the bmw 3 series
TRANSCRIPT
THE BMW 3 SeriesUSED-CARS
The gold standard of sports sedans, the BMW
3 is now in its 6th
generation renowned for an
un-matched combination of smooth
powertrains, brilliant handling, and
comfortable yet driver-focused interiors
The BMW 3 Series delivers strong
performance, excellent economy, fine handling
and a luxurious and spacious cabin
The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller
and a favourite in the marketplace for many
reasons:
It's a stylish entry-level luxury car well-
endowed with world-class fit finish,
providing dynamic performance and superb
handling un-matched by most vehicles.
For generation after generation, the BMW 3
Series has offered the same benefits
despite constant evolution.
Today's BMW 3 Series is offered as a sedan or
a station wagon. It's broken down into 320i,
328i, 328d, 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 models.
The 320i and 328i sedans and 328i wagon get
a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline
engine that produces either 132 Kw power for
the 320i or 176 Kw for the 328i.
The 328d sedan and wagon are powered by a
turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel-powered four-
cylinder that also makes 132 Kw but
considerably more torque.
The sedan-only 335i gets a turbocharged 3.0-
liter inline-6 with 220 Kw. The ActiveHybrid 3
sedan pairs the 335i's engine with an electric
motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, resulting
in a healthy 246 Kw; however, fuel economy is
about the same as in the 328i.
Transmission choices are limited to a six-
speed manual and an eight-speed automatic,
with the former not available in the wagon and
ActiveHybrid 3. Rear-wheel drive is standard
on all 3 Series sedans, while all-wheel drive is
available on the sedan (except the
ActiveHybrid 3) and standard on all wagons.
Standard features on the base 320i include
alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate
control, manual front seats, leatherette
upholstery, Bluetooth and the iDrive
electronics interface with a 6.5-inch display.
The 328i upgrades to power front seats, while
the 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 throw in larger
wheels, xenon headlights and a sunroof. As
usual, the options lists is long and strong,
including everything from a hard-drive-based
navigation system with a larger display screen
to a Dynamic Handling package with a sport-
tuned suspension and variable-ratio steering.
The car always feels up to the task, even if its
electrically assisted steering is less engaging
than what previous generations of the 3 Series
offered.
Inside, drivers will find a restrained show of
luxury, with an emphasis on comfort and
involvement. The supportive seats underneath
are complemented by a clean, clear analogue
gauge cluster dead ahead.
The four available design "lines"- Luxury,
Modern, Sport and M Sport-add visual spice to
what has historically been a rather drab
interior. Materials and build quality are
exceptional; even the standard leatherette
(vinyl) upholstery looks and feels better than
one might expect.
Overall the BMW 3 Series is still the standard-
bearer in the compact luxury-sport class.
Thanks to its wonderfully balanced dynamics,
powerful and efficient engine line-ups and
wide range of configurations, the 3 Series
comes strongly recommended.