BMW reveals new 3-Series for 2008
The new BMW features a more aggressive look and new engine
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 15 July 2008
BMW has released pictures and details of the refreshed 3 Series for 200, due out in September with visual changes, a new iDrive system and a new all-aluminium engine.
The new BMW 3 Series saloon and Touring feature a new interior and exterior appearance and are offered with a range of five petrol and five diesel derivatives from launch.
The 3-Series has received a subtle facelift for 2008, with a more muscular look, tweaked trademark kidney grill and twin corona side lights as standard.
Wing mirrors are increased in size for better visibility, while the track of the car has been increased by 24mm for enhanced driving dynamics. The rear light adds LED technology as standard, while the rear valance and boot lid have been re-styled.
New alloy wheel designs are offered, including a sports-oriented 17-inch V-spoke alloy wheel as standard on four-cylinder SE specification cars. M Sport models also feature the new bonnet, front and rear lights and new M Aerodynamic body styling to further set the car apart.
The interior features the all-new iDrive system as an option, promising added convenience and improved functionality over the previous hated iDrive. The new operating system uses an 8Gb hard rive, which is also used for uploading music tracks.
All 3-Series Saloon and Touring models come as standard with six airbags, front and rear ISOFIX child seat mounts (including front airbag deactivation) and active head restraints.
New engine options
The BMW 330d engine is a new all-aluminium common-rail unit with piezo injectors and turbo-charger with variable vane geometry. The 330d's 3-litre engine produces 245bhp at 4,000rpm - 14 more horses than its predecessor - while torque has been boosted to 323lb-ft between 1,750rpm to 3,000pm.
The 330d Saloon now accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.1 seconds - the Touring in 6.2 seconds - before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The economy and emissions of the new 330d have improved from 46.3mpg to 49.6mpg and 160g/km to 152g/km.
Performance, fuel consumption and emissions are also increased on the of the 325d and 335d Saloon and Touring. For the 335d Saloon and Touring models, power and torque output figures are still the same.
Meanwhile the BMW 318d can now be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time for a more relaxed driving experience, recording a combined consumption figure of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 144g/km.
Market
BMW has sold 28,000 3 Series Saloons and 9,000 Touring models every year since the new model launched in 2005, with the most popular engine variant the 320d. A third of all 3 Series sales in UK are M Sport. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring go on sale on 20 September, 2008, with pricing announced at a later date.
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