3 Series Models

The range of ten 3 Series models is unchanged for ’04:

• 325i Sedan, the most accessible model; powered by the 2.5-liter, 184-hp engine.
• 325xi Sedan, an all-wheel-drive version of the 325i sedan.
• 325i Sports Wagon, a 5-door that adds space and versatility while maintaining its sedan counterpart’s innate sportiness.
• 325xi Sports Wagon, with all-wheel drive to make it an ideal vehicle for winter sports activities.
• 325Ci Coupe, in 2-door format for added sport and elegance; yet also practical thanks to its standard split folding rear seats.
• 325Ci Convertible, with all of BMW’s contemporary design and engineering for style, enjoyment and safety in an open-bodied vehicle.
• 330i Sedan, with the same profile as the 325i Sedan but more power (3.0 liters, 225 hp), additional standard equipment and distinctive design features inside and out.
• 330xi Sedan, the 330i Sedan with all-wheel drive.
• 330Ci Coupe, adding a larger engine and further upmarket features to the sport and elegance of the 325Ci Coupe.
• 330Ci Convertible, top of the line, with standard fully automatic power softtop and leather interior.

Model Year '04

Model year ’04 has been launched in two phases: with March ’03 production for the Coupes and Convertibles, and with September ’03 production for the Sedans and Sports Wagons. Additionally, some changes were phased into 330i/xi models as of 3/03 production even though they continued as ’03 models.

The evolution includes:

• A new 6-speed manual transmission, standard on all 330 models
• 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) as a new option for all (except the all-wheel-drive (xi) models). (Not available until 10/03 production; not available with premium package).
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control now standard on all models
• New wheel designs for most models and equipment combinations
• New exterior colors and expanded availability of certain interior colors
• An exciting Performance Package for the 330i Sedan, first available only with 6-speed manual transmission and now also available with automatic
• Coupes’ and Convertibles’ optional Xenon headlights add Xenon Adaptive Headlights, which “steers” the headlights into roadway curves
• Adaptive brake lights, which signal hard braking to following drivers
• Climate-control panel newly configured for greater ease of operation
• Design freshening for Coupes and Convertibles, consisting of –
  • New front-end design (grilles, lighting clusters, hood contours and wheel openings
  • New front and rear bumper contours
  • New aluminum “brushed columns” interior trim is available in all models.
  • Newly available BMW Assist, consisting of Automatic Collision Notification, “SOS” emergency button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Concierge Services.

Transmissions

New 6-speed transmission for all 330 models

As of March ’03, a new 6-speed manual transmission became standard in all 330 models. Weighing no more than the 5-speed it replaced, this “gearbox” – the ZF Type H – incorporates refinements to BMW’s excellent manual transmissions:

• Even more effective synchronization of shifting
• Sportier shift action, via 10-mm (0.4-in.) shorter shift “throws” from neutral to each gear.

Compared to the previous 5-speed (which continues in the 325 models), the 6-speed’s ratios for 1st through 5th gears are approximately the same; 6th gear provides an 0.85:1 overdrive for quieter, more relaxed and potentially more fuel-efficient cruising.

Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)

Having premiered this system on the M3, BMW is rapidly extending the offering of SMG to other Series; for ’04 it is available in the 5, Z4 and 3 Series as well. In the 3 Series, it is offered on all models except those with all-wheel drive (the “xi” models).

In these three Series, SMG takes a less complex form than in the M3s, whose SMG offers fully 11 shift programs. But the concept is the same: electrohydraulic shifting and electronic controls applied to a 6-speed manual transmission to achieve a choice of driver-controlled or automated shifting, automatic clutch operation, and variable programming for the shifting.

In the 325 models, the SMG option includes the 6-speed transmission instead of the standard 5-speed; in the 330 models it employs the already standard 6-speed. The driver selects the desired operating range (N, R, D, S = Sequential) with a console-mounted selector lever, and can execute manual shifts with that lever or with two “paddles” on the steering wheel. After starting the engine in N, the driver moves the lever to the right; this selects the Sequential mode, in which each tap of the lever or paddle(s) shifts the transmission up or down one gear. Tapping the lever to the right toggles the unit to its Automated mode, in which shifts occur without the driver’s intervention. To revert to Sequential shifting, the driver can either toggle the lever to the right again, simply tap it toward “+”for an upshift or “-“ for a downshift, or actuate a paddle in the same manner.

On the console is a Sport button, which applies either of two effects:

• In Sequential mode, the shifting action is quicker; appropriate to sporty driving.
• In Automated mode, the shifting action is quicker and shifts occur automatically at higher engine speeds.

Though SMG does offer automated shifting, it is not meant as a substitute for a conventional automatic transmission. Just as with a manual transmission, power is interrupted for shifts – though in hard, performance-oriented driving the shifts can be stunningly quick. SMG’s appeal lies in these considerations:

• It is a racing technology, pioneered in Formula One competition and predominant in that sport today.
• Relative to a manual transmission, it entails no performance loss and almost no increase in fuel consumption. In fact, it can match or even exceed the performance achieved by an expert driver.

Wheels and Tires

A spectacular variety of wheel sizes and designs, many of them new for ‘04
BMW is known for handsome alloy wheels that clearly express the enjoyable and competent performance its motor vehicles deliver. Most wheel designs on the ’04 3 Series models are new:

• 325Ci Coupe and Convertible, standard – dimensioned at 16 x 7.0 inches, these wheels are in a new Double Spoke design, with five parallel pairs of spokes and V-shaped openings between the pairs. They carry 205/55R-16 H-rated all-season tires.
• 325i Sedan and Sports Wagon, 325Ci Coupe and Convertible, Sport Package – dimensioned at 17 x 8.0 inches, these wheels are in a new Radial Spoke design, with five tapered spokes. Their very open design showcases (and helps cool) the large ventilated disc brakes and their calipers. They wear 225/45R-17 W-rated performance tires.
• 325xi Sedan and Sports Wagon Sport Package, 330i/xi Sedan, standard – new 17 x 7.0 Star Spoke wheels (also five spokes, but differently styled) with 205/50R-17 V-rated all-season tires.
• 330Ci Coupe and Convertible, standard – sized 16 x 7.0, this wheel was formerly included with the run-flat tires that are optional on all 330 models. The run-flat option continues for all 330 models, but the wheel design is now standard on the Coupe and Convertible, whether with their standard 205/50R-17 V-rated all-season tires or the optional identically sized V-rated run-flats.
• 330i Sedan, 330Ci Coupe and Convertible, Sport Package – As these models’ 1st-stage sport upgrade, the wheels continue in their previous sizes and design. They are differentiated front-to-rear – 17 x 7.5 front / 17 x 8.5 rear – and carry Z-rated performance tires of 225/45R-17 front / 245/40R-17 rear dimensions. In a July ’02 Road & Track comparison test, a so-equipped 330i Sedan achieved 0.86 in skidpad cornering tests.
• 330Ci Coupe and Convertible, 18-inch option – as if that weren’t enough, 18-in. wheels and tires are available “on top of” the Sport Package. Here the front wheels are 18 x 8.0, the rear 18 x 8.5; the Double Spoke Composite design is new for ’04. In a construction BMW reserves for its sportiest models, each wheel is cast in two pieces, which are bolted together near the rim. They carry ultra-low-profile Z-rated performance tires sized 225/40R-18 front / 255/35ZR-18 rear. The 330i Sedan with Performance Package has equipment of the same dimensions but a different wheel design.

3 Series Soul

As impressive as many of its individual features and options are, the heart of the 3 Series’ appeal remains its unique concept:

• Each model is compact and tightly dimensioned, with short overhangs, a relatively long wheelbase, and wheels/tires that fill out their fender openings with serious road adhesion.
• Every model is powered by an acclaimed inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers not merely strong, but also aesthetically satisfying performance. 325 models’ 2.5-liter unit generates 184 horsepower; the 3.0-liter of 330 models delivers 225 hp.
• All models offer a choice of manual or STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, the latter with selectable Sport and Manual modes. New for 2004, all rear-drive models can be equipped with BMW’s innovative 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (except 330i with performance package).
• For optimum handling, all 3 Series models employ rear-wheel drive – except the three “xi” models, with full time all-wheel drive to enhance traction while maintaining BMW’s handling edge.
• 3 Series suspension, a unique combination of strut-type front and multi-link rear systems, also contributes to outstanding handling and roadability.
• All models have 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, with larger dimensions for the higher-powered 330 models.
• Like all BMWs, the 3 Series vehicles are meticulously built and finished and comprehensively equipped. Every 3 Series interior exudes quality; with the available leather upholstery and wood trim, it exudes luxury as well.

Safety Features

The 3 Series incorporates an array of safety features that has contributed to widespread recognition of these vehicles’ excellent occupant protection. Among many impressive test results, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety rated the 3 Series sedan its Best Pick rating in offset crash testing. Features include –

• "Intelligent lightweight" body structure, designed for effective energy management in a crash impact without excess weight.
• Optimized steering-column design for outstanding protection of the driver, again without excess weight.
• Head Protection System (HPS) in closed-body models: BMW’s pioneering inflatable tubular cushion, anchored in the windshield pillar and roof, deploys to afford protection of front-seat occupants’ heads – particularly in side impacts, but also in mixed-direction collisions.
• 2-stage "smart" front-impact airbags.
• Front-seat side-impact airbags, standard in all models.
• Rear-seat side-impact airbags, optional in all models.
• Rollover Protection System (RPS) in Convertibles: An independent module behind each of the two rear-seat passengers’ heads deploys rollbars in case of an impending vehicle rollover.
• Height-adjustable front safety belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters. In the Convertibles, the belts are integrated with the seats and are power-adjusted along with the head restraints.
• Interlocking door anchoring system for side impacts.
• Battery Safety Terminal, automatically severing the high-current connection between the battery and starter cable to reduce the likelihood of fire after a severe crash impact.

Standard security features include –

• Coded Driveaway Protection, a rolling-code immobilizer system proven to reduce the probability of theft
• A central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature to hinder the opening of doors even if a thief breaks a window
• Pathway Lighting, which via the headlight flasher switch activates the headlights and interior lights for 40 seconds.

BMW Assist

In the recent past, BMW Assist – a comprehensive program of safety- and convenience-oriented customer services – has been included as part of the available BMW On-board Navigation System when combined with the BMW cellular phone. Now these services, in enhanced form, are offered as a stand-alone option or as part of the Premium Package.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology, an embedded wireless communication system, “SOS” and “wrench” buttons that in the 3 Series are located at the bottom of the interior rearview mirror. Vehicle occupants may request Emergency or Roadside Assistance services simply by pressing these buttons; the BMW Assist system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. Deployment of an airbag automatically activates BMW Assist as well.

A year’s subscription to BMW Assist is included with the option; after the initial year, the annual fee is $240. In addition to the safety-related benefits, subscribers can call a toll-free 800 number to avail themselves of BMW Assist Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets. The system can be upgraded to hands-free calling via BMW center installation of the optional CPT9000 handset.

Like all current models, each 3 Series vehicle is covered by BMW’s 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Program for customer convenience, peace of mind and economic benefit.

BMW and the Environment

BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as:

• resource efficiency and emission control in production;
• environmentally responsible selection of materials;
• recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and
• continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources.

Tangible results of these efforts include:

• the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components;
• water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats;
• near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and
• various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.