BMW 3 Series car wallpapers and reviews

BMW 3 Series car wallpapers and reviews
BMW’s best-selling, top-volume model series is entering the new model this year with even greater momentum than before. BMW 3-Series M Sport oozes class.

The 3 Series is the sharpest drive in its class. Body control and strong grip give it poise through corners, while the steering is accurate and communicative

$40k Buyers: Dodge Challenger SRT8 or BMW 335i Coupe?

A couple of weekends ago we asked you to tell us if you had about $20k+, what would you buy; a base Dodge Challenger SE V6 or a VW Golf GTi – see here. To be blunt, neither of those models have that something special. The Challenger that we all openly want is of course the top-end SRT8 with its 425 Hp 6.1-liter HEMI V8

However, at about $38k, it’s just a mere $2k cheaper from one of the best RWD 4seater-coupes in the market; the BMW 335i Coupe with its high-tech, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder unit. At a first glance, the bimmer’s 305 Hp straight-six seems no match for the HEMI’s 425 Hp.

And truth is, that according to the manufacturers’ official data, the SRT8 is manages to beat the 335i in the zero to 60 MPH sprint by nearly half a second (SRT8: 4.9 sec vs 335i: 5.3 sec). On the other hand, Motortrend managed to lower the 335i’s 0-60 time to just 5.1 sec while C&D did even better with just 4.9 sec (the SRT8 hasn’t been tested yet). So having said that, where would your $40k go: the retro-styled V8 American muscle car or the sleek, high-tech German GT? Have your say at the comment section.

Video: BMW 3-Series Crashes Into A Water Filled Ditch!

Ouuuuch; We admit, the late 3-Series Compact wasn’t a pretty sight to look at and we’d probably have preferred if BMW had ditched it altogether before it even came into production, but isn’t “ditching” it yourself sort of a overly drastic measure…? -Thanks for the tip Feodosiy!

AC Schnitzer GP3.10: Equipped With LPG Version Of BMW M5’s 5.0L V10!

In line with the “eco-uber-alles-friendly” character of this year’s Frankfurt Show, BMW specialist AC Schnitzer will present one heck of a supped up BMW 3-Series Coupe. The GP3.10 is equipped with a modified version of the BMW M5/M6’s 5.0-liter V10 engine that can on LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) or regular gasoline producing 552 HP (+45 than the M5/M6) and up to 540 Nm of maximum torque. When it uses LPG which is cheaper than petrol, it produces about 15 percent less CO2 from the exhaust.

The GP3.10 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 sec and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 13.9 sec. while it can reach a top speed of 320 km/h – 199 mph. Apart from the engine mods, AC Schnitzer also upgraded the BMW 3-Series’ suspension, brakes and tires but unfortunately, they also believed that they could do the same with the bimmers appearance. Silly them... -Press release and pics after the jump

Green Energy with 552 HP und 540 Newton metres

AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED with alternative LPG drive

Driving pleasure has been written large at AC Schnitzer for 20 years. And happily, nothing will change for the 62nd IAA. But this goal can be reached in a totally alternative way, as the launch of the superb AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED shows. This high-performance coupé has LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) drive, where power and efficiency, economy and ecology, meet in an exciting study.

As if the extravagant exterior of the project vehicle, based on the current 3-series coupé, were not enough, under the bonnet growls the V10 engine of the current M5/M6 which AC Schnitzer is presenting at the show for the first time in bivalent design: The vehicle has a fully sequential LPG system with two parallel 5-cylinder vaporizers. There's no loss of power or dynamics. The engine, tuned with a remapped control unit and modified exhaust tract with sports catalyst and exhaust manifold, develops 552 HP/406 kW and produces up to 540 Nm at the crankshaft. In itself, that's 45 horses more than the M5/M6. But why power this with LPG?

Liquified Petroleum Gas is a sensible alternative to normal petrol fuel, both economically and ecologically, and after corresponding conversion can be burned in almost any petrol engine. Per litre, LPG is not only cheaper than petrol but produces around 15 percent less CO2 from the exhaust. With over 2700 filling stations in Germany alone, fuel supplies are guaranteed everywhere, and the 80 litre gas tank fits on board with the original 60 litre petrol tank. So you can switch between fuels at any time. In any case, acceleration is more than just acceptable. The sprint to 100 km/h takes 4.5 seconds, and the 200 mark is passed after just 13.9 seconds. Only at 320 km/h does the pressure on your back begin to ease. Nimble enough to show the rear lights to many powerful sports cars. Especially when a racing suspension from Aachen provides incredible handling qualities. And to match the power of the acceleration, there's the brakes on the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED: At the front, 8-pot fixed calliper brakes with perforated and vented discs size 374 x 36 mm, at the rear a 4-pot brake system with 350 x 24 mm discs.

Talking of slowing down: the striking body design will soon bring passers-by to a stop. In conjunction with the mineral green special paintwork, the AC Schnitzer aerodynamic kit is a real eyecatcher. The air intakes on the front wings, with their characteristic chrome ribs, and the rear 60 mm wheelarch extensions, are particularly successful. With the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED, AC Schnitzer has created a feast for all the senses, where the centrally positioned sports rear silencer with its sonorous crescendo takes centre stage acoustically

The rear styling with its special contours and the rear skirt with integral diffuser, the rear roof wing with carbon centre part, are as aesthetically pleasing as the powerful front skirt with its coarse-mesh sports grille. The latter makes an effective contribution to the breathing of the oxygen-hungry five-litre engine. Equally breathtaking for the spectator is the first sight of the racing rims Type VI.

The latest creation from the Aachen wheel manufacturer combines the classic Y-spoke appearance with five striking hollow spokes and bicolor finish. Naturally these decorative elements are not just available for the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED. For the moment however the latter is a unique creation not for sale, with an estimated value of 198,000 Euro. But we can still get excited because for sure, numerous components will soon find their way into the regular AC Schnitzer range. Parts of the exciting sports interior can already be ordered for example by customers with a 3-series coupé.

Performances kW / HP: 406 kW / 552 HP

at rpm: 8000 rpm

maximum torque: 540 Nm

at rpm: 6200 rpm

Performances: 0 - 100 km/h = 4,5 sec. 0 - 200 km/h = 13,9 sec.

Maximum speed: 320 km/h

5th Gear: Audi S5 vs BMW 335i

In the left hand corner we have the 2008 Audi S5. Weighing in at 1,705 kg (3,759 lbs), the AWD S5 is powered by a 354 Hp natural aspirated 4.2L V8 engine. In the right hand corner, there’s the 2008 BMW 335i Coupe. Though it’s twin-turbo 3.0L straight six is less powerful than the S5’s V8 delivering a “mere” 306 Hp to the rear-wheels, it also weighs less at 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs). Vicki Butler-Henderson gets into both seats to find out which is the quickest in 5th Gear’s Shoot-Out feature.

Hamann BMW 3-Series Convertible: Power Boost For 320i, 325i, 330i, 330d and 335i

Hamann Motorsports revealed today its latest performance package for the 2008 BMW 3-Series Convertible consisting of an aerodynamic kit, engine upgrades for all models, new alloy wheels, suspension components and interior enhancements. Just for the record and even though Hamann didn’t go haywire this time, in our opinion, the aero pack and especially the rice-racer boot-spoiler, somewhat distort the 3-Series’ sexy lines. But whatev.

Mechanically, Hamann recalibrates the standard ECU in all versions boosting power in the 320i by 10Hp to 180Hp, in the 325i by 13 Hp to 231 Hp, in the 330i by 17 Hp to 287 Hp, in the 335i by 37 Hp to 343 Hp and finally in the 330d by 41Hp to 272 Hp. -Press release and high-res images after the jump

BMW 3-Series Convertible By HAMANN

• Sportier aerodynamic kit
• Power boost for 320i, 325i, 330i, 330d and 335i
• Three different wheel designs in 18-20 inch, lowered suspension and improved brakes
• Stylish interior with sports steering wheel, aluminium parts and carbon fibre

July 20, 2007- HAMANN from Laupheim, Germany, has already begun with modifications for the youngest 3-Series Convertible. An aerodynamic kit, power boost, new wheels, suspension components, as well stylish interior enhances the sporty elegant features and improves driving performance of this Bavarian beauty.

Power boost for gas engines and diesels

HAMANN boosts the power in this Convertible by means of optized curved maps. Meaning, the electronic power boost is achieved by recalibrating the standard ECU. The four-cylinder model 320i receives HAMANN’s boost of 10 HP / 7 kW and 10 Nm torque. Enough to speed up the 320i to 233 km/h (standard: 228). The six-cylinder gas engines 325i and 330i experience a plus of 13 HP / 10 kW and 17 HP/ 12 kW and both about 25 Nm torque as well. Top speed climbs to 250, respectively 265 km/h (standard: 325i 245 km/h, 330i 250 km/h). Included in price for the 330i is deactivation of 250 km/h speed restriction.

Likewise the 335i receives a power boost from 37 HP / 27 kW and an impressive 279 km/h top speed. For easier “breathing” capabilities of the 6-cylinder model HAMANN offers a sport air filter. For the current diesel model 330d customers can expect a significant power boost of 272 HP/ 200 kW making possible a top speed of 256 km/h (standard: 245) and 600 Nm at 2000 rpm/min.

By fitting a HAMANN 4-pipe sports rear muffler with four round tailpipes, the 335i publicizes it’s power. The four stainless steel tailpipes, each 76mm in diameter, make the rear end of this Convertible even more attractive.

Powerful sport aerodynamics

BMW tailored beautiful body-work for the 3-series Convertible. HAMANN provides customers a even more individual look with specially powerful enhancement. Fitted to the standard bumper is a new, distinctive sportier looking HAMANN designed front spoiler. The visual lowering effect created by the new side sills, lend the side view more character. The buoyancy reducing rear spoiler in combination with the new HAMANN rear center molding designed for conjunction with the HAMANN 4-pipe sport muffler, incorporates matching cutouts for the tailpipes and is a real eye-catcher. Fitted black Carbon-Kevlar mirror caps lends the HAMANN 3-Series Convertible that final polished look.

Wheels from 18 to 20-inches

HAMANN really goes to town when it comes to wheels. Three unique individual designs and three sizes from 18 to 20 inch make selection difficult. A multispoke design is featured in the single-piece rim “Anniversary I” is available in ‘silver’ finish and features an outer rim with an INOX steel lip. HAMANN offers it in 18, 19 and 20 inch versions. The wheel PG3 is a multiple five-spoke composite wheel in silver with a high-gloss polished rim flange. Here customers can choose between sizes 19 and 20 inches. Unquestionably, 20 inch wheels suit the customized 3-Series Convertible best. HAMANN offers this size as top model design “Edition Race”.

The appearance of this three piece, ultra-lightweight, forged rim is a cross-spoke design with a black spider characterized by the 9 main spokes, each of which branches outwards into 2 further spokes. Following this exciting design, the titanium bolts are a particularly attention-getting design. The high-gloss rim flange adds the finishing touch to this stylish look. Typical wheel / tire combination in 20 inch: Edition Race: front 8,5 J x 20 / rear 10,0 J x 20 – 235/30 ZR 20 / 285/25 ZR 20 PG3: front and rear 8,5 J x 20 – 235/30 ZR 20 Anniversary I: front and rear 9,0 J x 20 235/30 ZR 20 Choice of combination with wider rear axle tires is possible for all 19 and 20 inch versions from Anniversary I and PG3 as in the case of Edition Race wheels as well. HAMANN provides advice as requested regarding all possible combinations.

Better handling and powerful gripping brakes

By fitting a suspension lowering kit comprising of four progressive suspension struts, HAMANN succeeds in lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity by 35 mm front and by 20 mm rear. For vehicles with sport suspension tuning systems from stock, that’s still around 15 mm. In both cases, a clearly better handling results. Among race drives it is said “races are won on the brakes”. For those who prefer to use somewhat more rapid acceleration, HAMANN program suggests powerful gripping brakes for security purposes!

Interior designed with numerable accessories creates an even more pleasurable stay in HAMANN’s 3-Series Cabrio. Thanks to the three-spoke HAMANN airbag sports steering wheel, the driver’s hands always hold the reins securely. A sporty flair is added by the decorative carbon-fiber components, which HAMANN fits to the dashboard, center console, ashtray trim, doors, steering wheel, gearshift knob, handbrake lever and the I-Drive-Controller. HAMANN adds further sporty nuances in the form of sport gearshift knobs (in aluminum or leather/aluminum), aluminum pedals, an aluminum handbrake lever and an aluminum footrest. An exclusive set of floor mats sporting the HAMANN logo in silver rounds off the interior offerings.

Of course, HAMANN customizes every 3-Series to individual customer requests. For example, luxurious leather upholsteries in a variety of colors are possible, as are extensive multimedia conversions featuring DVD player, TV or PlayStation.