|
|
InsideLine: 2011 BMW 335is Track Tested
For 2011, BMW announced an almost across-the-board replacement of the fan-favorite N54 twin-turbo inline-6 with the single, twin-scroll turbocharged N55 motor. And while the standard-issue 335 joins the ranks of N55 converts, the hi-po 2011 BMW 335is retains the twin-turbo motor, but bumps turbo boost from 8.7 to 11.6 psi. It also has an intercooled and overboost function that lets the twin-turbos spool up 14.5 psi for as long as 7 seconds, raising the torque from 332 pound-feet at 1,500 rpm to 370.
But this power comes at a price: This test unit rings up at $57,450 — nearly $1,000 less than a 2011 BMW M3 coupe, and $2,500 more than an M3 sedan. So, is it worth it?
Odometer: 2,612
Date: 10/26/2010
Driver: Chris Walton
Price: $57,450
Specifications:
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed manual
Engine Type: Inline-6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,979/181.8
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 320 @ 5,900 rpm
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 332 @ 1,500 rpm ( 370 with overboost function)
Brake Type (front): 13.7-inch ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Brake Type (rear): 13.3-inch ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Suspension Type (front): MacPherson strut, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Multilink, coil springs, stabiizer bar
Continue reading InsideLine: 2011 BMW 335is Track Tested
The new BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition: More space, less CO2
114 grams of CO2 per kilometre and 120 kW/163 hp – this relation between emission levels and engine output can only be achieved with BMW EfficientDynamics. BMW has realised it in a premium vehicle of the medium range which also offers a luggage compartment volume of up to 1,385 litres (48.9 cu. ft): the new BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition.
The new combination of efficiency, driving pleasure and versatility is possible due to the use of technology for the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions involving a specific engine design. The BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition has average fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, thereby clearly leading the efficiency rankings within its vehicle segment.
The new BMW 3 Series Touring model was primarily developed for the markets of Belgium, the Netherlands and France, since in these countries an important tax limit of 115 g CO2/km applies.
When the BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition becomes available in spring 2011, BMW will once again underscore its global leadership in the development of dynamic models with a particularly low level of emissions – as was previously the case with the similarly configured Sedan model.
The 5-door vehicle is powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine of the latest generation with common rail direct injection and turbocharging. Its 120 kW/163 hp all-aluminium power unit provides maximum torque of 380 Newton metres (280 lb-ft) from just 1,750 rpm, accelerating the Touring model in 8.3 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) and on to a top speed of 223 km/h (138.5 mph).
Clear lead within the competitive field: significantly superior dynamic performance and up to 30 grams less CO2 per kilometre thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics.
Continue reading The new BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition: More space, less CO2
AutoWeek reviews the 2011 BMW 328i Sports Wagon
One of the most understated BMW models in the US, the 328i Sports Wagon, receives a stellar review from AutoWeek editors. With the removal of the 5 Series Sports Wagon from US line-up, the question remains whether next generation 3 Series will be introduced in the North American market with a sports wagon variant.
“Let’s see, here we have one of the best-driving cars on the planet, with cargo room. Talk about a win-win. I didn’t have a need to use the space behind the second row, but there’s no question that everything that makes the 3-series a great car is evident in this configuration: good power from the I6, steady suspension, precise steering, luxury appointments, rakish styling in a classic wagon configuration and solid build quality everywhere.
It’s almost embarrassing to admit it, but my fixes for this car would center on comfort stuff: I’d like a better radio tuner and cupholders that give me confidence that they’ll hold the cup through a 0-to-60-mph run.”
“COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT: This is a fine little wagon, although it seems you have to nearly squat to the ground to get in. Getting out is also a bit of a chore, and I hit my head on two separate occasions–and yes, I did duck.”
Continue reading AutoWeek reviews the 2011 BMW 328i Sports Wagon
Cars.com reviews the 2011 BMW 335is
“The Ultimate Driving Machine has never come cheap, and BMW’s newest addition to its 3 Series lineup, the 2011 335is, hammers that tradition home. About $50,000 gets you a stick-shift coupe with vinyl upholstery and a CD stereo incapable of fully integrating your iPod. Genuine leather, heated seats and the other niceties cost more. If BMW ran a steakhouse, it would charge extra for the sides with your filet.
Got beef with that? So did I, until I drove it.
The 335is combines outstanding performance with surprising livability, and the whole package is good enough to justify its high price — for those few who choose to pay it, anyway.”
___
Well-Rounded Performance
“Rather than use the 335i’s new twin-scroll, turbocharged six-cylinder, the 335is goes with the old twin-turbo six, with higher turbo boost and bolstered cooling to churn out 320 horsepower and 332 pounds-feet of torque. The car feels palpably quicker than the 300-hp 335i: It spins its rear tires away from stoplights, scoots in the passing lane at 70 mph and bellows a rich, satisfying exhaust note all the way to its 7,000-rpm redline. While the M3′s normally aspirated, 414-hp V-8 packs explosive acceleration at higher revs — and in absolute terms it’s significantly quicker — its comparatively modest 295 pounds-feet of torque means it doesn’t get cooking until the tach needle swings past 3,000 rpm. The 335is has power to spare long before that mark.”
___
Continue reading Cars.com reviews the 2011 BMW 335is
The BMW 3 Series Winter Concept by Miranda-Series is based on the E90 320d equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine that has been tuned to develop 199 hp and 415Nm of torque. The BMW 3 Series Winter Concept sits on Schmidt Revolution winter-alloy wheels and Dunlop tires and is equipped with an fully adjustable Eibach Pro-Street-S coilover suspension. Continue reading BMW 3 Series Winter Concept
|
|
Recent Comments