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BMW 3-Series Touring Revealed as 328i, 330d and 320d

BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
8471 photos
43 videos
has revealed the Touring model of the new F30 3-SeriesBMW BMW 3 Series Gen.6 [F30/F31]Germany, 2012 > present115 versions
355 photos
1 video
that adds a small estate to the lineup.

The Touring model adds 97mm to the overall length and 50mm to the wheelbase to add extra room for luggage and passengers. The added room gives the car 35 more liters of interior space to 495 liters. It comes standard with a 40:20:40 folding rear seat. It also offers a separate window opening and 62cm high load floor.

Optionally, BMW is offering an automatic-opening tailgate and electrically pivoting trailer hitch.

Mechanically, the Touring models are identical to their sedan counterparts. The touring will be available as the 328i with 245hp, 320d with 184hp and 330d and 258hp initially. A six-speed manual transmission is standard for the 328i and 320d with an eight-speed automatic as an option. The automatic is standard on the 330d. All the models have start/stop technology.

The Touring comes with electric power steering that is 40kg lighter to turn. BMW is also offering an optional M Sport suspension and Adaptive M Sport suspension as an option.

Later in the year, BMW will expand the Touring with the 320iBMW 320i LuxuryGermany, 2012 > present2 photos
, 318dBMW 318d ModernGermany, 2012 > present2 photos
and 316dBMW 316dGermany, 2012 > present1 photo
.

The 3 Series Generations

Launched in 1975, the 3 Series is a compact executive car, successor of the New Class, and is currently produced in its 6th generation. When launched just after the 1973 oil crisis, the model attracted customers seeking both prestige and economy. BMW could nearly double its worldwide sales figures in three years thanks to this model which continues a bestseller and received several automotive awards and honors.

1. BMW 3-Series: 1975-1982

The first 3 Series came in 1975. The two-door sedan had a compact but at the same time ‘grown-up’ appearance, complemented by sporty suspension technology and four-cylinder engines with a displacement of 1573, 1766 and 1990 cc respectively. The model designations were 316, 318, 320 and 320i. In 1981, the millionth 3 Series was completed after just six years of production, making it the most successful BMW of its period.

2. BMW 3 Series: 1982-1990

The 2nd 3 Series brought a new design, optimised aerodynamics, more space and comfort, higher power and additional body and engine variants. A four-door car (1983), a convertible and the M3 sports car (both 1985) joined. Also the first diesel and first four-wheel drive models are offered. With more than 2.3 million units sold, sales of the predecessor model were even exceeded by a million.

3. BMW 3 Series: 1990 - 1998

In 1990, the 3rd generation was introduced, being larger and more spacious. The two-door coupe, convertible and the M3 followed in 1992. The 3 Series Compact was launched in 1994. The power units in the coupé version featured for the first time VANOS variable camshaft control. Two further newcomers were the 325tds featuring a six-cylinder diesel engine as well as the first four-cylinder turbo diesel under the bonnet of the 318tds.

4. BMW 3 Series: 1998 - 2005

1998 saw the arrival of the 4th 3 Series, which was four centimetres longer and wider than its predecessor, the interior also having grown accordingly. At the end of 1999, it was 3rd in the registration statistics, something a car in this class had never achieved before.

5. BMW 3 Series: 2005 - 2012

The 5th generation of the 3 Series celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2005. The BMW Efficient Dynamics development strategy introduced fuel economy and low emission levels to the line-up. In the model year 2010, all engines fulfilled the EU5 emission standard.

6. BMW 3 Series: since 2012

BMW introduced the 6th, and current, generation for the 3-Series model in November 2011. The new 3 Series grew significantly over the previous model but is at the same time 40 kg lighter. For the first time, the 3-series is available exclusively with turbocharged engines. Base engine is the 2.0, liter 328i with 245hp, most efficient is the 320d EfficientDynamics with 163hp and most powerful is the 335i with 306hp.