A seven speed, twin clutch automated-manual transmission, initially for petrol coupes and convertibles only, is the highlight of the mid-life revamp for BMW’s top-selling three-series line.
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The new ‘box is accompanied by a minor restyle inside and out, new engines, wider availability of the six-speed automatic transmission option and improved standard or optional telematics including available internet access and the ability to download internet generated routes to the navigator.
More use of so-called EfficientDynamics technology has lowered fuel consumption and exhaust emissions for each of the available 10 engines. An improved all-wheel drive system dubbed xDrive is also on offer for the sedan and wagon models.
New headlights are now highlighted in chrome and their distinctive illuminated ‘corona’ rings are combined with optional bi-xenon headlamps as daytime running lights on some models. LED direction indicator lights are also now installed in conjunction with bi-xenon lights while rear lights are also now LED.
Depending on the model, the track of the rear axle has been widened by up to 24mm.
BMW.
The iDrive system – pioneer BMW was much criticised for the complexity required to perform simple functions using earlier versions though most major rivals have since mimicked it in some form – now has specific buttons to directly access CD, radio, telephone and navigation functions. The functional bookmarks are supplemented with three control buttons.
It also has an improved display and revised menu. The new system is also in the redesigned 7 series announced recently and the top navigator system in the updated 3 includes an 80Gb hard drive for maps and music files, which can be transferred from a CD, MP3 player or USB stick.
BMW claims its new ‘ConnectedDrive’ makes it the first automaker to enable unlimited use of the internet in the vehicle when stationary.
Data transfer of data is based on EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which, BMW says, offers full geographical coverage, unlike UMTS, and is three to four times faster than the mobile phone standard GPRS. The iDrive controller doubles as a mouse on web pages.
ConnectedDrive allows access to roadside assist, customer service, ‘teleservices’ and tracking, depending on country.
The six cylinder diesel 330d versions have a new, all aluminium engine with common rail injection piezo injectors squirting at up to 1,800 bar, and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. Output is 180 kW with 520Nm of torque. Fuel consumption on the EU test cycle is 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 output is an impressive 152g/km.
The new motor has a particulate filter and oxidation catalytic converter as standard and easily complies with EU5 emissions rules. Add a NOX-storage catalytic converter and a few other tweaks and it will meet the proposed EU6 rules, too.
The new seven-speed automated manual, like twin clutch units already used by other automakers, offers almost imperceptible, very fast shifts. The initially limited roster of I6 petrol-powered 3-series coupe and convertible models available with this new ‘box accelerate fractionally faster than their manual or torque converter automatic siblings yet fuel economy is up to 5% better.
Steering-wheel mounted manual-shift paddles supplement the centre floor shifter. A sport mode delays upshifts and sharpens accelerator pedal response and a ‘launch mode’ for maximum off-the-line acceleration is also included.
