since 1976
since 1976
YES, it’s true. You could do that; but with a Samsung android that has the matching codes with the new BMW 3 Series. Once the phone is uploaded with the proper codes, it could also be used to start the car simply by placing it on the starting icon using the Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. And you could have up to five Samsung phones of family members with the same codes too for their convenience. Don’t lose that phone(s) though or you could lose the car too!
That’s only one of the unusual features that the new BMW 3 Series – the seventh of its generation that dates back more than 40 years – comes with. Having sold beyond 15 million units during that time span, the latest 3 Series has a lot going for it to maintain the strong momentum in markets the world over.
It has to be just as exciting to look at and draw the same ‘wow’ factor that the 3 Series drew way back in the 1970s. We recalled the thrill of driving our first BMW in the 1602 and 2002 in the mid-1970s. Back then, the 1602, as the name suggests, has a 1.6-litre engine that delivers 85bhp and 133Nm while the 2.0-litre 2002 had more with 100hp. They were fast for their days accelerating to 100km/h in under 13.5 seconds for the former and just under 11 seconds for the latter.
Of course, the current generation 3 Series is a whole lot more sophisticated in engineering and power development despite being the same four-cylinder configuration. For the moment, BMW Malaysia is introducing the latest 3 Series in the 330i with M Sport package. The engine is a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine hailed as the most powerful of its kind to be fitted in a BMW model.
This power unit churns out 190kW (258hp) at 5000-6500rpm and 400Nm from a low 1500rpm and holds till 4400rpm, thanks to the modern-day engine management system. It might be a lot heavier than its 1970s brethren but with such strong engine output, is it any surprise to learn that the 330i scoots to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds?! Its head-turning performance credentials should continue to give the new 3 Series the ‘wow’ appeal.
The transmission is an eight-speed Steptronic Sports Transmission, which is an automatic unit with sports mode and manual shift selection. Compare that to the 1970s models that come with four-speed manual gearboxes. It’s now double the gear ratios and probably, double the fun driving the 330i through winding roads.
The 330i also comes with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that is said to come with ann‘unprecedented level of voice recognition intelligence’. The NFC mentioned earlier is listed under this feature. Another interesting item is the Parking Assistant that comes with the new Reversing Assist. This feature records the sports sedan’s journey every 50 metres and enables the car to semi autonomously reverse at low speeds through narrow corners.
In body dimensions, the new 3 Series is a whole lot bigger than the early models although marginally when compared to the previous generation model. Against the sixth generation 3 Series, the latest version is 76mm longer at 4709mm, 16mm wider at 1827mm and 6mm taller at 1435mm. The wheelbase is also longer over the predecessor by 41mm at 2851mm.
The longer wheelbase gives the familiar BMW body profile shorter overhangs front and rear, and the short tail enhances the coupe-like roofline and the Hofmeister kink in the C-pillar for that sleek look. Complementing its sporty direction are the aerodynamic spoiler lip at the rear and two distinct 90mm tailpipes. By the way, it boasts a best-in-class aerodynamic profile with the drag co-efficient (Cd) measured at 0.23.
For a fresher look, BMW has given the new 3 Series a larger and wider classic kidney grille. It extends to the twin headlamps that are fully LED (light emitting diode) equipped and boasts a Bi-LED technology to enhance night driving. The rear gets a distinctive look too with slim, three-dimensional taillamps designed in an L shape that draws emphasis on the use of smoked glass for a classy touch.
The new 3 Series might be a bigger car dimensionally (and it looks it too) but BMW says it is a lighter and more rigid sports sedan. Using ‘intelligent lightweight construction’, the 330i’s kerb weight is reduced by 25kg to 1545kg. The rigidity levels of the body structure and suspension attachment are said to be greatly enhanced with a 50:50 load distribution and a low centre of gravity.
The M Sport suspension highlights BMW’s first ever lift-related dampers ‘that exemplify an innovative damping system’. What it does is to continuously function in relation to the changing spring travel and neutralise the vibrations that occur when going over bumps and when the car is taken in a dynamic way through corners. At the same time, the wider tracks are said to improve the car’s agility and steering precision.
The interior with its leather appointments, M Sport leather steering wheel with multifunction and shift paddles, customisable displays in the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch controls display, Personal Assistant, among others, should measure up nicely to what is expected of the latest BMW 3 Series in town.
It retails for RM328,800 on the road without insurance but includes 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme.
And if you want more, BMW Malaysia also provided a preview of the new Z4, the German carmakers’s latest open-top roadster. The preview model was a lefthand drive that is going the rounds in the region as production in Germany is just taking off.
BMW is offering the model as a Z4 sDrive30i M Sport variant that accelerates to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Like the new 3, the latest Z4 has also grown dimensionally compared to its predecessor; longer in body length by 84mm to 4324mm, 74mm wider at 1864mm and 13mm taller at 1304mm. The wheel tracks are also wider for better agility through corners while the shorter wheelbase provides a better turning circle.
It shares a similar 2.0-litre engine with the new 330i but boasts its own body design elements. The kidney grille is positioned lower to the road with an ‘eye-catching’ grid structure. The vertically arranged LED headlamps feature tubes that are uniquely designed in a hexagonal pattern. The slim light strips in the inner edge of the headlamp function as indicators for the new roadster.
The new Z4’s sleek appeal flows to the rear with the slim, single unit 3D taillamps and distinct integrated rear spoiler, low-slung body and low reversing lights. With a bigger body come increased luggage capacity, larger door compartments and additional storage space behind the seats. More importantly, there is also increased legroom for a more comfortable drive and ride.
Other similarities with the new 3 Series are the Digital Key feature with NFC and Intelligent Parking Assistant featuring Reversing Assistant. This new BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport would be made available in Malaysia in May. Its price is estimated at RM460,000 on the road without insurance but with all the respective BMW warranty and service packages.
Specifications link here.
BMW 330i M Sport Spec Sheet - Peninsular Malaysia.pdf
BMW 330i M Sport Spec Sheet - East Malaysia.pdf
BMW 330i M Sport Spec Sheet - Langkawi.pdf
