BMW 3-Series 2006

dhanley

1gallon = 3.78 liters

 

1 kilometer = .62 miles

 

so, for example 6l/100km = 1.58 gal / 62 miles

 

reverse that

 

62 miles / 1.58 gallons

 

would be 39mpg

dewey

Can you convert L/100km into USD miles per gallon ?

 

I believe you have already been answered. I myself am not able to convert since I look at the world in terms of Litres not gallons(Canada uses the metric system)

dhanley

multiply it out to get 235

 

235/liters(per 100km) = MPG

 

330manual MPG urban/highway: 18.5 / 36.7

 

US EPA will probably be a bit closer.

 

 
Diesel 4 manual: 30/52mpg

 

dave

bigpapaluke

I'm a newbie to this forum, so bare with me as I post an opinion or two before I segue into my question. Next statement is in regards to the A4 vs 3 series comparison.

 

I'm in the market for a new vehicle, and am ready to make the jump into more of a performance sedan. Having test driven both the 05 Audi A4 3.0 and the 05 BMW 330i w/performance package, to me the BMW was by far more exhilerating. In conjunction, I found the Audi's interior to be more cryptic, while BMW's seemed more driver friendly. Finally, both had mannual transmissions, and found the BMW's shifitng to be more seamless, yet powerful.

 

My question relates to the new E90 model coming out this Spring. Outside of the complete exterior redesign and more aggressive engine, does anyone have any insight as to whether or not this new version will have a similar performance package that gives it an M feel (without the M cost)? Love the new exterior design - reminds me a lot of the 5 series.

wstevec

In my case, I need a new car by the end of the summer since my warranty is about to expire and my mileage in getting up there, I need to get a good price for my trade-in. In terms of pricing, the dealer believes that the price increase will be minor since BMW wants to stay competitive. He had just received the 2006 3 Series ordering information yesterday and hopes to have a better idea on price next week when I place my order.

maxcat2

Does anyone have any information as to whether or not the new 3 series engines will be put into the coupe and convertible for the 2006 model year or is this not likely to happen until the new 2 door body styles come out down the road. Thanks.

dl7265

for the replys, Im thinking a simple conversion might be a little flawed i don't think that 19.4-37.9 is likey MPG for a 325i.Wish it was comming with Valvetronic like the 330i...

 

Steve, sounds like a good deal. I was afraid after seeing the new A6 went up about 10k in price that the E90 with all the improvements might have a nice increase as well.I was told maybe 1k.Imo that would be a bargain especially considering the 325 would be similar in power to the outgoing 330i..

 

Dewey, so the wagon will have a similar launch as the Sedan or saloon , and the couple and conv have the delayed entry ?

 

DL

lgtt

Miles per gallon and liters per 100 km conversion is simple. As previously posted the number 235 serves as a constant conversion factor.

 

To determine miles per gallon just divide 235 by the liters per 100 km. Example: 235 divided by 8.1 liters per 100 km equals 29 miles per gallon.

 

To determine liters per 100 km just divide 235 by the miles per gallon. Example: 235 divided by 29 miles per gallon equals 8.1 liters per 100 km.

planoml

There is talk of a turbo version to slott in between the 330 & M3. Don't have dates on when that will be available. You probably know that the new E90 330 will have more hp and torque, with better fule consuption.

 

The cars should be in showrooms in May. If you're not in a rush, test it out. Who knows, the 330 might be just enough for you.

argelius

Check this out:

http://www.autospies.com/NEWSLETTERS/1_20_04/BMW3-seriesorderguid- e/E90_POG_FINAL%202.pdf

dewey

"Dewey, so the wagon will have a similar launch as the Sedan or saloon , and the couple and conv have the delayed entry ? "

 

Yes, that appears to be correct!

dhanley

"for the replys, Im thinking a simple conversion might be a little flawed i don't think that 19.4-37.9 is likey MPG for a 325i.Wish it was comming with Valvetronic like the 330i..."

 

Actually, my conversion was correct, and was for the 330.

 

Now, european testing assumes, i think, lower highway speeds, and more stop & go in the city, and probably less proficient shifting, so i'd bet that EPA would be more along the lines of 22 city and 33-34 highway.

 

Remember the new engine is supposed to be 10% more efficient, at least, and the 3.0L has historically not been more fuel-hungry than the 2.5L.

 

dave

kyfdx

Everything I read says that both engines will be 3.0 litres.. Even the 325i..

m4d_cow

theres a rumor bmw will be reintroducing the M3 saloon, but i dont think it'll come out anytime soon

rayainsw

"european testing assumes, i think, lower highway speeds"

 

"Extra-urban cycle

This cycle is conducted immediately following the urban cycle and consists of roughly half steady-speed driving and the remainder accelerations, decelerations, and some idling. Maximum speed is 75 mph (120 km/h), average speed is 39 mph (63 km/h) and the distance covered is 4.3 miles (7 km)."

 

US EPA highway test max. = 60 mph.

 

But I do not think the European standard 'adjusts' the result downward before publication, as US results have been for years now . . .

- Ray

Wondering when the first magazine tests will appear . . .

dl7265

oh no Dave ,Ray better articulated what i meant to say, did not mean the conversion method was incorrect.......

 

DL

dhanley

"Everything I read says that both engines will be 3.0 litres.. Even the 325i.."

 

That sort-of makes sense; i often wondered why they just didn't make all 3.0's in the U.S. because the 2.5L engine doesn't cost any less to *make* and there's no tax advantage here.

 

Where did you find this info?

dhanley

"The EPA highway cycle assumes an average speed of 48 mph"

 

So the US test still has a higher overall speed.

 

I always get over the EPA on my 3-er.

 

dave

cartalk

Yes, both engines will be 3.0 litre sixes and both will be DOHC/24 valve composite magnesium/aluminum block with Valvetronic.

 

The 325 will have 215 hp and the 330 255.

kyfdx

Just perusing other forums.. I think the difference is in the head and the tuning...

325i... 3.0 with 218 hp

330i... 3.0 with 255 hp

 

But, I haven't seen any "official" info..

bigpapaluke

I've read the upgraded specs on the new E90, but love the feel of that performance package on the current model (especially the steering wheel and seats). My concern though is whether or not with the increase in hp that BMW sacrificed any handling or stability in order to push more power out. I'm hoping that's not the case.

 

Come May I will definitely head down to the showroom. The new exterior of the E90 is smokin, which is the appeal.

 

I'm not in a rush, but you know that once the car bug hits you it's pretty hard to let it subside. :-)

kyfdx

BMW sacrifice handling or stability? I don't think so.. Their whole reputation is built on it..

 

I'm sure you will be able to outfit the new 330i with options that will enable it to out-do the 330i performance package..

 

regards,

kyfdx

bigpapaluke

Sweet - I can sleep better now. Thanks for the info.

dhanley

Bigpaluka, have you driven the 5-series with the adaptive sport suspension? The new 3 is going to get that as well. With 255hp, it should perform "adequately."

lgtt

The simple conversion is not flawed. Perhaps you are confusing British Imperial Gallons with the US Gallons. (1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 US gallon)

 

The new BMW 320i petrol four-cylinder fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle is reported as 7.4 litres/100 km equal to 38.2 mpg (Imperial gallon) or 31.8 mpg (US gallon)

 

The new BMW 320d diesel four-cylinder fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle is reported as 5.7 litres/100 km equal to 49.6 mpg (Imperial gallon) or 41.3 mpg (US gallon)

 

The new BMW 330i petrol six-cylinder fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle is reported as 8.7 litres/100 km equal to 32.5 mpg (Imperial gallon) or 27.0 mpg (US gallon).

 

http://www.carpages.co.uk/bmw/bmw-3-series-part-1-19-01-05.asp?sw- itched=on&echo=213754098

sunilb

wow... so, historically, BMW had ~ $7K difference btwn the 2.5 and 3.0 engines. If both engines are 3.0, do you think they'll keep such a steep difference??

dewey

"BMW sacrifice handling or stability? I don't think so.. Their whole reputation is built on it.. "

 

I know what you mean! If it was a trade-off I think handling shoud remain the priority. BMW 3 series were hardly ever number 1 in terms of 0-60 historically or currently--but remains the benchmark historically and today!

 

325 has 3.0l Interesting!

So I guess now the last two digits on the 3 series does not relate to engine size! In fact it did not when I bought my 99 323--it has a 2.5l engine.

 

kyfdx

Generally, the base prices have been about $6K apart, but once you account for the different levels of standard equipment, the gap closes to about $3.5K-$4K..

 

My guess is... the spread will stay the same.. I'd say it is more about marketing and selling to two different price points, than the actual difference in cost between the two engines.. I mean... looking at the current model.. the engines are pretty much identical, except for size.. So, there really can't be much difference in actual cost to the manufacturer.. I'm guessing under $1000.. maybe, way under...(just for the engine).

 

regards,

kyfdx

kyfdx

The whole 323 thing was to differentiate it from the "old" 2.5 litre engine... In '96 they bumped the 2.5 up to 2.8 and renamed the car the 328i.. Then, in '99 (or '98?), they started offering a smaller six-cyl.., but thought it would cause confusion if they started calling it the 325i.. So, it became the 323i..

 

Once they changed the big six to 3.0, and the name to the 330i, and upgraded the smaller six, they then felt comfortable going back to 325i..

 

The 325i has been around for about 20 years... and was the nomenclature used for some of the most popular 3-series.. I think they want to hang on to that designation for marketing purposes..

 

Plus, I think it is easier to get that premium for the 330, with the bigger number on the back of the car.. Who is going to pay $6K extra, if both cars are called the 330i?

dl7265

"The BMW 325i is also making its debut in spring 2005: Maximum output is 160 kW/218 bhp at 6,500 rpm, maximum torque 250 Nm/184 lb-ft between 2,750 and 4,250 rpm. Engine displacement, as the model designation indicates, is 2.5 litres".

dhanley

There always was a big difference between the 2.5 and even the 2.8; the 2.8 was a square bore; the 2.5 was actually wider bore and therefore a much shorter stroke. That's why the m3 motor was based off the 2.5L and not the 2.8. The same general thing was true for the 2.5 and 3.0. That's also why the 2.5L didn't get better mileage than the 3.0L.

 

I bet there will be a 2.5L engine, but it will have essentially the same architecture as the 3.0L, just a shorter stroke--this would be cheaper/simpler than having to make two separate blocks as they used to.

 

I also bet the 2.5L was never really any cheaper to make.

 

dave

lgtt

the complete story:

 

http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2040718.001/page/1/l- ang/eng/bmw/1.html

kyfdx

http://www.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=3890

jrock65

I don't understand this thing about the 325i and the 330i both having the 3.0. The press release said that the 325i will have the 2.5 and the 330i will have the 3.0.

dhanley

I saw mention of a 2.5 before as well--maybe since they're using the 4 more in europe, they decided to skip the 2.5L six altogether. I imagine it's cheaper to detune the 3.0L--maybe leave off the vvt--than to Keep trying to squeeze power out of 2.5L. Just speculation of course.

dl7265

a Twin Turbo Diesel version ...

 

DL

plym_rock

does anyone know when if bmw is going to release a 325xi?

plym_rock

does anyone have info on when bmw or if they will release a 325xi all wheel drive model?

webby1

From Jan 2005 Motor Trend Magazine...

"006 BMW 3 Series : Redesigned. Sedan models roll out first year, with coupe and convertible to join for '07 model year. Slightly larger than the current 3, the new range edges upward, making room for the new 1 Series. Styling is a conservative take on the design language exhibited on the 5 and 7 Series. A new 3.0-liter inline six will produce 258 horsepower, while the 2.5-liter I-6 churns 218 hp. iDrive will be bundled with the optional navigation system. The 2008 M3 will be fitted with a 400-hp V-8."

dewey

"Come May I will definitely head down to the showroom."

 

I feel an impulse to put my name on a waiting list for the new e90 Touring. But I think I will remain cool-headed and wait awhile. Cant stand the idea of paying MSRP--being on a waiting list provides very little bargaining leverage.

 

Also I am kind of disappointed that the Touring will only be the 325 version. It would be nice if there was a 330 version. The fact that the new and upcoming Audi a4 Avant has a engine option is an adavantage(3.20 and 2.0)

kyfdx

Yes... most estimates are by late summer/early fall...

kyfdx

On another forum... salespeople have stated that they have the preliminary order brochures for the new E90.. for the USA..

 

One has posted an image of one page.. and, it shows a 3.0 litre engine for both the 325i and the 330i...

 

However, the torque and horsepower stats for the 325i 3.0 litre are suspiciously identical to the stats released for the new 2.5 litre engine in Europe...

 

So, it leads me to believe that this piece of information is incorrect.. even though it came directly from BMWNA..

 

The only logical explanation is the most obvious.. 325i will have 2.5 litre, and 330i will have 3.0 litre... but, no one can confirm that without reservation..

 

The info on germancarfans.com seems to support it, but nowhere in that 12 page article does it mention U.S. models specifically.

 

So....there you have it... or not.

dewey

"BMW says the new 330i will take about six seconds to run from 0 to 60 miles per hour. That's fast, but it may not be fast enough, and Mr. Panke vows more horses are on the way."

 

The above quote is from Wall Street Journal Jan.

24th.

 

It appears BMW acknowledges that the hp in the new330 is not high enough to compete. Based on the quote above maybe the 330 will become a 335 with a 3.5l engine and the 325 will be a 330 with a 3.0l engine although the marketing people may call it a 328 in order not to miff former 330 owners(this is my speculation). But the fact remains that BMW already realizes they got to add more power to their new engines!

bigpapaluke

I'm with you about paying MSRP. As much as I'm ready to move on this car, I want to be smart about it and wait till the hype dies down in order to negotiate a better price. No reason to pay MSRP when I haven't done so with any of my other purchases.

 

Also, is the i-drive really that complicated to work or are there truly defects with the product. I have mixed feelings about it.

dewey

"Also, is the i-drive really that complicated to work or are there truly defects with the product. I have mixed feelings about it."

 

Likewise, I am among the minority in this forum board who is considering idrive/navigation! It appears that BMW has reduced the bugs and dumbed down the complexity of idrive---especially if you compare idrive to the original 7 series with the one used in 5 series.

 

Unfortunately I never test drove or was driven in a BMW with idrive, so I am not really certain if those complaints are justified. I guess looking at a forum for existing 5 series drivers would be a good way of finding out.

kyfdx

I don't know.. We have a 325i with 184 hp.. Could I use more? sure... The new 325i will have 218 hp.. Something tells me that will be one big kick in the pants.. 255hp in a 330i? I'd love it.. I'm not sure BMW needs more than that to compete.. The best handling in the class and 6.0 0-60 times... Seems like enough..

giovanni1

The navigation is a must have for me but all the criticism I hear about the i-drive is making me shy away however it's something I do need as I just moved to CA from NJ and I'm kinda lost without it.

 

I am considering a current 05 model as the dealers are discounting them pretty heavily and if I can find one with the ZHP package I may just pull the trigger.

 

In regards to the 0-60 times, I believe C&D tested a 330i with the ZHP and was able to manage 5.9 so I would assume with the HP bump the numbers may be a bit better.

alibajalajaula

Shipo or kyfdx, I know's kind of late but any idea what the ride height is on the 330 ZHP? Allegedly its supposed to be lower than the 330 sport pkg. Is this spelled out anywhere?

dewey

"The best handling in the class and 6.0 0-60 times... Seems like enough.."

 

I agree with your statement above. But it appears that N. America is hp/performance obsessed and the CEO of BMW realizes this!

 

Personally, if I was give a choice between the following two vehicles I would pick vehicle B:

 

Vehicle A: 0-60 5.8 seconds with OK Handling

Vehicle B: 0-60 6.0 seconds with best handling in the industry.

kyfdx

Change Vehicle B to 0-60 7.0 seconds.. and I still buy it...