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Sporting and
Compact
Even so, everybody was thrilled by the new car. With dimensions making the new
BMW 3 Series compact and straightforward in every respect, the car itself was
nevertheless fully “grown up” for all practical requirements : Measuring 4,355
Millimeters (171.5") in length, 1610 Millimeters (63.4") in width, and 1,380
Millimeters (54.3") in height, the new 3 Series marked an entirely new
dimension in the BMW world. Wheelbase measuring 2,563 Millimeters (100.9"),
in turn, ensured short overhangs front and rear, track measuring 1,364
Millimeters (53.7") at the front and 1,377 Millimeters (54.2") at the rear
gave the car a wide and muscular stance on the road.
Carefully set-up for sporting performance, the suspension incorporated track
control arms with independent spring strut suspension at the front and
semi-trailing arms with independent spring strut suspension at the rear.
The final touch was added to the car’s straightforward design by the
special configuration of the cockpit: In terms of cockpit design, the new BMW
3 Series marked the introduction of a revolutionary design concept, the centre
console facing towards the driver destined to become a particular highlight of
BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. And as a visible sign of
exemplary passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior
were carefully rounded off and padded.
The large engine compartment lid extending down at the side over the wheel
arches housed a range of updated and revised power unit displacing 1,573,
1,766, and 1,990 cc, respectively. Hence the model designations 316, 318, 320,
and 320i.
With fuel being expensive following the first oil price shock, BMW’s
engineers had set up the power units for less expensive regular fuel. But this
did not mean that the engines’ output and performance was “regular”. On the
contrary, right from the start the 316 developed a very substantial 90 bhp
which, given the car’s unladen weight of 1,010 kg or 2,227 lb, gave the car
that dynamic performance so typical of the brand. Developing 98 bhp, the 318
already came very close to the three-digit horsepower range at the time
reserved to the luxury performance class, and with maximum output of 109 bhp
the 320 was definitely the leader in its class. As if even that was not
enough, the BMW 320i with fuel injection offered an even more substantial 125
bhp, albeit on premium grade fuel.
This kind of power, together with the streamlined body design, gave the new
cars top speed between 160 and 180 km/h (99 and 112 mph).
To draw a clear sign of distinction within the new model series, the two
two-liter models came with dual headlights, the other two had single round
headlights. In the German market the entry-level 316 retailed at DM 13,600,
the 318 sold for DM 14,420, and the two 2.0-liter models went for DM 15,330
and, respectively, DM17,400.
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