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| BMW 3 Series |
BMW best selling saloon has undergone and amazing transformation. It’s now larger (that is 93mm longer and is 50mm wider to be exact) and prettier than its predecessor. It’s probably the best looking 3 series in years thanks to it amazing new design.
APPEALING AND FUEL EFFICIENT DESIGN
It has an aggressive poise look characterised by the wide forward-slanting BMW kidney grille, the signature twin headlights with corona rings and the latest addition; LED positioned like eyebrows at the top each headlights.
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| Headlight design featuring the eyebrow design |
The headlights also merge with the kidney grill giving the front a continuous look from each side of the front. The designers have also dropped the old central air intake system to adopt a new larger dual air intake system located underneath the headlights. They not only channel more air to the engine but they also give the 3 series a sporty look. The air intakes also have vertical ducts that help improve air flow around the front wheel. This, BMW say, helps improve aerodynamics thus reducing fuel consumption.
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| The side view of the 3 series |
Sweeping lines dot the side surface. The double swag line which is consists of two lines that run from the front to the rear give the 3 series a stunning look. At the rear it looks more the same like the 5 series BMW. It has the same L shaped rear lights, low-set reflectors on the far edges and vertical lines flowing out of the rear lights to the wheels. Exhaust pipes pop out at the rear bumper while the 3 series badge tells the world that this is actually a 3 not a 5 series. All the same the 3 series design is simply fantastic.
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| Spacious boot |
EFFICIENT AND DYNAMIC POWERPLANTS
There is an all new 2.0 litre TwinPower Turbo four cylinder engine which delivers 245 hp. The engine will be available on the 328i model. The engine can accelerate the 328i from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds. It has a top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption is pegged at 6.4 litres for every 100 kilometres covered.
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| Rear of the BMW 3 |
This makes it one of the most powerful four cylinder engines on the planet. For lovers of six cylinder engines BMW offers the 335i model. This with its 3.0 litre six cylinder engine has a total output of 306 hp. 0 to 100km/h is taken care of in just 5.5 seconds. The top speed as you have already figured out is limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.9 litres for every 100km/h. It’s also fitted with eight-speed automatic transmission that gives the 335i smoother gear changes and quick acceleration. It also helps reduce the overall fuel consumption.
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| Front restyled look look |
For diesel engine enthusiasts BMW offer the 320d. This has a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine found in the previous model. The maximum power output remains the same; 184 hp. 0 to 100km/h takes 7.4 seconds while the top speed is pegged at 235km/h. However the lower performance figures reward the owner with an amazing fuel consumption of 4.5 litres for every 100km covered, an impressive figure that makes it one of the most fuel efficient diesel engines. If the numbers are two high for your pocket BMW offer an even more fuel efficient model the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. This has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which gives out 163 hp. 0 to 100km/h is taken care of in 8.0 seconds while the top speed is pegged at 230km/h. The fuel consumption is an impressive 4.1 litres for every 100 kilometres covered! Married to the engine is a six speed manual transmission system.
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| The cockpit |
Other models on the series are 320i with a TwinPower Turbo engine. This has a total output of 184hp. There are also two diesels which come fitted with the 2.0 litre engine. There is the 318d which has a total output of 143 hp and the 316d which has a total output of 116hp. BMW has also promised to launch a hybrid version by the end of next year.
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| Screen for the infotainment system |
To reduce noise reduction from the engine, a centrifugal pendulum absorber is fitted in the engine’s dual-mass flywheel to ensure a vibration free running even at low engine speed. The 3 series also comes fitted with an Optimum Shift Indicator.
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| Gear selector |
This encourages the driver to change to a higher gear more often and to shift down less frequently thus improving fuel efficiency. The suspension consists of double joint front axle suspension and an advance five link rear axle suspension. They ensure maximum grip on any road and give the 3 series its celebrated handling at any given surface.
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| L shaped rear lights |
STUNNING INTERIOR AND MORE SPACE
The interior is adorned by various materials. From the basic matt satin silver surface treatment to fine brushed aluminium and the fine burr walnut wood. All trim surface options can be combined with either the cloth or one of two leather upholstery colours in the entry-level model. One can also order the interior with three equipment lines or an M Sports package.
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| Front VIP lounge |
The interior has the recent ‘driver-focused’ cockpit where driving controls and other important controls are easily accessible to the driver. The cockpit’s four circular dials that is the fuel gauge, speedometer, rev counter and oil temperature gauge, come with a black panel display. An iDrive monitor with high-resolution display is positioned on the horizontally-structured instrument panel. The monitor has no folding mechanism or binnacle, allowing the entire dashboard to retain its flat, smooth lines. The dashboard also comes with different trims that help enhance the feel of the interior.
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| Rear VIP lounge |
Positioned centrally on the centre console is the iDrive Controller. It’s easy to reach for both the driver and the front passenger. Underneath the armrest is the optional seat adjustment buttons. There is also a compartment for mobile devices which also contains a USB/AUX-IN socket. The iDrive also acts as the infotainment system of the car.
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| Power buttons |
One can connect a smart phone and the latest news feeds from the internet. It can also connect to your Smartphone via Bluetooth hence turning the mobile phone into a modem for internet service. BMW Connect apps allow the car to access internet services such as web radio, Facebook and Twitter via integrated Apple devices. Personal stored songs and playlist can also be accessed by the system.
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| Rear arm rest |
Its huge size has also contributed to increase in legroom by an extra 15 millimetres and an extra eight millimetres of headroom. The boot space has also been increased to 480 litres. With a system called Comfort Access the boot can be opened hands free without the need for a key. All you need to do is move your foot underneath the bumper to trigger the opening mechanism for the boot lid. The boot also comes fitted with a reverse camera connected to the Park Distance Control system. There are also other cameras on the side mirrors to give a surround view of the car.
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| Instrument cluster |
SAFTEY FIRST
The new 3 series uses lightweight sliding-calliper brakes with large vented discs. The brakes are integrated to the Dynamic Stability Control system. Thanks to the inclusion of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) with the DSC system ensures that the 3 series remains stable and safe at any given time.
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| Bigger than the previous model |
One can also order the 3 series with the optional M sport brake which have four-piston fixed aluminium callipers at the front and two-piston fixed callipers at the rear. This combined with the large brake discs give the 3 series very short stopping distances.
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| Keyless go |
Owners can adapt the appearance of the car to their own preference. The three equipment lines namely Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line enhance the character of the 3 series in very distinct ways. This is thanks to carefully coordinated equipment features that embrace both exterior design elements and the selection of materials and colours for each model.
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| Keys that match the interior of your car |
The BMW 3 series will land in Kenya sometime next year. BMW franchise in Kenya is represented by Bavarian Auto Limited a division of Simba Colt Limited.