October 26, 2004
New BMW 3 Series sedan to be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show
Whitby, Ontario – BMW announced the redesigned BMW 3-Series will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in Spring, 2005, and its Canadian debut at the Pacific International Auto Show in Vancouver at the end of March.
The new 3 Series Sedan will go on sale in Canada in the Summer of 2005. The new 3-Series is larger inside and out. At 4520 mm, the length increases by 49 mm. The width at 1817 mm increases by 78 mm. Vehicle height is 1421 mm, an increase of 6 mm. The wheelbase is 35 mm longer at 1421 mm.
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It will come with a choice of two in-line six-cylinder engines (330i, 325i). An all-new 3.0-litre unit in the 330i is rated at 255-horsepower, a 30-horsepower increase over its predecessor. Its torque of 221 lb-ft is maintained consistently between 2500 and 4000 rpm. The new 330i will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
This engine is the first in large-scale series production to use magnesium which, compared to aluminium, is 30 percent lighter. Magnesium is used in the crankcase, the crankshaft bearings and the cylinder head cover.
This engine is also the first six-cylinder to use BMW’s ‘Valvetronic’. With infinitely variable valve lift in place of the traditional throttle butterfly, this system improves both throttle response and fuel efficiency. In the case of the 330i, horsepower increases by 13%, while fuel consumption decreases by 12%.
This technology works in tandem with BMW’s ‘Double-Vanos’ variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts.
The BMW 325i Sedan, also featuring a magnesium crankcase and Valvetronic will make its Canadian debut alongside the 330i. With a maximum engine output of 218 horsepower, the 2.5 litre 325i has a maximum torque of 184 lb-ft between 2750 and 4250 rpm and acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds.
Both models will be offered in Canada with a choice of a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The 3 Series is the latest BMW to feature a start button.
Like other BMWs, the new 3 Series gets a double-pivot front suspension for improved responsiveness. The newly developed suspension is made of aluminium to further improve responsiveness and comfort by reducing unsprung weight. A new five-link rear suspension contributes to an improvement in handling and comfort. The new rear suspension is made of lightweight steel, which also contributes to the overall reduction of unsprung weight.
The new 3 Series Sedan will also offer BMW’s unique Active Steering. This stand-alone option provides a more direct steering ratio at low speeds for greater manoeuvrability and a progressively less direct ratio as vehicle speed increases to improve high-speed stability.
BMW’s latest Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporates new features: a new brake-drying feature can improve braking in wet weather, detected using the rain sensor and/or wiper activity, by gently rubbing the brake pads on the rotors to help keep the pad surface dry. A new Brake Standby feature can reduce braking response time by readying the brakes for application whenever the driver abruptly lifts off the accelerator pedal. The new Starting Assistant feature is designed to prevent rollback when starting off on a grade without having to use the brake pedal or handbrake.
