BMW 3 Series
by: Julie Diaz
Posted on: Monday, April 14th, 2008 at 10:06 am by: Julie Diaz
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The sleek, sporty look of the BMW 3 Series will have you wanting to drive on the open road. Whether you choose the sedan, coupe, convertible, or wagon you’ll have a finely tuned driving machine that won’t disappoint. With the high quality that BMW offers, you get one of the most technically advanced vehicles today. U. S. News and World Report has ranked the BMW 3 Series No. 1 in upscale midsize cars. For 17 years in a row, Car and Driver named the BMW 3 Series one of the 10 best cars due to its world-class performance and luxury.
The BMW 328i has a three-liter V6 engine and a six-speed manual overdrive transmission. At 230 hp, with 200 pounds-feet of torque, it does 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds, has a quarter-mile time of 14.2 seconds, and a power-to-weight ratio of 0.069. The stellar performance of this powerful engine makes the BMW 3 Series the company’s most popular model.
With innovations like “efficient dynamics,” BMW has reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption while boosting performance. The new “auto start/stop function” will cut off the engine when the car is idling in neutral and automatically restart when shifted into gear. With “brake-energy regeneration,” electricity is generated while coasting without consuming fuel. These and other drive-train modifications are helping to solve the “power vs. fuel consumption” dilemma.
The fine-tuned suspension of the aluminum double-joint spring-strut front axle handles with greater precision and responsiveness. Add to that the five-arm rear axle and BMW has created another engineering triumph. Dynamic-stability controls constantly monitor forces acting on the chassis. If behavior indicates skidding, the system brakes individual wheels as needed.
BMW has developed an excellent safety record using an active safety network of suspension, braking, tires, and electronic sensors. With the passive safety system of six airbags, a restraint system of seat-belt tensioners and force limiters, and doors with high-strength steel crossbars, BMW gives the driver maximum safety.
The comfortable interior of the BMW Series 3 has many optional features including leather seats, sport seats with side support and a leather steering wheel. Some optional comfort features are automatic air conditioning, a through-loading system, heated seats, a navigation system and an iDrive system that allows you to easily control all comfort features. Other optional technologically advanced features are active steering and an automatic parking function.
For comparison you could look at the Audi A4 for a nicer interior or the Acura TL for similar performance and more standard features, but the BMW 3 Series’ powerful engine and clean lines give it the edge. BMW is pricier, but its excellent performance and safety are worth it.
