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The new BMW 3 Series sedan gains a few inches in length while losing weight on average.
By Paul A. Eisenstein
In an era of product proliferation, few vehicles better define a brand than the BMW 3-Series. It’s not only the best-selling line in the compact luxury segment, it’s also the top seller in the Bavarian maker’s product portfolio.
So there’s good reason for all the attention being paid to the all-new 2012 3-Series that's making its formal debut this month.
With new products also on tap from other key competitors -- notably including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class -- this could be one of the most important launches BMW has had in a number of years.
The sixth-generation model is the direct descendant of the 2002, the car that put BMW on the map and helped justify its corporate tagline as “the ultimate driving machine.”
“We are confident that the new BMW 3 Series will build on the tremendous success of its predecessors,” proclaimed BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer during a premiere in Munich where he described the line as “the world’s most successful premium vehicle.”
The outgoing model rang up 60,000 sales in the U.S. alone through the end of September. By comparison, the second most-popular model in the compact luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, has generated 39,000 sales.
But Mercedes is bringing a heavily updated version of its own compact to market for 2012, with a sportier look and a clear goal of delivering a more performance-oriented, BMW-like ride.
And it’s not alone. The compact luxury segment is becoming increasingly crowded with new or recent offerings from an array of automakers from Europe, the U.S., Japan and South Korea.
Complicating matters, the market appears to be shifting, according to analyst Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting.
Even among sporty buyers there’s more interest in mileage. Technology -- especially onboard infotainment systems -- is becoming a defining factor as well.
There BMW positioned itself as an early trendsetter, with the launch of the groundbreaking iDrive system. After taking some initial lumps for its quirky user interface, iDrive has become both easier to use and much more capable, with still more features being added on the new 3-Series.
On the safety side, the new 3-Series picks up a variety of technologies that have migrated down from some of the marque’s higher-end products, including Heads-Up Display and Blind Spot Detection, as well as Lane Departure Warning and Collision Avoidance.
But there’s plenty of new technology under the hood, as well. For one thing, the maker will launch the ActiveHybrid 3, an all-new gas-electric model, late in the 2012 model-year. But even more conventional versions of the new 3-Series will introduce features like Start/Stop -- which automatically shuts the engine down rather than idling at a light or in a fast-food line then restarts the engine when the driver’s foot lifts off the brake.
Meanwhile, the new 3-Series will bring to the U.S. market the first BMW four-cylinder engine in years. Despite migrating from the old car’s 3.0-liter inline-six to a new 2.0-liter inline-four, the new 328i will make 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
And although it is expected to deliver better mileage -- final numbers haven’t been released -- it will still launch from 0 to 60 in just 5.7 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.
In keeping with another market trend, the new 3-Series will be larger and more luxurious. The 2012 3-Series body grows about 3.7 inches in length, with the wheelbase stretched just under 2 inches. The front track is 1.5 inches wider, the rear 1.85 inches.
BMW claims that will be particularly obvious to rear-seat passengers, although the trunk is also more capacious.
Notably, BMW engineers were able to trim about 88 pounds off the weight of the typical new 3-Series model, which helped maintain performance while delivering that better mileage.
For those putting a premium on performance, the 2012 BMW 335i will maintain its current single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, although it will also gain some efficiencies from the Start/Stop system, as well as a new 8-speed automatic and a system call Brake Energy Regeneration, which is a very mild hybrid system for recapturing some energy normally lost during braking to recharge the car’s battery.
Meanwhile, a replacement for the outgoing M3 -- the true definition of BMW’s performance DNA -- is still in the works.
With a more sporty design, better mileage and improved performance, analysts like Phillippi are betting that the new 3-Series will maintain, if not gain, momentum. It won’t hurt that Mercedes’ U.S. sales subsidiary has been knocked off-kilter by the unexpected departure this week of CEO Ernst Lieb. The well-respected Daimler AG veteran had helped move the Mercedes marque steadily more into contention with BMW and Lexus for the lead in the U.S. luxury market. It’s not clear when Mercedes will name a full-time successor but the timing, as the next-gen C-Class debuts, is clearly a setback.
Even if Mercedes’ drive falters, BMW still has to keep a wary eye out for the likes of Cadillac, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti and even Hyundai, the Korean marque now intent on becoming a luxury player.
But the 3-Series has always been a tough act to follow, and the new model wasn’t designed to yield any ground.
Leave a Comment:
4 Cylinders?
Cadillac is certanilly the BEST!
Cadillac has made some huge strides, and while I would buy one new over a Bimmer just to keep from exporting my hard-earned, I wouldn't argue they're "better." Cadillac has only been a credible builder in this segment for a few years (with the CTS); BMW has never been anything but.
And yes. 4 cylinders. We'd best get used to downsized displacement, but fortunately, due to a lot of technologies, led by direct injection, we're not seeing substantial corresponding power loss. Just as I'll give up a somewhat better car to support my country, I'll lose a few points in NVH to drive a more responsible and efficient vehicle.
Cadillac is just a POS car, good enough to compare with a Buick !
Been driving BMW's since 1992 and never had a problem with them . Right now a 2011 BMW 335d , good in diesel , fast ...what's not to like ?
Audi. Audi has the best build quality, sexiest design, and the coolest image. Have you seen the R8?! Sex on a stick.
What, no mention of my new Volvo S60 300 HP AWD Turbo? 0- 06 in 5.5 seconds. 155 MPH governed top speed. All the safety features the Bimmer Boys tout. Get over your Teutonic prejudices, lads.
Umm, Swedes are Teutons too.
0-06 in 5.5 seconds is slow- no? J
Sans the AWD, BMW hit those marks without TURBO 10 years ago.
The new design Bimmer does it in 5.7 and goes. 130 MPH. The Volvo is considerably less dough, too.
I had a 1st gen 335i and while I loved it and it was fun to drive for awhile it turned into a warranty bomb that was unaffordable to keep. I could do the maintenance myself but once it 50,000 it had turbo problems, injection problems and of course fuel pump problems (which were under a special extended warranty). First occurrence the dealer said it would cost $2100 to install new injectors and change the plugs, independent shop could do it for $1600. Took it to the independent but they couldn't do it because BMW had not "released" the tools yet for them to do it. To solve the awful rattle that came from the wastegate I would have to replace the turbos ($10,000). I love BMWs but I'll never buy another.
What? Where are the comments about Audi? Are you kidding me? Mercedes is definately long in the tooth and you don't even mention Audi? Snob.
CTSV dominates the market!
Correct me if I'm wrong, which I may well be, but isn't Audi's player in this segment, the A4, front-wheel drive? That pretty much kills it for me. I don't need the cold-weather handling, the weight or the complexity (or the understeer) of AWD. Give me a rear-driver (e.g. a CTS / CTS-V) every time.
Nothing beats and Audi in the snow :<).
Try to beat an Audi in the rain :<)
You will find your BMW facing the wrong direction I have seen it hundreds of times in DC.
What? You don't even mention Audi over Mercedes and you compare driving with sales numbers as if that is proof of anything? I'll take the A4 any day over the BMW 3 series.
The Buick Lacross luxury without the price!
The new Buicks are impressive (if overweight), but with one exception, they're still only available with slushboxes. No stick, no sale!
Love my A4 3.2 Quattro. The C350 looks nice, too. You really can't go wrong with any of these, unless you get a lemon.
I loves my Infiniti. I think its entry level luxury though if there is a category lol. Compared to my old Honda I consider it luxury.
It looks like the lexus. BMW it's own look like the Cadillac!
My 2007 328xi has a mileage of 32 mpg on the highway. Am curious what the new mpg numbers will be.
I get about 29 mpg when driving it normally. You may get 32 if you drive it at 55 mph. Driving it aggressively I get about 26. I love the car. My previous vehicle was a MB 400SE.
I get about 27mpg on my 07 328xi and the car has almost 100K miles
beamers are overrated. there are a few cars i like a lot better.
Well, don't just leave it at that, ntg, fess up! What do you think beats the connectedness, directness, communication and control of a Bimmer? Or are those not the criteria you're going on?
You can't argue with their performance, but really, all of the luxury brands have similar performance. Personally, I find the newer models (3,5 and 7 series) are just plain ugly. BMW used to have that strong, simple German look. No longer, just ugly.
have owned G35s and driven A4, simply no comparison to the 3 series. They're just imitations at best.
Have an 08 535xi, all wheel drive, 300HP, runs about 28-30mph on the road.............I thought the computer was incorrect. It's accurate, unbelievable car, great mileage, and the 300hp gets it when needed.
It's not the car that gets black eyes from the public now and then, it is some of the arrogant and insensitive dealerships, it's amazing BMW corporate lets them stay a dealer.
I've owned a 1984 318I, 1987 L7, 1993 325I, 1995 M3 (coupe), 1998 M3 (4-dr sedan). And, for the most part, look back on it as largely a waste of money...
Especially today what with all the higher quality American cars -- and sports cars out there today..., buyng a BMW is like tossing a large chunck of your cash in a sink hole.
I own currently own a 2010 Z4, and 2009 X3. Best and most reliable vehicles I ever owned....it boils down to if you ain't got the dough....you don't get to go....in a BMW......magnificient cars and true driving machines and GREAT to drive too! I just got rid of my Cadillac DTS company car.....what a POS....nothing but trouble....real junk when compared to a BMW....traded it in for a new Nissan Maxima SV with all the bells and whistles......it's the "poor man's version of a BMW 528....great fun to drive and a $17,000 savings over thr BMW equivalent to boot!
BMW = (B)ring (M)oney (W)ith ya.
Let that Z4 and X3 run out of warranty and then sing their praises. Until then enjoy your comfy affordable car w/ included maintenance. Once that warranty is gone you'll see that it doesn't matter IF you have the dough or not but if you like spending all your extra dough on those two cars.
Trust me I had a 335i, the warranty expiration date might as well have been the timer to the unreliability bomb.
My Kia Forte provides all the luxury I need.
I don't need luxury. I need an engaging driving experience, predictable handling, communicative steering, impeccable balance and an uncannily responsive powertrain. I'm eyeing the CTS, but in the meantime, my old beater 325i serves nicely.
Much prefer the Audi lines of cars...
I have owned two new BMW's and was always put off by the dealerships attitude on service and maintenance. They seemed to be rude and arrogant to their customers, at least in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I love their cars, but they don't seem to care about their customers from my experience.
I was going to get an Audi, because I loved my S4, but for some reason Audi has decided that Americans don't need a manual in anything but the S series. So, I went on over and got myself a 335xi and I don't think I'll ever buy Audi again.
Also, I've never had issues with the Service people or dealerships. I show up, my loaner is ready, I drop my car off and go to work, come back, drop off the loaner and get right back into my car and go home. So far so good! I live in NY, by the way.
'87 325 210K miles and 30 mpg, '90 535i, 26 mpg and 310k miles, '00 M Roadster 24 mpg, 130 k miles like 'm , love 'm going to keep 'm
Cadillac is making great strides in this market segment. The CTS has been a great seller and the soon to be released ATS will be even better.
Rolls Royce makes the best luxury cars by far...manufacturing standards have fallen so far that BMW is considered "luxury"..they are well made but are just what main stream autos should be!!
Ric,
I have been driving a Rolls for 15 years, and agree with you. Whilst mine is a little old, i have driven the Phantom and Phantom drop-head and there is no comparisson to anything else out there. The company (which is autonomous from BMW) really does sweat the details.
That being said, my son just purchased a M3 and the car's build quality is beyond reproach, but it also has the raw power to rearrange all of you internal organs, if you are not careful.
Dominance of what, the highest maintenance costs? BMW is called the "North Dallas Chevy" in Texas, simply because there are so many of them. Look in the used car ads and see they also have the most used import cars for sale in any large city, and you can get them cheap because nobody wants to pay shop rates to get them repaired after the warranty runs out.
mathuin, you're an idiot. North Dallas Chevy. What a hoot. Sorry you can't afford one brother. Must be a miserable life in your shoes. Go get you a greensheet and find you a Kia. Moron.
UT Pride, you are suspended for a day for violating rule # 1 of the Code of Honor.
Many of the upper class only owns a car for 2-3 years and then they move on the a new car.
Audi is quickly becoming the leader of the luxury market. It's a shame the story didn't make that comparison.
Audi very nice but harsh ride
Audi is by far a superior buy between BMW and Mercedes. An A4 already has an 8 speed way before BMW.
An 8-speed stick? OHHH, you mean an automatic. Who cares? If I'm not using 3 pedals, I don't consider it driving; it's just aiming.
Audi superior than Bimmer in your Dreams.....
Dave -
"If I'm not using 3 pedals, I don't consider it driving; it's just aiming."
Nice comment. I'm gonna steal it in future conversations with people who think they can drive and drive automatic transmissions. Thanks.
My 1996 Cadillac Deville is still purring after 92,000 miles. It is relatively quiet, very comfortable and has been dependable. Yes, it will play audio cassettes but not DVD's, does not have GPS, and it depends on the driver, not the automobile to check on the "blind spot", but it gets us where we want to go in style. The car still looks and acts like a new car. I expect to get 150,000 to 200,000 miles out of it. At the rate of our annual milegage, our Caddy will likely outlive us.
A Senior Citizen in Florida