Friday 4 May 2012

BMW 3 Series


BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in six different generations and in no fewer than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total sales (excluding motorbikes)
There have been six generations of the 3 Series, and their respective chassis codes:BMW E21 – (1975–1983) 3 Series BMW E30 – (1983–1991) 3 Series BMW E36 – (1991–2000) 3 Series BMW E46 – (1999–2005) 3 Series BMW E90 – (2005-2011/EUR, 2006-2011/US) 3 Series saloon BMW E91 – (2005-2011/EUR, 2006-2011/US) 3 Series Touring (Sports Wagon) BMW E92 – (2007–2011) 3 Series CoupĂ© BMW E93 – (2007–2011) 3 Series Convertible BMW F30 - (2012-current) 3 Series
E21, First generation, 1975–1983The E21 line was produced from 2 May 1975 (1977 in the USA) through 1983. Originally a replacement for the BMW 2002, the first 3-Series was a two-door saloon model only. A factory authorised cabrio version was also built by Baur. The series was superseded by the BMW E30 series The cockpit design of the E21 marked the introduction of a new design concept for BMW, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature has become part of BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded. At the E21's release, three models were available: 316 (1.6-litre), 318 (1.8-litre) and 320 (2.0-litre) versions of the BMW M10 four-cylinder engine. To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled its new variants of the E21, featuring the new six-cylinder M20 engines. The four-cylinder 320 model was replaced with the 320/6, featuring a 2.0-litre version of the M20 engine. The 323i model was introduced, featuring 2.3 litres and 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp). The braking system was also upgraded, with the 323i featuring disc brakes on all wheels.For the 1979/80 model year, the four-cylinder models were upgraded: the 1.8-litre power unit was revised and entered the market as a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) carburetor engine in the 316, while addition of Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection to the 1.8-litre engine raised the 318i to 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp).Since there was now also room for a new entry-level model, the 315 powered by a 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) 1.6-litre M10 engine made its appearance in 1981. E30, Second generation, 1982–1994The E30 was sold from 1982 through 1991 in saloon form, through 1993 in convertible form. The E30's introductory price was nearly double that of the E21 just seven years earlier, but the availability of a six-cylinder engine and four-door body style (in 1984) earned sales. The torquey "eta" six in the 325e produced 121 hp (90 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) of torque, but met the strict emission standards of the time. The E30 was the most powerful compact BMW offered in the United States since the 2002 Tii.The lineup was joined in 1985 by the high-output 325i and 325is. Though the engine displacement was reduced to 2.5 L, output was up to 168 hp (125 kW) but torque dropped to 164 lb·ft (222 N·m) as the company focused on performance rather than economy. The rev limit for the new motor was raised from 5,000 rpm to 6500 rpm.The 325is was an upgrade from the standard 325i, as some new features were added to the car as standard. These included the full electrics package, black roof-liner[citation needed], BMW "is" body kit, BMW 14 inch BBS "Basketweave" wheels and a Close Ratio gearbox[citation needed]. Other features also found on the 325is were options, however over time, some have been mistaken for standard features. These options include a 25% Limited Slip Differential, M Sport suspension with Bilstein struts, M-Sport II Steering wheel, BMW sports seats, leather interior, sunroof and BMW 15 inch BBS wheels. Options differed on vehicles produced in the United States.In 1987 a left hand drive only all-wheel drive version, the 325ix, joined the lineup with a touring version being introduced in late 1987. The 1.8L four-cylinder was dropped in 1985, but was brought back with a new, 1.8 L DOHC motor (M42B18) for 1991.In the end of 1987, BMW introduced the touring version of the E30. It was very popular during its production up to 1994. It was available with a 1.6-, 1.8-, 2.0- or 2.5-litre engine and also 2.4-litre turbo diesel.The most powerful American BMW E30 in 1989 came in the form of the M3, using a 192 hp (143 kW) S14 straight-four with a four-valve head adapted from the M88 six and Bosch fuel injection.A so-called 'run-off model' of the E30 318 was produced in 1990[4] that featured BMW's new 16-valve 136bhp 1.8 engine from the upcoming E36 range that was to replace the E30. This newer engined E30 was named the 318is and came as standard with Recaro interior, black headlining and M-Tech suspension. It was not offered as a four-door model or as a convertible. E36, Third generation, 1990–1999The E36 BMW 3 Series is an entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor to the BMW E30 and was eventually superseded by the BMW E46 starting in 1999 for saloons, and 2000 for coupes and cabriolets. The E36 was introduced in 1990.The E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years.The E36 was sold from 1990 until 2000 in various bodystyles. It employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. VANOS variable valve timing was introduced on the DOHC I6(Inline 6 cyl.) engines in 1993.The four-door E36 was produced from early 1990, initially for sale in Europe only, and was introduced to other worldwide markets up to a year later. The E36 coupe was produced from 1991, with the Cabriolet version following in 1992. The three-door hatchback Compact was introduced in 1994 and was moderately popular in Europe. The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 saloon from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's. The Z3 and M Coupe have similar rear suspension setups as well. BMW developed several prototype five-door versions of the Compact model, but these never entered production. The "Touring" estate also began production in 1994, but was never offered in the United States.The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325 models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328i line. Another 2.5 L engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced in 1995 but the cars were sold as 323 rather than 325.
 

BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in six different generations and in no fewer than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total sales (excluding motorbikes)
There have been six generations of the 3 Series, and their respective chassis codes:BMW E21 – (1975–1983) 3 Series BMW E30 – (1983–1991) 3 Series BMW E36 – (1991–2000) 3 Series BMW E46 – (1999–2005) 3 Series BMW E90 – (2005-2011/EUR, 2006-2011/US) 3 Series saloon BMW E91 – (2005-2011/EUR, 2006-2011/US) 3 Series Touring (Sports Wagon) BMW E92 – (2007–2011) 3 Series CoupĂ© BMW E93 – (2007–2011) 3 Series Convertible BMW F30 - (2012-current) 3 Series
E21, First generation, 1975–1983The E21 line was produced from 2 May 1975 (1977 in the USA) through 1983. Originally a replacement for the BMW 2002, the first 3-Series was a two-door saloon model only. A factory authorised cabrio version was also built by Baur. The series was superseded by the BMW E30 series The cockpit design of the E21 marked the introduction of a new design concept for BMW, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature has become part of BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded. At the E21's release, three models were available: 316 (1.6-litre), 318 (1.8-litre) and 320 (2.0-litre) versions of the BMW M10 four-cylinder engine. To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled its new variants of the E21, featuring the new six-cylinder M20 engines. The four-cylinder 320 model was replaced with the 320/6, featuring a 2.0-litre version of the M20 engine. The 323i model was introduced, featuring 2.3 litres and 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp). The braking system was also upgraded, with the 323i featuring disc brakes on all wheels.For the 1979/80 model year, the four-cylinder models were upgraded: the 1.8-litre power unit was revised and entered the market as a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) carburetor engine in the 316, while addition of Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection to the 1.8-litre engine raised the 318i to 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp).Since there was now also room for a new entry-level model, the 315 powered by a 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) 1.6-litre M10 engine made its appearance in 1981. E30, Second generation, 1982–1994The E30 was sold from 1982 through 1991 in saloon form, through 1993 in convertible form. The E30's introductory price was nearly double that of the E21 just seven years earlier, but the availability of a six-cylinder engine and four-door body style (in 1984) earned sales. The torquey "eta" six in the 325e produced 121 hp (90 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) of torque, but met the strict emission standards of the time. The E30 was the most powerful compact BMW offered in the United States since the 2002 Tii.The lineup was joined in 1985 by the high-output 325i and 325is. Though the engine displacement was reduced to 2.5 L, output was up to 168 hp (125 kW) but torque dropped to 164 lb·ft (222 N·m) as the company focused on performance rather than economy. The rev limit for the new motor was raised from 5,000 rpm to 6500 rpm.The 325is was an upgrade from the standard 325i, as some new features were added to the car as standard. These included the full electrics package, black roof-liner[citation needed], BMW "is" body kit, BMW 14 inch BBS "Basketweave" wheels and a Close Ratio gearbox[citation needed]. Other features also found on the 325is were options, however over time, some have been mistaken for standard features. These options include a 25% Limited Slip Differential, M Sport suspension with Bilstein struts, M-Sport II Steering wheel, BMW sports seats, leather interior, sunroof and BMW 15 inch BBS wheels. Options differed on vehicles produced in the United States.In 1987 a left hand drive only all-wheel drive version, the 325ix, joined the lineup with a touring version being introduced in late 1987. The 1.8L four-cylinder was dropped in 1985, but was brought back with a new, 1.8 L DOHC motor (M42B18) for 1991.In the end of 1987, BMW introduced the touring version of the E30. It was very popular during its production up to 1994. It was available with a 1.6-, 1.8-, 2.0- or 2.5-litre engine and also 2.4-litre turbo diesel.The most powerful American BMW E30 in 1989 came in the form of the M3, using a 192 hp (143 kW) S14 straight-four with a four-valve head adapted from the M88 six and Bosch fuel injection.A so-called 'run-off model' of the E30 318 was produced in 1990[4] that featured BMW's new 16-valve 136bhp 1.8 engine from the upcoming E36 range that was to replace the E30. This newer engined E30 was named the 318is and came as standard with Recaro interior, black headlining and M-Tech suspension. It was not offered as a four-door model or as a convertible. E36, Third generation, 1990–1999The E36 BMW 3 Series is an entry-level luxury car / compact executive car. It was the successor to the BMW E30 and was eventually superseded by the BMW E46 starting in 1999 for saloons, and 2000 for coupes and cabriolets. The E36 was introduced in 1990.The E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years.The E36 was sold from 1990 until 2000 in various bodystyles. It employed the "Z-axle" multilink suspension in the rear which had been proven in the Z1. VANOS variable valve timing was introduced on the DOHC I6(Inline 6 cyl.) engines in 1993.The four-door E36 was produced from early 1990, initially for sale in Europe only, and was introduced to other worldwide markets up to a year later. The E36 coupe was produced from 1991, with the Cabriolet version following in 1992. The three-door hatchback Compact was introduced in 1994 and was moderately popular in Europe. The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 saloon from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's. The Z3 and M Coupe have similar rear suspension setups as well. BMW developed several prototype five-door versions of the Compact model, but these never entered production. The "Touring" estate also began production in 1994, but was never offered in the United States.The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325 models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328i line. Another 2.5 L engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced in 1995 but the cars were sold as 323 rather than 325.
 

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