OFFICIAL – The New BMW E90 3-Series Coupe is finally out!

After a long wait, BMW has finally launched the new BMW 3-Series
coupe (known as the E90). Cabriolet versions are not out yet, but it
should arrive soon, as with previous product launches. Keep in tune for
more information in the days to come.

Official Press Release by BMW AG.

Twin-turbo technology for 3 Series

Heralding
the dawn of a new era in engine technology, BMW’s all new 3 Series
Coupé range goes on sale in the UK on 23 September 2006. The third
generation of compact coupé marks the introduction of the first ever
twin-turbo petrol-powered engine in a production BMW as well as
pioneering Direct Injection technology. Two models will be available at
launch.

Model	OTR Price	Power (HP)	Torque (Nm)	Acceleration (0 – 62mph)	Top Speed (Mph)	Combined cons. (Mpg)
BMW 325i SE Coupé	£28,090	218	250	6.9	153	33.6
BMW 335i SE Coupé	£33,420	306	400	5.5	155	29.7

Designed for sporting elegance

Despite
its close technical ties with the 3 Series Saloon and Touring variants,
designers set out with the goal of differentiating the two-door model
more than its predecessors. From the front, side and rear, the car is
clearly related to other 3 Series models but has its own, classically
elongated, shape. Adopting BMW’s typical Coupé proportions of long
wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, cabin set to the rear and a
low, sleek roofline, the new 3 Series Coupé has an elegant profile.

Key
highlights in exterior design are the kidney grilles and restyled
headlamps that give a bold yet elegant frontal view. At the rear, the
broad rear lights use horizontal light rods with bright LED
illumination to accentuate the low, wide appearance of the rear of the
car.

Another
change from the other models in the 3 Series range is the use of
lightweight materials in the body construction in the Coupé. While all
3 Series models use Tailored Blanks that increase panel thickness where
structural rigidity is needed, and reduces thickness where it’s not,
the Coupé variant also uses plastics in construction. As a result of
the lightweight plastic front wings used on the 3 Series Coupé the new
car is an average 10kgs lighter than the Saloon variant.

Twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder

The
all-new Coupé bodyshell clothes the twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine in the
new BMW 335i SE that develops 306hp and 400Nm of torque between 1,300 –
5,000rpm. With such performance statistics, the 335i forms the pinnacle
of the new 3 Series range.

The
335i SE Coupé accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds, and, if
left unchecked, would travel on to an electronically-limited top speed
of 155mph. This level of performance is made possible by two
turbochargers, each supplying compressed air to three cylinders each.
The use of two smaller units ensures that the turbochargers react more
quickly to changes in the throttle position all the way to the 7,000rpm
red line while also eliminating the previous scourge of turbocharged
engines – ‘turbo lag’.

The
turbocharged engine is also considerably lighter than a normally
aspirated powerplant of equal power. In the case of the 335i, the new
twin-turbo six-cylinder engine weighs approximately 70kgs less than an
eight-cylinder engine of corresponding performance. This weight
advantage benefits both fuel economy and weight distribution.

BMW’s
all new high-precision Direct Injection system also aids these high
levels of performance while also benefiting economy. Piezo injectors,
located centrally in the combustion chamber between the inlet and
exhaust valves, deliver atomised fuel in a conical burst into the
chamber to ensure a smooth, efficient burn.

Piezo
crystal injectors work when an electrical current is passed through the
crystal to create a very precise and consistent fuel delivery. The
result? Only the exact volume of fuel required is delivered into the
combustion chamber on each cycle guaranteeing that all the vapourised
mixture is burnt. This method of injection also serves to aid
combustion chamber cooling, thus offering a higher compression ratio.
As a consequence, the new car delivers an average fuel consumption of
29.7mpg on the combined cycle.

Entry-level six-cylinder

At
the launch in September, the new 325i SE Coupé will form the entry
point to the range. Delivering 218hp and 250Nm of torque from its
2.5-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, zero to 62mph is achieved in 6.9
seconds and the top speed is 153mph. However, performance does not
compromise economy with the 325i SE Coupé delivering 33.6mpg on the
combined cycle. This is made possible thanks to BMW’s patented
VALVETRONIC variable induction technology and VANOS variable valve
timing that, when combined, balance the requirements of performance and
economy.

This
level of economy is also made possible as a result of a number of
weight and power saving measures in the engine. The 325i Coupé is the
latest BMW to benefit from the magnesium – aluminium composite cylinder
block first seen on the BMW 630i in Spring 2004. The lightweight
combination of materials reduces the overall mass of the car and helps
achieve the near-perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution for
improved handling.

Finally,
the 2.5-litre engine uses an electrically-powered water pump. This not
only eliminates the engine power normally needed to drive a
conventional crankshaft driven unit but also reduces the engine heat-up
time to improve engine efficiency and occupant comfort.

Gearbox options

All
new BMW 3 Series Coupé models come with a close ratio six-speed manual
gearbox as standard. Those drivers who prefer the convenience of an
automatic transmission, but the driver involvement of a manual, should
opt for BMW’s new automatic gearbox option. Using an innovative torque
converter and software set up, the new automatic gearbox offers a 40
per cent improvement in the response time to throttle inputs and a
gear-shift time nearly half that of a conventional automatic
transmission. Whenever a driver wants to take control of gear changes a
pair of selection paddles located behind the steering wheel can be used
to change gears.

Practical and ergonomic interior

Internally,
all controls fall easily and ergonomically to hand. The seatbelt is now
also delivered to the driver courtesy of a feeder arm integrated into
the B-pillar. This only operates on the passenger side when the
airbag’s seat detector recognises an occupant.

Both
driver and passenger in the 3 Series Coupé sit comparatively lower in
the car than they do in its Saloon counterpart. This ensures the
maximum headroom for occupants, even with the lower roofline of the
Coupé, and also gives occupants a safe, cosseted feeling in the car.
Practicality is also a priority with the new 3 Series Coupé offering up
to 440 litres of boot space in conjunction with convenient storage
solutions in the interior.

Chassis and body – a sound basis

In
common with all BMW models, the new 3 Series Coupé benefits from a
near-perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution and
rear-wheel-drive for the optimum in driving dynamics. A double-joint
tie bar front axle with spring struts made almost entirely from
aluminium and a five-link rear axle work in combination with a rigid
body structure to provide very high levels of stability and comfort.

The
3 Series Coupé also comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control +,
BMW’s latest traction control system. With DSC+, the highest levels of
traction and stability are complemented by the latest comfort and
safety systems including brake pads that are dried in wet weather
conditions and brakes that are applied harder when any possible brake
fade is detected. This ensures the car remains under maximum control at
all times.

To
enhance the chassis and suspension set up, the 3 Series Coupé comes
with a rack and pinion steering system as standard. Customers can also
opt for BMW’s innovative Active Steering system that varies the
steering ratio as a proportion of road speed. The Active Steering
system additionally links into the DSC+ system, adding small amounts of
steering correction without driver input when oversteer is detected.

Extensive safety systems

All
of the passive safety systems of the new Coupé are controlled by a
restraint and support system. The six standard air bags, seatbelt
pre-tensioners and belt force limiters are all activated by the type
and severity of a collision.

Recognising
that the majority of accidents occur in the dark, the new 3 Series
Coupé comes with Xenon headlights as standard. Customers wanting to
improve visibility yet further can specify BMW’s Adaptive Headlights
that, using the steering angle, aim in the direction the car is
travelling rather than the direction it is pointing.

Drivers
following a 3 Series Coupé might also notice BMW’s Brake Force Display
at work. When the driver of the Coupé needs to execute an emergency
stop, or when the ABS system is in operation, the driver behind is
warned of the danger ahead by an additional illumination of the LED
brake lights in the lamp cluster.

Future Coupé models

Other
engine derivatives start production in September to broaden the 3
Series Coupé range. The new BMW 330i Coupé will develop 272hp from its
normally-aspirated 3.0-litre six cylinder engine that, like the smaller
engined 325i Coupé, uses magnesium alloy in its engine construction.
Acceleration to 62mph is dispatched from standstill in 6.1 seconds with
an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The 330i Coupé still
delivers 32.1mpg on the combined cycle.

At
the same time as the 330i, the new BMW 330d Coupé will start
production, offering 231hp and 500Nm of torque. Performance and economy
are both top priorities for the diesel-powered Coupé, with the car
posting a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds while still delivering
43.5mpg on the combined cycle.

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