Other 3 Series powertrains: smooth, strong and efficient 6-cylinder gasoline engines, diverse transmission choices.

• 328i and 335i models powered by two distinct inline 6-cylinder engines.
• Dynamic performance in the great BMW tradition.
• Many transmission choices, all with 6 speeds.

Two quite distinct inline 6-cylinder gasoline engines power all other 3 Series models; these remain unchanged in the new '09 models.

328i models: 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, naturally aspirated.

In the 328i models - Sedan and Sports Wagon, rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive models - a 3.0-liter unit with advanced, weight-saving magnesium/aluminum composite construction and Valvetronic variable valve lift provides smooth, sonorous and fuel-efficient power.

Valvetronic, a patented BMW innovation, varies valve lift to regulate engine power; when the driver steps down on the accelerator pedal, instead of a throttle opening wider, intake-valve lift increases. A throttle imposes a restriction to incoming air; Valvetronic eliminates this restriction, significantly enhancing efficiency particularly at low to medium speeds. This is reflected in excellent fuel economy, plus very spontaneous response to that accelerator pedal. Valvetronic also enhances engine smoothness in idling and gentle driving, and makes for excellent cold starting.

This engine delivers 230 hp @ 6500 rpm and has a 7000-rpm redline, so it is in the great tradition of smooth, powerful and high-revving BMW gasoline engines. Yet its torque peak of 200 lb-ft. occurs at relatively low engine speed for a gasoline engine - 2750 rpm - so it's also a responsive partner in everyday driving, not requiring frequent shifting to maintain a brisk pace with the standard 6-speed manual transmission. 0-60-mph times for the 328i Sedan are 6.3 sec. for the manual, 6.9 sec. for the automatic; 2008 EPA city/highway mileage ratings are 18/28 mpg with manual, 19/28 with automatic. Acceleration times and EPA ratings vary for the Sports Wagon, and for the Sedan and Sports Wagon in their xDrive (all-wheel-drive) versions.

335i models: also 3.0-liter inline 6, twin-turbo, even more brilliant performance.

The 335i Sedan and its AWD stablemate 335i xDrive are powered by a totally distinct 3.0-liter inline 6, with an aluminum block, different bore and stroke dimensions, and most importantly twin turbochargers. High-pressure direct fuel injection with piezo injectors, a concept shared with the 335d diesel engine, and special turbo-related cooling features complete the description of an engine that has garnered almost delirious praise in the enthusiast media and beyond. It develops a full 300 hp @ 5800 rpm, has the same 7000-rpm redline as the 328i engine, and generates a fulsome 300 lb-ft. of torque all the way from 1400 to 5000 rpm - a somewhat diesel-like characteristic.

Here the twin turbochargers are both small, each of them serving 3 of the 6 cylinders. Their smallness enables them to respond quickly to the driver's demands reducing turbo engines' historical "turbo lag" to a minimum. This engine does not have Valvetronic, as turbocharging works best on a gasoline engine with a conventional throttle. On-the-road performance is stunning: 0-60 mph in just 5.4 sec. with manual transmission, 5.6 with automatic; and that broad, generous torque band produces abundant acceleration even at lower speeds in the upper gears. EPA mileage ratings are equally impressive: 17/26 mpg with either transmission for the 335i, slightly less for the xDrive version.

Transmission choices: 6-speed manual or automatic, shift paddles optional.

All 3 Series transmission choices are 6-speeds. The manual gearbox, standard on all models, is engineered to provide what buyers want when they choose it: precise control and a high level of driving pleasure.

BMW also places a high priority on active driving pleasure with its automatic transmissions. Recent refinements to the 3 Series' automatics have improved their sportiness, precision and efficiency: a torque converter that slips less, quicker shifting, finer adaptation to driving style and conditions. All BMW automatics include a Sport mode that quickens shifting and holds the lower gears longer; and a Manual mode that allows the driver to take charge of virtually all shifting.

Steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are added on all automatic 3 Series models with the Sport Package, and include a Direct Selection feature: When the driver is motoring along in Drive and makes a shift via paddle, the transmission goes into the Manual mode.

BMW iDrive, 2nd generation: new graphics and controls.

• New controller concept, high-resolution 8.8-in. control display.
• Optimized menu structures, high-resolution graphics, expanded range of functions.
• Greater convenience and more intuitive operation via direct-select keys at the controller, plus more Programmable Memory Keys.

In the 3 Series, BMW's iDrive system of controls and displays is offered in combination with the optional Navigation system. In the new 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons, iDrive enters its 2nd generation building upon this pioneering development, while making it more natural, more intuitive, simpler and more elegant in its functionality - and more esthetically pleasing and enjoyable. In offering this new generation of iDrive, the

3 Series joins the new 7 Series that is also being introduced this autumn.

More intuitive operation, expanded functions.

With the 2002 7 Series, BMW initiated a new direction in the control of vehicle features and functions; via a multi-menu color display and a mouse-like controller usable by driver and passenger alike, a potentially crowded landscape of buttons and knobs was supplanted by a computer-logic control path.

An overarching attribute of iDrive was the separation of control (via the console controller) and display (the centrally placed iDrive monitor). This basic arrangement remains; the controller has been further developed and the display has evolved markedly.

Positioned centrally in the instrument panel, the new control display sets higher standards for logical, readily understood menus and attractive graphics. The controller has been refined for comfortable, intuitive selection and activation of functions via standardized turn, push and tilt motions, while being augmented with new direct-selection keys for specific menus, plus more of the Programmable Memory Keys that were added to the system in the 3 Series in 2007-08.

Greater functionality, satisfying to use: controller with direct-selection keys.

Benefiting from the newest biomechanics R&D, the state-of-the-art controller operates with tactile precision and clearly structured motions. New control elements, menu schemes and graphic representations in the control display become evident upon first use, yet user appreciation grows over the longer term. A graphic depiction of the controller in the display itself helps orient the user to the next control step; the rotation, pressing and tipping motions generally correspond to those of a computer mouse.

Thus interpreted, rotation of the controller takes the user through menu selections; pressing it makes the choice. Tilting the controller to the left or right effects navigation through various menu levels. Via clear graphic organization in the form of stacked layers and onscreen depiction of controller movements, the user enjoys highly intuitive navigation. All menus are structured according to a consistent scheme, so that one is almost immediately at ease; menus are broad so that the user can view relatively numerous options without switching to another level. Also, functions are arranged so that in longer-term use the most important options are reached more rapidly.

An additional new refinement is four direct-selection keys, placed adjacent to the controller, for the most frequently used menus. These allow quick selection of CD, radio, phone and navigation menus, and are augmented by three further keys of general utility: one takes the user directly to the start menu (MENU), one to the most recently active menu (BACK), and the third (OPTION) presents various options within the current area. Thus searches are likely to be shorter, or unnecessary.

Familiar and proven, yet now more useful: Programmable Memory Keys.

An iDrive enhancement recently introduced in various BMW models represents a further user convenience: Programmable Memory Keys. When first introduced, there were six of them; now there are eight. Lined up above the audio controls, these allow the user to capture and store favorite or frequently used functions (radio stations, phone numbers, navigation destinations for example) on various keys and recall them instantly. The stored functions can be as specific and detailed as a navigation map in the preferred scale or an audio balance setting. And because the keys are sensitive not just to being pressed but also to being merely touched, one can see the stored function on the control display by lightly touching the key. If it's the right one, the user need only press the key and it's there, ready to use.

High-resolution display, preview maps and full-screen images.

With its 8.8-in., high-resolution monitor, the new iDrive displays remarkably attractive images. It's a system appropriate to the vehicle it's in, achieved via up-to-date hard- and software. White-on-black menu lists; effective symbols and icons; contemporary graphics; and clear, consistent color-coding are among the elements that enhance not only function but also esthetics.

Menu structures, too, make finding desired functions easier. In the Start Menu, all functional areas served by iDrive are listed. Selecting a given item leads to its menu layer, where the options of that level are also listed. This consistency in navigation assists in orienting the user, as does the "stacking" of menu layers in the display. Visual assists further contribute to clarity. And if the user gets to a place where he or she didn't mean to be, the Back key usually reverses the error.

User-friendlier Navigation.

This overall refinement of functionality means simpler and more enjoyable use of the optional Navigation. Full-screen map displays offer outstandingly detailed views of the geography; maps as well as specific symbols can be shown in 3-dimensional form. Selected points of interest along the travel route appear with near-photographic realism.

Mere input of destinations reveals the new system's impressive capabilities. If the destination appears on a list in the system, a preview map appears as the user scrolls the list; this can help distinguish between places with similar or identical names. If a destination (or a phone number) needs to be entered manually, this is done with a new, circular "speller" that makes the entry go more quickly.

Convenient combination of voice entry and controller operation.

Yet, another iDrive innovation is its ability to combine voice and controller entry called Multi-mode Input. The user can go back and forth between the two methods, while actually inputting; indeed, voice recognition can remain active during input via controller and the user can modify an input via voice. Voice recognition - BMW calls it Voice Command - is activated by its function key on the steering wheel, and de-activated either upon completion of the action or by pressing the key again. Voice Command is simplified by visual display of the available commands, yet its capabilities go further in that numerous synonyms of these commands are also recognized.

This newly enhanced iDrive introduces a very significant step forward in the operation of automotive features and functions. Greater efficiency, improved logic and clear, attractive displays help define and advance the 3 Series' unique product character. The new iDrive helps the freshened 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons create a user experience that is truly unique.

BMW Assist: networking for greater convenience, safety and security.
• Intelligent networking of driver, vehicle and driving environment.
• Expanded range of services and capabilities.

BMW pioneered Navigation as an automotive feature in 1994, for the first time bringing data from outside the vehicle into the driver's cabin. In 2002, the 7 Series introduced iDrive integrating GPS Navigation into a more comprehensive grouping of vehicular functions and capabilities. For 2009, this evolution continues with introduction of the 2nd-generation iDrive, further development of the Navigation system's potentials and an expanded range of telematics services within the BMW Assist system.

In its most fundamental precepts, BMW Assist emphasizes "warning and serving, not intervening." The driver (or more generally, user) retains the responsibility for his or her vehicle. It lightens the user's burdens by offering as much information and assistance as the user desires in each specific situation.

BMW Assist: telematics enhance users' convenience, safety and security.

BMW Assist safety and convenience services are offered as the BMW Assist Safety Plan (standard with BMW Assist) and Convenience Plan (an option expanding BMW Assist). The Safety Plan is in effect for the first 4 years or 50,000 miles from new and includes the following services:

Automatic Collision Notification. In the event of an airbag deployment or severe impact, the BMW Call Center is notified and emergency services are deployed as appropriate. New for '09: if the collision is of a certain severity or worse, the system transmits the vehicle's location and specifications, as well as data from several onboard sensors that define the type of collision and probability of occupant injury.

Emergency Request. Vehicle occupants may request emergency services 24/7 by pressing the SOS button.

Enhanced Roadside Assistance may also be summoned from the vehicle in a similar manner. Adds features and services beyond the 4-year/unlimited-miles Roadside Assistance that is standard with every current BMW model.

Remote Vehicle Unlock from the Call Center when the user gets locked out.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery. The user files a police report and notifies the Call Center, which can remotely activate the BMW Assist system to locate the vehicle and help police recover it.

TeleService automatically transmits key vehicle data to the subscriber's preferred BMW center when the vehicle's Condition-Based Service sensors detect a need for upcoming service; in turn the BMW Center contacts the owner. The driver can also initiate a service request.

Customer Relations. Users can speak with BMW Customer Relations at the push of a button.

The Convenience Plan, optional on a yearly basis, expands these services by offering:

Directions, traffic and weather information.

Critical Calling. If the subscriber forgets to bring a mobile phone or its battery is discharged, yet urgently needs to make a phone call, four operator-assisted calls per year via the SOS button are included.

Concierge Service including travel planning, dining and hotel reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets.

There are additional services for vehicles equipped with the Navigation system:

Real Time Traffic Information is received in the vehicle via an FM data broadcast. It is processed in the system to notify the driver of potential traffic problems on the programmed route, and offers an alternate route or the option of automatic re-routing around the problem. RTTI is available in more than 50 metropolitan markets in the U.S; BMW provides it to customers for a minimum of 4 years without recurring monthly bills.

Expanded Navigation capabilities. The new 2nd-generation iDrive system incorporates many enhancements to Navigation capabilities. Among these are directions to change lanes or make a turn at an obscured intersection, 3-dimensional screens depicting topography along the route and selected points of interest.

Bluetooth cellphone interface included with BMW Assist option. When a BMW-approved cellphone is paired with the interface, BMW's in-vehicle hands-free memory, dialing and calling features are available to users. Voice Command, included with the Navigation option, enables phone (and other) functions to be voice-activated. In keeping with BMW's policy of accommodating contemporary technological products and the evolving lifestyles that go with them, the latest iPhone models are among the approved BMW cellphones.

BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive that's infinitely variable, satisfying agile, always reassuring.

• BMW is the world's most successful producer of premium vehicles with all-wheel drive.
• Now smoother and more precise than ever, thanks to modulated brake intervention and torque compensation.
• Available in three Sedan and Sports Wagon models, plus two Coupe models.

Increasingly, customers - particularly those who drive in snowy winter conditions - want all-wheel drive. In the 3 Series, five models - with new "xDrive" model designations - incorporate BMW's unique and advanced AWD system of the same name.

This permanent, electronically controlled system varies the split between front- and rear-wheel driving torque according to driving conditions to produce an incomparable degree of comfort, traction and agility. Via a smooth, precisely controlled central multi-disc clutch, it directs torque to the wheels where the traction is best, reacting amazingly quickly to each change in driving conditions.

In most normal driving situations, xDrive apportions 40% of the driving torque to the front wheels, 60% to the rear to provide a typical BMW rear-wheel-drive handling feel. Sensors continuously and sensitively monitor the four wheels, detecting even the tiniest amount of slip; torque distribution adjusts in fractions of a second to match changing conditions. It all occurs so quickly, in fact, that the system almost seems to be anticipating slip; the driver is unlikely to perceive the need to adjust the torque split before xDrive accomplishes it.

Enhancing xDrive's quick and precise action is the networking of xDrive and Dynamic Stability Control, the traction and stability system that's standard on all BMW models. As part of BMW's overall Integrated Chassis Management (ICM), this powerful and capable networking helps calibrate xDrive torque distribution and other chassis functions to instantaneous conditions. Thus xDrive and DSC react to varying road traction or abrupt steering, braking or acceleration by the driver, always endowing the vehicle with optimum stability and agility.

Via ICM, xDrive and DSC detect any incipient excessive over- or understeer, adjusting the front/rear torque split to avoid these tendencies. If undesirable oversteer is sensed, the multi-disc clutch is completely closed, sending the maximum possible torque to the front wheels. If excessive understeer is detected, xDrive opens the clutch completely, sending all the torque to the rear wheels. In true BMW tradition, the driver enjoys optimum vehicle dynamics under a wide range of driving and road conditions. Finely dosed application of individual wheel brakes compensates for side-to-side traction variations, as well: this aspect of DSC was improved upon the current 3 Series' introduction, via new analog brake actuation in this situation, as well as other stability-related or anti-lock brake interventions.

An illustrious history: from pioneering sports sedan to world leader in its class.

• 1975: a new vehicle category is born.
• Unending progress: BMW 3 Series as cutting edge.
• Over five generations, always the benchmark.

Strictly speaking, the 3 Series' chronicle begins in March 1966, when the BMW 1600-2 was introduced at the Geneva Salon (automobile show). That was the launch of the smallest BMW of the time, a compact 2-door sedan with a bit of coupe character, BMW's front-engine/rear-drive layout and a definite sporting flavor. When a larger, 2.0-liter engine was installed, the model that captured the imagination of enthusiast in the U.S., the 2002 was born. The actual 3 Series designation made its debut in the U.S. in 1976 - when the 2002 was succeeded by an all-new 2-door.

Over five generations, the 3 Series has always remained true to the values set by the 2002: a compact, sporty, maneuverable, stylish and nicely powered automobile - that was also practical for everyday transportation for at least four persons. Yet, this Series has nurtured another role: that of the cutting edge of automotive progress and the benchmark of what has become an established market segment. A segment, by the way, that didn't exist then; the 1600-2 and 3 Series created it.

1st generation: the 3 Series was a true Original.

That 1st-generation 3 Series, offered in the U.S. from 1976 through 1983 as the 320i, was offered elsewhere first with four, then later five different engines. In the U.S. 320i with a 2.0-liter motor, that was later updated with a smaller but more advanced 1.8-liter 4-cyinder engine. In Europe, the crowning version was the 323i introducing the Series' first 6-cylinder engine and heralding a new era in compact, yet sophisticated and powerful sports sedans.

2nd generation: model proliferation brings many choices.

Offered in the U.S. from 1983 into 1994, the 2nd generation began as a discreet, but thorough updating of the 1st-generation 2-door (but soon added the first 4-door body in the Series). At the same time, the first 6-cylinder 3 Series U.S. models appeared with the 325e, powered by an enlarged (2.7-liter) version of the 323i's 2.3-liter six, specifically engineered for high fuel economy. Other variations included a convertible and an all-wheel-drive system; eventually the 325e and its variants were replaced by smaller-engine (2.5-liter), yet higher-performance 325i models. "s" versions of both were offered in North America giving the Series' sporty image a boost.

3rd generation: a "big leap" in design.

This generation debuted here in the U.S. in 1991 and was offered into 2000. It looked much more different from its predecessor than had the 2nd from the 1st; conceived with greater comfort and safety in mind, it was also significantly larger. 4- and 6-cylinder engines were offered ranging over time all the way to 2.8 liters and 190 hp. With a long hood and its cabin set farther back, the 2-door became a true coupe. The convertible became a mainstay of the Series, and the Compact, offered as 318ti in the U.S., was developed to extend the Series' price range downward. This version of the 3 Series first appeared on Car and Driver Magazine's10Best list in 1992. The 3 Series would go on to appear on every list since then, a feat achieved by no other car.

4th generation: the 3 Series struts its stuff.

This time the styling evolution reverted to gentle; the 4th generation updated its predecessor's design theme, but aimed it elegantly toward the 21st century. Production began in 1998 and continued through 2006: 4-door sedans came first, then coupes, convertibles and the first 3 Series sports wagon to be offered in the U.S. As another

3 Series first, this generation was offered only with 6-cylinder engines from beginning to end growing from the initial 2.8 liters to 3.0.

Another strong trend took shape as the Series acquired higher levels of luxury and electronic driving assists: antilock braking, traction control and eventually stability control became standard. BMW's pioneering Head Protection System also made its 3 Series debut with this generation. Vehicle and Key Memory introduced the concept of variable, customer-selected functions, while new options such as Xenon headlights, Navigation and the STEPTRONIC automatic transmission enhanced the driving experience and maintained the Series' innovation role.

5th generation: bringing the Series up to today.

The Geneva Salon of 2005 saw the debut of today's 3 Series generation. As usual the 4-door sedans came first; soon after the sedans made their U.S. debut as '06 models, they were joined by the sports wagon. This was another more dramatic design step, accompanied by a revolutionary new engine: with the magnesium/aluminum composite construction that continues in the newest 328i models. Yet, another innovation followed shortly: the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, replacing the mechanical concept of earlier BMW AWD systems with fully electronic control.

Other significant innovations included aluminum front suspension, new braking functions within the DSC system, Active Steering and Active Cruise Control. iDrive also appeared in the 3 for the first time, in combination with the Navigation option, as it continues to be today. When the new coupes were introduced for '07, they brought with them an innovation under the hood: the world's first twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine in the 335i Coupe.

And shortly, thereafter, came another first for BMW: the 3 Series' retractable-hardtop Convertible models with the magnesium/aluminum naturally aspirated engine (328i), and the twin-turbo engine (335i). Today's Sedans, Coupes and Convertibles continue with this choice of engines, while U.S. Sports Wagon models are offered only as 328i.

It's a story of focus, care, adherence to clear values - a consistent vision of quality and a sporting yet practical driving and ownership experience. The latest round of 3 Series evolution and improvement, described in this release, is a validation and continuation of this story.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusa.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
www.miniusa.com
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com