New BMW 3 Series Gets Bigger
Kuala Lumpur, 25 April 2005 – BMW Malaysia today announced the launch of its highly anticipated new BMW 3 Series with a line-up of three model variants – the new BMW 320i, 325i and 330i. Now entering its fifth generation, the BMW 3 Series is again pushing up the benchmark in its segment.
Wolfgang Schlimme, Managing Director, BMW Malaysia said the new BMW 3 Series is the highlight of BMW’s new offerings this year and yet again ups the ante in its segment.
“With the new 3 Series, we have clearly moved the goalposts in this segment once again. For 30 years, the BMW 3 Series has been recognized as both the innovator and leader in its segment, and now, the fifth-generation of the 3 Series surpasses all previous standards, and sets the new benchmark,” he said.
The BMW 3 Series has long held the distinction of defining its segment since the launch of the first edition in 1975. Each successive generation has proven to be better than its predecessor, progressively setting new benchmarks. The latest fifth-generation 3 Series continues this tradition, by becoming the largest 3 Series ever.
The fifth-generation 3 Series measures 49 mm longer, 78 mm wider and 10 mm higher. Yet, despite the gain in physical dimensions, the higher level of engineering and materials used in the new 3 Series means it is actually lighter than its predecessor by 30 kg, positively impacting speed and fuel economy. And, while the new 3 Series is larger in dimensions, perfect 50:50 axle load distribution and the 25 percent stiffer lightweight body shell means driving dynamics and agility are brought up a notch.
“The larger passenger cabin in the new 3 Series is an added pleasure for our customers and is a direct response to the growing need among our customers for a more spacious car. The fifth-generation 3 Series is the perfect example of how our most successful model line has continued to adapt and stay relevant to its target audience,” said Schlimme.
The new fifth-generation 3 Series comes complete with brand new engines boasting a significant increase in output, performance, motoring refinement, and economy.
The top-of-the-range model, the new BMW 330i, comes with a double-VANOS, VALVETRONIC 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine with extra-light magnesium crankcase, developing a maximum output 190 kW / 258 bhp, a 20 kW / 27 bhp increase over its predecessor. The new 325i and 320i come with a 2.5 litre six-cylinder double-VANOS, VALVETRONIC and a 2.0 litre four-cylinder dual-VANOS, VALVETRONIC engines respectively. All three models come with six-speed automatic transmissions with Steptronic for the seamless switching of gears.
Renowned for being particularly agile and dynamic, the BMW 3 Series has once again re-written the benchmark with a new chassis and suspension. Built on basic BMW design principles – 50:50 axle load distribution and rear-wheel-drive – and improved with a 35 mm increase in wheelbase and 29 mm in track, the BMW 3 Series provides the driver with excellent traction, outstanding stability, responsive steering and optimum braking qualities.
BMW engineers have also refined the harmony of axles, springs, dampers, steering and chassis control systems to bring a new level of handling and stability to the 3 Series. A new five-arm rear axle replacing the conventional double wishbone axle ensures supreme agility on the road.
Design-wise, the new BMW 3 Series offers greater presence than its predecessor and an even more powerful look – balancing sportiness, dynamism and elegance. Adopting BMW’s modern design language, with a discreet interplay of convex and concave surfaces balanced with more traditional details, the 3 Series is more sporting and dynamic than the 5 Series, yet more elegant and sophisticated than the Z4 and 1 Series.
Making its debut in this segment for the first time ever is Active Front Steering, found in the new BMW 325i and BMW 330i. The big advantage of this modern concept is a more direct steering transmission ratio at low speeds and a more indirect ratio at high speeds, allowing better control of the car.
The latest generation of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is featured in all three models ensuring extra safety on the road. Retaining its original function of assisting the driver maintain, stability in tricky bends and slippery terrain, DSC is now further enhanced when integrated with other systems. Additionally, DSC offers supplementary functions in six-cylinder models when harmonized with Active Front Steering such as dry-braking the brake discs on wet roads, brake standby by pre-setting the brake linings and preventing the car from rolling back on an uphill gradient.
Matching its growth in external dimensions, the new 3 Series also sports the largest cabin ever found in a 3 Series – almost matching the space offered by the former 5 Series. Upholstery is fitted with ‘Dakota’ leather for all three models while trim finishers are available in ‘Titanium matt’ on the 320i and ‘Aluminium, finely brushed lengthwise’ for the 325i and 330i.
Boasting a high-level of standard equipment, all new BMW 3 Series models include multifunction steering wheel, interior rear-view mirror with auto anti-dimming function, storage compartment package, park distance control (PDC) in the front and rear, foglights, dual-xenon headlamps, automatic air conditioning, and Radio BMW Professional.
In addition, the six-cylinder models also sport electric sunblinds for the rear window, sports leather steering wheels, rain sensors and automatic headlight control, extended lights package, cruise control with brake function, CD Changer for 6 CDs and Hi-Fi loudspeaker systems. The BMW 330i also comes exclusively with electric glass roof, sports suspension setting, headlight washer system and Universal Bluetooth mobile phone preparation.
According to Schlimme, “The BMW 3 Series has consistently been our bestseller worldwide and in this market – in fact, one out of every two BMWs sold is a 3 Series. The previous generation set a new 3 Series record, with over 3,217,977 units sold worldwide. These facts serve to underline the importance of the new fifth-generation as a pivotal model in our product portfolio this year and for years to come.”
“To celebrate the launch of this core model, our partners and authorized dealers will also be conducting localised launches at their branches, welcoming customers to view the car in the flesh for the very first time,” he added.
The new BMW 3 Series will be available from showrooms nationwide beginning 29th April 2005. Dealer launches for customers will be happening at selected authorized BMW dealers from 27 April onwards.
Prices for the new BMW 3 Series (on the road, without insurance) are:
BMW 320i – RM 268,800 (West Malaysia)
BMW 325i – RM 318,000 (West Malaysia)
BMW 330i – RM 428,000 (West Malaysia)
