The most complete details and photos of the new BMW 3-series-Part 1

The new BMW 3 Series Saloon:
Unique Dynamics, Product Substance and Efficiency.



Car fans and aficionados everywhere have something great to look forward to next spring: The new BMW 3 Series is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Now entering its fifth generation, the BMW 3 Series is once again pushing up the benchmark. Acknowledged for 30 years as the best car in its class, the 3 Series comes with a wide range of innovative, hands-on progress on the engine and suspension, and in terms of motoring comfort.
World debut with four new engines.

The new BMW 3 Series is entering the market with three petrol engines and one diesel. All four of these power units offer a significant increase in output, performance, motoring refinement, and economy. And each of them is a highlight in itself.

Six-cylinder with extra-light magnesium crankcase.

Developing maximum output of 190 kW/258 bhp, the six-cylinder in the top-of-the-range model outperforms its predecessor by a significant
20 kW/27 bhp. Maximum torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) comes consistently between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. This is the most powerful and lightest
six-cylinder in its segment.

Full details here:

1. Section 1, overview
2. Section 2-3 Concept, design
3. Section 4, Drivetrain
4. Section 5, Suspension


More details in part two

Steve - 1/21/2005 5:04:26 AM

+1 Boost

With styling that is not nearly "futuristic" enough to be innovative (see "LF-S vs. 3-series" posting here), and not "classic" enough for traditionalists, BMW appears to be looking for new consumers, perhaps those who like Asian cars but wish they were made in Germany, had a higher price tag, and more gadgets, and less common sense. BMW"s claimed "Best In Class" climate control alleges to be free of drafs, but lacks the basic "his and hers" temperature controls found in competitors, and even in the '97 3 series.

The more I look at BMW, the more I like Mercedes.

PS: I own 3 BMWs (pre Bangle) and love 'em all.

Steve - 1/21/2005 5:04:26 AM

+1 Boost

With styling that is not nearly "futuristic" enough to be innovative (see "LF-S vs. 3-series" posting here), and not "classic" enough for traditionalists, BMW appears to be looking for new consumers, perhaps those who like Asian cars but wish they were made in Germany, had a higher price tag, and more gadgets, and less common sense. BMW"s claimed "Best In Class" climate control alleges to be free of drafs, but lacks the basic "his and hers" temperature controls found in competitors, and even in the '97 3 series.

The more I look at BMW, the more I like Mercedes.

PS: I own 3 BMWs (pre Bangle) and love 'em all.

Matthew1 - 1/22/2005 9:40:33 PM

+1 Boost

Is only a concept car, and a rather ghastly looking one at that.

This 3 is modern, chic and unmistakable as a BMW. It may be a departure from the restrained lines of the outgoing model, but then people would complain that it looked too much like the current car. 2005 ML anyone?

MB could have gone all futuristic on us, like BMW has, but it stayed somewhat conservative. And was bashed for it. Car designers can't win. Their designs are appreciated among the design community, but as most car consumers arent in a design career, their somewhat thoughtless and stereotypical comments on a new cars shape shouldn't be taken with the upmost seriousness.

Everyone is entitled to call the new 3 Japanese inspired, or dated-looking, but only the Europeans can design a car that doesn't date, so lets see that LF-S concept a few years down the line.

DiamondJim - 1/25/2005 11:56:51 AM

+1 Boost

-LF-S!

-LF-S!!

-Look at the 3 series...

-What a mess!


Ok Ok the 3series is alright for 2005 but once the LF-S comes out, WATCH BMW 3 series sales TANK!