Thirty Years of the BMW 3 Series

Press Release

History of the BMW 3 Series.(cont.)

1990: the Third Generation.

Even the BMW 3 Series had not passed through the ’80s without being affected by the course of time: The straightforward, box-like shape of the car had taken on the patina of a classic – the time had come for a new model, a really new BMW 3 Series.

Travelling down to BMW’s proving grounds in the Southern French town of Miramas in late October 1990, journalists were able to admire the new 3 Series with its long, stretched body in elegant design. Apart from the completely different silhouette, the smooth front end of the new car was a genuine eye-catcher at first sight: On either side, the dual headlights were covered by a glass plate, with the wide kidney grille in between.

Deviating from the former practice, the new Saloon made its debut right from the start with four doors, offering the driver and his passengers more space and motoring comfort on slightly larger exterior dimensions. Kneeroom for the rear-seat passengers alone, for example, was up by more than 30 millimetres or 1.18´´. The overall design of the car, despite its four doors, was nevertheless clearly oriented towards sporting performance: Long wheelbase of 2,700 millimetres or 106.3´´, short overhangs, 1,418 millimetres (55.8´´) track at the front and 1,431 millimetres (56.3´´) at the rear clearly bore testimony to the car’s outstanding driving characteristics right from the start.

Beneath the engine compartment lid there was more than ample power in each category with none of the new models going below the 100 bhp limit: The 1.6-litre “basic� engine in the 316i entered the market with 102 horsepower, developing even more power – 113 bhp – in the 318i. The two straight-six power units, in turn, churned out a substantial 150 bhp in the 320i and an even more impressive 192 bhp in the 325i. And while the four-cylinder power units had been carried over from the former generation with hardly any changes, the six-cylinder engines now featured two camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The price range was correspondingly large, the new 3 Series starting at DM 30,800 and going all the way to DM 49,000.

Even More Active and Passive Safety.

The chassis and suspension of the new car kept all the promises made by the beautiful and sporting body: At the front the new 3 Series featured a spring-strut axle, at the rear a central-arm axle for enhanced driving safety combined with a corresponding improvement of motoring comfort. ABS anti-lock brakes were standard in the top-of-the-range model and optional in the other cars. And BMW’s engineers had also made substantial investments in passive safety, the 3 Series being the first German car to enter the domestic market with integrated door reinforcements. The passenger cell of the 3 Series, in turn, was built to the latest standards, including special side impact protection over and above many other features. Hence, the bodyshell fulfilled all crash standards and requirements in force worldwide at the time, a reversible bumper system keeping damage to a minimum in head-on collisions of up to 15 km/h.

The response to the new 3 Series was overwhelming. Focusing on the 325i, for example, a leading German newspaper quite simply waxed lyrical: “This car offers that unique harmony of superior technology and flair perfectly combined with one another, thus ensuring supreme driving pleasure and, at the same time, equally supreme peace of mind and outstanding safety. Perhaps this is the ultimate combination of superior chassis technology, driving agility, and motoring precision all in one.�

Really Dynamic: the First 3 Series Coupé.

The new Saloon did not remain alone for long. Because BMW obviously planned to introduce successful body variants once again, re-entering the segments which had already proved so popular with very many customers. But this time everything was done the other way round and quite differently: The two-door model entering the market in early 1992 was no longer a Saloon, but rather a very elegant Coupé. And although the car’s resemblance to the four-door model was obvious at first sight, the two variants actually shared only a few common parts – for in reality the two-door model was a different, a unique car without compromises: It was 3 centimetres (1.18´´) lower and, together with the front end 8 centimetres (3.15´´) longer, the lower engine compartment lid complete with air intake slots, the roof 3 centimetres (1.18´´) shorter, wider doors with frameless windows and glass-covered B-pillars, as well as the shorter and lower luggage compartment lid, it stood out clearly through its classic and elegant side-line.

Even so, BMW’s focus went far beyond the new body. For technical progress was also significant beneath the sheet metal, borne out, for example, by variable camshaft control. Referred to as “VANOS�, this new technology improved the torque curve, fuel economy and emission management in one significant breakthrough. A further advantage offered by VANOS was the increase in compression on the two-litre model to 11:1 and on the 2.5-litre to 10.5:1 without risking engine damage. Accordingly, the six-cylinders developed their maximum toque at a low 4,200 rpm, 500 rpm earlier than before.

Definitely the most positive point for the customer, however, was the improvement in fuel economy by 0.7 litres in the combined cycle, both the 2.0- and 2.5-litre now making do with just 8.8 litres of premium fuel (32.1 mpg Imp) in the combined cycle. The model range now started with the four-cylinder 318is Coupé , extending on to the two six-cylinder 320i and 325i Coupés, and was joined in autumn 1993 by the 316i Coupé. Another new six-cylinder, by contrast, was initially reserved to the Saloon alone: Launching the 325td with a 2.5-litre diesel now developing and dynamic 115 bhp, BMW successfully continued the great story of the Sports Diesel.

For the Genuine Aficionado: Convertible and M3.

Development of the 3 Series continued at this rapid pace, BMW introducing two new highlights based on the new model: The new M3 as of the end of 1992, and the Convertible from spring 1993. Once again, the open-air 3 Series was a genuine fully open car, offering space for four and, thanks to its excellently dampened roof, ideal protection from wind and weather throughout the year. There was also an optional hardtop turning the Convertible into a virtually perfect Coupé very similar in its looks to the “real thing�.

The Convertible model range was rounded off within just a few months, comprising the 318i, the 320i, and the 325i. The new M3 also came as an open-air sports model, albeit a year later. For when making its debut the most dynamic of all 3 Series first entered the market as a Coupé, the Convertible and Saloon following somewhat later. But regardless of the body, a 286 bhp straight-six turned the new BMW M3 into an absolute winner on the Autobahn and on country roads alike, even though the M3 with its discreet changes to the body was hardly perceptible as a sports car at first sight.

Coining the statement: “The car has the power of a buffalo all the way from very low engine speeds� at the time, a motor journalist was however referring not to the M3, but rather to another newcomer in the 3 Series – the 325tds. Featuring a turbocharger and an intercooler, the six-cylinder power unit in this Sports Diesel developed a superior 105 kW/143 bhp and built up maximum torque of 260 Nm/192 lb-ft , but consumed only 6.7 litres of low-priced diesel per 100 kilometres in the combined cycle (equal to 42.2 mpg Imp). At the same time acceleration from 0–100 km/h came in 10.4 seconds, with a top speed of 214 km/h or 133 mph. So it is fair to say that the 325tds offered a very high standard in virtually every respect – economy, environmental care, and practical performance on the road.

Two Doors plus a Big Tailgate: the compact.

The introduction of new models continued in 1994: Overall length of 4.21 metres or 165.7´´, space for 4–5 and/or all kinds of luggage, two doors plus a large tailgate, and an attractive price – those are the highlights of the 3 Series compact introduced in two versions in 1994: the 316i in April and the 318is in autumn.

It was also in autumn 1994 that BMW rounded off the diesel range at the bottom end: The cars introduced in this case were the 318tds Saloon with its four-cylinder turbodiesel featuring intercooler technology and, launched in summer 1995, the 318tds compact, both aiming at motorists demanding the utmost in economy but not wishing to forego superior performance and motoring comfort.

A typical BMW through and through, the 318tds Saloon combined the agile and comfortable character of the 66 kW/90 power unit with average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100 km (47.9 mpg Imp) in the combined cycle.

Marking the end of the year, a new generation of six-cylinder engines made their appearance: The two most significant changes were the increase in engine capacity at the top end from 2.5 to 2.8 litres and, as the second highlight, the introduction of an aluminium engine block replacing the grey-cast iron unit.

Particularly the new top model in the 3 Series was able to impress both connoisseurs and the general public alike with some outstanding figures: Consuming just 8.5 litres of premium fuel in the combined cycle (33.2 mpg Imp), the 328i was a whole litre more fuel-efficient than the average car in its performance segment up to 142 kW (193 bhp). And at the same time maximum torque of 280 Nm/206 lb-ft marked a new record for normal-aspiration engines in this segment.

The power unit featured in the new 323i followed the same example, consuming a mere 8.3 litres in the combined cycle (34.0 mpg Imp) and thus standing out even more clearly than its bigger brother from other cars in its segment. And developing maximum torque of 245 Nm/181 lb-ft, this new BMW in the 125 kW (170 bhp) market segment also stood out clearly from the rest.

1995: new touring with Many Talents.

Long awaited, a genuine trendsetter in the 3 Series entered its second generation in 1995: the 3 Series touring. Derived like its predecessor directly from the Saloon, the touring offered the enthusiast all the technical and optical amenities of the 3 Series. It also came with virtually the same equipment and features as the Saloon, but with the exclusive upholstery and interior colours otherwise available only in the Coupé. Apart from numerous optional extras, there was now also a rear-seat bench with two integral child seats making allowance for requests from a large number of customers within the car’s target group. The 3 Series touring entered the market initially as the 320i, 328i, 318tds, and 325tds, the 318i and 323i following somewhat later. In 1997, finally, the range of sophisticated estate models was rounded off by the 316i touring.

Launching the new 323ti in 1997, BMW placed a new model right at the top of the compact range so far not available in the compact saloon segment. The 170 bhp six-cylinder power unit combined with rear-wheel-drive for optimum driving dynamics made the particularly athletic 323ti the new benchmark in this segment. Referring only very discreetly to its athletic power unit, the 323ti stood out from the other compact models mainly through its sports suspension lowering the entire car by 15 millimetres or 0.59´´ as well as the dual tailpipes. Acceleration to 100 km/h was in 7.8 seconds and top speed was 230 km/h or 143 mph, quickly giving the 323ti the image of the “small man’s M3�.

1998: the Fourth Generation.

The fourth BMW 3 Series entered the market in May 1998 – initially with the four-door Saloon offering even more motoring comfort, greater safety, and enhanced performance. And indeed, the introduction of the new model marked a genuine “Big Bang�, the 320d making its debut as the first-ever BMW with a direct-injection diesel engine developing 100 kW/136 bhp and top speed of 207 km/h (128 mph) on just 5.7 litres/100 km (49.6 mpg Imp). In particular, this outstanding car quickly made a great name for itself through its supreme refinement.

The other engines were equally progressive, the “basic� model being the 118 bhp 318i followed by the 150 bhp six-cylinder 320i, the 170 bhp 323i, and, finally, the 193 bhp 328i with a top speed of 240 km/h or 149 mph. Again, these engines also had many new features to offer, the 1.8-itre four-cylinder, for example, coming with two balance shafts reducing the noise level within the car by up to 10 dBA versus the former model. And increased in size to 1.9 litres, the larger of the two four-cylinders offered almost the same smoothness and refinement as a straight-six.

The most outstanding new technical feature on the six-cylinders was the introduction of double-VANOS providing an even more muscular torque curve and serving to further reduce pollutants in the car’s emissions. This evolutionary system of adjusting not only the intake, but also the outlet camshaft was taken over from the BMW M3 and was specially adapted for large-volume production. Versus the technically simpler so-called “black-and-white� version shifting in only two modes, the new adjustment process was infinite and fully automatic, covering the engine’s entire speed range.

Innovative Equipment.

The 3 Series also remained true to its cause in its dimensions, the new model growing by about 4 centimetres or 1.6´´ over its predecessor in both length and width, while compared with the first 3 Series back in 1995 it was only 12 centimetres or 4.7´´ longer. The double kidney-grille was now integrated in the engine compartment lid, teaming up with the dual round headlights behind clear glass covers to give the new car a powerful face full of expression.

The interior had grown accordingly, matching the development of the exterior: Inter alia, the longer wheelbase offered 20 millimetres or 0.78´´ more kneeroom for the rear-seat passengers, who also enjoyed some 10 millimetres or 0.4´´ more headroom as well as a lot more freedom for their feet.

The chassis was likewise a new development, some axle components being made of aluminium, others, such as the front and rear axle subframe, being manufactured out of high-strength steel again lighter than on the former model. In conjunction with rear-wheel drive and ideal 50:50 weight distribution enhanced by the electronic ABS and ASC+T control systems as well as DSC III Dynamic Stability Control, the chassis and suspension of the new 3 Series set a new benchmark. And a particular highlight within this package was the ITS head airbag, a tubular structure concealed in the door frame between the driver and front passenger and offering far better head protection than before in the event of an emergency.

Not only spectacular innovations took the 3 Series once again into regions otherwise only offered by the luxury performance class – if such regions had been entered before at all. One example of such innovations introduced by BMW was Car Memory and Key Memory introduced as standard equipment, as well as the multifunction steering wheel, rain sensor and Steptronic available as options. Then, starting in autumn 1998, integrated child seats, tyre pressure control, xenon headlights, the on-board monitor complete with a navigation system, TV and the enhanced on-board computer marked further milestones in this process of development.

Unique Through and Through: the Coupé.

Like an athlete in a pinstripe suit – this is how the second-generation of the BMW 3 Series Coupé entered the market in April 1999. Initially, the Coupé made its appearance as the 323 Ci and 328 Ci followed in summer of the same year in the guise of the 320 Ci and in autumn 1999 as the Frühjahr 2000 318 Ci.

Like its predecessor, the new two-door model was based on the Saloon, but came with different dimensions at some decisive points: The Coupé was 17 mm (0.67´´) longer, 18 mm (0.71´´) wider, and 46 mm (1.81´´) lower than the four-door model. And at the same time it offered its occupants a lot more space than its predecessor. Indeed, these different proportions, interacting with the windscreen at a lower rake, provided a much sleeker, stretched, refined and elegant view from the side.

New touring and Power Diesel: the 330d.

The next version of the 3 Series entered the market in the very same year: the new touring. The debut of the new estate was in October, with the 318i, 320i, 328i and the 320d all being launched together. The final touch in the initial range then came early in the year 2000 with the introduction of the 330d touring as a genuine Super Diesel. Indeed, this car was so good that it came not only in touring, but also in Saloon, guise. Developing maximum torque of 390 Nm or 287 lb-ft from 1,750 rpm, the six-cylinder diesel was indeed a genuine muscle machine offering unique refinement at the same time. The enormous power and torque of this model was also borne out by its impressive elasticity, the 330d Saloon accelerating in fourth gear from 80–120 km/h (50–75 mph) in just 6.9 seconds, leaving all its competitors behind. And with average fuel consumption of just 7.0 litres/100 km in the composite test, combined with 135 kW/184 bhp maximum output and top speed of 225 km/h or 140 mph, the term “efficiency� quickly took on a very new dimension.

Featuring four-valve technology, a VNT turbocharger and intercooling, the technical concept of this direct-injection six-cylinder is largely identical to that of the four-cylinder, with one fundamental difference: Instead of a distributor-type injection pump, common rail fuel injection serves to supply fuel to the cylinders.

Introducing the new 3 Series touring, BMW’s development engineers had once again upgraded the concept of the dynamic but elegant top-class estate. The new touring offered all the qualities and strengths of the new 3 Series in every respect with its sporting proportions and characteristic lines, but was a different car all the same. In its exterior dimensions, on the other hand, the touring follows the other two variants in the 3 Series: It is 46 mm (1.81´´) longer, 16 mm (0.63´´) wider, and 29 mm (1.14´´) higher than its predecessor.

Continuing the Story of Success: No 3 in the Sales Charts.

By the end of the year BMW was well-rewarded for this outstanding model range: The 3 Series finished the year 1999 in third place in Germany’s registration statistics, scoring a success no other car in its segment had ever achieved before. And in the USA the 3 Series, accounting for a share in its segment of 38 per cent, was the superior winner in the European category of compact luxury performance cars.

Just a few weeks before the open-air season in spring 2000, BMW entered the market with the new 3 Series Convertible. This open-air four-seater made its debut in the guise of the 323 Ci featuring a straight-six 125 kW/170 bhp power unit. The new car was obviously a member of the still-young 3 Series, identical with the Coupé from its front bumper all the way to the A-pillar. But at the same time the striking waistline and the powerful rear end gave this open-air newcomer a different, unique character right from the start.

The Convertible was also quite different inside, featuring front seats fitted for the first time as standard in this case with integrated seat belts. The rollover protection system featured as standard with a rollbar in the windscreen frame and two rollbars in the rear headrests moving up automatically when required reliably protects all occupants from the risks of a rollover.

Enhanced Traction: BMW 3 Series with Four-Wheel Drive.

A few months later BMW re-arranged the engine capacity designations for the six-cylinder 3 Series, the numbers “325� replacing the former “323�, the “328� becoming the “330�. Developing maximum output of 170 kW/231 bhp, the supreme three-litre straight-six made a great name for itself through its supreme refinement and outstanding power.

Then yet another new version entered the market in June: the BMW 3 Series with four-wheel drive. Featuring permanent power distribution to all four wheels, the first models presented with this new technology were the Saloon and touring powered by the new 3.0-litre straight-six. Unlike conventional systems in the market, BMW’s four-wheel-drive system made do without conventional locks, the desired effect being achieved automatically by selective brake intervention on the wheels. The control functions required for this purpose come straight from DSC Dynamic Stability Control modified for four-wheel drive and appropriately enhanced where necessary.

The Youngest Member of the Family: the 3 Series compact.

The BMW 3 Series entered the year 2001 with the launch of the last variant still “missing�, the compact. Featuring a new interpretation of BMW’s characteristic dual headlights, the compact once again came with an unmistakable “face�, while round individual tail lights beneath a clear glass cover also underline the car’s individual character from behind.

Compared with the 3 Series Saloon, the new compact, while featuring the same wheelbase, is 21 cm or 0.83´´ shorter. But compared with its predecessor, it is 53 millimetres or 2.09´´ longer and wider, the extra space benefiting exclusively the passengers at the rear.

The new compact entered the market with two engine variants, although admittedly this time the four-cylinder was technologically the more interesting model: The 316ti was the first production car in the world to boast a VALVETRONIC power unit. This outstanding technology developed by BMW for the first time allows variable adjustment of intake valve lift and, as a result, throttle-free load management. The result is an increase in fuel economy by up to 10 per cent, regardless of the fuel grade actually used.

To put this in figures, the 1.8-litre benefiting from BMW’s unique gas cycle management develops 115 bhp with maximum torque of 155 Nm or 114 lb-ft, has a top speed of 201 km/h or 125 mph, but consumes only 6.9 litres of premium fuel on 100 kilometres (41.0 mpg Imp). The “other� model is the 325ti boasting BMW’s superior straight-six displacing 2.5 litres and developing maximum output of 192 bhp – which, not surprisingly, is good for a top speed of 235 km/h or 146 mph. And returning just 8.9 litres/100 km (31.7 mpg Imp) on premium fuel, this model is just as impressive in its all-round economy.

Just a few months after the world debut of the 316ti compact, BMW introduced power-enhancing and fuel-saving VALVETRONIC on a broad scale in volume production: Starting in September, an all-new four-cylinder displacing two litres took the position of the former 1.9-litre in the model boasting the “318� number designation.

Setting a clear sign for the ongoing dynamic development of the 3 Series, BMW introduced the SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox in the 3 Series as of 2001. Available as an option for the 325i/Ci and 330i/Ci – that is for the Saloon and Coupé – this advanced technology offers the sports-minded motorist even greater driving pleasure. In technical terms, SMG is based on an electronically controlled servo gearshift and an automatic clutch ensuring a supreme standard of dynamic motoring.

Trendsetters: Coupé and Convertible with Diesel Power.

One of the last new models in this fourth generation of the 3 Series was not a late-comer, but rather a trendsetter: Introducing the 330Cd, BMW offered a diesel-powered coupé for the first time in the market. This 204 bhp power machine – the direct-injection six-cylinder had been enhanced for even more output in the meantime – drives the way you would expect of a BMW coupe, but nevertheless offers all the advantages of a diesel: Maximum torque of 410 Nm or 302 lb-ft at just 1,500 rpm on average fuel consumption of 6.6 litres or 42.8 mpg Imp.

Offering qualities of this calibre, the BMW 330Cd obviously fulfils all the expectations of existing and new Coupé fans. Particularly in the substantially growing European diesel market, the new Diesel Coupé sets the standard in terms of driving pleasure, styling and common sense.

Coming to the end of the year 2000, yet another new model has made its appearance in BMW’s pricelist: In the guise of the BMW 320Cd Convertible, the first open-air BMW with diesel power is now on its way to the customer. The obvious features of this superior Convertible ideal for cruising are superior economy, powerful torque of 330 Nm or 243 lb-ft, and supreme running smoothness.

Once again, the Diesel Coupé comes not only with a new engine, but also with other new technologies: For the first time it features Adaptive Headlights guiding the driver round the bend and enhancing traffic safety. Indeed, the BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible were the first BMWs to feature this intelligent lights technology.

Talking about “lights�, it was precisely this issue which had already hit the headlines with the 3 Series in 2003: This was when, in December, two-stage brake lights became available in Germany and nearly all other markets – naturally as a standard feature. This Brake Force Display is made possible in technical terms by additional light surfaces coming on whenever the driver applies the brakes in an emergency. This enhanced brake light thus tells motorists following from behind how hard the BMW driver in front is applying the brakes, enabling them to react accordingly.

This is – or was – the last major technical innovation introduced into the market in this generation of the BMW 3 Series. And one thing goes for sure: The next 3 Series will continue this tradition in grand style. Indeed, it has already begun.