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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.
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 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 {{Auto bhp|300|-1}} and {{Auto ft.lbf|300|-1}} torque.
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 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 {{Auto bhp|300|-1}} and {{Auto ft.lbf|300|-1}} torque.


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

Revision as of 08:22, 17 March 2008

BMW 3 Series
2002-2005 BMW 325i sedan (US)
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1975–present
AssemblyLeipzig, Germany
Munich, Germany
Regensburg, Germany
Rosslyn, South Africa
Kaliningrad, Russia
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car
RelatedBMW M3, BMW X3
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 2002

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. The 3 Series was for some time the smallest car line manufactured by BMW (exempting the BMW-owned MINI), although that place was in 2004 taken by the 1 Series. The 3 Series is BMW's best selling automobile, accounting for nearly 40% of all automobiles sold by the company in 2005. Its main competitors are Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3, and Audi A4.[1].The 3 Series is the best selling foreign luxury sedan in the United States — 98,000 vehicles were sold in 2005.[2]

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),[1]as commonplace in Asia and America as in Europe, while maintaining its prestigious brand and image.

All Generations of the BMW 3 Series

The 3 series has also maintained BMW's racing heritage. The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted in the 1980's 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".

History

In the late 1960s, performance car enthusiasts in the U.S. had limited options.[citation needed] There were small 2-seater sports cars like the British MG, and there were Detroit-made muscle cars with big V-8 engines offering a lot of power, but little else. Few Americans had ever heard the name BMW.

Then in 1968, an article appeared in Car & Driver, raving about an unassuming little automobile: the BMW 2002. This was a car Americans had never seen, and a glimpse of what Europeans already enjoyed. It accelerated like a muscle car, but it was light and fuel-efficient. It was agile like a sports car, but it had four quite comfortable seats and legroom. The 2002 embodied for Americans an entirely new concept: the sports sedan. And it laid down track that BMW has been running on ever since. Historically, BMW got its start in the American market in New York City, thanks to an Austrian named Max Hoffman.

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.

Through model evolution, the 3 series has expanded upwards and outwards – but for BMW, the 3 Series remains the defining car and the benchmark against which all future designs will be judged.

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

E21

E21
Early BMW 3 Series
Overview
Production1975–1983
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
LayoutFR layout
PlatformBMW E21
Powertrain
Engine1.6 L Template:Auto hp M41 I4

1.6 L Template:Auto hp M41 I4
1.8 L Template:Auto hp M10B18 I4
1.8 L Template:Auto hp M42 I4
2.0 L Template:Auto hp M64 I4
2.0 L Template:Auto hp M10B20 I4
2.0 L Template:Auto hp M20B20 I6
2.3 L Template:Auto hp M20B23 I6
2.0 L Template:Auto hp M43/1 I4

1.8 L Template:Auto hp M42 I4
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 hp (55 kW)
    • 1975-1979 316 - 1.6 L M41 I4, 90 hp (66 kW)
    • 1980-1983 316 - 1.8 L M10B18 I4, 90 hp (67 kW)
    • 1975-1980 318 - 1.8 L M42 I4, 98 hp (72 kW)
    • 1979-1983 318i - 1.8 L M42 I4, 105 hp (77 kW)
    • 1975-1979 320/4 - 2.0 L M64 I4, 109 hp (80 kW)
    • 1975-1979 320i - 2.0 L M10B20 I4, 125 hp (92 kW)
    • 1979-1982 320/6 - 2.0 L M20B20 I6, 122 hp (89 kW)
    • 1978-1982 323i - 2.3 L M20B23 I6, 143 hp (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)

E30

Main article: BMW E30
BMW E30
BMW E30
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1982–1991
Body and chassis
ClassEntry-level luxury car / Compact executive car
Body style(s)2-door coupé
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
PlatformFR, [AWD]
RelatedBMW M3
Powertrain
Engine(s)I4, I6
1.6-3.2 L, 73-236 kW
Chronology
PredecessorBMW E21
SuccessorBMW E36

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.

  • External Links
    • M42Club.com is a model-specific forum and community for the E30 318i/iS.

E36

E36
E36 BMW 3 Series
Overview
Production1991–1999
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
2-door hatchback
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
PlatformBMW E36
RelatedBMW M3
Powertrain
Engine1.9 L, Template:Auto hp I4
2.8 L, Template:Auto hp I6
Transmission4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthSedan & 1996-98 Coupe: Template:Auto in
Coupe & Convertible: Template:Auto in
Width1992-95 Sedan: Template:Auto in
Coupe & 1996-98 Sedan: Template:Auto in
Convertible: Template:Auto in
HeightSedan: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
Convertible: Template:Auto in
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
Dashboard of a 325is

The four-door E36 was sold from Autumn, 1991, in the United States 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 very popular in Europe, but it was not very successful in North America. 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 off 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, but was not offered in the United States.

The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325 models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328 line. Another 2.5 L engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced for 1998 but the cars were sold as 323 rather than 325.

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

Models:

E46

E46
2001 BMW 320i sedan
Overview
Production1998–2005
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / All-wheel drive
PlatformBMW E46
RelatedBMW M3
BMW X3
Powertrain
Engine2.5 L Template:Auto hp I6
2.8 L Template:Auto hp I6
3.2 L Template:Auto hp I6
Transmission5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthSedan: Template:Auto in
Wagon: Template:Auto in
Convertible & Coupe: Template:Auto in
WidthSedan & Wagon: Template:Auto in
Convertible & Coupe: Template:Auto in
HeightSedan: Template:Auto in
2000-02 325i Wagon: Template:Auto in
2000-02 325xi Wagon: Template:Auto in
Convertible: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
xi Sedan: Template:Auto in
Main article: BMW E46
2004 BMW 3-Series coupe
2002-2005 E46 wagon (US)
BMW 3 Series Compact
2004 BMW 3-Series Convertible

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

Models:

  • Europe and other markets
    • 1998-2001 316i - 1.6 L, M43TUB16, 105 hp (77 kW)
    • 2001-2005 316i - 1.8 L N42B18, 116 hp (87 kW)
    • 1998-2001 318i - 1.9 L, 118 hp (87 kW)
    • 2001-2005 318i - 2.0 L N42B20, 143 hp (105 kW)
    • 2005-2006 318Ci - 2.0 L N42B20, 150 hp (110 kW)
    • 1998-2000 320i - 2.0 L M52B20 T, 150 hp (110 kW)
    • 2000-2006 320i - 2.2 L M54B22, 170 hp (125 kW)
    • 1998-2001 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 hp (125 kW)
    • 1998-2001 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 hp (142 kW)
    • 2000-2006 325i - 2.5 L M54B25, 192 PS
    • 2000-2006 330i - 3.0 L M54B30, 231 PS
    • 2000-2003 M3 - 3.2 L S54B32, 343 PS
  • US (by Model Year)
    • 1999-2000 323i - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 hp (127 kW)
    • 2000 ------- 323Ci - 2.5 L M52B25 T, 170 hp (127 kW)
    • 1999-2000 328i - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 hp (144 kW)
    • 2000 ------- 328Ci - 2.8 L M52B28 T, 193 hp (144 kW)
    • 2001-2005 325i/xi - 2.5 L M54B25, 184 hp (137 kW)
    • 2001-2006 325Ci - 2.5 L M54B25, 184 hp (137 kW)
    • 2001-2005 330i/xi - 3.0 L M54B30, 225 hp (168 kW)
    • 2001-2006 330Ci - 3.0 L M54B30, 225 hp (168 kW)
    • 2003-2005 330i ZHP - 3.0 L M54B30, 235 hp (173 kW)
    • 2003-2006 330Ci ZHP - 3.0 L M54B30, 235 hp (173 kW)
    • 2001-2006 M3 - 3.2 L S54B32, 333 hp (248 kW)

Diesel models:

  • 1998-2001 320d - 1951 cc, 136 hp (100 kW)
  • 2001-2006 320d - 1995 cc, 150 hp (110 kW)
  • 1998-2003 330d - 2926 cc, 184 hp (135 kW)
  • 2003-2006 330d - 2993 cc, 204 hp (150 kW)


E90

E90
E90 3-Series
Overview
Production2005–present
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformBMW E90
RelatedBMW M3
BMW X3
Powertrain
Engine2.5 L Template:Auto hp I6

3.0 L Template:Auto hp I6
3.0 L Template:Auto hp I6
3.0 L Template:Auto hp I6

3.0 L Template:Auto hp I6
Transmission5-speed automatic

5-speed manual
6-speed automatic

6-speed manual
Dimensions
WheelbaseTemplate:Auto in
LengthWagon: Template:Auto in
Convertible: Template:Auto in
Coupe: Template:Auto in
Sedan: Template:Auto in
WidthWagon: Template:Auto in
Convertible & Coupe: Template:Auto in
HeightWagon: Template:Auto in
Convertible: Template:Auto in
328i Coupe: Template:Auto in
328xi Coupe: Template:Auto in
335i Coupe: Template:Auto in
i Sedan: Template:Auto in
xi Sedan: Template:Auto in
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 Template:Auto bhp and Template:Auto ft.lbf 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:

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.

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.

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.

Notes

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