vehicle also offers greater driving comfort. The new BMW 3 Series is larger (+93 millimetres) and noticeably more spacious. There is also more legroom behind the front seats (+15 millimetres) as well as more headroom (+8 millimetres). Despite the increase in size, smart lightweight construction ensures that the vehicle is still up to 45 kilograms lighter than the previous model, depending on the engine.
In combination with fuel-saving EfficientDynamics technologies, this also has a positive impact on consumption: For instance, the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition with an engine output of 163 hp uses only 4.1 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle, with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. The BMW 335i with six-cylinder engine and 306 hp has a fuel consumption of between 7.2 and 7.9 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle, depending on vehicle configuration. The Auto Start Stop function comes as standard for all engine-transmission versions. “With EfficientDynamics, we have a highly-effective package of efficiency technologies which we have integrated throughout our entire line-up,” commented Reithofer.
The new BMW 3 Series models also feature a so-called Driving Experience Control. Alongside COMFORT, SPORT, and SPORT+ settings, there is also an Eco Pro mode, which enables additional fuel savings, depending on individual driving style, of up to 20%.
New BMW 3 Series offers unique innovations in its class
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan features a range of innovations that are unique in its vehicle class. BMW is the first manufacturer in the premium midrange segment to offer not only a Head Up Display option, which projects all key data directly into the driver’s line of vision on the windscreen, but also an optional eight-speed transmission for all engines with Auto Start Stop function. This also has a positive impact on fuel economy.
With BMW ConnectedDrive, the car also offers the latest in infotainment services as well as numerous assistance systems to make the vehicle even safer and more convenient. These include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, lane change and lane departure warning with collision warning and Surround View. The parking assistant also takes care of manoeuvring the vehicle into parking spaces. Real-time traffic info (RTTI) and special apps for accessing social networks are further options.
The new BMW 3 Series will also be available for the first time in “Sport Line”, “Modern Line” and “Luxury Line” configurations, which will offer customers additional opportunities for customising their vehicle.
Main markets: U.S., China, U.K. and Germany
The new BMW 3 Series will be built at the Group’s plants in Munich, Regensburg and Rosslyn (South Africa). The company is investing more than one billion euros worldwide in its plants in this connection. The main markets for the vehicle will be the U.S. (24%), China (22%), the U.K. (16%), Germany (10%) and the remaining European countries (14%).
Around 2.8 million models of the BMW 3 Series now being phased out have been sold since its market launch in March 2005. Last year alone, the BMW Group sold about 399,000 of these highly-successful models – which therefore accounted for just under 33% of total BMW brand deliveries. “The new BMW 3 Series has excellent prospects for expanding its leading global market position,” noted Reithofer.
on (worldwide).
The M Sport Package comprises of unique front bumpers with enlarged bumper intakes, more sculpted rocker panels, and a unique rear bumper with a rear diffusor in dark shadow metallic. It also features shadow line door trim and the same front grilles as the Sport line (8 high-gloss slats). For European markets, the M Sport pack is also mated to the M Sport suspension with the adaptive suspension being optional. It remains to be seen however, if the US will get the adaptive suspension as a standard part of the package.
M Sport comes with a choice of two wheels - the 400M 18" split spoke wheels come standard and the 403M 19" bicolor wheel are optional. Both wheels run 225 tires front and 255 tires rear.
On to the interior, the M Sport package comes with a lovely M Sport steering wheel, a new M Sport footrest, and a short shifter if you stay with the good old manual transmission. BMW decided to retain the Sports line gauges for the M Sport Package, so there'll also be red accents in the gauge cluster. The key fob features a blue accent trim. There will be four different interior trims available - an aluminum hexagon trim with either matte estoril blue or black accent stripes, a fine aluminum trim with black accents, and a walnut wood trim with chrome accents.
Finally, there's no word yet if the M Sport Brakes will be part of the M Sport package and/or a standalone option (for the US package). In Germany, it's optional and requires either M Sport Package or a 335i with at least 18" wheels. However, it's possible that BMWNA decides differently and makes these brakes part of the M Sport package.
Either way, these brakes feature bigger rotor sizes and fixed piston calipers both front and rear. The brake calipers are painted in dark blue and an M logo is applied (think of the F10 M5 caliper design here). BMW will offer huge 370mm drilled brake discs for the M Sport brakes as a Performance part (see below).
Athleticism is inbred in the new BMW 3 Series. Those looking for even greater dynamic character will find just what they require in the M Sport package, including many extra equipment items. Discover its benefits – from the third quarter of 2012 at your BMW Dealer’s.
The M Sport package with its innovative equipment features is based on the athleticism of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan with Sport Line and turns to the BMW M3 for its appearance. One constituent is the M Sport suspension lowered by ten millimetres with stiffer spring and damper settings as well as harder stabilisers.
Its dynamic character is emphasised by the exclusive M Sport body colour of Estoril Blue metallic, a special aerodynamics package with numerous body components, chromium exhaust pipe finishers, modified suspension settings and M Sport light-alloy wheels with a diameter of 18 or 19 inches. Front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body colour and a striking diffusor insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail underline the sporting character of the M Sport package, exploiting its visual effect to the full.
On the inside, the M Sport package includes the M leather steering wheel with multifunction including short-shifter gear lever (for manual transmission) in soft leather nappa with M emblem and sports seats. The seat covers are in a characteristic fabric-Alcantara design. In addition, there are three further leather finishes.
The decorative surface is designed in Aluminium Hexagon with blue accent trim strip. The M emblem decorates the entry sill and footrest.
The M Sport package – made-to-measure ingredients for true sports enthusiasts.
2014 3 Series U.S. Pricing and Ordering Guides:
2015 3 Series U.S. Pricing and Ordering Guides:
(vs. C-Class)
(vs. Audi S4)
(vs. A4 and C-Class)
(vs. A4, G25, C260, S60)
(vs. A4, C250, S60, IS250, TSX, G25)