BMW: 3-Series News
#1121
Instructor
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Toronto_CA
Age: 47
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by gavriil
C&D Mag has tested the 325i with a 6 speed manual tranny and got 6.1 secs for the 0-60 run and 14.7secs@94mph for the 1/4 mile. They did mention that the gear ratios were more aggressive than those in the 330i but the shifter was not as accurate.
#1123
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by dozorca
Those numbers are amazing. It's hard to believe that they managed to pull those numbers. BMWs are usually quick in the 1/4 but not 0-60. How quick is the 2006 330i then? 5s 0-60?
I remember they got 5.6 seconds when they first tested it in a very quick test in Europe a long time ago.
#1125
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
There it is
2006 BMW 330i
C/D TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION: Seconds
Zero to 30 mph: 1.9
40 mph: 3.0
50 mph: 4.4
60 mph: 5.6
70 mph: 7.7
80 mph: 9.7
90 mph: 11.8
100 mph: 15.3
110 mph: 18.8
120 mph: 22.9
130 mph: 29.1
Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.0
Top-gear acceleration, 30-50 mph: 9.5
50-70 mph: 8.6
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.3 sec @ 98 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
--------------
2006 BMW 330i
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Estimated price as tested: $39,000 (estimated base price: $37,000)
Options on test car: active steering with variable ratio
Major standard accessories: power windows, seats, locks, and sunroof; remote locking; A/C; cruise control; tilting and telescoping steering wheel; rear defroster
Sound system: BMW AM-FM radio/CD player, 6 speakers
ENGINE
Type: inline-6, magnesium-and-aluminum block and aluminum head
Bore x stroke: 3.35 x 3.46 in, 85.0 x 88.0mm
Displacement: 183 cu in, 2996cc
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel-delivery system: port injection
Valve gear: chain-driven double overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, hydraulic lifters, variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing and lift
Power (SAE net): 255 bhp @ 6600 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Redline: 7000 rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Final-drive ratio: 3.15:1
Gear - Ratio - Mph/1000 rpm - Max test speed
I - 4.35 - 5.3 - 37 mph (7000 rpm)
II - 2.50 - 9.1 - 64 mph (7000 rpm)
III - 1.66 - 13.7 - 96 mph (7000 rpm)
IV - 1.23 - 18.6 - 130 mph (7000 rpm)
V - 1.00 - 22.9 - 155 mph (6800 rpm)
VI - 0.85 - 26.9 - 155 mph (5750 rpm)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Track, front/rear: 59.1/59.7 in
Length/width/height: 178.2/71.5/55.9 in
Ground clearance: 4.0 in
Drag area, Cd (0.30) x frontal area (22.7 sq ft): 6.8 sq ft
Curb weight: 3450 lb
Weight distribution, F/R: 51.0/49.0%
Curb weight per horsepower: 13.5 lb
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gal
CHASSIS/BODY
Type: unit construction
Body material: welded steel stampings
INTERIOR
SAE volume, front seat: 50 cu ft
rear seat: 41 cu ft
luggage: 12 cu ft
Front-seat adjustments: fore-and-aft, seatback angle, front height, rear height, lumbar support, thigh support
Restraint systems, front: manual 3-point belts; driver and passenger front, side, and curtain airbags
rear: manual 3-point belts, curtain airbags
SUSPENSION
Front: ind, strut located by 1 lateral link and 1 diagonal link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear: ind; 2 diagonal links, 2 lateral links, and 1 toe-control link per side; coil springs; anti-roll bar
STEERING
Type: rack-and-pinion with variable ratio and variable power assist
Steering ratio: 10.8:1-18.0:1
Turns lock-to-lock: 1.9
Turning circle curb-to-curb: 36.1 ft
BRAKES
Type: hydraulic with vacuum power assist, anti-lock control, and electronic panic assist
Front: 13.0 x 0.9-in vented disc
Rear: 13.2 x 0.9-in vented disc
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel size/type: 8.0 x 17 in/cast aluminum
Tires: Pirelli Eufori@ Run Flat, 225/45R-17 91W
Test inflation pressures, F/R: 32/38 psi
Spare: none
BRAKING
70-0 mph @ impending lockup: 168 ft
PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D est)
EPA city driving: 21 mpg
EPA highway driving: 31 mpg
INTERIOR SOUND LEVEL
Idle: 41 dBA
Full-throttle acceleration: 73 dBA
70-mph cruising: 66 dBA
C/D TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION: Seconds
Zero to 30 mph: 1.9
40 mph: 3.0
50 mph: 4.4
60 mph: 5.6
70 mph: 7.7
80 mph: 9.7
90 mph: 11.8
100 mph: 15.3
110 mph: 18.8
120 mph: 22.9
130 mph: 29.1
Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.0
Top-gear acceleration, 30-50 mph: 9.5
50-70 mph: 8.6
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.3 sec @ 98 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
--------------
2006 BMW 330i
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Estimated price as tested: $39,000 (estimated base price: $37,000)
Options on test car: active steering with variable ratio
Major standard accessories: power windows, seats, locks, and sunroof; remote locking; A/C; cruise control; tilting and telescoping steering wheel; rear defroster
Sound system: BMW AM-FM radio/CD player, 6 speakers
ENGINE
Type: inline-6, magnesium-and-aluminum block and aluminum head
Bore x stroke: 3.35 x 3.46 in, 85.0 x 88.0mm
Displacement: 183 cu in, 2996cc
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel-delivery system: port injection
Valve gear: chain-driven double overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, hydraulic lifters, variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing and lift
Power (SAE net): 255 bhp @ 6600 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Redline: 7000 rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Final-drive ratio: 3.15:1
Gear - Ratio - Mph/1000 rpm - Max test speed
I - 4.35 - 5.3 - 37 mph (7000 rpm)
II - 2.50 - 9.1 - 64 mph (7000 rpm)
III - 1.66 - 13.7 - 96 mph (7000 rpm)
IV - 1.23 - 18.6 - 130 mph (7000 rpm)
V - 1.00 - 22.9 - 155 mph (6800 rpm)
VI - 0.85 - 26.9 - 155 mph (5750 rpm)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Track, front/rear: 59.1/59.7 in
Length/width/height: 178.2/71.5/55.9 in
Ground clearance: 4.0 in
Drag area, Cd (0.30) x frontal area (22.7 sq ft): 6.8 sq ft
Curb weight: 3450 lb
Weight distribution, F/R: 51.0/49.0%
Curb weight per horsepower: 13.5 lb
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gal
CHASSIS/BODY
Type: unit construction
Body material: welded steel stampings
INTERIOR
SAE volume, front seat: 50 cu ft
rear seat: 41 cu ft
luggage: 12 cu ft
Front-seat adjustments: fore-and-aft, seatback angle, front height, rear height, lumbar support, thigh support
Restraint systems, front: manual 3-point belts; driver and passenger front, side, and curtain airbags
rear: manual 3-point belts, curtain airbags
SUSPENSION
Front: ind, strut located by 1 lateral link and 1 diagonal link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear: ind; 2 diagonal links, 2 lateral links, and 1 toe-control link per side; coil springs; anti-roll bar
STEERING
Type: rack-and-pinion with variable ratio and variable power assist
Steering ratio: 10.8:1-18.0:1
Turns lock-to-lock: 1.9
Turning circle curb-to-curb: 36.1 ft
BRAKES
Type: hydraulic with vacuum power assist, anti-lock control, and electronic panic assist
Front: 13.0 x 0.9-in vented disc
Rear: 13.2 x 0.9-in vented disc
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel size/type: 8.0 x 17 in/cast aluminum
Tires: Pirelli Eufori@ Run Flat, 225/45R-17 91W
Test inflation pressures, F/R: 32/38 psi
Spare: none
BRAKING
70-0 mph @ impending lockup: 168 ft
PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D est)
EPA city driving: 21 mpg
EPA highway driving: 31 mpg
INTERIOR SOUND LEVEL
Idle: 41 dBA
Full-throttle acceleration: 73 dBA
70-mph cruising: 66 dBA
#1126
Instructor
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Toronto_CA
Age: 47
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by gavriil
They tested the 330i last month in a comparo with the IS and other sport sedans. Anyone got the mag and can share?
I remember they got 5.6 seconds when they first tested it in a very quick test in Europe a long time ago.
I remember they got 5.6 seconds when they first tested it in a very quick test in Europe a long time ago.
From bmw.ca:
2006 323i Sedan 174 hp 8.0 s $ 35,200
2006 325i Sedan 215 hp 7.1 s $ 40,300 man/auto (sec.) 7.1/7.7
2006 325xi Sedan 215 hp 7.5 s $ 42,900
2006 330i Sedan 255 hp 6.5 s $ 47,900
2006 330xi Sedan 255 hp 6.6 s $ 50,500
#1127
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by dozorca
From bmw.ca:
I think the gap between what BMW got and what the magazines got is a bit much...
I think the gap between what BMW got and what the magazines got is a bit much...
#1128
Race Director
Somehow those paper HP/tq figures for the 3L I6 in the 325 seem low for CD to get those real life perf numbers. If one doesn't mind the interior, perf wise the 325 is much better than IS250, A4 2.0, S40 around the same price point.
#1129
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Originally Posted by biker
Somehow those paper HP/tq figures for the 3L I6 in the 325 seem low for CD to get those real life perf numbers. If one doesn't mind the interior, perf wise the 325 is much better than IS250, A4 2.0, S40 around the same price point.
#1133
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
BMW's new 3 Series convertible to have folding hardtop, will launch in Europe in '07 - - HARALD HAMPRECHT | Automobilwoche - - Source: Autoweek
MUNICH, Germany -- BMW's successor to the 3 Series convertible will be launched in Europe in March 2007, company insiders say. It will have a folding hardtop.
Officials at BMW of North America declined to say when the convertible will go on sale in that market. But typically BMW launches vehicles in North America three to six months after their European debut.
BMW is expected to introduce the vehicle at the Paris auto show in September 2006.
The convertible will be based on the fifth-generation 3 Series, which was introduced at the Geneva auto show in March. A station wagon variant of the new 3 Series is due in 2006, and an M3 version with a V8 engine arrives in 2008.
German supplier Edscha will supply the roof. Edscha will lease a new construction area at BMW's Regensburg, Germany, plant to produce the three-part roof system.
Edscha supplies the soft-top convertible roof system for the current 3 Series from its plant in Hengersberg, about 50 miles from Regensburg. The first production models of the new 3-Series convertible, known internally as the E93, already have begun.
Edscha supplies roof systems for BMW's current versions of the 6 Series and the Z4 roadster.
Last year, BMW sold 40,300 units of its 3-Series convertible worldwide. In 2002, the niche model's most successful year to date, BMW sold more than 54,000 units of the ragtop.
Diana T. Kurylko contributed to this report
Officials at BMW of North America declined to say when the convertible will go on sale in that market. But typically BMW launches vehicles in North America three to six months after their European debut.
BMW is expected to introduce the vehicle at the Paris auto show in September 2006.
The convertible will be based on the fifth-generation 3 Series, which was introduced at the Geneva auto show in March. A station wagon variant of the new 3 Series is due in 2006, and an M3 version with a V8 engine arrives in 2008.
German supplier Edscha will supply the roof. Edscha will lease a new construction area at BMW's Regensburg, Germany, plant to produce the three-part roof system.
Edscha supplies the soft-top convertible roof system for the current 3 Series from its plant in Hengersberg, about 50 miles from Regensburg. The first production models of the new 3-Series convertible, known internally as the E93, already have begun.
Edscha supplies roof systems for BMW's current versions of the 6 Series and the Z4 roadster.
Last year, BMW sold 40,300 units of its 3-Series convertible worldwide. In 2002, the niche model's most successful year to date, BMW sold more than 54,000 units of the ragtop.
Diana T. Kurylko contributed to this report
#1134
6 Forward 1 Back
Wow, that seems a long time before we see that here. I didn't think it took that long.
#1135
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Despite intense competition, BMW's 3 series continues to lead the compact luxury pack - - - DIANA T. KURYLKO | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek
It's the target of every new or revamped entry into the compact luxury car segment, but nothing has caught up with the BMW 3 Series.
Nearly six months into sales of the fifth-generation 3 Series, BMW is again blasting the doors off the competition.
The 3 Series outsold its competition in the United States in September, moving 8,693 units, most of which were the new version. Its nearest competitors were the Acura TL, with 6,228 units sold; Infiniti G35, with 5,472 units; and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with 5,050 units.
"BMW deserves a huge amount of credit. That car has been at the top of that segment forever," Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for the Power Information Network in Troy, Mich., told Automotive News. "It has an extraordinary reputation and that has been built up over decades. There aren't many models that have that history."
Rolling out lineup
The sedan version of the replacement 3 Series went on sale in May. A station wagon and an all-wheel-drive model reached showrooms this month. The coupe, convertible and M3 high-performance model will be rolled out over the next 18 months.
U.S. sales of the 3 Series peaked at 115,428 cars in 2002; none of its competitors has sold more than 100,000 units a year in the United States. With the competition growing and the run-out of the predecessor, 3 Series sales settled at 106,549 units last year.
Ken Bracht, 3 Series brand manager for BMW of North America, says the 2006 3 Series sedan alone will sell at least 50,000 units this year. When the full 3 Series lineup is in place, BMW expects sales to equal the peak, he says.
The 3 Series has a base price of $31,595, including shipping. The average transaction price on the 3 Series is $38,245 -- higher than competitors and $4,860 above that of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, according to Power Information Network data.
Bracht says BMW's mix has improved, with 34 percent of buyers opting for the more expensive 330i compared with 17 percent for the prior generation. He attributes that to pricing.
For the previous generation, it cost about $4,000 to move up from the 325i to the more powerful 330i. With the model changeover, BMW has made the jump cost $2,700.
1977 debut
The BMW 3 Series debuted in the United States in 1977 as the 320i, a spry European sports car that was nimbler, lighter and different from domestic or other import models. Although the car has gotten larger and more sophisticated over the years, the basic concept hasn't changed in nearly three decades, says Tom Purves, CEO of BMW of North America.
"We've sold 1. 2 million of them since then," he says, "and it's the iconic BMW."
Bracht says the major competitors for the 3 Series are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Lexus IS and Cadillac CTS.
Although the C-Class is a key competitor, it is no longer the archrival. Bracht says as Mercedes-Benz has moved upscale and expanded its range, the market perception is that "Mercedes is more of an S-Class company."
He says: "A lot of people think of BMW as the 3 Series (company) -- this is where we banked our reputation."
Nearly six months into sales of the fifth-generation 3 Series, BMW is again blasting the doors off the competition.
The 3 Series outsold its competition in the United States in September, moving 8,693 units, most of which were the new version. Its nearest competitors were the Acura TL, with 6,228 units sold; Infiniti G35, with 5,472 units; and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with 5,050 units.
"BMW deserves a huge amount of credit. That car has been at the top of that segment forever," Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for the Power Information Network in Troy, Mich., told Automotive News. "It has an extraordinary reputation and that has been built up over decades. There aren't many models that have that history."
Rolling out lineup
The sedan version of the replacement 3 Series went on sale in May. A station wagon and an all-wheel-drive model reached showrooms this month. The coupe, convertible and M3 high-performance model will be rolled out over the next 18 months.
U.S. sales of the 3 Series peaked at 115,428 cars in 2002; none of its competitors has sold more than 100,000 units a year in the United States. With the competition growing and the run-out of the predecessor, 3 Series sales settled at 106,549 units last year.
Ken Bracht, 3 Series brand manager for BMW of North America, says the 2006 3 Series sedan alone will sell at least 50,000 units this year. When the full 3 Series lineup is in place, BMW expects sales to equal the peak, he says.
The 3 Series has a base price of $31,595, including shipping. The average transaction price on the 3 Series is $38,245 -- higher than competitors and $4,860 above that of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, according to Power Information Network data.
Bracht says BMW's mix has improved, with 34 percent of buyers opting for the more expensive 330i compared with 17 percent for the prior generation. He attributes that to pricing.
For the previous generation, it cost about $4,000 to move up from the 325i to the more powerful 330i. With the model changeover, BMW has made the jump cost $2,700.
1977 debut
The BMW 3 Series debuted in the United States in 1977 as the 320i, a spry European sports car that was nimbler, lighter and different from domestic or other import models. Although the car has gotten larger and more sophisticated over the years, the basic concept hasn't changed in nearly three decades, says Tom Purves, CEO of BMW of North America.
"We've sold 1. 2 million of them since then," he says, "and it's the iconic BMW."
Bracht says the major competitors for the 3 Series are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Lexus IS and Cadillac CTS.
Although the C-Class is a key competitor, it is no longer the archrival. Bracht says as Mercedes-Benz has moved upscale and expanded its range, the market perception is that "Mercedes is more of an S-Class company."
He says: "A lot of people think of BMW as the 3 Series (company) -- this is where we banked our reputation."
#1136
GEEZER
The 3 series does nothing for me. I'll take an M5 though!
#1138
Moderator Alumnus
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Communist, NY
Posts: 9,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yup, let people criticize the 3 series all they want..........the car is a smash hit.
As is the 5series, dame edna this and that, hasn't stopped it from being a run away sales success in every regard.
As is the 5series, dame edna this and that, hasn't stopped it from being a run away sales success in every regard.
#1139
101 years of heartache...
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicago's North Side/Champaign, IL
Age: 36
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i think i'd rather have a 325i over a TL. I have always loved the idea behind the BMW 3, but felt the lower end engine has lacked the performance potential of the higher. But in this case, 0-60 in 6.1, even 6.6, is very impressive. If I were in the market, a BMW 325i would be my next car, even over the TL, G35, or CTS. And forget about the IS250
![Lame](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/lame.gif)
#1140
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's crazy how strong BMW is with the 3. They really do deserve alot of credit from staving off first the competiton. The only car I've ever seen that beat it in comparos was the G; and that was a brand new car against a car with legs on it (the 3). I look forward to the new G and CTS, to see how those two (along with the new IS) will stack up against the 3.
#1142
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by 03TL-S
The 3 series sells so well because of the BMW name. Its the cheapest BMW that many people can afford. Thats why there are so many 325i's out there.
#1149
3-Series is the best of the Bangle designs, with the coupe/cabriolet versions being the best models.
#1150
Racer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Orange County, CAL
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by einsatz
Interesting, I guess they're only comparing the 330? Because the TL and G35 whoop the 325 in performance and value.
![Wink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#1151
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: El Monte, CA
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by turbox777
you pay for what you get. you can keep your TL and i'll take the E90 325i sport stick.
we can either do a straightaway or curvy mountains.
![Wink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#1152
Burn some dust here
Originally Posted by iNteGraz92
if u say so. i'd much rather have a tl than a freakin 325. m3 or no 3 at all. bmw also needs to work on its interiors.
![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)
In what ways?
#1154
Racer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Orange County, CAL
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by iNteGraz92
if u say so. i'd much rather have a tl than a freakin 325. m3 or no 3 at all. bmw also needs to work on its interiors.
#1155
101 years of heartache...
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Chicago's North Side/Champaign, IL
Age: 36
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WOW, that rear end design looks like the old 8-Series!
anybody know when this thing is coming out? my uncle is looking for a good coupe under 50k.
anybody know when this thing is coming out? my uncle is looking for a good coupe under 50k.
#1156
woooo!!
Originally Posted by gocubsgo55
WOW, that rear end design looks like the old 8-Series!
anybody know when this thing is coming out? my uncle is looking for a good coupe under 50k.
anybody know when this thing is coming out? my uncle is looking for a good coupe under 50k.
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
#1157
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
The E92 is the one car i been dying to see. How have they gone this long without any real spy pics! I want to know what it will look like already ![Rant](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rant.gif)
![Rant](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rant.gif)
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
I like the looks of this one.... if the real coupe looks anything like this one it's gonna sell very well...
#1158
I don't see why it would look like anything other than what the sedan looks like, same front end, same brake lights, same lines along the profile, just two less doors like the previous gen...
#1160
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: El Monte, CA
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by turbox777
You need professional help.
Originally Posted by cob3683
![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)
In what ways?
![](https://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c450764a.jpg)
vs
![](https://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c445236a.jpg)
no contest