BMW is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the three Sequence this 12 months, so we at BMWBLOG are delving into the mannequin’s storied historical past and its contribution to the automaker’s success. We’ve already appeared on the first 5 generations—from the E21 to the E90. The E30 (second technology) and the E46 (fourth technology) are maybe the fans’ favorites, though the E90 represented a giant stride in the direction of digitalization and effectivity, being the primary 3 Sequence to incorporate iDrive and a turbocharged gasoline engine.
Nonetheless, as we speak we’ll assessment the sixth-generation 3 Sequence, designated the F30. It was produced from 2011 to 2019, and along with the traditional sedan and property physique types, the F30 was accessible in fastback (3 Sequence Gran Turismo) and long-wheelbase (LWB) variants. Each elevated the practicality and luxury of rear passengers. Nevertheless, the three Sequence coupe and convertible fashions had been spun off because the 4 Sequence (F32).
F30: Elevated Give attention to Luxurious
Probably the most important change with the F30 was the elevated emphasis on luxurious, with extra refined interiors, better personalization choices and mechanical enhancements reminiscent of electrical energy steering and journey high quality refinement. Apart from, the F30 was additionally the primary 3 Sequence to be powered solely by turbocharged engines and to incorporate a plug-in hybrid mannequin.
Whereas these upgrades made the sixth-gen 3er superior to its predecessor, some BMW followers took problem with this — they claimed that in an effort to draw shoppers from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus, BMW had ‘civilized’ the three Sequence and diluted its efficiency DNA.
Even then, a lot of the F30 consumers weren’t die-hard efficiency fans anyway, so the adjustments weren’t solely acceptable but in addition efficient. Certainly, the F30 achieved 2.6 million gross sales and received accolades reminiscent of WhatCar? Government Automobile of the Yr, Golden Steering Wheel by Auto Bild, and Vehicle Journal’s All-Star.
If that weren’t sufficient, the chauffeur-oriented, long-wheelbase mannequin accounted for 80 p.c of the three Sequence gross sales in China. Bear in mind, China overtook the USA as BMW’s greatest market within the 2010s, and luxurious there may be outlined by design, consolation, opulence and expertise, not sporty driving.
Efficiency: Nonetheless Higher than its Predecessor
In any case, the F30’s specs had been higher than the E90’s. For instance, the B58-powered 340i produced 322 horsepower and went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, outperforming the E90 335i, which generated 302 horsepower and reached 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Equally, the 330e iPerformance hybrid produced 248 horsepower and had a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.1 seconds—spectacular figures for a car primarily designed to prioritize sustainability.
In the meantime, the M3 (F80) finally set the efficiency benchmark. Its S55 twin-turbo engine produced 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, with the facility despatched to the rear wheels by way of a 6-speed guide or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The DCT M3 might go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, whereas the guide M3 took 4.1 seconds.
Additionally value mentioning is the M3 CS—it delivered 453 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque whereas weighing 50 kilograms lower than the usual M3. This meant it might dash to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and obtain a prime velocity of 174 mph. Manufacturing, although, was restricted to 1200 models, every priced at roughly $100,000.
Apparently, simply because the E90 M3 initially confronted skepticism for being the primary M3 to function a V8, the F80 met with criticism for being the primary M3 to make use of a turbocharged engine. But, just like the E90, the F80 finally silenced its critics with practically 35,000 gross sales.
Unsure Legacy?
That mentioned, the F30’s general legacy nonetheless stays a subject of debate. Because it represented BMW’s shift in the direction of luxurious and luxury, many view it as essentially the most ‘boring’ and uninteresting 3 Sequence technology. Nevertheless, these in Munich argue that they had no different alternative, as they wanted to increase the three Sequence’ buyer base. We personally loved driving the F30/F80 — even when they weren’t fairly as enjoyable because the E90 or G20 — and would advocate them to anybody seeking to purchase a used BMW.
