BMW launched the entry level 3 Series - the 320i

BMW Malaysia has released the new version of the F30 3 Series, an entry level 320i Sport and 320i Luxury. The car is priced at RM238,800. Previously, the lowest rank F30 is the 320d, which is priced at RM248,800, and offered in Sport and Modern trim line.

Similar to the 520i, BMW 320i is powered by TwinPower unit features twin-scroll turbocharging, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control producing 184bhp@5000-6250rpm and 270Nm@1250-4500rpm of power and torque. The engine catapult the 320i to 100 km/h in mere 7.6 seconds and to a 235 km/h of top speed. Average fuel consumption is rated at 6.0L/100km.

The 320i comes with BMW EfficientDynamics pack, so you'll get Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop and Eco Pro mode. The new variants of the BMW 320i are also fitted with a host of features and equipment to exude the complete premium innovation experience that the BMW brand has to offer, be it behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. Both the new BMW 320i Luxury and Sport Line feature BMW Live and BMW TeleServices as a standard feature which are accessed through a 6.5” free-standing LCD panel and central BMW iDrive controller.

Additionally, BMW ConnectedDrive, the other innovation offering for in-car vehicle connectivity, provides owners with complete USB and Bluetooth connectivity to expand functionality for mobile phones and portable music players, on-board mobile office applications and on-board internet, making the experience with the new 320i, true Sheer Driving Pleasure.

BMW 3 Series now with 1.6L turbo - a continued trend of downsizing

BMW will release a slew of model enrichment for autumn 2012, covering mainly 1 Series and 3 Series. The popular 3 Series range will be joined by 320i EfficientDynamics and 316i. The former will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6L, which deliver an excellent 170bhp and 250Nm of torque. While being oriented towards reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emission with the incorporation of optimized engine management and gear ratios coupled with the reduction is drag and rolling resistance, the car is still capable of 7.6s century sprint while emitting just 124g/km of CO2 and consume on average 5.3L/100km of fuel.

The second model is the 316i, powered also by the 1.6L gasoline with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, albeit in different state of tune. In this application, the 1.6L lump kicks out 136bhp and 220Nm. Drive is channelled via either the 6 speed manual or 8 speed automatic. The automatic version can reach 100 km/h in 9.2s (8.9s manual) on the way to 210km/h of top speed. Fuel consumption is 5.9L/100km on average and CO2 emission is 139g/km. Read more after the jump.

BMW 3 Series Touring announced

BMW has announced the arrival of the Touring version of the famous 3 Series. The latest model continues the trend that BMW started since E30 3 Series, a blend of  load capacity that is the largest in its class, complete with innovative storage solutions, wrapped in a dynamically styled and strong but lightweight body that follows the same winning formula of previous BMW 3 Series Tourings over the years. 

For the exterior, the 3 Series Touring is exactly the same as its Saloon brethren from the tip of the nose to the B-pillar. It gets the similarly  expressive front end, twin headlamps with LED accent lights that combine with the gently forward sloping BMW kidney grille to generate a purposeful face, further highlighted by the additional outer air intakes below the headlamps and the sweeping lines of the bonnet that converge on the grille.

From the side, the new 3 Series Touring is defined by the sweeping silhouette, with its smoothly sloping roofline and glasshouse that extends to the rear of the vehicle. The new car is 97mm longer overall and 50mm longer in the wheelbase than before and that, together with the steeply raked D-pillars, angle of the rear window and the traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’, adds a real sense of forward motion to the profile. At the rear, the spoiler ‘peak’ that accentuates the long roofline, together with the horizontal lines and L-shaped lights set far out to the edges, combine with the 48mm wider track to plant the design on the road.

As for the interior, the 3 Series Touring follow exactly the trendy design first seen on the F30 Sedan. In a nutshell, it is more commodious than before especially the rear seats where there is now 17mm extra knee room and 9mm more headroom making ingress and egress to the rear seats is easier than ever before. However, more importantly for this Touring model is the new luggage area is significantly more spacious than before with extra 35L, totally 495L. Loading sill height from the ground is 620mm.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring has a split rear boot opening with the upper glass area able to open independently of the overall unit. This is unlocked electrically via a button located on the rear wiper arm, and then opened manually. It is particularly convenient when loading in small items, perhaps where space behind the vehicle is limited. To add the convenience the new 3 Series Touring receives an electrically powered boot, controlled either via the key fob, a switch on the A-pillar or a button on the boot itself, standard for all version. In addition, customers can enjoy further convenience with the Smart Opener feature offered as part of the Comfort Access option. When specified, the boot can be opened with the motion of a strategically placed foot beneath the rear bumper.

Other than that, the drivetrain option, BMW Lines option and equipment level mirrors those on the new 3 Series Sedan.

More photos of BMW 3 Series Touring after the jump.

BMW 3 Series LWB revealed ahead of Beijing Auto Show

BMW will head to Beijing Auto Show with a host of Asian premier model, including the world debut of the long wheelbase version of the new BMW 3 Series. Other model destined to be showcased at Beijing Auto Show include BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, BMW M6 Coupe, BMW X3 xDrive28i, updated BMW X6 and BMW i3 Concept.

The extended wheelbase version of the F30 sports 110mm extension to its wheelbase, bringing it to 2,920mm. The length of the car has been increased by exactly similar amount, totalling 4,734mm. Direct proportioning means that the car has simply been extended by lengthening the floor. The added length entirely went to the rear legroom, and the rear door is visibly longer, a visible cue that is complemented by different chrome garnish  surrounding the side glass. More details after the jump.

BMW 3 Series F30 launched in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia has launched the new 3 Series to the Malaysian market, mere month after the car is delivered to the other market globally. Such rapid move is a testament to BMW Malaysia commitment to deliver the best product to Malaysian consumer. Indeed, 500 or so of the initial batches of F30 will be CBU, while the CKD program will commence in around 3 months time. According to Geoff Briscoe, Managing Director of BMWGroup Malaysia, 


“We couldn’t wait till local assembly started as the new 3-Series has been launched in so many other markets. It has always been our policy to introduce new models in Malaysia as soon as possible, so we’re starting off with CBU imports first. Orders have reached about 500 units and I’ve never seen our BMW dealers so happy. I am proud to say that the all-new BMW 3-Series is a testament to what it truly means to be… the car of tomorrow being made available for the world of today." 

BMW Malaysia has brought in 3 models for now, namely 320d, 328i and 335i. The 320d is powered by the familiar 2.0L diesel lump, featuring variable geometry turbine turbocharger and high pressure common rail direct injection systems. The lump kicks out 184bhp@4000rpm and 380Nm of torque between 1750-2750rpm. This version is capable of achieving 4.5L/100km in mixed cycle condition. Not to be put off by the extremely low fuel consumption, the 320d is capable of century sprint in respectable 7.6 seconds and 230km/h of top speed.

BMW 320d is Base Specs (top and bottom)

The 328i meanwhile is powered by the new N20 engine, displacing mere 2.0L but capable of punching out a significant 245bhp between 5000-6500rpm and 350Nm from diesel-like 1250-4800rpm of torque. The impressive figure is the courtesy of the BMW latest application of TwinPower turbo technology comprising of twin-scroll turbocharger, Valvetronic and direct injection systems. Fuel economy figure is quoted as 6.3L/100km in combined cycle. 100km/h sprint can be attained in impressive 6.1 seconds, while top speed is 250 km/h. More details after the jump.

M Performance part from F30 3 Series

BMW has launched the M Performance Part series during the 2012 Geneva Motorshow. It consists of aesthetic and performance enhancement for the BMW 1 Series (F20), 3 Series (F30) and 5 Series (F10,F11).  The parts are developed in collaboration with BMW's M Division and designed to fit onto or replace the M Sport Package parts installed on the 3 models listed above. In this articles, MMN is going to concentrate on the newest car in BMW family, the F30 which is scheduled to be launched in Malaysian market later this month.

Firstly, the exterior outlook of the F30 M Sport has been further enhanced with M Performance Aerodynamics Package consisting front splitter, rear duck tail spoiler and blades for the side sills. In this white samples of F30 M Sport, the blackened M Performance Parts contrast nicely with the background, accentuated further by the black strips and 20" dark alloy wheels. The front grille too is finished in black. At the back, there is also M Performance exhaust systems offered for 335i. For the diesel model, chromed exhaust pope finisher is offered instead. Menacing innit?

Body-kit aside, the suspension, braking and alloy wheels are also items of improvement, offering a host of enhanced performance compared to the cooking M Sport parts. First-up is the alloy wheels, 20" in size for the F30 in 405M design which is forged alloy that 1kg lighter apiece than the M Sport wheel. Contrasting finish is achieved by painting the wheel is glossy black prior to machine-out the spokes alternately to achieve the contrasting appearance. Lurking behind the alloys is the 18" that is crossed drilled and ventilated to offer much higher thermal resistance than the standard item. The calipers can be ordered in orange, yellow and red. The suspension is uprated too with M Performance chassis parts.

The Performance Kit for the gasoline version is still work-in-progress (for N20 is 25i guise and 335i), the 320d version can now be ordered with M Performance Power Kit which raised the power output of the diesel powerplant from 184bhp to 200bhp. Torque figures meanwhile bumped from 380Nm to 420Nm. The increased in performance has been achieved via electronics recalibration and due to that, larger intercooler has been fitted. More details after the jump.

Should BMW Malaysia introduce an entry-level E90 as a run out edition?

For some (I know I am), the entry to BMW cars signify status, even the model one bought is just an entry level model, cheapest in the range, bare basic in equipment, but wear the blue-while propeller nevertheless. Buying a BMW is never an easy task( albeit easy in buying, but harder in maintaining). Just go ahead to browse any BMW owner forum and look at their cost of replacing simple, small switches!

In that aspect, do you think BMW should introduce a cheaper version of E90 3-Series? After all, this will be the run-out model before an all-new F30 kicks in. In other market, even as close as Singapore, there's still a lower variant than the 320i. It is called 318i. Despite the badging, it is still powered by the 2.0L engine, albeit in detuned 136bhp guise.

For all intent and purpose, it still looks like a real deal E90. With the exception of smaller wheel and puny exhaust tip, and of course the 318i badging, the Singapore spec 318i lacks nothing much from the next-up model in the E90 lineup. In the UK, there's even a 318i M Sport with M Sport bodykit, M Sport suspension as well as 17" alloy wheel in 194M style, wrapped by 225/45 R17 up front and 25540 R17 at the back. You can refer HERE for BMW UK specs.

As for the engine, forget about UK engine as their engine is different, whereby we are stuck with 156bhp 2.0L engine. For our region, the detuned 2.0L for 318i produced 136bhp@5750rpm and 180Nm@3250rpm. It is sufficient to accelerate this sedan to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 208 km/h. In this spec at least, based on SGCarmart review, the detuned engine performs its best at low rpm and cruising mode, where the seamless power delivery and gem-slick 6 speed autobox really deliver a soothing ride. Overtaking is not an issue either, with sufficient torque and quick-thinking gearbox that react well to the driver right foot. The only drawback is the raucous engine note when hard-pressed  in pedal to the metal activity.

The interior has been "detuned" as well. Among the features deleted are digital auto air-conditioning control, i-drive and paddle shifter and rear aircond outlet. The substances on the instrument panel are just steering, gear knob, manual aircond knob and slot for MP3 and CD. The front seats are however still powered with 2 memory functions. The split folding rear seat is gone too, but that's hardly a deal breaker.More after the jump.

2012 BMW 3 Series Configurator

Basic configurator for the new F30 is already up on BMW website. But for the moment it is just basic vehicle configuration to view the multiple choice of the new 3 Series Lines (Sport, Luxury, Modern and M-Sport) as well as Standard model, with their respective color and rim choice. The Vehicle Configuration can be found at: http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/3series/sedan/2011/showroom/design/visualizer.html

Below is my dream combo. A Black M-Sport with 403M alloys which, like current E90 M-Sport, looks really menacing. What's your pick? Check out the above link to build your own.

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 Standard/Base Line photos and details

So much emphasize and publicity were given to the three new lines available for the new 3 Series, so much that one wonder that it is is possible to get the new F30 without the somewhat garish red accents in the dashboard, or without the bars insert at the air intake, and perhaps without the black side mirror? 

If you read carefully the on M-Sport package, it was mentioned that the package can be combined with the base model and the three lines. Yes there is indeed a base model mentioned. A quick dig in the BMW F30 brochure revealed a single photo (yep only one!) front isometric view without the bumper garnish surrounding the lower air intake.

Two more photos are available from BMW vehicle configurator. I cropped the photos of side and rear view. Well for me, they look absolutely fine without the Sport, Luxury and Modern Lines customization.

With no "Lines" specified, the new F30 looks more like a junior F10, with similar front bumper concept design.  The interior photo after the jump.

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 Lines - Photos and Specs Details.

All the details on BMW 3 Series F30 trims and lines - Modern, Luxury, Sport and M-Sport

The new BMW 3 Series F30 is available in Modern, Luxury and Sport Lines as well as M-Sport Package. Each Line has their own unique customization of exterior and interior detailing. The four posts below explained each of  the lines with their specification and photos. Click to be linked to each Line.

BMW 3 Series F30 M-Sport photos and details -> All the detail of F30 M-Sport

BMW 3 Series F30 Sport Line photos and details -> All the detail of F30 Sport Line

BMW 3 Series F30 Luxury Line photos and details -> All the detail of F30 Luxury Line

BMW 3 Series F30 Modern Line photos and details -> All the detail of F30 Modern Line

Enjoy the photos and start dreaming!

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 M-Sport photos and details

Typically, the M-Sport package does not accompany the launch of new BMW car. But for the 2012 F30, the much sought after M-Sport package is displayed together with the standard model. However, this is more of a  preview as the package can only be ordered from the third quarter of 2012.

Its dynamic character is emphasised by the exclusive M Sport body colour of Estoril Blue metallic, a special aerodynamics package with numerous body components, chromium exhaust pipe finishers, modified suspension settings and M Sport light-alloy wheels with a diameter of 18 or 19 inches. Front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body color and a striking diffuser insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail underline the sporting character of the M Sport package, exploiting its visual effect to the full. The M Sport package also come with suspension kit and lower the car by 10mm with stiffer spring, damper and stabilizers. 

More detailed photos after the jump.

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 Sport Line photos and details

The Sport Line is differentiated with eye-catching exterior features in high-gloss black that  accentuates the dynamic appearance of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Eight heavily contoured high-gloss black kidney grille slats in a chrome-colored surround give the front end of the car a particularly sporty and alert look. The black inserts in the front apron make the air intakes appear larger and lend extra emphasis to the muscular wheel arches.  

Bi-color, double-spoke design 18-inch light-alloy wheels provide the athletic looks to match. Meanwhile, high-gloss black painted exterior mirrors and the standard high-gloss black B-pillar and window trim add an extra sporting flavor to the flanks. 

A black trim strip on the lower crease underlines the width-enhancing effect of the rear styling, while the black chrome exhaust tips rounds off the exterior’s sporty appearance.

More detailed photos after the jump.

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 Luxury Line photos and details

The Luxury Line of BMW 3 Series set to give the new BMW sedan an elegant and exclusive appeal. This is achieved with the usage of high-gloss chrome for exterior trim and interior accents. 

For the exterior, the main differentiation from other lines include the BMW kidney grille with 11 fine chrome slats, two slightly offset chrome trim strips in the front apron air intakes, and a high-gloss chrome trim strip running horizontally above the air scoop give the front a striking appearance. 

As with the Sport Line, the B-pillar and window guide come in high-gloss black, and the window frame and weather strip are in chrome. Special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design accentuate the stylishness of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan when viewed side-on.

More detailed photos after the jump.

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 Modern Line photos and detail

The Modern Line version incorporate the avant-garde trim elements instead of traditional luxury and sporty trim. The meant touch include the ulitilization of satin alumium and more appealing interplay within interior pieces.

For the exterior, the BMW kidney grille, with 11 satin aluminum slats, and double trim strips for the air intakes in the same color give the front end of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan a particularly contemporary, classy touch. The high-gloss black B-pillar and window trim of the Modern Line blend smoothly with the satin aluminum trim elements at the front and rear. 18-inch turbine-style light-alloy wheels strengthen the future-focused concept of this equipment line. 

More detailed photos after the jump

2012 BMW 3-series F30 launched - details and photo galleries inside

BMW Group today launched its most important model lineup, the F30 3-series. The sixth generation 3-series showcased the latest BMW design language with its flat headlamp design extending centrally towards the kidney grille, with stronger lines and more defined edge.The new car is whopping 93mm longer than its predecessor at 4,624mm. The wheelbase has grown by 50mm to 2,810mm. Front and rear tracks have been widened by 37mm and 47mm respectively. Despite the increased in dimension and equipment level, the F30 is up to 40kg lighter than its predecessor model by model.

The rear end design is heavily drawn from F10 5-series, with L-shaped rear light. In fact it looks like a shrunken F10 which itself not a bad thing. Boot space is better than the previous model too, which now stands at 480 litres.

Initially, the new 3-series will be made available with three engines in four variant comprising two gasoline and two diesel variety. The petrol version is 328i and 335i. The former is powered by the recently launched 2.0 litre 4 cylinder with direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger producing 240hp and 350Nm. This variant reached 100 km/h from standstill in 5.9 seconds and with top speed limited to 250 km/h. The 335i is powered by familiar 3.0 litre, inline 6 cylinders with twin scroll turbocharger producing 306hp and 400Nm. This version of petrol powered car reached century sprint in scorching 5.5 seconds, while continue to be on the steam up to its limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The two diesel version are both powered by 2.0 litre turbodiesel in two state of tunes.The 320d is powered by 184hp version of the aforementioned engine and this variant is capable of 7.5 seconds sprint to 100km/h on its way to 235 km/h of top speed while returning an impressive 4.5l/100km of fuel consumption. The 320d EfficientDynamics returned an even more impressive 4.1 l/100km fuel efficiency rate. This version is powered by the similar engine, but produced slightly lower power at 163hp. Going economical does not means going slower that much, as this version still capable of 8.0 seconds century sprint and 230 km/h of top speed.

The launched engine will be accompanied by a host of other engine sizes and variants namely 320i, 316d and 318d. These version will be available towards the last quarter of 2012.

All versions are available in standard 6 speed manual or 8 speed automatic transmission. More detail and photos after the jump.