The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series consists of the BMW F30 (sedan version; after-Wartburg-Motorwagen, BMW Dixi 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-1 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-2 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-4 4-door sedan, BMW 3/20 4-door saloon, BMW 309 4-door sedan, BMW Isetta 250 4-wheel microcar, BMW Isetta 300 4-wheel microcar, BMW 600 Limo, BMW 700 4-door sedan, BMW 1600-2 / 1602 4-door sedan, BMW 2002 4-door sedan, BMW 1802 4-door sedan, BMW 1502 4-door sedan, BMW E21 4-door sedan, BMW E30 4-door sedan, 1990-1996 BMW E36 4-door sedan, 1996–1998 BMW E36 4-door sedan, 1998–2001 BMW E36 4-door sedan, 1997-2001 BMW E46 4-door sedan, 2001-2005 BMW E46 4-door sedan, 2005-2008 BMW E90 4-door sedan, and 2008–2010 BMW E90 4-door sedan), BMW F31 (wagon version, marketed as 'Touring'), BMW F34 (fastback version, marketed as 'Gran Turismo') and BMW F35 (long-wheelbase sedan version; after-Wartburg-Motorwagen, BMW Dixi 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-1 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-2 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-4 4-door sedan, BMW 3/20 4-door saloon, BMW 309 4-door sedan, BMW Isetta 250 4-wheel microcar, BMW Isetta 300 4-wheel microcar, BMW 600 Limo, BMW 700 4-door sedan, BMW 1600-2 / 1602 4-door sedan, BMW 2002 4-door sedan, BMW 1802 4-door sedan, BMW 1502 4-door sedan, BMW E21 4-door sedan, BMW E30 4-door LWB sedan, 1990-1996 BMW E36 4-door LWB sedan, 1996–1998 BMW E36 4-door LWB sedan, 1998–2001 BMW E36 4-door LWB sedan, 1997-2001 BMW E46 4-door LWB sedan, 2001-2005 BMW E46 4-door LWB sedan, 2005-2008 BMW E90 4-door LWB sedan, and 2008–2010 BMW E90 4-door LWB sedan) compact executive cars. The F30/F31/F34/F35 generation was produced from October 2011 to 2019 and is often collectively referred to as the F30, The headlights and the kidney grille are stretched spread out and pasted across the nose, and the bonnet is muscular and with two bow lines running across the flanks, The sixth generation BMW 3 Series competed against the Alfa Romeo Giulia (952), 2011-2014 Acura TSX, Acura TLX (2014—2020), Audi A4 B8 (2012–2015), Audi A4 B9, Buick Regal CXL, Cadillac ATS, Genesis G70 Sedan, 2010-2015 Infiniti G Line (V36), Infiniti Q50, Jaguar XE, 2010-2012 Lexus IS XE20, 2013-2019 Lexus IS XE30, 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz W204, Mercedes-Benz W205, Volvo S60 (Typ Y20), and Saab 9-3 (2013-2014).
For the sixth generation, the coupé and convertible models were spun off to create the new BMW 4 Series nameplate. BMW also introduced a separate hatchback model under the 3 Series nameplate called the 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34).
The F30 is the first generation of 3 Series to be powered by a range of turbocharged engines exclusively and electric power steering (replacing the hydraulic power steering systems used previously).[3] The F30 also marked the 3 Series' first use of a three-cylinder engine in its 2015 facelift. A new plug-in hybrid F30 model was also introduced in 2016.[4] A long-wheelbase sedan version (model code F35) was sold in China.
The M3 model (designated F80) was introduced in 2014 and is powered by the S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine.
In March 2019, the BMW 3 Series (G20) was released as the successor to the F30.[5] But the F34 fastback model continued to be available until early 2020.[6] Later, it was replaced by BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (G26) in June 2021.
Development and launch[]
The exterior designer for the F30 sedan was Christopher Weil[7] and exterior designer for the F31 Touring was Michael de Bono.[8]
The F30 was unveiled in Munich on 14 October 2011,[9] with market launch and first customer deliveries on 11 February 2012.[10]
Body styles[]
Sedan (F30)[]
The F30 sedan (after-Wartburg-Motorwagen, BMW Dixi 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-1 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-2 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-4 4-door sedan, BMW 3/20 4-door saloon, BMW 309 4-door sedan, BMW Isetta 250 4-wheel microcar, BMW Isetta 300 4-wheel microcar, BMW 600 Limo, BMW 700 4-door sedan, BMW 1600-2 / 1602 4-door sedan, BMW 2002 4-door sedan, BMW 1802 4-door sedan, BMW 1502 4-door sedan, BMW E21 4-door sedan, BMW E30 4-door sedan, 1990-1996 BMW E36 4-door sedan, 1996–1998 BMW E36 4-door sedan, 1998–2001 BMW E36 4-door sedan, 1997-2001 BMW E46 4-door sedan, 2001-2005 BMW E46 4-door sedan, 2005-2008 BMW E90 4-door sedan, and 2008–2010 BMW E90 4-door sedan) debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March 2012[11] and was the first of the sixth generation 3 Series models to go on sale (to provide a simple distinction between F30 sedans and F32 two-door coupés), The 3 Series (F30) sedan almost resembled a two-box four door fastback saloon.[12] Early models included the 328i and 335i and (post LCI) later models included the 330i and 340i. The 320i, 318d, and 316d models were added to the F30 range in March 2012 - and are smaller than the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45/U06), BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34), BMW 3 Series Touring (F31), and BMW X3 (F25).[13] The 320i EfficientDynamics Edition and 316i were added in autumn of 2012 and has been compared to the Alfa Romeo Giulia (952) Sedan, 2011-2014 Acura TSX Sedan, Acura TLX Sedan (2014—2020), Audi A4 B8 Sedan (2012–2015), Audi A4 B9 Sedan, Buick Regal CXL Sedan, Cadillac ATS Sedan, Genesis G70 Sedan, 2010-2015 Infiniti G Line (V36) Sedan, Infiniti Q50 Sedan, Jaguar XE Sedan, 2010-2012 Lexus IS XE20 Sedan, 2013-2019 Lexus IS XE30 Sedan, 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz W204 Sedan, Mercedes-Benz W205 Sedan, Volvo S60 (Typ Y20), and Saab 9-3 Sedan (2013-2014).[14]
In the United States, the arrival of the four-cylinder models marked the first time a 3 Series was sold with a four-cylinder petrol engine, since the E36 318i of the late 1990s.[15] The 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive went on sale in the summer of 2012.[16]
Touring (F31)[]
The wagon/estate body style (marketed as "Touring")[17] was unveiled at the 21st Auto Mobil International held at Leipzig in 2012.[18] This body style has a designation of F31, and the launch models consisted of the 328i, 320d and the 330d - and are taller than the BMW 3 Series Sedan (F30), BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45/U06), BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34), and BMW X3 (F25).[19] The 320i, 316d and 318d models were added in autumn of 2012 and has been compared to the Alfa Romeo Giulia (952) Station Wagon, 2011-2014 Acura TSX Station Wagon, Acura TLX Station Wagon (2014—2020), Audi A4 B8 Station Wagon (2012–2015), Audi A4 B9 Station Wagon, Buick Regal CXL Station Wagon, Cadillac ATS Station Wagon, Genesis G70 Station Wagon, 2010-2015 Infiniti G Line (V36) Station Wagon, Infiniti Q50 Station Wagon, Jaguar XE Station Wagon, 2010-2012 Lexus IS XE20 Station Wagon, 2013-2019 Lexus IS XE30 Station Wagon, 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz S204, Mercedes-Benz S205, Volvo V60 (Typ Y20), and Saab 9-3 Station Wagon (2013-2014).[14]
Gran Turismo (F34)[]
The 5-door fastback body style has a designation of F34 and is marketed as the 3 Series Gran Turismo, with styling similar to the 5 Series Gran Turismo. The Gran Turismo body style was discontinued for the following generation, the G20 3 Series as it proved to be unsuccessful in terms of sales - and are taller than the BMW 3 Series Sedan (F30), BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45/U06), BMW 3 Series Touring (F31), and BMW X3 (F25).[20][21]
At , the F34 is longer than the sedan and Touring models. This extra length is partly facilitated by the longer wheelbase shared with the F35 long wheelbase sedan models.[22] The F34 is also taller than the F30/F31.[23][24] These increased dimensions result in the rear wheels being located further back and lower with respect to the rear seat, and allows for three full-size rear seats.[25]
The F34 version was unveiled at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show in March 2013.[26] At launch, the engine range consisted of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines in straight-4 and straight-6 configurations. All-wheel drive was available in the "i xDrive" and "d xDrive" models. The F34 received a facelift ("Life Cycle Impulse") in mid-2016, a year after the facelift was introduced for the other body styles of the F30 generation.[27][28][29]
LWB sedan (F35)[]
A long-wheelbase sedan model having a designation of F35 (after-Wartburg-Motorwagen, BMW Dixi 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-1 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-2 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg 4-door sedan, BMW 3/15 DA-4 4-door sedan, BMW 3/20 4-door saloon, BMW 309 4-door sedan, BMW Isetta 250 4-wheel microcar, BMW Isetta 300 4-wheel microcar, BMW 600 Limo, BMW 700 4-door sedan, BMW 1600-2 / 1602 4-door sedan, BMW 2002 4-door sedan, BMW 1802 4-door sedan, BMW 1502 4-door sedan, BMW E21 4-door sedan, BMW E30 4-door LWB sedan, 1990-1996 BMW E36 4-door LWB sedan, 1996–1998 BMW E36 4-door LWB sedan, 1998–2001 BMW E36 4-door LWB sedan, 1997-2001 BMW E46 4-door LWB sedan, 2001-2005 BMW E46 4-door LWB sedan, 2005-2008 BMW E90 4-door LWB sedan, and 2008–2010 BMW E90 4-door LWB sedan), was produced for the Chinese market - and are smaller than the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45/U06) LWB MPV, BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34) LWB Fastback, BMW 3 Series LWB Touring (F31), and BMW X3 (F25) LWB.[30] The wheelbase is increased by to ; this increases rear knee room by [30] and results in an overall length of . The 3 Series (F35) LWB sedan almost resembled a two-box four door LWB fastback saloon. The vehicle was produced in BMW's Shenyang production plant, and has chrome trim on the doors to distinguish it from the regular F30 sedans and has been compared to the Alfa Romeo Giulia (952) LWB Sedan, 2011-2014 Acura TSX LWB Sedan, Acura TLX-L (2014—2020), Audi A4 B8 LWB Sedan (2012–2015), Audi A4 B9 LWB Sedan, Buick Regal CXL LWB Sedan, Cadillac ATS-L, Genesis G70 LWB Sedan, 2010-2015 Infiniti G Line (V36) LWB Sedan, Infiniti Q50 LWB Sedan, Jaguar XEL, 2010-2012 Lexus IS XE20 LWB Sedan, 2013-2019 Lexus IS XE30 LWB Sedan, 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz V204 LWB Sedan, Mercedes-Benz V205 LWB Sedan, Volvo S60L (Typ Y20), and Saab 9-3 LWB Sedan (2013-2014).[30]
The F35 was unveiled at 2012 Auto China in Beijing. Initial models included the 320Li, 328Li and 335Li.[31] Post-facelift (LCI) models consisted of the 316Li, 320Li, 328Li, 328Li xDrive and 335Li.[32]
Exterior styling[]
The F30/F31 has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor.[33] The styling is similar to previous generations with a sweeping bonnet, short front overhang, and long wheelbase. Headlamps now connect to a wide kidney grill. Tail lamps also sport a wide "L" shape design seen in many BMW models.
In some markets, in addition to the base and M Sport models, three 'trim lines' were available for this generation: Modern Line, Sport Line and Luxury Line.[34] These lines form the base packages upon which extra options could be specified. The Modern Line was discontinued after the 2014 model year, due to low sales.
Interior and equipment[]
In the sedan models, the rear headroom, leg room and shoulder room increased compared with their E90 predecessors.[35]
Options include heated front seats, split-fold rear seats, satellite navigation and a widescreen display in the centre console.[36][37][38] The Bluetooth that's built-in into the car now supports audio streaming. The traditional mechanical shift lever was replaced by a shift by wire shifter (first used by BMW in the 2007 E70 X5).[39]
M Performance Parts can be fitted to all models with the M Sport trim. These include sport brakes for 18 inch and higher wheels, side skirt ground effects, black kidney grilles and carbon fibre mirrors.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration' not found.
- ↑ "BMW X1 sDrive18i JOY IS NOW". Bangkok Post. 2011-02-15. http://www.bangkokpost.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=5999.
- ↑ "A Chassis Rig Reveals Why the E90 and F30 Feel So Different". http://blog.caranddriver.com/a-tale-of-two-bmw-3-series-a-chassis-rig-reveals-why-the-e90-and-f30-feel-so-different/.
- ↑ "2016 BMW 330e Plug-In Hybrid First Drive". https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/28/2016-bmw-330e-plug-in-hybrid-first-drive-review/.
- ↑ "2019 BMW 3 Series sedan full reveal at Paris Motor Show" (in en). https://www.autoblog.com/2018/10/02/2019-bmw-3-series-revealed-paris-motor-show-9935113/.
- ↑ "BMW abruptly ends production of the 3 Series GT (F34)". 2 January 2020. https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/01/06/bmw-abruptly-ends-production-of-the-3-series-gt-f34/.
- ↑ "The new BMW 3 Series Sedan, Christopher Weil – Exterior Designer (10/2011)". https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/photoDetail.html?title=the-new-bmw-3-series-sedan-christopher-weil-exterior-designer-10-2011&docNo=P90085661.
- ↑ "Exterior sketch of the BMW 3 Series Touring, Designer: Michael de Bono (05/2012)". https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/photo/detail/P90092619/exterior-sketch-of-the-bmw-3-series-touring-designer-michael-de-bono-05-2012.
- ↑ "New BMW 3 Series Sedan unveiling live on Facebook – Oct 14, 2011". 10 October 2011. http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/10/11/new-bmw-3-series-sedan-unveiling-live-on-facebook-oct-14-2011/.
- ↑ "Der neue BMW 3er kommt am 11. Februar 2012 in den Handel. Sechste Generation des meistverkauften Premium-Fahrzeugs der Welt will Maßstäbe in Sachen Sportlichkeit, Eleganz und Komfort setzen" (in de). https://www.ganz-muenchen.de/shopping/auto/bmw/2012/bmw_3er/info.html.
- ↑ "BMW at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show 2012". https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-at-the-82nd-geneva-motor-show-2012&outputChannelId=6&id=T0124839EN&left_menu_item=node__2230.
- ↑ "BMW of North America, LLC". http://cache.bmwusa.com/Pdf_842c86dd-60fd-4055-9bfe-a051c71e43d3.arox?v=1ecf3f13-32e7-47de-9996-1a144b774762.
- ↑ "BMW model year update measures for March 2012". https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-model-year-update-measures-for-march-2012&outputChannelId=6&id=T0124299EN&left_menu_item=node__2235.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "BMW model upgrading in autumn 2012". 2012-03-09. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-model-upgrading-in-autumn-2012&outputChannelId=6&id=T0131122EN&left_menu_item=node__2229.
- ↑ "BMW 3-Series Revealed". Enginetrust. https://www.enginetrust.co.uk/blog/bmw-3-series-revealed/..
- ↑ "BMW USA News – 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan Press Kit:Introducing The All-New 6th Generation BMW 3 Series Sedan Dynamic, Efficient and Luxurious". https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=FD34AEAED4DD541BEC901F30F1C97DD0?&id=935&mid=.
- ↑ "The exceptional: now within reach. Experience the BMW 3 Series Touring." (in en). https://www.bmw.com/en/bmw-models/3-series-touring.html.
- ↑ "BMW at the 21st Auto Mobil International Leipzig 2012.". https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0126898EN/bmw-at-the-21st-auto-mobil-international-leipzig-2012?language=en.
- ↑ "The new BMW 3 Series Touring: Dynamic flair and practicality wrapped in a sporty and elegant design". 2012-06-07. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=the-new-bmw-3-series-touring-dynamic-flair-and-practicality-wrapped-in-a-sporty-and-elegant-design&outputChannelId=6&id=T0128082EN&left_menu_item=node__2231.
- ↑ "BMW 3 Series GT is cancelled" (in en-gb). https://uk.motor1.com/news/268438/3-series-gt-not-renewed/.
- ↑ Nica, Gabriel (8 August 2018). "BMW 3 Series GT Reportedly Canceled, 4 Series Gran Coupe Lives On" (in en). https://www.bmwblog.com/2018/08/08/bmw-3-series-gt-reportedly-canceled-4-series-gran-coupe-lives-on/.
- ↑ "BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Review". 26 January 2014. https://www.autoevolution.com/reviews/bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-review-2014.html.
- ↑ "BMW 3er Limousine : Technische Daten". http://www.bmw.de/de/neufahrzeuge/3er/limousine/2011/technische-daten.html.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration' not found.
- ↑ "BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo : Design". 1 December 2013. http://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/new-vehicles/3/gran-turismo/2013/design.html.
- ↑ "BMW at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show 2013". 2013-07-02. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-at-the-83rd-geneva-international-motor-show-2013&outputChannelId=6&id=T0136779EN&left_menu_item=node__7908.
- ↑ "The New BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (LCI)". http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1268483.
- ↑ "F34 BMW 3 Series GT LCI facelift – new looks and kit". https://paultan.org/2016/06/02/f34-bmw-3-series-gt-lci-new-looks-kit-and-engines/.
- ↑ "Model selection – 3'F34 Gt". https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?product=P&archive=0&series=F34&body=GT&model=320i.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 W.E. Ning (6 April 2012). "BMW 3Li is Out in China". carnewschina.com. http://www.carnewschina.com/2012/04/06/bmw-3li-is-out-in-china/.
- ↑ "BMW at Auto China 2012 in Beijing". 2013-05-04. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?title=bmw-at-auto-china-2012-in-beijing&outputChannelId=6&id=T0125879EN&left_menu_item=node__7448.
- ↑ "F35 LCI model selection". http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?product=P&archive=0&series=F35N&body=Lim.
- ↑ "BMW chooses the design for the next generation 3 Series". Bmwblog.com. 2009-03-03. http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/03/03/bmw-chooses-the-design-for-the-next-generation-3-series/.
- ↑ "F30 3 Series Sport, Modern, and Luxury Lines detailed and compared". http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10618016#post10618016.
- ↑ Boeriu, Horatiu (14 October 2011). "Photo Comparison: F30 BMW 3 Series vs. E90 3 Series". http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/10/14/photo-comparison-f30-bmw-3-series-vs-e90-3-series/.
- ↑ "2012 BMW 328i Sport Line Manual – Long-Term Road Test". 24 September 2013. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-bmw-328i-sport-line-manual-long-term-test-wrap-up-review-introduction-page-3.
- ↑ "Autocar: 3-series LCI Chatter". http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17343335#post17343335.
- ↑ "328xi – Technology package vs. Navigation". 16 December 2012. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=664151.
- ↑ "2007 BMW X5 – First Drive Review". January 2007. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2007-bmw-x5-first-drive-review.