By: IOL Motoring Staff
Compared to the more radical facelift that was recently given to its 1 Series sibling, the BMW 3 Series mid-life makeover might seem quite subtle, but it's all change under the bonnet.
The big news here is that, for the first time ever, the 3 Series is available with a three-cylinder engine. The previous 316i makes way for the 318i at the bottom of the range and, bearing in mind that those badges no longer correspond to engine size, this new entry model is powered by BMW's 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Outputs are unchanged, however, with the downsized motor delivering 100kW and 220Nm, or 230Nm in overboost. According to BMW, the new 318i will pounce from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds and sip 13 percent more fuel - 5.5 litres per 100km on average.
Too tame? BMW has also introduced a more frugal, new-generation 2-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol, which makes slightly less power but more torque in 320i form - 134kW/290Nm, versus the previous version's 135kW/270Nm outputs. A more powerful version of this engine makes its way into the new 330i model, which replaces the 328i and pushes 185kW and 350Nm, up from 180kW.
NEW SIX-CYLINDER 340i
The excitement continues in the six-cylinder camp, where a new 340i model replaces the previous 335i. The 340i also marks the debut of an all-new three-litre six-cylinder turbopetrol that develops 240kW and 450Nm, up from 225kW/400Nm. Expect this heavy hitter to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.
On the diesel front, the engines have been tinkered with to improve efficiency and there's an output gain in the case of the 320d, which is up from 135kW/380Nm to 140kW/400Nm. BMW has also upgraded the six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearboxes fitted to the various 3 Series models.
SPOT THE CHANGES
While it's all change on the engine front, the styling updates are far less apparent, but they do make a difference. Up front, the 3 receives new headlights with LED 'eyebrow' indicators and integrated daytime running lights that connect to the grille, while full LED headlights are optional. A new bumper rounds off the frontal changes and the rear end has been jazzed up with new full-LED taillights.
While the cabin retains its basic look, BMW has freshened it up with new materials, upholsteries, additional chrome highlights and a new centre console featuring a sliding cover for the cup holders.
As for the gadgetry, the revised 3 Series offers a newer version of BMW's Navigation system Professional with faster route calculation and more realistic 3D graphics and it becomes the first car in its class to support LTE connectivity.
All of the aforementioned models - 318i, 320i, 320d, 330d and 340i - as well as the 317kW M3 will be available when the new 3 Series range goes on sale in South Africa in the third quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the time.