February 28, 2005. Copyright 2005, Graphic News. All rights reserved

New BMW 3-Series takes first bow in Geneva; is it still the best?
By Neil Winton

LONDON, February 28, Graphic News:  The new BMW 3-Series will be unveiled at this weekÕs Geneva Car Show before going on sale across Europe. Photographs of the new 3-Series, which has led the sporty, executive saloon car market since its birth more than 30 years ago, have been appearing as the launch publicity juggernaut gathered speed. But visitors to the Geneva show will be the first to see the car in the metal.

The carÕs styling is less radical than the bigger and controversial-looking 5- and 7-Series, although it will be instantly recognisable as a BMW. The previous 3-Series was phenomenally successful -- at around 500,000 a year it was BMWÕs biggest selling model by far -- but it wasnÕt without faults. Back seat passengers were said to be cramped, while the boot was small. The steering was heavy at slow speeds, and the ride was felt to be harsh.

BMW has set out to squash any criticism with the latest design. The new car, which retains the classic rear-wheel drive layout and 50:50 weight distribution, is longer, taller, and wider than the previous model.

The first versions of the 3-Series will use four new engines, three petrol and one diesel. The cheapest model, the 320i, will be powered by a 4-cylinder 2.0 litre, 150 bhp engine. Other models include the 325i with a 2.5 litre, 218 bhp, 6-cylinder, the 330iÕs 3.0 litre, 258 bhp, six-cylinder, and the 320d with a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder 164 bhp diesel motor. All new engines deliver more power, more frugally, than previously. All models have six-speed manual gearboxes, or a 6-speed automatic option. To save weight, BMW has made extensive use of magnesium in building the engines. Aluminium suspension cuts weight and sharpens handling.

BMW hasnÕt held back with new technology. Six cylinder cars will incorporate a computerised traction control system, DSC+, which also sets up the brakes for emergencies, stops the car rolling back on hill starts, and intervenes to dry the brakes on wet roads. Active Steering makes the steering light at slow speeds and stiffens it progressively. The system intervenes if it senses danger, and will stabilise the car quicker than the driver could.

Adaptive Headlights turn with the steering and help illuminate corners. Keyless entry means the door locks open automatically as you approach the car with a key in your pocket; you fire-up the engine by pressing a starter button. Run-flat tyres save space by eliminating the spare wheel. The brake lights burn brighter under emergency braking.

First reactions from the motoring press have been overwhelmingly favourable, bad news for rivals like the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS200, Alfa Romeo 156 and Jaguar X-Type. But some purists resent the fact that the car is so clever technically, leaving no room to demonstrate their driving skills. BMW allows such people to switch off the safety equipment. Most of us would be happier faced with an oncoming out-of-control BMW if we knew there was no way to turn off the computers.

The Geneva Car Show is open to the public March 3-13.
/ENDS