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BMW 3 Series launched in China
Updated: 2005-09-13 15:57
The long-expected fifth generation BMW 3 Series was launched at Shanghai
International Circuit on Saturday, September 10. As the latest model of the BMW
Group, the new BMW 3 Series achieves an overall higher accomplishment in
aesthetic design, body size, engineering, fuel consumption and emission
standard, hi-tech substance, applying of new materials as well as comfort and
safety.
In the past 30 years from 1975 to 2002, BMW has produced four generations of
BMW 3 series and the total sales figure in total has achieved more than 10
million units.
In line with the global positioning, its premium product substance and the
existing product price policy on the Chinese market, and the special demands of
Chinese customers, BMW will launch the fifth generation of BMW 3 series with
different varieties and large price ranges.
The 3 models of the fifth generation of BMW 3 Series introduced to the
Chinese market in September are all with highest profile. In the coming months,
BMW will also launch the BMW 320i and BMW 325i with different features to the
market.
The fifth generation BMW 320i and BMW 325i are locally produced by BMW
Brilliance, and the BMW 330i is imported to satisfy customers' needs. The price
of BMW 320i, BMW 325i, and BMW 330i with top profiles is respectively RMB
365,000, 449,000, and 550,000. All the models are equipped with a standard
six-gear automatic Steptronic.
By the end of 2005, BMW will also introduce low-equipped BMW 320i and BMW
325i to meet different demands of customers.
The new BMW 3 Series harmoniously integrates the unique values of BMW. With
its elegant design, sporty performance and multi-functions for family use. It
aims at the successful professionals, who are with internationalized mindset, in
pursuit of high quality life and confident to the future. Choosing the BMW 3
Series is just the expression of their spirits of pursuing excellence and
rewarding their efforts. In the Chinese market that boasts its most dynamic
development worldwide, the new BMW 3 Series will be the first choice for those
who are the pillars of the development.
Introducing the new BMW 3 Series in China simultaneously with the
international markets fully demonstrates BMW Group's confidence and long-term
commitment to the Chinese market. BMW is dedicated to providing the Chinese
market premium products and high quality services, and brings state-of-the-art
technology to the Chinese customers in accordance with BMW Group's global
standard.
Lightest inline six-cylinder engine worldwide
Lighter, more powerful and more environment friendly in terms of emission.
The new BMW 3 series is equipped with the new generation of inline
6-cylinder engine. For the first time in volume production, BMW has used the
alloy of magnesium and aluminum for the engine production to reduce the engine
weight to an optimal level. The applying of different light-weight materials
ensures the weight 7% lighter, to 161 kg..
This new engine has not only increased its power and torque, and reduced its
weight, but also means greater breakthrough in the conversion of energy as well
as environment protection. In comparison with the last generation, the new BMW 3
series consumes less than 12% gasoline.
The new BMW 330i engine has combined the second generation of VALVETRONIC and
Double VANOS. Its maximum output is 190kw / 6600 rpm has increased 20 kilowatt
compared with its predecessor. The maximum torque is 300 Nm / 2500 rpm-4000 rpm.
This engine accelerates to 100 km / h in just 6.6 seconds. The fuel consumption
in average is 9.0 Liter and the top speed is 250 km/h.
The new BMW 3 series has grown inside and outside
The newest model has
grown over its predecessor in length, width and height, in particular in
wheelbase:
| Size |
The new BMW 3
Series |
Compared to the last
generation |
| Length |
4,520 mm |
+49 mm |
| Width |
1,817 mm |
+78 mm |
| Height |
1,421 mm |
+6 mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,760 mm |
+35
mm |
The wide armrest is a proof on
this.
The wheelbase of the new BMW 3 series has reached 2760 mm, 35 mm
larger over the last generation. The passenger of 180 cm can sit on the rear
seat very comfortably and one tea cup could be easily put between the legs and
the front seats.
In addition, the luggage compartment is 20 liters larger
than before, offering total capacity of 460 liters.
Equipped with a series of innovative features, the new BMW 3 series is most
advanced car in its segment.
1) Starting the engine at the touch of a button
a new
feature in the midrange segment is that the driver, benefiting from the comfort
start function, just has to insert the car key and briefly press the starter
button in order to fire the engine. Everything else is automatically, all
processes continuing by themselves until the engine is running smoothly. For the
first time, this feature has been used by BMW 7 series at the beginning.
2) Latest -generation DSC
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control) featured in its 6 cylinder models also ensures extra safety on the
road. The DSC on the BMW 325i and the BMW 330i models comes with further useful
functions such as dry-braking the brake discs on wet roads or brake standby by
pre-setting the brake linings for a quick, smooth and firm response. The system
also prevents the car from rolling back when setting of on an uphill gradient
and avoids the usual "dive" effect when braking shortly before the car comes to
a standstill.
3) The RSC tire is its own spare tire
The fifth
generation of BMW 3 series is quipped with RSC as the innovative safety and
comfort feature for the driving, enabling the driver to continue for up to a
radius of 250 km by 80 km/h. So it is fair to say that an RSC is its own spare
tire and has reduced the weight of the car and enlarged the luggage room. In
emergency, common tires could also be used to continue the driving until BMW
service station.
4) Body: bigger, stiffer and safer
The new BMW body
has used the lightweight body shell with multi-bar concept, enhanced restraint
system for optimum occupant safety. At the same time, the new BMW 3 series is
lighter than before or at least not heavier despite the car's large dimensions
and high level of equipment. The body-in- while is 30 kilos lighter than on the
former model and the body stiffness over the former model is up by 25%.
5) iDrive combining high information density with easy
control
BMW iDrive is certainly the perfect and most feasible
concept in achieving this goal. No other system offers the same density of
information combined with excellent intuitive operation via the Controller. A
further advantage is that iDrive enables the front passenger to control and use
nearly all functions, while the passengers at the rear are able to follow up
visual and text information via Display in the middle of the instrument
panel.
The iDrive has been used in BMW 7 series for the first time in 2001.
6) Active Front Steering (AFS)
The new BMW 330i has
been equipped with AFS, which is very unique in its class. The big advantage of
this modern concept is a more direct steering transmission ration at low speeds
and a more indirect ration at high speeds, thus providing the ideal solution to
the old conflict of interests with a convention steering between agility,
stability and motoring comfort. Applying the brakes on surfaces varying in their
frictional coefficient, such as roads with patches of ice, snow and asphalt,
active steering, intervening actively in the car's steering mechanism,
stabilizes the vehicle more quickly and precisely than a normal driver in such a
situation.
7) Other top features applied in the new BMW 3 series:
Highest standard of airbags; two-zone air conditions which could be
regulated by the rear passengers; large-size sun roof glass; high-quality sound
system; parking radar for every corner etc, which provide the customers with
high-standard safety and meet the individual needs.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the
Internet at:
http://www.bmw.com.cn
http://www.bmw-motorrad.com.cn
http://www.mini-cooper.com.cn
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