The F30 3 Serial sedan represents the sixth generation of the 3er. BMW followed the captivating 2002 with the 3 series, and while the 2002 brought the buzz to the brand, the 3 series brought the sales.

The E36 3er was the last of the truly 'compact' 3 series. The F30 may exist bigger than the original E23 7 series (a quick bank check of the numbers show that the wheelbase of the F30 3er is just a smidgen longer than the E23 7er).

Another odd comparison to the E23 7 is that the top of the line 745i produced 249 HP from a 3.4L turbo charged I6, nigh on a par with the entry level F30 328i.

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The proliferation of ConnectedDrive 'apps' continues. And an odd feature, the trunk opening sensor on cars with Condolement Access, is brought to the 3er. I demo'd the feature in Frankfurt, it would be handy when you have your easily total.

There is no word on when and what diesel fuel engine options volition be available on the 3er in the U.s.. My hope would be for a 325d – a fairly quick and uncommonly frugal turbo four. In 525d guise it accelerates decently and returns excellent fuel mileage. It can but exist improve in the F30 chassis.

The F30 3er gets additional themed 'lines'. Whereas the new 1er has the base, Sport, and Urban lines available, the 3er gets the base, Sport, Luxury, Modern, and presently the M Sport lines. So is the Modern line a nod to 'hipsters'? And why can't we mix and match from the diverse themes? (Will the 3er exist available as a BMW Individual? Maybe the coupe model eventually?)

The move to electrically assisted rack & pinion power steering volition cause untold amounts of wailing and gnashing of teeth from enthusiasts. Just the fuel economic system gains are to meaning to ignore. Nosotros'll have to look to see how the next M3 handles ability steering – we know how the latest M5 does.

The new 3er has a expert sized body, almost 17 cubic feet. The ActiveHybrid 3, even so, steals some of the trunk infinite for the battery pack, information technology chews up about iv cubic anxiety of the available space.

The viii speed automatic is now available throughout the model lines. It actually does assist with fuel economic system. It is light and adds 2 overdrive ratios beyond a six speed motorcar. It shifts quickly and tin can utilize the fuel saving Active Start-Stop features. I know some folks complain virtually how the tranny shifts, simply what I've found is that yous have to 'drive information technology like y'all stole it' to get the near out of information technology. However, then much for the better fuel economy at that point . . .

I feel every bit if the ane, 3, 5, & 7 styling has been reined in to set up them apart from the i sub-brand and potentially some other offerings that may be in the works. It would make some sense for them echo their commonality visually, particularly if you were about to innovate other models that break the mold.