BMW has officially unveiled the new 2007 BMW 335i and 328i coupes, which arrive in U.S. showrooms this September. The 335 has a new 300 horsepower inline six-cylinder with twin-turbochargers, high-precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase, pushing the car to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. The 335i Coupe will be joined in the U.S. by the 230 horsepower 328i Coupe, which hits 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. In addition to the standard six-speed manual, both models will be offered with an available six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The 2007 3-Series coupe also includes the option of xDrive all-wheel drive for the first time ever in a BMW coupe. It will be available this fall in the 328xi Coupe. Adaptive Xenon headlights and Horizontal LED taillights are standard equipment. Details and image gallery after the jump…


Engines

The new BMW 3 Series Coupe will arrive in the U.S. with a choice of two six-cylinder engines including the world’s first inline six with twin turbos, high precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase. It is the most powerful engine within BMW’s wide range of inline six driving machines that does not wear an “M” badge. This brand-new version develops maximum output of 300 hp in US-spec from 3.0 liters and generates peak torque of 300 lb-ft for powerful acceleration in any situation.


Featuring high-precision fuel injection, the engine boasts a highly sophisticated and advanced direct fuel injection system. In true BMW fashion this results in outstanding performance combined with a significant reduction of fuel consumption.


A further advantage of turbocharging is that this is the most economical option to boost engine power and performance. For example, the turbocharged inline six weighs approximately 150 lbs less than an equally powerful eight-cylinder displacing 4.0 liters. And this lower weight means a significant advantage not only in fuel economy, but also in balancing the weight distribution of the overall car.


Featuring two turbochargers each supplying compressed air to three cylinders, the new turbocharged engine offers a new standard of spontaneity and responsiveness. Peak torque of 300 lb-ft comes smoothly and without delay, extending over a wide speed range from 1,400 - 5,000 rpm.


On the road, this power and torque result in outstanding performance. The 335i Coupe accelerates from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. This sense of urgency continues all the way to the electronically-limited top speed of 150 mph, when equipped with sport package.


This extremely efficient increase in power and performance is attributable in large part to gasoline direct injection. The high-precision fuel injection concept developed by BMW ensures a measurable advantage in fuel economy, without limiting the dynamic qualities of the engine.


To enhance this efficiency to an even higher level, the turbochargers are made of a particularly heat-resistant material which makes them immune to high exhaust gas temperatures in the interest of a fuel-efficient combustion process particularly under full load. As a result, the twin turbo technology in the BMW 335i Coupe represents a significant achievement in terms of both performance and fuel economy. The advantages over a conventional turbocharged engine are not only clearly measurable, but also easy to feel on the road.


BMW’s new twin-turbo inline six is making its debut in the new 335i Coupe. One cannot overlook the new 328i Coupe with its normally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engine. This is the latest model to take advantage of BMW’s weight-saving blend of magnesium and aluminum for the crankcase. The cylinder head cover and the bedplate are also made of aluminum. Fully variable Valvetronic valve management, an electric coolant pump and a fully controlled oil pump are features which serve to enhance the 328i Coupe’s efficiency and responsiveness.


The new engine in the 328i Coupe offers 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. With 0 - 60 mph acceleration in just 6.2 seconds, this new “entry-level” Coupe is quicker than the previous top-of-the-line 330Ci Coupe.


Both models come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox for the pure driving enthusiast. For those who prefer an automatic a six-speed Steptronic automatic is available. When ordered with the available sport package on the 335i Coupe, steering wheel mounted shift paddles are included, maximizing the sporting potential of the automatic.


The new six-speed Steptronic automatic uses an innovative torque converter and enhanced management software to improve shifting responsiveness. The response time of the automatic transmission on the new BMW 3 Series Coupe is down by approximately 40 per cent compared with a conventional automatic transmission. While fast, responsive gear changes can make driving more fun, the optimized selection of the appropriate gear for all driving conditions helps to reduce fuel consumption. This new automatic is a textbook example of BMW’s pursuit of Efficient Dynamics.


Chassis and suspension


Traditional rear-wheel drive and a near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution give the new BMW 3 Series Coupe ideal qualities for optimum driving dynamics. This, in combination with the high-tech suspension, enables the driver to convert the power and performance of the engine into an exhilarating driving experience. Boasting a double-pivot front suspension with spring struts made almost entirely of aluminum in combination with a five-link suspension at the rear, the new BMW 3 Series Coupe has the most advanced and sophisticated suspension in its class.


Reinforcement and support elements on the underfloor of the car serve to optimize the stiffness of the chassis which enables the suspension to work with the highest possible degree of precision. Interacting with the low centre of gravity and the specific set-up of the shock absorbers, the chassis and suspension work in perfect balance.


BMW’s rack-and-pinion steering has been widely praised for its precision and feedback and the steering in the new 3 Series Coupe is no exception. For the ultimate balance between agility at lower speeds and stability at higher speeds, BMW’s innovative Active Steering will be available. By adjusting the steering ratio, steering angle and power assistance to the speed of the car, Active Steering enables the driver to maneuver the 3 Series Coupe with minimum effort when parking and keep the car precisely on track at higher speeds.


The high-performance brake system requires 17-inch wheels to match the larger diameter of the brake discs which ensure outstanding stopping power and deceleration. Brake performance is further enhanced by BMW’s latest Dynamic Stability Control. Introduced on the 3 Series Sedan, BMW’s latest DSC incorporates several new functions. For example, DSC works to counteract the slightest brake fading effect even at extremely high brake temperatures by increasing brake pressure accordingly. This ensures maximum brake power even under the toughest conditions, without requiring the driver to exert any higher pressure.


Brake Standby positions the brakes closer to the discs after sudden lift off of the accelerator pedal to further reduce stopping distances in an emergency. Dry Braking, in turn, optimizes brake performance in the wet by using the brake pads to periodically dry the brake discs. Dynamic Brake Control automatically maximizes brake pressure whenever required in an emergency stop. Start-Off Assistant briefly holds the car when setting off on an uphill grade.


In a 3 Series Coupe equipped with Active Steering, DSC helps keep the car stable and under control when applying the brakes on surfaces varying in their frictional coefficient. DSC corrects the steering quickly and precisely for optimum control.


Dynamic Traction Control is another feature of DSC. Activation of DTC raises the threshold for intervention by the brakes, enabling the driver of a BMW 3 Series Coupe to set off smoothly on low friction surfaces such as snow. A benefit of DTC for the enthusiast is that it allows slight, easily controllable slip on the drive wheels even on a dry surface.


Of course, as in all BMWs, the driver also has the option to completely deactivate DSC in the new 3 Series Coupe.


BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be available as an alternative to rear-wheel drive for those who need an extra measure of traction with BMW responsiveness. Acknowledged as the most sophisticated and responsive of all-wheel drive systems, BMW xDrive allows the new 3 Series Coupe driver to enjoy the ultimate driving experience in all types of weather and driving. xDrive not only distributes power to each of the four wheels as road conditions require, it partners with DSC to play an active role in helping to stabilize the vehicle at the onset of oversteer or understeer. It will be available this fall in the 328xi Coupe.


The new BMW 3 Series Coupe comes standard with runflat tires for both models. Featuring the most advanced failsafe running qualities, these tires allow the driver to continue for up to 150 miles even under complete loss of pressure. The standard Tire Pressure Monitor gives plenty of warning and alerts the driver when the pressure of any tire falls 30 percent below the ideal level.


Ultra-modern body structure


The new BMW 3 Series Coupe is light, strong and stable at once. Its structure is tailored to improve agility, safety and comfort while also contributing to overall vehicle efficiency.


Low vehicle weight and a high standard of torsional body stiffness is also crucial to the car’s agility. In the event of a collision, the use of high-strength steel in critical areas, together with the exactly defined deformation zones, ensures effective absorption and, respectively, transfer of forces acting on the body of the car.


Reinforced B-pillars are a particularly impressive example of the high standard of development and excellence in design that the new BMW 3 Series Coupe has achieved, with a tubular structure throughout the B-pillars featured for the first time for added strength. This tubular reinforcement is made of ultra-strong steel in a warm-molding process and is heat-treated for top quality while still in the mold. The reinforcement tube is variably contoured in its cross-section, exactly matching the space available. Together with the crash box tailored to the loads, which act on the body, this ensures maximum safety.


The choice of materials and the arrangement of components at other points on the body also serve to optimize crash safety. The various properties of different types of steel and other materials are used to best effect. The space available for deformation on the new BMW 3 Series Coupe is used to minimize even the slightest impairment of the passenger cell. In a head-on collision, for example, dynamic deformation areas at the front keep impact energy away from the bulkhead and, accordingly, from the car’s footwells. In the event of a side-impact collision, the specially designed floor assembly ensures controlled transfer of forces acting on the car to the opposite side of the body.


The bulkhead support is made of innovative multi-phase steel offering outstanding strength and stability even on thin-gauge panels. Efficient interaction of the doors, the reinforced b-pillars, the seat structure and the instrument panel between the A-pillars serves likewise to maximize the strength of the side structure. The consequences of a collision from the rear are minimized by longitudinal carrier bars, a wide range of reinforcement elements, as well as the extra-strong luggage compartment floor panel, rear panel and side walls. Stable pillars and crossbars also help protect the passenger area in a rollover.


Naturally, BMW’s safety engineers sought from the start to fully maintain the passenger cell as a safe environment even in the most severe crash impact. Centrally masterminded restraint and support systems within the passenger compartment ensure individual occupant safety tailored for any contingency. The frontal, hip, side airbags along with curtain-type Head Protection System, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters are activated by sensor-controlled electronic safety systems as a function of the type and severity of a collision. With its robust body enhanced by a wide range of active and passive safety features, the new BMW 3 Series Coupe meets all requirements for optimum results in all crash tests.


With active driving calling for optimum visibility at night, the new BMW 3 Series Coupe comes standard in the U.S. with xenon adaptive headlights. Light rods in the rear light clusters stand out distinctly for a significant improvement of safety in the dark.


Whether in the dark or during the day, two-stage adaptive brake lights make an important contribution in enabling following drivers to recognize a dangerous situation well in advance. Whenever the driver applies the brakes particularly hard, and when the ABS function is activated, light intensity in the two-stage taillights is increased accordingly, prompting drivers following from behind to brake harder, too.


Standard and optional equipment


The list of comfort features boasted as standard equipment in the new BMW 3 Series Coupe is just as long and impressive as the list of safety elements. Particularly in the area of top-quality audio, navigation and telematic solutions, BMW offers optional high-tech concepts originally developed for the most outstanding luxury performance cars.


Here again, the focus is on the actual driving experience. The seating position at the rear is lower than in the Sedan, for example, gives the car’s occupants optimum headroom despite the low roof line of the Coupe. At the same time not only the driver and front passenger, but also the rear passengers will immediately feel and enjoy excellent side support.


The door handle trim, gearshift lever cover and vent grille adjusters, as well as the decorative trim in the leather sports steering wheel all come in Pearl Gray chrome surface finish developed exclusively for the new BMW 3 Series Coupe. The starter button is also finished in this material.



Through its design and configuration, the cockpit emphasizes the sporting and driver-oriented character of BMW’s new Coupe. Taking a seat behind the wheel, the driver will immediately focus on a newly designed instrument cluster which includes an oil temperature gauge positioned below the tachometer.


Buckling up in the new BMW 3 Series Coupe, both the driver and front passenger benefit from the newly developed belt feeder arm: The seat belt integrated in the B-pillar, moved back in typical coupe fashion, is automatically “delivered” to the driver and front passenger once they close the door and once the key has been inserted into the ignition slot. Connected to the seat occupancy detector, the passenger-side belt feeder arm is only activated when the front passenger has actually taken a seat. With the belt delivery unit housed conveniently within the side panels, this new system does not impair the elegant look of the interior.


Access to the two seats at the rear has been made even easier. The lever for releasing the seat position is fitted in perfect ergonomic arrangement at the top on the outside of the backrest.


The new BMW 3 Series Coupe was conceived from the start as a four-seater. Comfort for rear seat passengers is further enhanced by the center console which includes individual storage boxes with a cover on top, additional air outlet vents and footwell lights.