Munich. The new BMW 3 Series range has taken on a
more sporting flavour than ever before, as the presence of two
top-class athletes at the sharp end of the line-up clearly
illustrates. From November 2019, the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan (fuel
consumption combined: 7.4 – 7.0 l/100 km [38.2 – 40.4 mpg imp];
CO2 emissions combined: 168 – 160 g/km) will be joined in
the range by the BMW M340i xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined:
7.6 – 7.2 l/100 km [37.2 – 39.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions
combined: 172 – 163 g/km). Powertrain and chassis technology developed
with race track expertise from BMW M GmbH, distinctive design cues,
exclusive standard specification and a cockpit created for the
enjoyment of driving pleasure at its most intense treat those on board
to a performance experience head and shoulders above anything else in
the midsize premium segment. From November 2019, the Sedan and Touring
models will also be available in BMW M340i First Edition guise.
Limited to 340 units in each case, the First Edition will include
particularly enticing design and equipment features.
The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring
represent a highly concentrated distillation of the sporting essence
that enshrines the 3 Series as the definitive BMW and has set it apart
from the competition for over 40 years. The original BMW 3 Series made
its mark at launch in 1975 with its strikingly agile handling
qualities. And the Touring model – which took to the stage for the
first time with the arrival of the second-generation “3” – combined
its trailblazing versatility with signature BMW dynamics. Powerful
engines (most notably of the six-cylinder in-line variety),
consistently upgraded chassis technology and the all-wheel-drive
system first introduced on the 3 Series have been serving up a
matchless driving experience ever since.
In the model’s latest incarnation, BMW M adds extra depth to the
dynamic potency at hand. A 275 kW/374 hp straight-six unit with
M TwinPower Turbo technology, an M Sport differential, M Sport
suspension including variable sport steering and M Sport brakes, plus
bespoke M exterior features with optimised aerodynamic properties form
a flawlessly composed overall package designed to maximise
performance. The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan powers from 0 to 100 km/h
(62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, the new BMW M340i xDrive Touring in
4.5 seconds. This makes both models half a second quicker than the
range-topping variants of the outgoing 3 Series.
Exceptional power: six-cylinder in-line engine with
M TwinPower Turbo technology develops 275 kW/374 hp.
The six-cylinder in-line engine developed exclusively for the new
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring stands out with
its instantaneous power delivery and appetite for revs, combined with
the smoothness for which BMW engines are renowned and unrivalled
levels of efficiency for its output class. The 3.0-litre power unit
features an aluminium crankcase with a closed-deck construction and a
likewise alloy cylinder head. Weight-minimised pistons and con rods
and a crankshaft made from forged steel increase internal engine
efficiency. Frictional losses are reduced through a process known as
‘form honing’ for the cylinder bores in the crankcase and by means of
their wire-arc sprayed steel coating.
The new straight-six generates 275 kW/374 hp, an increase of
35 kW/48 hp on the engine powering the previous range-topping models,
while peak torque is up by 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) to 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). Its
M TwinPower Turbo technology includes a twin-scroll turbocharger with
indirect charge air cooling integrated into the intake system,
latest-generation High Precision Injection direct petrol injection,
VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable
camshaft timing for the intake and exhaust sides. Integrating the
turbocharging system into the cast-steel manifold results in a
remarkably compact design and, at the same time, means the exhaust
flow only has to travel a short distance, allowing charge pressure to
develop rapidly from low revs. The turbine’s responsiveness is further
enhanced by a reduction in the mass moment of inertia of some 25 per
cent. And a wide-opening, electrically controlled wastegate helps to
keep emissions down. The maximum operating pressure of the direct
injection system, with its cantilevered injectors, has been increased
from 200 to 350 bar. This optimises fuel metering and minimises the
engine’s emissions.
M Technic Package with optimised cooling system available as
an option for the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan.
The highly efficient cooling system in the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan
and BMW M340i xDrive Touring keeps the engine, transmission and brakes
at their ideal operating temperature not only in everyday driving, but
also when the cars are pushed to their sporting extremes. It comprises
a high-temperature and a low-temperature circuit, plus indirect charge
air cooling. A split-cooling valve makes it possible to temporarily
shut off crankcase cooling, thereby optimising warm-up behaviour. Also
available as an option for the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan is the
M Technic Package, which adds two remote coolant radiators to meet the
particularly high demands placed on temperature management at the
outer limits of sporty driving – especially in high ambient temperatures.
Standard M Sport exhaust system generates emotionally rich soundtrack.
The new six-cylinder in-line engine delivers its prodigious power to
a highly distinctive backing track afforded even greater resonance by
the standard M Sport exhaust system. The flap-controlled system hits a
particularly rich and thrilling note when SPORT or SPORT+ mode is
engaged using the Driving Experience Control switch. The sound
accompanying the burgeoning swell of engine power creates a
spine-tingling acoustic experience for the occupants of the new
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring. The dual-branch,
twin-tailpipe exhaust system incorporates two petrol particulate
filters, enabling the BMW M duo to satisfy the stipulations of the
Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.
Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, intelligent
all-wheel drive and M Sport differential as standard.
The new straight-six power unit teams up as standard with the
latest-generation eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, standout
features of which include an optimised hydraulic control system, low
converter slip, effective damping of rotational irregularities and
extremely sporty gear shifts. The ratio spacing is perfectly attuned
to the engine’s performance characteristics, and so lends itself to
pulsating bursts of speed, while enhancing both driving comfort and
efficiency. The selector lever and standard shift paddles on the
steering wheel can both be used to assume manual control of the gear
selection process. There is also a Launch Control function for
accelerating off the line with maximum dynamic intent.
The intelligent all-wheel-drive system in the new
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring enables fully
variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear wheels
using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer
case. BMW xDrive works in tandem with the DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control) system and reacts to changes in the driving situation with
great precision and in a fraction of a second, maximising traction,
agility and handling stability in all weather and road surface
conditions, and when the cars’ sporting capabilities are put to the
test. The system’s rear-biased setup helps to produce the driving
experience expected of an M car, and is especially pronounced with the
Driving Experience Control switch set to SPORT or SPORT+ mode. The
strategic apportioning of even more power to the rear wheels increases
agility when turning into corners, in particular.
The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and new BMW M340i xDrive Touring
are also equipped with the M Sport differential as standard. The
electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear
differential brings about an appreciable improvement in traction and
cornering prowess and also boosts directional stability and agility.
The locking effect generated by an electric motor limits speed
equalisation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering,
allowing the driver to power out of bends with extraordinary dynamic
verve. Governed by the DSC system, the locking function for the rear
differential also improves traction and power transmission when
driving on road surfaces with differing levels of grip for the left
and right rear wheels by preventing a wheel from spinning when it is
struggling for purchase. Together with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive,
this ensures power is channelled onto the road to maximum agility- and
dynamism-enhancing effect.
M Sport suspension and variable sport steering.
The chassis technology developed for the new BMW 3 Series range has
all the tools to deliver extremely sporty handling characteristics.
With their minimised weight and maximised rigidity, the components of
the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle
sharpen cornering dynamics and steering precision, as do the wide
tracks and optimum wheel camber settings. The M Sport suspension
included as standard on the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and new BMW
M340i xDrive Touring lowers their ride height by ten millimetres, and
features M-specific elastokinematic properties and lift-related
dampers. The damper control configuration making its debut in the new
BMW 3 Series reduces body movement perceptibly when smoothing out
vibrations caused by bumpy road surfaces and dynamic cornering. The
result is sporty, authoritative handling. This setup adds extra
hydraulic damping on rebound at the front axle and a
compression-limiting system at the rear. It is continuously variable
and adjusts the damper firmness progressively according to changing
spring travel.
Customers also have the option of Adaptive M suspension with
electronically controlled dampers. These dampers respond adaptively to
road surface conditions and driving style in order to eliminate
undesired body movement. To this end, the compression and rebound
stages are both adjusted continuously and independently of one
another. This enables finely metered spring and damping responses,
supplying the driver with only relevant information about the road
surface. Damping characteristics can be adjusted via the Driving
Experience Control switch. SPORT and SPORT+ modes optimise the cars’
ability to provide dynamic handling, creating a noticeable contrast to
the more comfort-oriented damper responses in COMFORT and ECO PRO modes.
Variable sport steering is another element of the M Sport
suspension and Adaptive M suspension packages. Combining Servotronic
speed-sensitive power assistance with a variable ratio that adjusts to
changes in the steering angle, it helps to give the cars superb
straightline poise while also lending itself to effortless low-speed
turning and manoeuvring. The variable sport steering’s sharp, precise
response enhances agility on turn-in, too.
M Sport brakes and M light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres.
Outstanding stopping power is delivered by the likewise standard
M Sport brakes, whose extremely sporty setup is headlined by short
pedal travel and a distinct pressure point. This braking system
features a particularly direct pedal ratio together with a special
hydraulic configuration comprising four-piston fixed callipers and
348-millimetre discs at the front wheels and single-piston floating
callipers with 345-millimetre discs at the rear. The blue-painted
callipers bear the M logo. When specified with the optional M Technic
Package, the new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan comes equipped with bespoke
M Sport brakes, whose four-piston fixed callipers at the front wheels
exert their stopping power on larger 374-millimetre discs.
The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring ride
as standard on bespoke 18-inch M light-alloy wheels shod with
mixed-size tyres measuring 225/45 R 18 at the front and 255/40 R 18 at
the rear. Likewise model-specific 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in
three designs can be found on the options list along with 19-inch BMW
Individual light-alloy wheels, again with mixed-size tyres. The
high-performance tyres available as an option for the 19-inch
M light-alloy wheels enable highly effective transmission of
longitudinal and lateral forces.
M-specific design features with optimised aerodynamic
properties, top-class standard specification.
The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and new BMW M340i xDrive Touring waste
no time in showcasing their superior performance qualities with a
number of standalone, M-specific design features. The front apron,
side skirts and rear end have all been crafted to optimise supply of
cooling air and the cars’ aerodynamic properties. The bespoke design
elements also include the mesh-design BMW kidney grille and
trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes. The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan also
sports a body-coloured M rear spoiler. BMW Individual High-gloss
Shadowline trim and the Cerium Grey metallic finish for the exterior
mirror caps, the air intake trim in the front bumper, the surface of
the BMW kidney grille mesh and its surround, the tailpipes and the
model badge all add to the exclusive look.
M-specific design and equipment features inside both models help
to focus the occupants’ attention on the dynamic driving experience
laid on for them. Standard appointments include sports seats for the
driver and front passenger upholstered in an M-specific combination of
Sensatec and Alcantara with contrast quilting in Blue, an M leather
steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, a BMW
Individual headliner in Anthracite, M pedals, M-specific floor mats
and interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon with accent strips in
Pearl-effect Chrome. ‘M340i’ lettering appears in the digital
instrument cluster and also adorns the front door sill plates.
As well as their bespoke powertrain and chassis technology and
model-specific exterior and interior design features, the new
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan and BMW M340i xDrive Touring are also equipped
as standard with three-zone automatic climate control (including
separate control of the temperature and ventilation settings both for
the driver and front passenger side and the rear passenger
compartment), ambient lighting, extended storage and an automatically
dimming rear-view mirror. Other items on the standard equipment roster
for the high-performance siblings include Park Distance Control with
sensors at the front and rear, BMW Live Cockpit Plus complete with
navigation system and an 8.8-inch Control Display, and the Connected
Package Plus including Real Time Traffic Information, Remote Services,
Concierge Services and Apple CarPlay preparation.
Taking pole position: the BMW M340i First Edition.
An exclusive special-edition version of the two range-topping models
will also be offered from the launch of the new BMW M340i xDrive
Touring in November 2019. The BMW M340i First Edition will be
available in both Sedan and Touring guise and offered in selected
markets – including Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands,
Scandinavia, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the
Middle East, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. The limited run of 340 units
of each model version will come with a selection of exceptionally
attractive design and equipment features.
The BMW Individual paint finish in Frozen Dark Grey metallic,
BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim with extended features and
19-inch M light-alloy wheels mark the Edition models out clearly as
the pinnacle of sportiness and exclusivity. Moving inside, BMW
Individual Merino full leather trim in an exclusive Fjord
Blue/Silverstone bi-colour variant, a leather-covered BMW Individual
instrument panel and M seat belts create an inimitable cabin ambience.
BMW Individual interior trim elements in High-gloss Aluminium weave
and with “M340i First Edition 1/340” badging add the finishing touches.