2011 BMW 3 Series Preview

Summary

The current E90 BMW 3-series has only been on the market since 2005 but details about the next-gen model are already circulating with most agreeing that the next model will feature styling lifted from the Concept CS.

Due in 2011, the next BMW 3-series will be the first of a family of BMW cars with a more recognizable face derived from the original styling of the Shanghai concept.

Full Preview 2011

The 2010 BMW 3-Series sedans and wagons should see no major changes after their 2009 freshening and the introduction of a diesel engine. These premium compact cars should continue to be available as 2-door coupes and convertibles, as well as 4-door sedans and wagons. Convertibles should continue to have a power-retractable hard top. The 2010 coupes and convertibles may get the same styling treatments the 2009 sedans and wagons received. The 3-Series model lineup should continue to consist of the following: entry-level 328, mid-line 335, and high-performance M3.

Depending on body style, the 328i should continue to be available with rear-wheel drive or with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. It should continue to be powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. Also depending on body style, the 335i should remain available with rear-wheel drive or AWD. Those models should remain powered by a turbocharged 300-hp version of the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. The rear-drive 335d should also remain. All BMW 3-Series gasoline engines should remain available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Possible Included Features for 2011

With the new 3-series, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car's awkward styling and lack of interior space. These renderings, compiled using information from sources close to the project show that the new car will have a pronounced kidney-grille with the air-intakes positioned on either side of the bumper just below the headlights.

New options for the 2012 3-series will include hybrid variants as well as the latest version of BMW's Efficient Dynamics. The X-Drive AWD system is likely to gain favour thanks to a redesign of the system to reduce weight, which will only increase fuel consumption by 0.5L per 100km over RWD models.

Other features that may make it to production include night-vision devices, a heads-up display and radar safety systems.

Options and Features

The M3 should continue to be available with a 7-speed automatic. Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Head-protecting tubular side airbags that cover both seating rows should remain standard on all but convertibles. Convertibles should continue to be available with rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip.

Cars with the optional navigation system should continue to get BMW's iDrive that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. The navigation system should continue to include a hard drive for storing digital music files. Other available features should include steering-linked xenon headlights, BMW's Active Steering that quickens steering response at low speeds, rear obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and BMW Assist service with a wireless cell phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 BMW 3-Series.

First Drive 2010

With manual transmission, the rear-drive 328i has smooth, sufficient power for around-town driving and highway passing. The 335i has abundant power at any speed with no noticeable turbo lag; a test coupe with automatic transmission did 4.7 seconds 0-60 mph. The 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, but downshifts can lag behind throttle inputs. With any engine, the manual transmission has silky-smooth shift action. The M3's available 7-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly when gears are selected manually with the steering-wheel paddles. No diesel, all-wheel drive models, wagons, or 328s with automatic transmission have been made available for testing.

In Consumer Guide testing, a 335 coupe with manual transmission averaged 22.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 335 with automatic averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving. An M3 sedan with manual averaged 15.7 mpg, while a similar M3 convertible averaged 19.0 in mostly highway driving. All non-diesel 3-Series require premium-grade gas. Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the 335d incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered vehicles, the 335d is available in all 50 states.

Suspensions favor taut composure over cushioned isolation. Base suspension is compliant, though sharp bumps can pound through. Firmer sport suspension (standard on coupes) and low-profile 17-inch tires (standard on coupes, convertibles, and 335s) can trigger abrupt vertical and side-to-side motions on uneven pavement. Top up or down, convertible has an impressively rigid body structure with virtually no cowl shake.

The 3-Series is the class benchmark for overall control and steering feel. Even with the base suspension, all models display excellent balance, sharp moves, and little body lean in turns; they're even sharper with the sport suspension. Optional Active Steering aids low-speed maneuverability, but some testers feel its activation point is inconsistent. We recommend AWD in snowy climates.

Engines sing under acceleration but cruise quietly. Wind rush is evident at highway speeds. Tire noise is subdued with base suspension but elevated with sport suspension and on M3, though it never intrudes on conversation. Top up, convertible offers near-coupe-like isolation. Top down, wind buffeting is minor; normal conversation is possible even at highway speeds.

Tii For 2011?

During the 1970s the 2002tii helped put BMW on the performance map, especially in America where the car quickly became a much sought after classic. The three letters 'tii' were synonymous with lightweight construction, improved dynamics and more performance, but over the years the importance of the model was forgotten.

BMW recently resurrected the badge when it unveiled the 1-series tii concept at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, which eventually turned into the new 'BMW Performance' accessories range. Like the original cars of the 1970s, the new accessories line included a series of weight saving and chassis enhancing mods as well as several power upgrades.

Now, BMW is considering doing the same for its next-generation 3-series sedan due in 2011, reports Autobild. Like the 1-series performance range, developers are planning to introduce carbon-fiber parts, new aero kits, larger wheels and brakes, sports bucket seats and steering wheels and new LED instrument clusters.

More serious performance upgrades are also planned including a M3-spec limited slip differential, dual-clutch transmission and a more powerful 355hp version of the 3.0L twin-turbo. Of the 2009 Model U.S. News says "There are many worthy competitors in the entry-luxe category these days -- and it's getting more crowded all the time -- but the 3 remains at the head of the pack." "We're happy to report that the car remains just as delightful in this newest iteration." says  Car and Driver