Although not many official specifications have been released on the 2005 model, many speculations have been received. Some spotting tests and leakages from reputable sources have come out, depicting what the all new BMW 3 series is all about. Spotted during testing in Germany, the next-generation 3 Series looks as though it won't wander away too far from its current shape and size. While the new 5 Series engages the "flame surfacing" idea preferred by BMW's current chief of design, the next 3 Series will look more like a little brother version of the preceding BMW 5 Series. Engine choices probably won't change all that much although the high-performance Motorsport coupe is expected to get V8 power.

 

 

BMW's iDrive control system is a plausible addition along with plenty of other new comfort and convenience features essential to keep the best-selling sedan at the top of the sales charts. The BMW 3 Series sedan will be outfitted with one of four base engines. Base version BMW 320i will obtain the 2-liter engine, 150 h.p. at 6.200 rev/min. Top speed is 219 km/h. The two-liter diesel engine sports 163 h.p. Acceleration till 100 km/h will take only 8,2 sec., and the top speed is 225 km/h. 325i with the restructured 6-cylinder engine spews out 218 h.p. 0-100 km/h takes 7 seconds.

 

The top honcho version is BMW 330i. The automobile with 3-liter flat-six engine develops 258 h.p. at 6.600 rev/min. 0-100 km/h takes 6.3 seconds, and his top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. All base versions are designated with a mechanical 6-gear box, and for an additional payment it will be possible to order 6-gear Steptronic with an opportunity of a manual gear shift.

 

Versions with two-liter engines, both petrol and diesel, will receive 16-inch light-alloy wheels with tires of dimension 205/55, the version 325i, 16-inch light-alloy wheels with tires 205/55, and the most powerful version, the 17-inch wheels with tires 225/45. DSC is included in a standard complete set of all versions of the automobile. Orders are already pouring in from the United States which could very well replicate the success the BMW 3 series has had over the years.