ACC launches all-new BMW 3 Series

The 3 Series is BMW’s bread-and-butter car, and what delicious full-flavored bread this car is. The 3 features perfect 50:50 weight distribution, with superb handling and steering: in other words, it has the chassis of a sports car under a practical four-door body. It’s no surprise, then, that Asian Carmakers Corp., official BMW distributor in the Philippines, pulled out all the stops in launching the all-new 2012 3 Series.

The launch was a virtual journey through time, using images and music from 1975, when the first-generation 3 was launched, through the 1993 E36, 1998 E46 and 2005 E90, still very much visible on streets, to the present day, when the F30 makes its debut.

The new car features sportier lines, with a flattened twin-kidney grille up front, the classic four headlamps, and tapered taillights similar to the 5 Series’. The car has been lengthened by 93 mm, mainly to enhance rear-seat space, while retaining its short front overhang and long wheelbase.

The new 3 comes in two engine configurations: 328i and 320d. First, the engines: the 328i unfortunately no longer sports the hyper-smooth six-cylinder of its predecessors. Rather, it is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four augmented by turbocharging. Output is 245 hp, and 350 Nm from just 1250 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 kph is pegged at 5.9 seconds, and fuel efficiency as high as 15.62 km/liter. The 2.0 diesel in 320d is even more efficient, at a reported 22.72 km/liter. Power is 184 hp and torque at 380 Nm. Acceleration is still brisk, with 0-100 kph at 7.6 seconds. Eight-speed automatics are standard across the line, feeding all torque to the rear wheels. A Start-Stop system automatically shuts down the engine while the vehicle is stopped to reduce fuel consumption.

For the first time, the new car is available in, appropriately, three new flavors: Sport, Luxury and Modern. Different exterior and interior trim serve to differentiate the variants and lean their appeal toward different market segments. Sport is the 3 in Black: it features black grille slats and front apron inserts, high-gloss black painted mirrors, and black tailpipe finisher. 17- or 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels accentuate the styling quite neatly. Standard sport seats in a choice of upholstery, with contrasting black-and-red accents are the interior highlights. The Luxury line means chrome: on the grille slats, front apron, window frame and rear garnish. Wheels are 17-inch multi-spoke alloys. Interior features wood trim. Modern means matte trim elements and turbine-style wheels. The interior features light colors. Interestingly, the three variants are offered at the same price.

Standard equipment includes traction control, ABS, dual front and side airbags, run-flat tires, electric power steering, LED taillamps, and parking sensors. Warranty is two years/unlimited mileage.

Says Maricar Parco, ACC president: “If there is such a thing as a quintessential BMW, it is without doubt the BMW 3 Series. The 3 Series is everything a sports sedan should be, and for years it has stood undisputed at the summit of the premium mid-size segment. Since it made its debut in 1975, more than 12 million customers around the world have taken ownership of a BMW 3 Series. Backed up with its impressive heritage, innovations, aesthetics and driving dynamics, we are confident that the Filipino market will greatly welcome the All-New BMW 3 Series just like its predecessors.”

The all-new BMW 328i is at P4.290 million; while the 320d is at P3.490 million.