(continued)
6 Speed Manual
Transmission
A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on both models. The new 330i continues
with the Type H unit found in other current 3-liter models; the 325i introduces
a new version, called the Type I. Compared to the already excellent earlier BMW
manual transmissions, both units offer tangible customer benefits:
- Even more effective gear spacing for better responsiveness and efficiency
- Lighter and more pleasing feel as the shift lever is moved from gear to
gear
- Firmer engagement of gear once selected
- Sportier shifting, via shorter shift “throws” from neutral to each gear
- Use of lifetime transmission oil, which never needs to be changed
- "Clean bearings” design for main transmission
bearings; protects bearings from contamination, ensures adequate lubrication
at all times and therefore enhances durability.
6 Speed STEPTRONIC Automatic
Transmission
With the new models, the 3 Series joins the 5, 6, 7 and X5 V-8 models in
offering a 6-speed automatic. Compared to the 5-speed unit it replaces, it’s
fully 10% lighter, has a more efficient torque converter, actually operates with
fewer internal clutches, and can reduce fuel consumption, particularly at
cruising speeds when 6th gear is in frequent use.
As in all other current BMW automatics, the STEPTRONIC feature offers drivers a
choice of Normal, Sport and Manual modes. Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive
ranges (P-R-N-D) are in the shift lever’s right gate. The Sport mode, in which
shifts occur at higher engine speeds, is engaged by moving the lever leftward
from D; from here, the Manual mode is engaged when the driver manually chooses a
gear by tipping the lever forward (for downshifts) or rearward (for upshifts).
6 Speed Sequential Manual Gearbox
Available on the 330i as of September ’05 production, this is an
electrohydraulically shifted, electronically controlled rendition of a 6-speed
manual transmission, including an automatic clutch – a wholly different
transmission from the STEPTRONIC automatic. There is no clutch pedal; the driver
selects the desired mode (N, R, D, S) with a console-mounted selector lever, and
can execute manual shifts via that lever or two “paddles” on the steering wheel.
SMG fully preserves the performance of a manual transmission, entails little or
no penalty in fuel economy, and facilitates both automated and very sporty
driving.
The New Exterior
Design
The E90 3 Series consistently reflects the new direction set by BMW design with
the 7 Series in 2002 and evolved with the new 5 Series in ’04. At the same time,
the new 3 is true to its heritage, radiating the dynamic presence that has
increasingly characterized this Series with each new generation.
At the front. A face with strong character, radiating agility and
alertness. Distinctively formed headlight units, with the traditional four beams
behind clear covers, wrap around decisively and taper to a precise point,
emphasizing in the front view the vehicle’s width and in profile its short front
overhang. With the Xenon Adaptive headlights (optional 325i, standard 330i),
BMW’s distinctive and popular luminous rings function as the parking lights and
also illuminate when the headlights are on.
In profile. There is much “swing” in the side view. The hood cut line
slopes upward, becomes the beltline and continues on past the C-pillar. A strong
character line corresponds to that of the previous 3 Series, but sets up a
stronger convex/concave intersection. Taillights that wrap well around into the
body sides create an esthetic “punctuation” while enhancing visibility of the
vehicle from the side.
At the rear. No less eye-catching than the other views, the rear aspect
has its own interplay of interesting surfaces. A graceful arc connecting the
taillights’ edges through the integral spoiler’s lower edge is at the top; the
top of the spoiler is the continuation of a line that begins in the C-pillar.
Below the spoiler, the surface goes concave toward the license-plate recess. The
trunk’s outer edges sweep down into the bumper, making a conveniently low
loading height also a visual treat. Functional/esthetic shapes are sculpted into
the lower bumper area to help organize airflow at the back of the vehicle. The
taillights’ red sections – including BMW’s Adaptive Brake Lights and segments
that illuminate amber when the turn signals flash – recall a recent but popular
BMW tradition, the L-shape first seen in the ’88 7 Series.
The Interior
In addition to greater space, the new 3 Series interior offers reduced noise
levels, improved climate control and a host of new features – standard and
optional – that enhance luxury and convenience. And the design of this new
interior is just as fresh as the exterior.
As always in BMWs, the driver enjoys his or her experience at the wheel partly
because BMW has designed the interior to optimize that experience. All
operational and informational elements essential to driving are grouped on and
around the steering wheel; although many aspects of the control layout are
updated, the most central informational element remains the traditional pair of
round analog instruments directly in front of the driver.
Like the exterior, the new interior design presents a visually appealing
interplay of convex and concave surfaces. The instrument panel has a new, more
horizontal format with a larger expanse of trim material, which as in ’05 is
elegant wood. Also as before, standard leatherette upholstery comes in Black or
Beige; there are four colors for the optional leather. Detail trim elements are
in the “galvanic” finish that has recently appeared in other BMW Series:
Pearl-gloss metallic-coated material for the instrument rings and the new
Start/Stop button are examples of this material.
Door design is new and elegant. A sharp eye will note that the two front door
panels differ: On the passenger side there’s a sloped vertical door pull; on the
driver’s side, where the power-window controls are newly grouped on the armrest,
the door pull is integrated into that armrest. Both front doors include large
storage bins.
In a choice exclusive to the 3 Series, the instrument panel is offered in two
forms: standard, with a single hood above the main instrument cluster; and
optional, with a double-wave theme creating a second hood over the optional
Navigation/iDrive control display. With the latter configuration, there is also
the iDrive controller between the front seats.
A Roomier Trunk
Elimination of the spare tire and jack, possible because run-flat tires are
standard across the board, has helped create approximately 12% more cargo space
than before. Moreover, the official EPA measurement on which this claim is based
does not include a deep well under the trunk floor that encloses about 1.75
cubic feet and offers a place to store smaller objects without worry of their
moving around when the vehicle is in motion.
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