Tuesday 4th September 2012
New models for BMW 1 and 3 Series
We'd all love an M but here's the reality and it's suffixed 'd', 'ED' or, um, worse...
What, you were hoping for a new range of high-revving, normally aspirated V8s or something? Sadly not, BMW's extension of its engine range across 3 and 1 Series comprising fewer cylinders, more turbos and a whole lot of downsizing. Such is the way of it but that's not necessarily something to feel too upset about, especially if you're looking for a vaguely involving steer on the company ticket.
The Ultimate Driving Machine; 95hp, 115mph...
November sees the launch of the 114d, the most efficient model in BMW's line-up. Its headline figures are a 65.7mpg and 112g/km. Well 12.2 seconds to 62mph and 115mph flat-out aren't exactly attention grabbing, are they? A 1.6-litre diesel with 95hp and 173lb ft is responsible for the performance/parsimony ratio being strongly in favour of the latter. The rafts of efficiency measures fitted to the 114d include Brake Energy Regeneration, Active Aerodynamics and Stop Start. To be seen on a company car list near you soon...
Slightly more PH-worthy are the introductions to the 3 Series saloon range, the 316i and 320i EfficientDynamics. For the first time in a long while, the 316i badge actually relates to the engine displacement; in this case a TwinPower turbo unit with 136hp and 162lb ft. This means the entry level 3 Series is now capable of 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 127mph, all whilst returning 47.9mpg. The C02 figure is 134g/km.
BMW in badging shock: 316i powered by a 1.6(!)
The 320i EfficientDynamics (don't expect BMW to use that badge in the abbreviated form any time soon - ouch) will be the most efficient petrol-powered 3 Series available. It uses the same 1.6-litre TwinPower engine as the 316i but with 170hp and 184lb ft. Despite the performance advantages over the 316i (0-62mph takes 7.6 seconds), the Efficient Dynamics tech ensures improved economy and emissions; it delivers 53.3mpg and 124g/km respectively. The 316i will start at £22,850, 320i EfficientDynamics from £25,730.
The 3 Series Touring arrives in Britain on September 22. Its arrival also marks the introduction of the 316d, 318d and 320i to the 3 Series range.
3 Series Touring most capacious yet
Its estate vitals are a seats-up boot capacity of 495 litres, rising to 1,500 litres with them down. A split tailgate opening is standard whilst Smart Opener, which allows the boot to be opened by waving your foot under the rear bumper, is an option. The 3 Series Touring will start from £26,180 for the 316d ES.
|
MarJay
Original Poster
1,716 posts
44 months
|
I'm all for more economical cars, but surely making them lighter would be a good step? BMW's might as well be made of granite for the amount they weigh at the moment. How about a 1200kg 3 series?
|
|
|
daveco
2,489 posts
76 months
|
Not a fan of the new 3 series and their irrelevant automotive nomenclature. The best thing about previous 3 series incarnations was the straight-6. Once they go you might as well jump ship to a cheaper equivalent.
BTW, I've still yet to see a new-shape petrol 5 series yet. Every man and his dog has bought the 520d!
|
|
|
Face for Radio
1,665 posts
36 months
|
daveco said: Not a fan of the new 3 series and their irrelevant automotive nomenclature. The best thing about previous 3 series incarnations was the straight-6. Once they go you might as well jump ship to a cheaper equivalent.
BTW, I've still yet to see a new-shape petrol 5 series yet. Every man and his dog has bought the 520d! I did see one parked up in a carpark in Lakeside a couple of months ago. Only one I've ever seen!
|
|
|
andy43
2,988 posts
123 months
|
Fast-forward five years...
"Hello, is that BMW? My 114d Brake Energy Regeneration has major bork.. can you repair it?"
"Certainly sir, would you like a three door or five door replacement..."
|
|
|
Chrisw666
20,868 posts
68 months
|
I like the idea of the new petrol engines efficiency and decent power but that much tech in older cars would still worry me, and I can see the 114d winning lots of fans among people trading up from Minis before starting a family.
BMW seems to be building cars that will sell, sadly that probably means a new lightweight N/A Zcaar or Mcar is nowhere near the top of the to do list.
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
Grodecki
182 posts
53 months
|
How have they managed to make the 320i more efficient and better on emissions when it is the same engine? Unless the 316 is so woefully underpowered it is labouring on the test.
|
|
|
Agent Orange
1,148 posts
115 months
|
|
|
CocoPops
207 posts
100 months
|
PH said: Smart Opener, which allows the boot to be opened by waving your foot under the rear bumper, is an option So we're gonna see lots of bell ends shaking their foot under the rear bumper! 
|
|
|
FWDRacer
2,842 posts
93 months
|
andy43 said: Fast-forward five years...
"Hello, is that BMW? My 114d Brake Energy Regeneration has major bork.. can you repair it?"
"Certainly sir, would you like a three door or five door replacement..." Major Bork? Plain English please. "The vehicle has shat itself" is the correct PH terminology. Standards are clearly slipping. As for the Article.  Nothing to see/hear.
|
|
|
Hungry Pigeon
88 posts
53 months
|
daveco said: Not a fan of the new 3 series and their irrelevant automotive nomenclature. The best thing about previous 3 series incarnations was the straight-6. Once they go you might as well jump ship to a cheaper equivalent.
BTW, I've still yet to see a new-shape petrol 5 series yet. Every man and his dog has bought the 520d! I've just seen a nice new M5 trundling through Camberwell. Was happily admiring it until he decided to queue jump by driving down the bus lane.....fine's in the post I guess, but with a list price of some 75K he can probably afford it.
|
|
|
Cheib
6,228 posts
44 months
|
MarJay said: I'm all for more economical cars, but surely making them lighter would be a good step? BMW's might as well be made of granite for the amount they weigh at the moment. How about a 1200kg 3 series? Agree. I guess it's cheaper delivering emissions gains through engine tech than weight reduction. Other manufacturers seem capable of trimming the weight of their cars though.
|
|
|
Prawo Jazdy
4,208 posts
83 months
|
Article said: November sees the launch of the 114d, the most efficient model in BMW's line-up. Its headline figures are a 65.7mpg and 112g/km. I thought the previous model 320d ED had better claimed figures than that?
|
|
|
garypotter
551 posts
19 months
|
Are BMW trying to compete with the High n dry, kia market with the sewing machine powered 3 and 1 series?
Still it has a BMW badge so public will buy them.
|
|
|
leon9191
673 posts
62 months
|
MarJay said: I'm all for more economical cars, but surely making them lighter would be a good step? BMW's might as well be made of granite for the amount they weigh at the moment. How about a 1200kg 3 series? A 1200kg 3 series? That would be an E30 then, my 316i e30 was 1200kgs and as nice as it was im pretty sure bmw couldnt sell it for £25-30 grand in todays market. They couldnt build a car that weighed that little that was ecconomical to build and fitted into any kind of realistic price range, thats just the way it is.
|
|
|
Simonium
214 posts
21 months
|
Why do people keep asking for lighter cars? It is not going to happen (unless regulations regarding crash protection and safety change). They no doubt also regard items such as airbags, roofs, seats, etc as unnecessary, heavy additions detracting from the raw driving experience every car should offer - these are 3 Series and mules. Go and buy a M3 CSL if you want a lightweight 3 series but make sure whoever spec'd it didn't go for air-conditioning or any other frivolous luxuries!
|
|
|
Chicane-UK
2,588 posts
54 months
|
Is it just me that thinks the front end of the new 1 series looks TERRIBLE? I absolutely hate the new design! 
|
|
|
off_again
8,984 posts
103 months
|
Crikey how far have we come?
New 316i - 170BHP and 0-60 in 7.6 seconds and a claimed 53MPG
E30 325i - 173BHP and 0-60 in 7.5 seconds and around 26-28MPG
Wow... though I know which one sounds great! Its certainly impressive but there are 24+ years worth of development in the middle. But its impressive how far we have come though.
|
|
|
avo76
2 posts
81 months
|
'The 320i EfficientDynamics (don't expect BMW to use that badge in the abbreviated form any time soon - ouch)'
What? A 320iED? I think it has a certain ring to it!
Or could it be an omen as to what the engine will do just after the warranty has run out......?
|
|
|
LongLiveTazio
2,521 posts
66 months
|
Simonium said: Why do people keep asking for lighter cars? It is not going to happen (unless regulations regarding crash protection and safety change). They no doubt also regard items such as airbags, roofs, seats, etc as unnecessary, heavy additions detracting from the raw driving experience every car should offer - these are 3 Series and mules. Go and buy a M3 CSL if you want a lightweight 3 series but make sure whoever spec'd it didn't go for air-conditioning or any other frivolous luxuries! My Citigo has four usable seats, air con, sat nav, heated seats and mirrors, airbags all round you, 5* NCAP and weighs 860kg. Yes it is a smaller car and different in focus but given BMW's resources I think the 1 series could weigh a bit less when they slap 'efficient dynamics' all over it as if they've really tried hard. Unless people complain manufacturers won't change their priorities...
|
|
|
famfarrow
151 posts
23 months
|
off_again said: Crikey how far have we come?
New 316i - 170BHP and 0-60 in 7.6 seconds and a claimed 53MPG
E30 325i - 173BHP and 0-60 in 7.5 seconds and around 26-28MPG
Wow... though I know which one sounds great! Its certainly impressive but there are 24+ years worth of development in the middle. But its impressive how far we have come though. Was just thinking the same thing, its impressive. My E46 325ci 192BHP and 0-60 in 7.2 I get around 32MPG
|
|
