BMW goes for a longer, sportier look with the 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible.
Never change a winning team. It’s sound advice that BMW clearly kept in mind as it pulled together the 2011 facelift of the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.
The new update of the Bavarian success formula give these models a sportier presence, though the changes are subtle. That’s no surprise, since the big changes are still in the works, coming with an entirely new generation of the 3-er due out in 2012.
The 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are most readily distinguished by their longer hood and longer front quarter panels, a widened kidney grille with vertical bars that are not as flat as before, and LED corona lights around new, almost grim-looking headlamps. Also the LED tail lights are more easily recognizable at night.
The most significant changes with the 2011 BMW 3-Series Convertible can be found under the hood with the N55 engine.
More significant changes can be found under the hood, the refreshed Bimmer coupe and convertible getting three new powerplants for 2011, each more fuel efficient and cleaner, while power output is unchanged or higher than the current engines.
Along with the renewed 325d, BMW buyers can now opt for the smaller 320d, which just happens to be BMW’s best-selling model designation worldwide. Significantly, it actually more more horsepower, at 184 hp, and torque, at 280 lb-ft, than the current oil-burner.
The 320d’s diesel engine is low revving and seems anxious to use all the torque that comes on at a relatively low 1,800 rpm. Cruising at 80 mph and just 1,800 rpm is absolutely comfortable and it ensures that if you need a boost, you’ll get a quick response just kicking down the throttle.
Since several European countries are pushing for models with lower emissions, BMW also developed the 320d EfficientDynamics edition, which delivers a surprising 57 mpg (on the European test cycle), while emitting 109 g/km CO2.
Sadly, the 320d is not in U.S. cycle plans – yet. But we’re hoping to see it added into the line-up when the 3-Series gets a full update in 2012.
BMW decided to play it safe with the mid-cycle update of the 2011 3-Series Coupe.
One thing that could motivate BMW to expand its diesel line-up is an agreement it recently signed with Carbon Motors, of Connersville, Indiana, to provide diesel engines for a project that could make the small manufacturer a major player in the police cruiser business. Carbon is hoping to get a fair chunk of business once Ford abandons its long-lived Crown Victoria, at the end of the year. That had been the most popular choice for police departments across the country, but Carbon is betting its E7 will pick up much of the slack using the high-mileage yet torquey BMW diesel.
What the 2011 BMW Coupe and Convertible will get in North America are a pair of gas engines powering the 328i and the 335i models.
Power output of the 3.0-liter inline-6 in the 328i remains unchanged at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft. The new 335i, however, gets a newly-updated engine that delivers better fuel economy and lower emissions. Dubbed N55, this power plant combines TwinPower Turbo technology, High Precision Injection and Valvetronic valve timing. Not to confuse things, but TwinPower Turbo does not mean twin turbochargers, but a single twin-scroll turbo. Power output remains the same, at 306 hp and 300 lb-ft, and on the European cycle, mileage is about 28 mpg. (The U.S. numbers have yet to be finalized.)
The six-cylinder can be combined with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT (double clutch) automatic transmission that can be shifted manually by paddles on the steering column. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive will be available on all 2011 3-Series Coupes.
You instantly notice the willingness of the power plan to rev up. You also appreciate the lack of any measurable turbo lag. BMW claims zero to 60 times of 5.3 seconds for the Coupe and 5.5 seconds for the Convertible.
Our test car had the optional Active Steering for a firmer feel, together with a suspension that is not too stiff, but tuned to the sort of sporty drive you can expect to favour the 335i more robust powertrain.
We’ll have to wait to see where BMW goes with pricing on the 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, though initial indications suggest the numbers should be in line with the 2010 offerings. With the improved looks and subtle ride and performance enhancements, it should do well for the Bavarian maker.
Never change a winning team.
By Henny Hemmes
Posted: 4/5/10
Never change a winning team. It’s sound advice that BMW clearly kept in mind as it pulled together the 2011 facelift of the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.
The new update of the Bavarian success formula give these models a sportier presence, though the changes are subtle. That’s no surprise, since the big changes are still in the works, coming with an entirely new generation of the 3-er due out in 2012.
The 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible are most readily distinguished by their longer hood and longer front quarter panels, a widened kidney grille with vertical bars that are not as flat as before, and LED corona lights around new, almost grim-looking headlamps. Also the LED tail lights are more easily recognizable at night.
More significant changes can be found under the hood, the refreshed Bimmer coupe and convertible getting three new powerplants for 2011, each more fuel efficient and cleaner, while power output is unchanged or higher than the current engines.
Along with the renewed 325d, BMW buyers can now opt for the smaller 320d, which just happens to be BMW’s best-selling model designation worldwide. Significantly, it actually more more horsepower, at 184 hp, and torque, at 280 lb-ft, than the current oil-burner.
The 320d’s diesel engine is low revving and seems anxious to use all the torque that comes on at a relatively low 1,800 rpm. Cruising at 80 mph and just 1,800 rpm is absolutely comfortable and it ensures that if you need a boost, you’ll get a quick response just kicking down the throttle.
Since several European countries are pushing for models with lower emissions, BMW also developed the 320d EfficientDynamics edition, which delivers a surprising 57 mpg (on the European test cycle), while emitting 109 g/km CO2.
Sadly, the 320d is not in U.S. cycle plans – yet. But we’re hoping to see it added into the line-up when the 3-Series gets a full update in 2012.
One thing that could motivate BMW to expand its diesel line-up is an agreement it recently signed with Carbon Motors, of Connersville, Indiana, to provide diesel engines for a project that could make the small manufacturer a major player in the police cruiser business. Carbon is hoping to get a fair chunk of business once Ford abandons its long-lived Crown Victoria, at the end of the year. That had been the most popular choice for police departments across the country, but Carbon is betting its E7 will pick up much of the slack using the high-mileage yet torquey BMW diesel.
What the 2011 BMW Coupe and Convertible will get in North America are a pair of gas engines powering the 328i and the 335i models.
Power output of the 3.0-liter inline-6 in the 328i remains unchanged at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft. The new 335i, however, gets a newly-updated engine that delivers better fuel economy and lower emissions. Dubbed N55, this power plant combines TwinPower Turbo technology, High Precision Injection and Valvetronic valve timing. Not to confuse things, but TwinPower Turbo does not mean twin turbochargers, but a single twin-scroll turbo. Power output remains the same, at 306 hp and 300 lb-ft, and on the European cycle, mileage is about 28 mpg. (The U.S. numbers have yet to be finalized.)
The six-cylinder can be combined with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT (double clutch) automatic transmission that can be shifted manually by paddles on the steering column. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive will be available on all 2011 3-Series Coupes.
You instantly notice the willingness of the power plan to rev up. You also appreciate the lack of any measurable turbo lag. BMW claims zero to 60 times of 5.3 seconds for the Coupe and 5.5 seconds for the Convertible.
Our test car had the optional Active Steering for a firmer feel, together with a suspension that is not too stiff, but tuned to the sort of sporty drive you can expect to favour the 335i more robust powertrain.
We’ll have to wait to see where BMW goes with pricing on the 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, though initial indications suggest the numbers should be in line with the 2010 offerings. With the improved looks and subtle ride and performance enhancements, it should do well for the Bavarian maker.