BMW 3 Series

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BMW 3 Series
All five generations of 3series.
Manufacturer BMW
Production 1975–present
Assembly Leipzig, Germany


Munich, Germany
Regensburg, Germany
Rosslyn, South Africa
Kaliningrad, Russia
Predecessor BMW 2002
Class Compact executive car
Related BMW M3,

BMW X3

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It was the successor to the 2002 coupe, and has now been produced in five different incarnations and a no less than five different bodystyles. The 3 Series is BMW's best selling automobile, accounting for nearly 40% of all automobiles sold by the company in 2005.

The 3 Series is the best selling foreign luxury sedan in the United States — 98,000 vehicles were sold in 2005.[1]

Contents

[edit] Social and marketing significance

Being an accessible prestige-badge car, the 3 Series' reputation grew from its humble beginnings, winning numerous awards and honors throughout the automotive world. By the early 21st century, the E46 3 Series was the best-selling car of its segment (premium middle class cars),[2]as commonplace in Asia and America as in Europe, while maintaining its prestigious brand and image.

The 3 series has also maintained BMW's racing heritage. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted in the 1980s as an industry first "track ready" luxury sports car (FIA Group A racing).[3] Marketed as a daily driver and a track ready race car, the M3 grew in popularity quickly. This has furthered the 3 series brand awareness as a class-leading "sport sedan".

[edit] History

In 1968, an article appeared in Car and Driver praising the BMW 2002 for its European style and driving characteristics. Historically, BMW got its start in the American market in New York City when Austrian born importer Max Hoffman began selling imported BMWs.

Max Hoffman, often referred to as the "father" of the import car business, was a famous New York Car Dealer/Importer who is largely responsible for the US sports car resurgence of the 40's and 50's. He imported sports cars to the US and made them available after WW II. Hoffman helped sponsor amateur sports car racing in the US and encouraged the European manufacturers to respond to the emerging US sports car market. Hoffman influenced BMW product marketing (as well as other German made cars )in the US for many years.

The success of the 2002 led to the founding of BMW North America in 1975. And shortly thereafter a new model was introduced that furthered this concept of performance and practicality – the BMW 3 Series. This new model was a direct descendant of the 2002. The 3 series is the most successful of BMW models, a trend that will likely continue well into the future.

3 Series vehicles can be largely differentiated by the underlying platform:

[edit] E21

E21
Early BMW 3 Series
Production 1975–1983
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
Layout FR layout
Platform BMW E21
Engine(s) 1.6 L I4; 1.8 L I4; 2.0 L I4; 2.0 L I6; 2.3 L I6
Main article: BMW E21

The E21 line was produced from 2 May 1975 (1977 in the USA) through 1983. Originally a replacement for the 2002 coupe, the first 3-Series was a 2-door model only. The New Class sedans would be replaced by the 5 Series. A factory authorised cabrio version was built by Baur.

Models:

  • Europe
    • 1981-1983 315 - 1.6 L M41 I4, 75 PS (55 kW)
    • 1975-1979 316 - 1.6 L M41 I4, 90 PS (66 kW)
    • 1980-1983 316 - 1.8 L M10B18 I4, 90 PS (66 kW)
    • 1975-1980 318 - 1.8 L M42 I4, 98 PS (72 kW)
    • 1979-1983 318i - 1.8 L M42 I4, 105 PS (77 kW)
    • 1975-1979 320/4 - 2.0 L M64 I4, 109 PS (80 kW)
    • 1975-1979 320i - 2.0 L M10B20 I4, 125 PS (92 kW)
    • 1979-1982 320/6 - 2.0 L M20B20 I6, 122 PS (90 kW)
    • 1978-1982 323i - 2.3 L M20B23 I6, 143 PS (105 kW)
  • Rest of world
    • 1976-1979 320i - 2.0 L M43/1 I4, 110 hp (82 kW)
    • 1980-1983 320i - 1.8 L M42 I4, 100 hp (75 kW)

[edit] E30

Main article: BMW E30
BMW E30
BMW E30
Manufacturer BMW
Production 1982–1991
Predecessor BMW E21
Successor BMW E36
Class Entry-level luxury car / Compact executive car
Body style(s) 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Platform FR, [AWD]
Engine(s) I4, I6
1.6-3.2 L, 73-236 kW
Related BMW M3

The E30 was sold from 1982 through 1991 in sedan form, through 1993 in convertible form. The E30's introductory price of US$18,210 was nearly double that of the E21 just 7 years earlier, but the availability of a six cylinder engine and 4-door body style (in 1984) earned sales. The torquey "eta" six in the 325e produced 121 hp (90 kW), but met the strict emission standards of the time. The E30 was the most powerful compact BMW offered in the United States since the 2002 Tii.

The lineup was joined in 1985 by the high-output 325i and 325is. Though the engine displacement was reduced to 2.5 L, output was up to 168 hp (125 kW) as the company focused on performance rather than economy. The rev limit for the new motor was raised from 5000 rpm to 6500 rpm, as a shorter stroke was employed with the new motor.

The 325is was an upgrade from the standard 325i, as some new features were added to the car as standard. These included the full electrics package, BMW sports seats, black roof-liner, BMW M-technic II body kit, BMW 14 inch BBS wheels and a Close Ratio gearbox. Other features also found on the 325is were options, however over time, some have been mistaken for standard features. These options include a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), leather interior, sunroof and BMW 15 inch BBS wheels. Options differed on vehicles produced in the United States.
An all wheel drive version, the 325ix, joined the lineup for 1986. The four-cylinder 318 was dropped in 1985, but was brought back with a new, 1.8L DOHC motor (M42B18) for 1991.

In 1989, BMW introduced the touring version of the E30. It was very popular during its production up to 1994. It was available with a 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 or 2.5 liter engine. The 325i touring was also available with 4WD.

The most powerful American BMW E30 in 1989 came in the form of the M3. It used a 192 hp (143 kW) S14 straight-4 with a 4-valve head adapted from the M88 six and Bosch fuel injection.


[edit] E36

E36
E36 BMW 3 Series
Production 1991–1999
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
2-door hatchback
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Platform BMW E36
Engine(s) 1.6 L I4; 1.8 L I4; 1.8 L/1.9 L 16V I4; 2.0 L 24V I6; 2.5 L 24V I6; 2.5 L/2.8 L 24V I6; 2.4 L TD I6
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length Sedan & 1996-98 Coupe: 174.5 in (4432 mm)
Coupe & Convertible: 165.7 in (4209 mm)
Width 1992-95 Sedan: 66.8 in (1697 mm)
Coupe & 1996-98 Sedan: 66.9 in (1699 mm)
Convertible: 67.3 in (1709 mm)
Height Sedan: 54.8 in (1392 mm)
Coupe: 53.8 in (1367 mm)
Convertible: 53.1 in (1349 mm)
Fuel capacity 13.7 US gal
16.4 US gal
Related BMW M3
Main article: BMW E36

Also known as the "Dolphin shape." The E36 was sold from 1991 through 1999. It employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. DOHC engines were used across the range, with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993.

BMW E36 coupe
BMW E36 coupe
Dashboard of a 325is
Dashboard of a 325is

The four-door E36 was sold from Autumn, 1991 but the E30 coupes were retained until well into 1992. The E36 convertible was delayed until 1994. The hatchback 318ti Compact was introduced in 1995, was not very popular in Europe and even less successful in North America[citation needed]. The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 sedan from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's. The Z3 and M Coupe have similar rear suspension setups as well. The "Touring" station wagon was sold in Europe from 1995.

The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325i models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328i line. A less powerful 2.5 L engine, the M52B25 was sold as 323i rather than 325i.

The 4-door 3 Series models were replaced after 1998 in the US, while the 2-door models lasted through 1999.

Models:

  • Europe
    • 1991-1995 316i - 1.6 L M40B18 I4, 100 PS (74 kW)
    • 1995-1999 316i - 1.6 L M43B16 I4, 102 PS (75 kW)
    • 1991-2000 318i - 1.8 L M40B18 I4, 115 PS (85 kW)
    • 1992-1995 318iS - 1.8 L M42B18 I4, 140 PS (103 kW)
    • 1995-2000 318iS/ti - 1.9 L M44B19 I4, 140 PS (103 kW)
    • 1991-2000 320i - 2.0 L M50B20 I6, 150 PS (110 kW)
    • 1995-2000 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 I6, 170 PS (125 kW)
    • 1991-1995 325i - 2.5 L M50B25 I6, 192 PS (141 kW)
    • 1995-2000 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 I6, 193 PS (142 kW)
    • 1992-1997 M3 - 3.0 L S50B30 I6, 286 PS (210 kW)
    • 1995-2000 M3 - 3.2 L S50B32 I6, 321 PS (236 kW)
    • 1994-2000 318tds - 1.7 L M41D17 I4, 90 PS (66 kW)
    • 1994-1999 325td - 2.5 L M51D25 I6, 115 PS (85 kW)
  • US-only engines

[edit] E46

E46
2001 BMW 320i sedan
Production 1998–2005
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / All-wheel drive
Platform BMW E46
Engine(s) 1.6/1.9 L I4; 1.9 L I4; 2.0 L I4; 2.0/2.2 L I6; 2.5 L I6; 2.8/3.0 L I6; 3.2 L I6; 2.0 L TD I4; 2.9 L TD I6
Transmission(s) 5 or 6-speed manual; 5 or 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 107.3 in (2725 mm)
Length Sedan: 176.0 in (4470 mm)
Wagon: 176.3 in (4478 mm)
Convertible & Coupe: 176.7 in (4488 mm)
Width Sedan & Wagon: 68.5 in (1740 mm)
Convertible & Coupe: 69.2 in (1758 mm)
Height Sedan: 55.7 in (1415 mm)
2000-02 325i Wagon: 55.5 in (1410 mm)
2000-02 325xi Wagon: 56.3 in (1430 mm)
Convertible: 54.0 in (1372 mm)
Coupe: 53.9 in (1369 mm)
xi Sedan: 56.5 in (1435 mm)
Fuel capacity 16.6 US gal
Related BMW M3
BMW X3
Main article: BMW E46

The E46 chassis began to replace the E36 specification for 1998. Only the 4-door sedans were updated that year. The E36 coupé and touring models lasted one more year until the E46 replacements arrived for model year 2000. The 2.8 L cars were called 328 while 2.5 L cars got the confusing 323 name. The new M54 engines appeared for 2001; with the new 3.0 L 330 replacing the 328, BMW renamed the 2.5 L car the 325. Also in 2001, the compact 3-door version appeared on the European market, but it was replaced in 2004 by the 1 series. During the second half of 2005 the E46 sedan and touring were phased out in favour of the new E90. The E46 coupé and convertible remained in production well into 2006. The E46 Coupe & Convertible used a "Ci," standing for coupe/injection, instead of just "i". The E46 all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars used the "xi" designation to show the cars included BMW's xDrive system

2004 BMW 3-Series coupe
2004 BMW 3-Series coupe
2002-2005 E46 wagon (US)
2002-2005 E46 wagon (US)
BMW 3 Series Compact
BMW 3 Series Compact
2004 BMW 3-Series Convertible
2004 BMW 3-Series Convertible

Models:

  • Europe and other markets
    • 1998-2001 316i - 1.6 L, M43TUB16, 105 PS (77 kW)
    • 2001-2005 316i - 1.9 L N42B18, 105 PS (77 kW)
    • 1998-2001 318i - 1.9 L, 118 PS (87 kW)
    • 2001-2005 318i - 2.0 L N42B20, 143 PS (105 kW)
    • 1998-2000 320i - 2.0 L M52B20 T, 150 PS (110 kW)
    • 2000-2006 320i - 2.2 L M54B22, 170 PS (125 kW)
    • 1998-2001 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 PS (125 kW)
    • 1998-2001 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 PS (142 kW)
    • 2000-2006 325i - 2.5 L M54B25, 192 PS (141 kW)
    • 2000-2006 330i - 3.0 L M54B30, 231 PS (170 kW)
    • 2000-2003 M3 - 3.2 L S54B32, 343 PS (252 kW)
    • 2003 M3 CSL - 3.2 L S54B32, 360 PS (265 kW)
  • 1998-2001 320d - 1951 cc, 136 PS (100 kW)
  • 2001-2006 320d - 1995 cc, 150 PS (110 kW)
  • 1998-2003 330d - 2926 cc, 184 PS (135 kW)
  • 2003-2006 330d - 2993 cc, 204 PS (150 kW)
  • US-only models
    • 1999-2000 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 hp (127 kW)
    • 1999-2000 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 hp (144 kW)
    • 2001-2006 325i - 2.5 L M54B25, 184 hp (137 kW)
    • 2001-2006 330i - 3.0 L M54B30, 225 hp (168 kW)
    • 2003-2006 330i ZHP - 3.0 L M54B30, 235 hp (175 kW)
    • 2001-2006 M3 - 3.2 L S54B32, 333 hp (248 kW)


[edit] E90

E90
E90 3-Series
Production 2005–present
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform BMW E90
Engine(s) 1.6L I4; 2.0L I4; 2.5L I6; 3.0L I6; 3.0L Turbo I6; 2.0L Diesel I4; 3.0L Diesel I6; 3.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel I6
Transmission(s) 5 or 6-speed manual; 5 or 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 108.7 in (2761 mm)
Length Wagon: 178.2 in (4526 mm)
Convertible: 180.6 in (4587 mm)
Coupe: 180.3 in (4580 mm)
Sedan: 178.2 in (4526 mm)
Width Wagon: 71.5 in (1816 mm)
Convertible & Coupe: 70.2 in (1783 mm)
Height Wagon: 57.3 in (1455 mm)
Convertible: 54.5 in (1384 mm)
328i Coupe: 54.1 in (1374 mm)
328xi Coupe: 54.9 in (1394 mm)
335i Coupe: 54.2 in (1377 mm)
i Sedan: 55.9 in (1420 mm)
xi Sedan: 56.1 in (1425 mm)
Fuel capacity 16.6 US gal
Related BMW M3
BMW X3
Main article: BMW E90

The E90 is the new body style available from MY2006 to present, and is available as the sport sedan (E90), sport wagon (E91), sport coupe (E92), and sport coupe convertible (E93). The E90 series is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to motor choices, transmission, the passenger compartment comfort, suspension technology, as well as a host of High-Tech features and options.

Currently, four engine options are offered, two being part of the new 'N' series of BMW inline engines featuring a host of new technologies. Technological innovations such as lightweight magnesium/aluminum construction, electric water pump, Valvetronic (steplessly variable valve lift), and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing all contribute to produce a lighter and more powerful motor than its predecessor, but yield a 15% increase in fuel economy. The E90 also marks BMW's return to Turbo Technology with the introduction of the E92 coupe. The N54 engine produces 300 bhp (220 kW) and 300 lb·ft (410 N·m) torque.

The E90 series also marks another first for BMW -- a retractable hard top convertible.

Sales of the E90 have been very strong in Britain. In 2007, a record total of more than 58,000 examples were sold and it was the seventh most popular car in Britain. [1]

For the US market, the MY 2006 325i and 330i are both powered by the same 3.0 L N52 engine, but the 330i features revised engine software and improved intake and exhaust systems to produce an additional 40 hp (255 vs. 215). MY2007 marks a motor change to increase the power from the motors, therefore a change to the badging of the vehicles. Canada also gets a 323i model which has a detuned 2.5 L gasoline-injected inline-six producing 200 hp (149 kW). The new 335i uses a twin-turbo powerplant, also seen on the 5 series models.

The 3-Series is manufactured at plants in South Africa and Germany.

Engines:

  • 316i - 1.6 L I4, 122 PS (90 kW)
  • 318i - 2.0 L I4, 129 PS (95 kW), from 2008 143 PS (105 kW)
  • 320i - 2.0 L I4, 150 PS (110 kW), from 2008 170 PS (125 kW)
  • 320si - 2.0 L I4, 173 PS (127 kW), production limited to 2600 units
  • 323i - 2.5 L I6, 174 PS (128 kW), exclusive for Australia, Canada and South Africa, from 2008 190 PS (140 kW)
  • 325i - 2.5 L I6, 218 PS (160 kW), in US (and in Europe from 2008) 3.0 L I6
  • 328i - 3.0 L I6, 233 PS (171 kW), not available in Europe
  • 330i - 3.0 L I6, 258 PS (190 kW), in Coupé (and sedan from 2008) 272 PS (200 kW)
  • 335i - 3.0 L twin-turbo I6, 306 PS (225 kW)
  • M3 - 4.0 L V8, 420 PS (309 kW)
  • 318d - 2.0 L turbo diesel I4, 122 PS (90 kW), from 2008 143 PS (105 kW)
  • 320d - 2.0 L turbo diesel I4, 163 PS (120 kW), from 2008 177 PS (130 kW)
  • 325d - 3.0 L turbo diesel I6, 197 PS (145 kW)
  • 330d - 3.0 L turbo diesel I6, 231 PS (170 kW)
  • 335d - 3.0 L twin-turbo diesel I6, 272 PS (200 kW), from 2008 286 PS (210 kW)

[edit] Awards

The 3 Series has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list 17 times, from 1992 through 2008, making it the longest running entry in the list [2]. The E90 was named "Best New Sports Sedan" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Also, it was awarded the World Car of the Year at the New York Auto Show in 2006.

[edit] Racing

The E36 320d won the 24 Hours Nürburgring in 1998.

The E46 3-Series is the car that won Andy Priaulx and BMW Team UK the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2005. The E90 3-series repeated this feat in 2006. This is a highly advertised achievement of BMW. The WTCC is one of the FIA's three World Championships (along with Formula One and the World Rally Championship). The 3-Series' rear-wheel drive layout and its proven dynamics have both been attributed to its victory, though in Touring Car Racing, as almost every other motor sport, much of the skill is with the driver and their team tactics.

Andy Priaulx's BMW 320si (E90) during the 2006 World Touring Car Championship season.
Andy Priaulx's BMW 320si (E90) during the 2006 World Touring Car Championship season.

Most of the time, the 3-Series cars in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and other touring car championships have been penalised for being rear wheel drive and thus having better grip. However in the middle of the 2002 European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) season, FIA decided to make new rules to add an extra 15 kg ballast to front-wheel drive cars (such as the Alfa Romeo 156) and the ballast in rear-wheel drive cars (including BMW) was reduced by 15 kg.[4] The 320si has been penalised in the WTCC for this reason to keep the sport competitive with the rest of the grid (Ford Focus, Chevrolet Lacetti, SEAT Leon, Alfa Romeo 156) being front-wheel drive. Despite these ballast weight penalties, the 320si's of the British, German and Italian/Spanish teams continually win races and points with their skilled drivers. Today the WTCC series has a rolling start to eliminate the benefit of better grip that rear-wheel drive cars have from a standing start.

The BMW 3-Series is currently used in both the SCCA Pro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series and the Grand American Road Racing Series. In the final 2006 Grand Am standings, BMW finished second in the manufacturer's standings in both the Grand Sport and Street Tuner classes, and Turner Motorsport prepped E46 BMWs won the driver's and team championships.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Best-Selling Luxury Cars 2005. forbes.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  2. ^ Investor Relations/Annual Report 2005. bmwgroup.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-27.
  3. ^ BMW 3 Series
  4. ^ NEWS [ 275 - 26 Jun 2002 FIA WORLD COUNCIL APPROVES ETCC RULE CHANGES]. fiatouringcars.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-05.

[edit] External links

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« previous — BMW road car timeline, 1980s–present
Type Series 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5
Small family 1 Series E36/5 E46/5 E81 / E82 / E87 / E88
Compact exec 3 Series E21 E30 E36 E46 E90 / E91 / E92 / E93
Executive 5 Series E12 E28 E34 E39 E60 / E61 F10 / F11
Luxury 7 Series E23 E32 E38 E65 / E66 F01 / F02
Coupé 6 Series E24 E63 / E64
Roadster Z Series Z1 (E30) Z3 (E36) Z4 (E85) Z2
Supercar/GT M1 E31 Z8 (E52) Z10
SUV X3 E83 F25
X5 E53 E70
X6 E71