BMW Cars

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

BMW 3 SERIES

3 series vehicles can largely differentiated by the series number
> BMW E21 –(1975-1983) 3 series
> BMW E30 –(1983-1991) 3 series
> BMW E36 –(1991-2000) 3series
> BMW E46 –(1998-2007) 3 series
> BMW E90 –(2005--)3 series sedan
> BMW E91 –(2006-)3 series touring
> BMW E92 –(2007-)3 series coupe
> BMW E93 –(2007-)3 series convertible

> E21 (1975-1983)
The cockpit design of the E21 marked the introduction of a new design concept, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature has become part of BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded.
At the E21's release, three models were available: with 316 (1.6 litre), 318 (1.8 litre) and 320 (2.0 litre) versions of the BMW M10 four cylinder engine. To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.

> E30 –(1983-1991)
The E30 was sold from 1982 through 1991 in sedan form, through 1993 in convertible form.
The torquey "eta" six in the 325e produced 121 hp (90 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) of torque, but met the strict emission standards of the time.
The 325is was an upgrade from the standard 325i, as some new features were added to the car as standard. These included the full electrics package, BMW sports seats, black roof-liner, BMW "iS" rear lip spoiler, front 2" valance spoiler, BMW 14 inch BBS wheels "Basketweaves" and a Close Ratio gearbox. Other features also found on the 325is were options, however over time, some have been mistaken for standard features. These options include a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), leather interior, sunroof and BMW 15 inch BBS wheels (with an offset of ET24, were only available in Europe, Japan and the Middle East). Options differed on vehicles produced in the United States
> E36 –(1991-2000)
The E36 experienced enormous success in the market. It laid strong foundations for the success that the BMW E46 experienced in subsequent years.
The E36 convertible was delayed until 1994. The hatchback 318ti Compact was introduced in 1995, was very popular in Europe, but it was not very successful in North America. The BMW Compact was identical to the regular E36 sedan from front bumper to A-Pillar. Everything else was unique, namely its rear semi-trailing arm suspension, based on the old E30, instead of the Z-Axle Multilink employed in all other E36's. The Z3 and M Coupe have similar rear suspension setups as well. The "Touring" station wagon was sold in Europe from 1995, but was not offered in the United States.
> E46 –(1998-2007)
The first major overhaul occurred when the E46 sedan underwent a facelift in 2002, which included re-designed headlights, new bumpers and a stiffer chassis. Also, the 316i and 318i models received new, more powerful engines. Then in 2004 the coupe and convertible had a facelift which included new headlights, new front wings and bumpers, new selections in exterior colour and redesigned Sidemarker lights and LED tail lights. The M3s got a much more mild facelift that same year, with the inclusion of the updated boot and LED tail lights from the coupe/convertible
Despite being introduced last, the E46 compact was the first to be replaced when 1 series was launched in September 2004. In mid-2005 the E46 sedans were phased out with the introduction of the new E90 saloons. The E46 touring was also replaced later that year with E91. The E46 remained in production as coupé, convertible and M3 until the E92 coupé and E93 convertible was revealed in late 2006. The new M3 coupé concept was later unveiled in March 2007 during Geneva Motor Show.
> E91/E92/E93 (2005-PRESENT)
The E90 is the currently available generation, which debuted as a sedan (E90) and wagon (E91) for the 2006 model year, coupe (E92) and cabriolet (E93) for the 2007 model year
It is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to engines, transmission, the passenger compartment, suspension technology, as well as the addition of a host of high-tech features and options. The coupé/cabriolet body is now its own design and no longer derived from the sedan (unlike its predecessors), and is slightly longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart.
The sedan and wagon received a mid-generational facelift for the 2009 model year which comprised changes to the grille, headlights, tailights and trunk. The coupe and cabriolet are expected to be refreshed in
Currently, four engine options are offered, two being part of the new 'N' series of BMW inline engines featuring a host of new technologies. Technological innovations such as lightweight magnesium/aluminum construction, electric water pump

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