BMW 3 Series

The sixth and current generation of the BMW 3 Series debuted on October 14, 2011 in Munich. The model arrived in showrooms in February 2012. Its exterior is influenced by the F01 7 Series and especially the F10 5 Series. The F30 represents a body style change for the saloon only, while the wagon, coupé, and convertible body styles remain unchaged for the 2012 model year. Technology currently available in the 7 Series and 5 Series is expected to feature in the 2012 3 Series, such as a lane departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from falling asleep, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-miti

gating automatic braking. The 2012 3 Series is powered by a new family of aluminum four-cylinder petrol engines ranging from 135 to 245 horsepower. These will include new technologies such as variable intake and exhaust-valve timing, sequential turbochargers, and direct fuel injection. A 240 hp (179 kW; 243 PS) four-cylinder engine is one of two engine choices available on US-spec models (the last four-cylinder 3 series was the 1999 318ti with a 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) engine).[7] The N52 3.0L naturally aspirated I6 was replaced by the N20 which increased power output (230 hp (172 kW) in the outgoing engine vs. 240 hp (179 kW) in the new 4-cylinder) and improved fuel economy. The other petrol engines will be four-cylinder turbocharged units displacing either 1.6 or 2.0 litres. High-performance diesels will also feature 2.0-litre twin turbo versions with a 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) 323d, a 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS) 325d and a 306 hp (228 kW; 310 PS) 335d 3.0-litre, inline 6 version. There will also be a hybrid version which augments the transmission with two electric motors and expected fuel savings of 20 percent, a similar powertrain that will be found in the upcoming X5 hybrid, developed in a joint venture with GM, Chrysler, and Daimler