Test drive BMW 3 E90 series since 2008 sedan

New BMW 3 series. Number

Three BMW I still remember several December days spent in the company of the BMW sedan 330i six years ago. 258 horses now and then the rear wheels were torn into a slip in the snowy streets, and I was happy to raise clubs of snow dust on desert night roads. Do not ride, Rodeo! A sharp steering wheel, accurate and unambiguous reactions multiplied by a magnificent voice of a three -liter in -line six. I regretfully spent the clock on sleep and ran to her again. Then the 3rd episode became a synonym for me to drive.


The new BMW of the 3rd series can be available in one of the three options: Modern, Luxury or Sport. They differ only in small decor elements and globally do not change the character of the machine. The photo shows Sport (in the center) and Modern (on the sides). Two modifications were available on the test: BMW 320d Modern and BMW 328i Sport

And not only for me alone. The three is the sacred cow of the BMW, which the army of fans prays to. Now it accounts for nearly a third of BMW sales (32.6%), and since 1975 over 12 million cars have been dispersed around the world, each of which has a DNA of Bavarian brand Athletism, dynamics, pleasure behind the wheel. Nurse. Keeper of values. But why, damn it, I am leading a new sedan of the third series on the winding serpentine in the vicinity of Barcelona and gaining a margin in the Eco Pro mode instead of attacking turns? I do not recognize! Three, are you?


The three -core has become noticeably larger! The length increased by as much by 93 mm (4 624 mm), the wheelbase added 50 mm (2 810 mm), and the body grew by 9 mm (1,429 mm). But, despite this, the mass of the car decreased depending on the modification of weight loss is up to 40 kg

But in October, at a static presentation of a car in the heart of the BMW's heart, the BMW World Munich Center, many exhaled in relief. She! And let it not be distinguished from the back from the back from the back of the five in the end, it benefited. The main thing is that the silhouette is still pleasing with its swiftness and ease, and the famous bend of the hofmaster is still flaunts on the back stance. But the front is gloomy, offended, with relatively channels from expressively let down eyes. Like a three-core for something was angry with its creators.


In the interior of the three, there are many elements from the new BMW 1st and 5th episodes. Everything is convenient, everything is at hand, but such a color scheme of the salon raises questions ...

Maybe for a gray salon with oyster elements (as it was called in BMW) color? Unimaginable coloring for the driver! Or did corporate clients want? In Germany, most of the three diverges precisely according to fleets of various companies. But the materials are good. And let the aesthetes mourn in the lost laconicity of forms their arguments are covered with soft plastic flesh and wooden inserts of rough texture. The image and a large display does not destroy. Yes, it does not clean, but it still looks better than a camel hump in the previous three -generation three.


Optional front seats for 37,208 rubles class! The regulated side support is especially pleased in the chairs will be able to sit comfortably both smart and dense drivers. At the back, too, the legs space increased by 15 mm compared to the previous generation.

Do not complain about ergonomics. At the wheel, you can still sit on the floor with elongated legs, even on a stool for the sake of a better view. The control ranges will satisfy the driver of any complexion, and all controls are located exactly where you are intuitively looking for them. Unless on a massive central tunnel there was a whole scatter of buttons exactly like in the new BMW 5 series. The right hand itself falls on a thick bagel, and the left, meanwhile, clamps the rollers of the side support of the chair with the key at its base

One pressing the engine start button and a two -liter turbodiesel comes to life under the hood. Old friend. A year and a half ago, I already traveled on the 184-horsepower version of the BMW 320d E90. Since then, the motor has not changed all the same to hinder the idle and pleases with a lively character in the range from 2 to 4 thousand. But what is the symbiosis with a new eight-band automaton: the box imperceptibly juggles and skillfully transfers all 380 Newton-meters to the rear wheels. Switching is soft and fast, buzz! And to use the steering wheel petals here does not make sense not only because of the solid traction of the motor. From now on, in the three, there is a more interesting electronic toy.


-a large color display (diagonal 8.8 inches), crowning the central console, is truly multifunctional. Any information is displayed on it: images from the rear view cameras and the lateral review, navigation, the operating modes of the power unit and suspension, and much more, including even diagrams of the current torque and power.
-F30 the first three with the BMW ConnectedDDRive system. What it is? Extended capabilities of connection with a mobile phone and music player, office applications, Internet access. In general, the BMW of the 3rd series can easily be turned into an office on wheels.
-Det Eco Pro, among other things, can control the air conditioning compressor, heated seats and mirrors, reducing fuel consumption. But if the effectiveness in the environmentally friendly version ceases to be enough (in heat or frost), then this restriction can be removed. As well as in sports algorithms, the driver has the opportunity to leave, for example, the chassis in a more comfortable mode, and the power unit is tone.
-BMW of the 3rd series can be equipped with an automatic parking player. The system at speeds up to 36 km/h determines whether there is enough space, and the driver can only press the pedals. The required supply of 1.2 meters, that is, it turns out, for automatic parking will be required at least 5.8 meters. This option costs 20,671 rubles, but you will also have to pay extra for the front/rear parking radars (46,658 rubles)

What progress has reached! Previously, engineers racked their heads, how to please the duffers, who searched in the BMW of the 3rd series exclusively the continuation of their arms and legs, but at the same time satisfy those who are important comfort. And now just extend your hand and press only one button. The triumph of digital technologies switch of traffic modes, which comprehensively controls the nature of the car. He heads the steering wheel amplifier, a throttle, response to the gas pedal, gearbox and, in addition, can loosen the grip of the electronic collar of the DSC stabilization system.

A thing, by the way, is very effective in extreme modes as if you are driving with two different machines! In the ECO Pro 320D, it turns into a meek sheep, which seems to be barely able to overtake the passing Fiat Panda. Credo ECO Pro saving fuel and, as a result, good environmental indicators. No fast overclocking, the machine switches to increased steps earlier, and as if they put a rug, God forbid, you will spend the extra drops of diesel fuel under the right pedal! Moreover, the Germans invented an interesting incentive for the driver. They do not urge to grow virtual flowers, like some other manufacturers, but clearly demonstrate what the saved liters on the screen lead to the information, how much the range of move during the distance has increased.


The BMW aerodynamics of the 3rd series is a good CX coefficient is 0.26. The bottom is almost completely closed by shields, and deflectors are installed under the bumper that cut off the flow of air from the front wheels

It works! If, say, it is difficult to transform 10% of savings into something tangible, then, for example, an additional 70 kilometers of the course after 700 traveled are forced to think. In general, I myself did not notice how I switched all the attention to the blue numbers and the Efficient Dynamics scale, which in the ECO Pro mode modifies the arrow index of instant fuel consumption, helping to go more economically. All the same, I no longer wanted to go quickly.


The luggage compartment volume is increased by 20 liters (480 l), and the rear seats can be folded in a ratio of 40:20:40. However, in Europe, most buyers will still choose a station wagon. The spare wheel is useless to look for BMW continues to put on three shines like Runflat. As an option, a trunk tugberry opening system is available. It is enough to draw a foot under the rear bumper, the lid is unlocked and under the influence of the springs will rise up

Although in Sport+ BMW 320d mode, it annoys all its muscles. The machine throws the steps in time, supporting the tachometer arrow just below the mark 2, the suspension becomes tougher and repeats the profile of the road in detail, and the reactions to gas are exacerbated by 320d literally torn forward, devouring the consoles one after another. But still does not convince. And the point is not that the boring roar of the motor quickly bothers, and not that the box rides back and forth, trying with all its might to keep the crankshaft in the narrow working area of \u200b\u200bthe diesel engine. She is smart, copes. Active steering here is the main trouble that repels the whole hunt for turns! The steering wheel does not tell the driver at all about the road, as if the tires are connected with asphalt not by the force of friction, but by the code of the computer program.


-Bmw 3rd series, as before, loves winding paths very much. The architecture of suspensions with the widespread use of aluminum has not fundamentally changed: in front of the rack MacPherson, a five -piece design behind. The front track is expanded by 37 mm, the back is 47 mm. But the degree of emotions stopped enough. What's the matter? In active steering or in a change of philosophy? I'm afraid we will not recognize this before the test with the usual steering wheel.
-Set for payment (64 967 rubles), adaptive shock absorbers are available their stiffness depends on the speed and conditions of movement, and the characteristics change using the controlled electronics of the valves. In this case, the road clearance is reduced by 10 mm, and the basic settings are more sports. Moreover, BMW assures that the smoothness of the course will not suffer in any way

And if in slow studs you rejoice that you do not need to intercept the steering wheel, then in more speedy ligaments you are not even going to the touch, but simply through the eyes. The strange sensations of the steering wheel is poured with a solid effort, but it does not change at all, as if there is no mechanical connection with the wheels. You enter the turn, and the angle of rotation of the steering wheel suddenly turns out to be excessive, you have to dissolve. There is no former unambiguousness. But the chassis here is still beautiful! The proprietary half of the axes, the ruts expanded in comparison with the predecessor, minimal rolls of what else to desire? Even on the tires of Pirelli P7 Cinturato, the three clocks dead to asphalt, telling the body such lateral accelerations that to train the neck muscles.


-Thestal attention is paid to security systems. On the mirror, the triangle of the control system for dead areas (+ 33,074 rubles). The Active Protection system (surcharge of 20,671 rubles) begins to work with 18 km/h and in the case of a critical situation pulls the belts and closes the side glasses and hatch. The dangerous situation Active Protection recognizes when the driver uses emergency braking or a clear excess or insufficient rotability manifests itself. On the racing highway, we felt it in full ...
-In addition, the BMW of the 3rd series can be equipped with an advanced camera that scans the space in front of the car. She has a lot of functions. Firstly, it controls the observance of a row of movement. If the car crosses the marking line without the turning point on, the steering wheel begins to vibrate, bringing the driver to life. The system works at night if the headlights are included.
-MAmer also serves to detect a possible emergency. True, unlike some analogues, it does not slow down the car on its own, leaving this right to the driver. The collision warning system works starting with 50 km/h and gives a sound and visual signal. Moreover, the threshold of sensitivity can be configured.
-Nach one feature on the BMW of the 3rd series for the first time in the classroom appeared a projection display on the windshield, which she went to her in a modernized version (+ 57,880 rubles). Now he knows how to display not only the indications of the navigation system or the current speed of the car, but also the signs that limit overtaking. And the camera compares the speed limit, sewn into navigation, with real signs on the road. Against this background, automatic control of high light looks trivial, but here BMW found what to improve, now the high beam does not turn off even with the danger of blinding oncoming drivers. The headlight has a special curtain covering the lamp when necessary.
-An outgoing contribution to the piggy bank: the car will not start to start if one of the doors is open! The gearbox goes to P. Moreover, this works if the car is already in motion. True, subject to low speed. However, the function can be disabled

But the soul does not sing. The new BMW is not inflated by the devil's corner, calling for attack, to pass on the verge. Maybe for the better on serpentines with intensive movement is truly fast and you won’t go too dangerous, and they can be raided by the police. And it is good that the next day we were able to experience the threek in the most suitable conditions on the current Formula 1 highway! And, most importantly, we were given the red BMW 328i. Fire!


-Theright, the aggressive version of Sport is characterized by nostrils with 8 vertical strips instead of 11, other front bumper and black decorative elements. True, the black buildings of mirrors are an option that was not installed on test machines.
-Det attention to the brake calipers from them left one skeleton to facilitate the structure. To the honor of the brakes, they coped with the load on the racing track, albeit without a reserve ... But next year, a sports m-package will be available, which will include four-piston calipers.
-19-inch wheels expensive options, 91,544 rubles will have to pay for them. And this is the only option when tires of different widths are placed on three. Front 225/40 R19, behind 255/35 R19

So, the performance of Sport. Here is a black salon that is more suitable for a three -wing, where a red line passes along the entire width of the front panel. The line of mood! And it was clearly established every minute that we went to the 328th towards Circuit de Catalunya. Let the sound of a two-liter turbo engine not be fresh and not pleasing to the hearing, like classic in-line poles, but 350 N ∙ m of torque are already smeared in the range of 1250-4800 rpm, and the power plateau of a 245-horsepower engine starts with 5 thousand and ends at the ringing 6500 revolutions . To a hundred 6.1 seconds, class! On 19-inch discs, Bridgestone Potenza S001 sports tires, so 328i are even better in turning 320d.


The basic equipment of the BMW of the 3rd series is pleasantly surprising. For example, a complete set for the Russian market already includes two-zone climate control, bixenon headlights, rain sensor, alloy 17-inch wheels, multifunctional steering wheel, skin-sheated, heated the rear sofa and BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch colored color display. The three e90 about such luxury could not even dream. In any case, this is true for German -made machines. Most likely, more affordable versions that will appear in the future will receive a more modest set of options

However, we have noticed this feature in a merciless tire in the recent Opel Astra GTC test, which was shod in the same tires. Although, in general, the three -lush became quieter than the predecessor. But the smoothness of the course, as before, does not indulge. Moreover, the choice of the Comfort mode does not make life easier for passengers, the energy-intensive suspension copes well with small coating defects, but it hit the fifth point on the bedridden policemen. Are the heavy and hard, unprotected Runflat tires to blame? The same picture, most likely, will be on our roads, abounding with monstrous deformation sutures on the flyover, and numerous irregularities with sharp edges.


-The fuel expansion on the racing highway quickly came into line with 8.4 l/100 km (which can already be considered a good indicator for the BMW 328i) we increased it to 30 l/100 km.
-It is interesting that a brief information about the machine can be obtained using ... iPhone application BMW Apps can display a stroke, fuel level in the tank or mileage. In addition, using the BMW Apps, you can display Facebook or Twitter services on a large display and use online radio. Extended communicative capabilities will cost the customer of the car of 14,765 rubles. And you will need to pay another 5,906 rubles for a special socket for connecting the iPhone. Moreover, it is not universal to order it either for the iPhone 3/3GS, or for the iPhone 4/4s

A surprise was waiting for us on the highway. It turned out that we will ride on the same cars on which we reached Circuit de Catalunya. So that is why on the eve of our 320d brakes were not very informative someone from the last group thoroughly set the pads. But the absence of special testing cars on the track pleased means that BMW is sure that the three will not fail. Short briefing, then two circles for the sifts and five at its pace. Moreover, it was not to go on a cutting school ring and not according to the configuration for national races at our disposal all 4,655 meters, according to which Formula 1 pilots are worn. The beauty!


The Circuit de Catalunya highway this year, by the way, has already turned 20 years old. And since 1991, the ring invariably accepts Formula 1. Moreover, this applies not only to the Grand Prix of Spain thanks to a good climate, the main number of preseason tests passes here. However, the pilots themselves do not really complain of the Catalan track, and they can be understood here few interesting turns, and the capabilities for overtaking are minimized

Unless a kilometer straight was closed for us, we drove through every circle through Pete Lane. So safer in all respects: a little car and the driver cool down a little. But there were immediately fears that we would ride a gusk at a speed of 100 km/h and peacefully leave the track. Hell no! From the very first circle, the sift-car set a great pace, try, catch up! And a minimum of cones. Veshki denoted only the points of the onset of braking and applies.


Finita! The BMW of the 3rd series has lost atmospheric engines. All motors (both diesel and gasoline) are equipped with Twin-Scroll BMW turbochargers named this TwinPower Turbo technology, which is why confusion with the number of turbines occurs. Remember: she is alone. Now the gamma of the engines consists of a two -liter turbodiesel in two versions (320d Efficentdynamics (163 hp) and 320d (184 hp)), a gasoline unit of the same volume (328i, 245 hp) and a three -liter six of 306 L.S. (335i). But already in March, modifications of 316D, 318D and 320i will appear. Any of the engines is available with an 8-band automaton, has an Auto Start Stop system and meets Euro-5 requirements

Fortunately, Circuit de Catalunya has long been present in Formula 1 calendar, so I knew the nazuke on numerous onboard and simulators. This helped could focus exclusively on driving. First I try the Sport+ mode in its option by default, that is, I do not turn off the DSC and do not touch the steering wheel boxes of the box.

It turns out badly. The machine, which so delighted on ordinary roads, in the conditions of the racing highway does not have time to go down in several gears down on hard braking on its own, and the DSC sometimes grabs the stern, it is worth trying to twist the car with gas. So boldly turn off the stabilization system with a long press of the button, and take control of the box. Better! Although, due to the abundance of steps, you have to literally torment the left petal.


In fact, for the BMW of the 3rd series, three checkpoints are offered! This is a classic six-speed mechanics, a standard 8-band automato and its sports option, which is characterized by faster switches, steering lines and other joysticks on the central tunnel. In fact, this is the same box, but with a different algorithm of work. You will have to pay extra 43 518 rubles for speed

But even with the DSC, the threefold remains in a cord, she stands on the arc with two external wheels, confidently prescribes turns, and the behavior is extremely reliable, even when you try to open the throttle at the exit as early as possible, even before the apex. The rear axle can only be torn with frank provocations, for example, swing it in alternating ligaments or jerking it to the steering wheel on braking when the feed is unloaded. In general, the balance here is shifted towards insufficient rotation. It is possible that wider (+30 mm) rear tires played their role.


Luxury unexpected on the test will appeal to conservative customers here a classic polished tree, elegant multi -spoke discs and no experiments with color scheme

And again this is an adaptive steering. By golly, as if indeed, instead of windshield, there is a monitor, broadcasting a picture of some racing video game. It is a pity that there was not a single car on the test with an ordinary, honest, analog steering wheel. It would be a digital series to grab a circle on it and understand whether the 3rd series has finally remained or in it there is a place for real driver emotions when the driver dominates electronically, and does not become its hostage.


For the first time in the BMW of the 3rd series, three-speed heating of the rear seats appeared! Like branded accessories that facilitate the placement of small things, this option is available for an additional payment of 21,852 rubles. And lovers of high -quality music can order an audio system of the famous company Harman/Kardon, which includes 16 speakers and a ninetor enhanced amplifier with a capacity of 600 watts. Price tag? 70 873 rubles

How can you not recall the results of the sensational survey of the owners of the BMW of the 1st series. It turned out that 80% are sure that it has a front -wheel drive. Moreover, none other than Norbert Wrighthofer, BMW chief! That is why there were a minimum of engineers at the presentation, and even Stefan Kessel, who was sitting with us at the table during dinner, could not even tell who was the godfather of the new BMW of the third series, even the F30 project manager. That is why he was noticeably sad when he was covered with questions where the spirit of previous generations went.


In Russia, the new BMW of the 3rd series should appear in February, and prices will start from the mark of 1,475,000 rubles. For this money, the buyer will receive a 320D sedan with an automatic checkpoint. But soon more affordable versions will appear. And closer to the fall, all -wheel drive modifications are also debuted. XDRive transmission is still announced for the BMW 320i, 320d, 328i and 335i

That is why, in a weighty press release on 75 pages, the lion's share of the text is given to reduce fuel consumption and all kinds of electronic things, such as access on the Internet and the extended integration of the iPhone, and there is not a word about the suspension or brake settings. From now on, gadgets excite customers more than pieces of iron. They will provide a bright future of the three, which is confident in the Wrighthore. It cannot be otherwise, because the car has become better in everything. In addition to one: number 3 is now not a guarantor of the driver of the most mass BMW. Her DNA ceased to be organic, decomposing on one and zeros.

Vadim Gagarin
Photo by the author and BMW



Design


These sketches form the BMW of the 3rd series with the factory designation F30. The exterior was developed by Christopher Vile, the author of the sensational BMW 5 GT, and Christian Bauer, who painted the interior of the latest six Gran Coupe, was engaged in the salon.

Competitors
BMW sales of the 3rd series will begin in Russia in February-March next year, but dealers are already accepting orders. Prices are known, but there is a nuance so far voiced the price list exclusively on the model of European assembly with top engines. But this model will be done in Kaliningrad. In addition, in 2012, the BMW 320i debuts with a two -liter gasoline turbo engine (184 hp) and versions 316i and 318i will appear, apparently equipped with the same units as the BMW 116i/118i of the new generation.

But this is in the future. So far, the cheapest treshka with a 2.0 liter diesel engine (184 hp and 380 N ∙ m) costs 1,475,000 rubles. And the BMW 328i (245 hp and 350 N ∙ m) will cost 1,650,000 rubles (plus there will be BMW 335i with a 3.0-liter boost six for 1,900,000 rubles). The equipment of even the simplest three-year-old three-generation is relatively rich (in addition to six pillows and stabilization systems, the machine will receive climate, heating the front seats, rear parking and something else), but at the same time, for many things, such as an automatic gearbox, will have to be paid extra.
Increase
You can’t just confuse three with a sports bag with other options. The branded bright blue color, the aggressive design of the bumpers, characteristic wheels, interior decoration in black and blue tones and the new M-Rul will give all this out a machine with a m-packet. In addition, you can order a more stringent suspension with a 10 mm clearance, or fork into adaptive shock absorbers. True, all this splendor will be available only from mid -2012

To begin with, let's compare the prices of a new three -year -old with the prices of a previous generation car. At first glance, it seems that the price has risen. For example, the old treshka with a 177-horsepower diesel was estimated at 1,402,000 rubles (that is, plus 73,000 rubles). But at the same time, the automatic checkpoint is now included in the basic configuration of the diesel BMW of the 3rd series, although earlier 86,800 rubles would have to be paid for it. That is, the car was even a little cheaper!


Next year, a hybrid modification of the BMW of the 3rd series will appear. The BMW Activehybrid 3 is equipped with a 306-horsepower turbo engine, which helps a 40-kilowatt electric motor integrated into an automatic gearbox. The total return is 340 forces and 450 N ∙ m torque. True, there is no information yet whether the hybrid will reach the Russian market

This is especially clearly in comparison with the 306-horsepower version 335i the former 335th is offered with us only with an all-wheel drive XDRive transmission and costs at least 2,244,000 rubles, and the new starts from 1,900,000 rubles, but so far it has only two leading wheels.

Mercedes-Benz C-class can now be bought for 1,370,000 rubles. But so far, cheap versions of the BMW of the 3rd series have not appeared on sale, it will be incorrect to compare it with the initial C-class. But a C-class with a 2.1-liter diesel engine, which gives out 170 hp, we have 1,570,000 rubles. Mercedes-Benz with 250 (204 hp) with a 7-speed automatic is sold for 1,650,000 rubles. The same costs 245-horsepower gasoline treshka. At first glance, there is nothing to think more powerful BMW 328i is much more interesting. But the C-class is already equipped with an automatic machine in the database, and on the BMW 328i they put the mechanics (the additional payment for automatic transmission is considerable 100,000 rubles). In addition, the C-class has a slightly better equipment compared to a similar threek. For example, parking sensors are already included in the base, and BMW dealers require 28,940 rubles for it. And without paint metallic when buying BMW, it is difficult to do and this, meanwhile, is 49,611 rubles. You can read about the updated Mercedes-Benz C-class in our test drive.

Audi A4 was recently modernized by the car became a little better, but prices rose. Now the simplest four with a 120-horsepower engine costs at least 1,130,000 rubles. But a car with a 2-liter diesel engine is 1.4 million rubles (75 thousand cheaper than a diesel tresh). Moreover, for this money, Audi will already be with a variator, but the Audi engine power is only 143 hp, which is 41 a horse less than that of the BMW 320d. Audi does not have a clear competitor BMW 328i. On sale there is either a machine with a 2-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 211 hp. and a variator for 1,470,000 rubles (180 thousand cheaper than a 245-horsepower BMW), or already with a 3-liter V6, which produces 272 hp, all-wheel drive and automatic for 1,920,000 rubles. Need details? Read our test Audi A4.

Volvo S60 is the cheapest sedan, which can be attributed to the premium class, from 1,099,000 rubles. And the S60 T5 Auto model with an automatic transmission and a 249 hp gasoline engine. It costs only 1,179,000 rubles. 471 thousand cheaper than the 245-horsepower BMW of the 3rd series!

Infiniti G25 with a 222 hp engine It costs from 1,595,000 rubles by 55,000 cheaper BMW 328i. And at the same time, Infiniti will have not only an automatic machine, but also a good set of equipment in the basic configuration. Including even such options as a leather interior, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors and much more. And for 1.9 million (that is, at the price of the 306-horsepower BMW 335i), you can buy Infiniti G37 with an engine with a capacity of 330 hp. And all -wheel drive.

Lexus is 250 with a 2.5-liter V6 (208 hp) and a 6-band automatic transmission in the basic configuration costs 1,497,500 rubles, but is more modest. There are no xenon headlights, 16-inch wheels, no cruise control, rain sensor and even heating the front seats! A decent set of equipment is only performed by Premium for 1,750,000 rubles.


Dmitry Gaidukevich, Vadim Gagarin

History
The BMW 3 series has been produced by the Bavarian automaker since 1975. During this time, five generations have already changed, and now the sixth is presented. All these years, BMW treshka was invariably popular both in Europe and behind the ocean. With each next generation, the car increased slightly in size, but invariably retained its sporty nature and the status of a compact premium sedan. Although, if we talk about the first generation, then the word compartment should be used exclusively.

First generation E21 (1975 1983)
The first generation of the threek became the heir to the BMW 2002 coupe innovative for his time. At the time of the premiere of the 3rd series, the model 2002 was released for 13 years and desperately required replacement. Therefore, in the design of the body there is a pronounced continuity, and the number of doors remains unchanged. The car was offered only in the body of the compartment and the latter was created by the Baur body atelier and was produced by a small series. In those years, the world was still experiencing an oil crisis (which, by the way, was destroyed by the BMW 2002 Turbo Sportsup, so a compact machine with small engines was adopted by the public favorably. The line of engines included gasoline units with a volume of 1.6 2.3 liters and with a capacity of 75 to 143 forces. Engines aggregated with fur

A source: Auto.mail.ru