BMW 3-Series Review & video

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best selling vehicle, accounting for nearly 40% of the company's car sales in 2005. The 3 Series started from the E 21 and has continued its success by the E 30, E 36, E 46, E90, E91, E92 and E93.

Design

The current generation of E90 cars find its roots in the E46. It is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to engines, transmission, the passenger compartment, suspension technology, as well as the addition of a host of high-tech features and options. The coupé/cabriolet body is now its own design and no longer derived from the sedan and is slightly longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart. The saloon (sedan) model of the 3 series was the first model sold of the 5th generation BMW 3 series.
The sporty design of BMW 3 Series distinguishes it from other vehicles in its class. The sedan model flaunts BMW's trademark front grille. Clear-lens xenon swivel headlights wrap around the corners at the front and highlight the width and sporty stance of the car. Adding to its dynamic appearance are the short overhangs. The taillights too are L-shaped and boasts of chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets accentuate the rear portion of the car.
Debuting in the US in 2006, the E90 came in two trims, the 325i/x and 330i/x models. Later, the E90 received an engine boost with the debuts of the 2007 328i/x and 335i/x models.BMW released an M3 variant of the E90 saloon for the 2008 model year. The M3 features the same V8 Engine as the Coupe. It separated itself from the standard E90 by utilizing the E92 coupe's front fascia. Three variants of BMW 3 Series are available in India. These include 320i, 325i and 320d.

Powertrain

The 320i model of the BMW 3 Series has a powerful 1995cc petrol engine. The engine churns out 123 bhp. The 325i petrol variant on the other hand churned out 168bhp. On the other hand, the diesel model of BMW 3 Series - 320d - is powered by 1995cc 4-cylinder engine, which pumps out a power of 150 bhp. The four-cylinder petrol engines of BMW 3 Series boast of remarkable responsiveness. The cars also have a good fuel economy and a strong acceleration as well. Technical innovations, such as double-Vanos and Valvetronic, ensure that the power of the car improves the ride quality and delivers high performance. On the other hand, the diesel driven model of BMW 3 Series - 320d - comes equipped with a new-generation common rail inject technology, which provides good fuel efficiency and smooth running. All the engines are so designed that they provide maximum output and make the ride smooth and also deliver a good economy run.

Handling and Safety

All the three variants of the BMW 3 Series sedan have been equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, which monitor the chassis of the vehicle and makes sure that they are within the maximum limit. The suspension of the car is well tuned and the damper system of the car helps provide a comfortable ride. The usual crators that we see on Indian roads are not a big deal for this german car. BMW 3 Series sedan is fully loaded with latest safety features, which ensure maximum protection for its occupants. The iDrive control concept is standard in 320i and 320d variants of the sedan. The run-flat tyres of BMW 3 Series sedan are capable of being driven up to 250 km, even after a puncture. The Tyre Pressure Indicator (TPS), is standard in all the variants of the car, warns the driver whenever there is a fall in the tyre pressure. Apart from this, the standard features found in the automobile include electronic sensors, six airbags and a restraint system featuring seat belt pretensioners and force limiters.

Overall Evaluation

The price tag of the luxury sedan starts from Rs 26.95 lakh. It comes in colours like Sparkling Graphite, Monaco Blue, Black Sapphire and Titanium Silver. The car is a good buy as the features and the company badge does ensure that there is no compromise on the built of the car. The safety features of the car too speak volumes for the kind of thought put into the making of the car. The car is certainly a good buy and it comfortably seats 4 people.

Posted in: BMW