2002 BMW 3-Series Revisions 

BMW's 3-Series gets a nip here, a tuck there, and some extra muscle 

While providing the ever-popular 3-Series with a fresh new face and added features, BMW SA has also extended the range by adding the long-awaited 330d and a 318i Touring to the mix. In all there are two new models, two new diesel engines and a new 4-cylinder petrol engine.

 The latest range of 3-Series cars are immediately recognizable by sleek new headlights and revised tail lights, as well as a new front air dam, in all giving the cars a more powerful and aggressive presence. According to BMW, major revisions have also been done to the suspension and steering to provide a more sporting and direct driving experience without sacrificing ride comfort. While exterior changes were discreet and subtle, the changes beneath the skin have been more revolutionary.

The new models are the 330d (available with manual and auto box) and the spacious 318i Touring, which joins the 318i sedan in receiving BMW’s revolutionary 2,0 litre Valvetronic 4-cylinder engine. A switch to common rail technology sees the 320d benefiting from significant power and torque boosts while reducing its frugal fuel consumption even more.

The 3-Series changes are aimed mainly at marking a growing distinction between the various body styles in the range which, with the advent of the Compact, have now grown to five body styles.

The top-selling 318i (and the 318iT) is now powered by BMW new-generation 2,0 litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine featuring BMW’s revolutionary Valvetronic technology manufactured in the United Kingdom. The Valvetronic technology – which has already made BMW receive an ‘Engine of the Year’ award from Engine Technology International - removes the need for a throttle butterfly and controls valve lift infinitely to control the fuel air mixture supply. The principle is similar to a human breathing – we breathe deeply when exerting ourselves and in a more shallow pattern when taking things more gently.

Power delivery in the 318is is 105 kW at 6000 r/min, 20 kW more power than the outgoing engine, with a concomitant torque increase of 20 Nm to 200 Nm achieved lower down the rev range at 3750 r/min. A top speed of 218 km/h and 0–100 km/h acceleration of 9.3 seconds are the results. In all, this engine produces 21.2% more power than its predecessor, 11.1% more torque and an 11% improvement in fuel economy. Carbon dioxide emissions are down to 175 g/km and the fuel consumption according to BMW’s EU figures 5,5 l/100 km at a steady 120 km/h on the open road and 7,2 l/100 km on the combined cycle – 15% more economical than its competitors. 

South Africa’s 2001 Car of the Year – the diesel-powered 320d - has received a significant upgrade in the form of a new 4-cylinder, 16 valve unit delivering 10% more power, 17.9% more torque and a fuel consumption improvement of 3.6% compared with its predecessor. The secret lies in the new, second-generation, high-pressure common rail fuel injection system that operates at 1600 bar, a first for a large-scale production diesel engine. Together with a volume-controlled fuel pump, a new Digital Diesel Electronic engine management system, twin balance shafts and an improved Variable Vane Turbocharger, the 320d has what amounts to an entirely new engine. In its latest guise, it produces 110 kW (the same as the 2,0 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine of 1998) and 330 Nm of torque, resulting in a sprightly 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 216 km/h. Its real coup is its tremendous amounts of torque (more than a Porsche Boxster and not that far off a Ferrari 360 Modena, according to a BMW release) which provides incredible on-road flexibility – the 80 to 120 km/h acceleration in fifth gear takes only 7.5 seconds. BMW claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5,5 l/100 km, whilst highway cruising consumes a mere 4,4 l/100 km, allowing distances of more than 1400 km without stopping for fuel on the 63 litre fuel tank.

All 318i and 320d models are supplied with 5-speed manual gearboxes that provide service-free lives. For the first time on BMW’s 4-cylinder diesel, a 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with adaptive learning is available as an (R11 000) option. 

Key specs for the other significantly new model, the 330d, are as follows: inline, multivalve six cylinder, 135 kW @ 4000 rpm, 390 Nm of torque between 1750 and 3200 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 secs (auto 8.2), 225 km/h, 6.7 litres/100 km combined use (8 litres for auto). This is essentially the same engine powering the 530d and 2002 Car of the Year nominee X5d.

For 325i and 330i Sedan and Coupé models, BMW will offer a Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) as an option.

SMG is a shift-by-wire automated manual gearbox with its gears selected in sequential pattern, like those on a motorcycle. It is the product of Formula 1 technology and enables the driver to select gears with a flick of the gear lever via paddles behind the steering wheel, or lets the gearbox select the gears itself in automated mode. There is no clutch pedal, so a car equipped with SMG is a ‘two pedal car’.

‘C’, or ‘Cruise’ mode, is an automated programme ideal for use in a city environment. However, it is not intended as a substitute for the automatic gearbox – the torque converter of which will always offer a higher level of comfort.

Once out of the city, touching either the gear lever or a paddle activates the manual selection mode. A ‘sport’ button behind the gear lever activates faster, more sporting gear changes and offers a ‘launch control’ programme to enable perfect 0-100 km/h acceleration times.

According to BMW, the whole system is failsafe (i.e. the driver cannot change down from fifth to first gear at 120 km/h) and it delivers satisfying throttle ‘blip’ down-changes to remind the driver how it should be done.

The revised suspension settings (for the springs and dampers, and stiffer rubber mountings for the suspension-to-body) with anti-dive and anti-squat functionality have enhanced the car’s performance and roadholding and is complimented by a faster, more direct steering rack that requires only three turns from lock to lock.

The already high, trendsetting spec level on the 3-Series – all means of stability and traction aids by way of ABS, Traction Control (ASC + T), wheel-selective Electronic Braking Distribution (EBV with CBC corner brake control), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Differential Lock (ADB), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), airbags galore and power-assisted everything - is enhanced by an optional wide-screen navigation/TV monitor with split screen viewing and soft scrolling, bi-xenon headlights, integrated hands-off function for Business and Professional radios, and Automatic Light Activation included with the Rain Sensor option, while a range of new colours and new upholstery and interior trims are available.

The purchase price includes a Motorplan service and maintenance contract for 5 years or 100 000 km, and BMW-On-Call roadside assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout South Africa.