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2003 BMW 3 Series Overview

It's high time here at BMW1st that we took a little look at the offering from BMW in 2003 for its 3 series line-up, the most popular of BMW's cars. BMW flaunts her new creations well, recently celebrating the release of its new car with the slogan, "Pure drive". If you step into a new 3, you'll know what driving is about.

OVERVIEW

The 3-Series is BMW's most popular model combining sporty driving and luxury amenities. It was introduced in 1990 and later renewed in 1999 and 2000. Its competitors include the Acura CL/TL, Audi A4, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes-Benz C Class and Volvo S60, not to mention some of the classier Hondas these days. The new threes are built in Germany at the Dingolfing factory in Bavaria.

But to get down to it, there's something about a 3 series Beamer has that just isn't replicated in any other car. Simple style is a given. BMW has lots of it to spare and only the most exotic competitors can't even start to offer equal alternatives. No, to pin it down; it's the sheer trust in the mobility of the vehicle. Ever since the E30 stormed out on the tailend of 1982, BMW 3s have a little something in the 'zippyness' department. Small, compact but sporty, they demand fun, the design and subtle cheeky little curves draw something deep out of the driver's psyche. Call me a boy with a toy but the 3 just screams driving excitement. You can niggle in and out of the lanes, speed gracefully past others and pull off those driving naughties which only the nimble can do. You can play and poke fun in rush hour traffic with the windows down and the ego extended, something being a mature man stops you from doing in the larger 5 or 7 series counterparts. The bigger car demands a return to a different paradigm, while the 3 series offers the adaptably addictive option of being that conservative BMW driver, or that road demon who all too often rides the grace of luck home everyday. It's your choice, but the 3 can do both.

Model Range
The 3-Series includes 4-door sedans and wagons as well as 2-door coupes and cabriolets with rear- or all-wheel drive. The 3 series experience breaks down into five essential form factors; Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Touring and Compact. The basic warranty offered by BMW USA (2003) for most 3 series models is around 4 years/50,000 miles; corrosion: 6 years/unlimited mileage; anti-pollution system: 8 years/80,000 miles.

Technical Features
The 3-Series models have steel monocoque body, of which 60% of the body work is galvanized and treated to resist corrosion. The body design has a normal aerodynamic finesse and produces a drag coefficient of 0.31. The fully independent suspension consists of a double wishbone construction up front and cross struts at the rear, with a stabilizer bar on both axles. Some of these components are made of lightweight yet high-strength aluminum alloy. Four-wheel disc brakes, antilock braking, traction and stability control devices are standard on all versions. On 4-wheel drive models (xi), 62% of the torque is directed to the rear wheels and the ground clearance is heightened by 0.7-inch. Safety-wise, besides the front and side-impact airbags, BMW installs a standard tube-shaped airbag that provides head injury protection for front seat passengers. All models are powered by an L6 engine with aluminum block and cylinder head, 7-stage crankshaft, DOHC distribution and 4 valves per cylinder. Electronic fuel injection is handled by a Siemens MS43 module, except in the M3 models where the module is replaced by a Bosch Motronic MSS54 system.

BMW AG on Design - "There's no mistaking authentic style. The curving lines of the headlights, the high-set indicators and elegantly shaped high-beam lights form an arresting unit that announces the 3 Series Sedan's unmistakable BMW character. Smoothly sculpted surfaces dominate the exterior, reducing the role of horizontal lines and enhancing the sedan's dynamic road presence. And inside the cabin, the vast range of trim, upholstery and equipment options means the new 3 Series Sedan can be perfectly customised to the individual who drives it." - BMW.com

BMW AG on Power - What can match the exhilaration of driving a machine that is precision engineered to deliver the absolute maximum of power and responsiveness? The new BMW 3 Series Sedan invites you to find out just how exciting it can be. The new sophisticated diesels and cutting-edge petrol engines in the 3 Series Sedan will change the way you feel about driving. - BMW.com

For propulsion, the discerning BMW buyer has a choice. Depending on the model selected in the Sedan range, one can end up gracing the road with either a Six-cylinder petrol, Four-cylinder petrol, Four-cylinder diesel or Six-cylinder diesel engine. The petrol engines are agile, smooth and efficient. Double-Vanos is the secret to the straight six-cylinder's captivating performance: even at low revs, the six-cylinder engine is able to produce a maximum of responsiveness, efficiency and power. Dynamic, economical and mature describe the four-cylinder, whose gains in efficiency leave power, suprisingly, still ever present. The diesel choices are clean operators, whose efficiency is masked in moderate power and great acceleration.

Important Vitals of the 3 Line-Up:

3 Series : 2.5-liter, 5-speed manual

Engine:	2.5-liter L6, 24 valve
Horsepower:	184 @ 6000
Torque:	175 @ 3500
Acceleration:	0-60 mph in 8.6 sec.   1/4-mile in 16.9 sec.
Top Speed:	128 mph
Braking:	60-0 mph in 126 ft.
Road Holding:	0.83 g.
Fuel Economy:	20 (City) / 30 (Highway)

3-Series : 3.0-liter, 5-speed manual

Engine:	3.0-liter L6, 24 valve
Horsepower:	225 @ 5900
Torque:	214 @ 3500
Acceleration:	0-60 mph in 8.2 sec.   1/4-mile in 16.3 sec.
Top Speed:	128 mph
Braking:	60-0 mph in 136 ft.
Road Holding:	0.83 g.
Fuel Economy:	21 (City) / 33 (Highway)

3-Series : 3.2-liter, 6-speed manual

Engine:	3.2-liter L6
Horsepower:	333 @ 7900
Torque:	262 @ 4900
Acceleration:	0-60 mph in 5.5 sec.   1/4-mile in 13.6 sec.
Top Speed:	155 mph
Braking:	60-0 mph in 133 ft.
Road Holding:	0.85 g.
Fuel Economy:	16 (City) / 27 (Highway)

 

Number of Dealers

In USA	380

Sales on the U.S. Market

Model	2000	2001	% Change
3-Series	89,681	103,227	15%

Demographics

Men / Women	62/38
Age	39
Married	38%
High School
Income	$62,000

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