BMW is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the three Collection 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 era) and the E46 (fourth era) are maybe the fanatics’ favorites, though the E90 represented a giant stride in the direction of digitalization and effectivity, being the primary 3 Collection to incorporate iDrive and a turbocharged gasoline engine.
Nonetheless, at this time we’ll evaluate the sixth-generation 3 Collection, designated the F30. It was produced from 2011 to 2019, and along with the standard sedan and property physique types, the F30 was out there in fastback (3 Collection Gran Turismo) and long-wheelbase (LWB) variants. Each elevated the practicality and luxury of rear passengers. Nonetheless, the three Collection coupe and convertible fashions had been spun off because the 4 Collection (F32).
F30: Elevated Give attention to Luxurious
Probably the most vital change with the F30 was the elevated emphasis on luxurious, with extra refined interiors, better personalization choices and mechanical enhancements equivalent to electrical energy steering and journey high quality refinement. In addition to, the F30 was additionally the primary 3 Collection 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 challenge with this — they claimed that in an effort to draw shoppers from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus, BMW had ‘civilized’ the three Collection and diluted its efficiency DNA.
Even then, a lot of the F30 patrons weren’t die-hard efficiency fanatics anyway, so the adjustments weren’t solely acceptable but additionally efficient. Certainly, the F30 achieved 2.6 million gross sales and gained accolades equivalent to WhatCar? Government Automotive of the 12 months, Golden Steering Wheel by Auto Bild, and Car Journal’s All-Star.
If that weren’t sufficient, the chauffeur-oriented, long-wheelbase mannequin accounted for 80 p.c of the three Collection gross sales in China. Bear in mind, China overtook the US as BMW’s largest 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 automobile 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 handbook or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The DCT M3 may go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, whereas the handbook 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 may dash to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and obtain a prime pace 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 characteristic 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 stated, the F30’s total legacy nonetheless stays a subject of debate. Because it represented BMW’s shift in the direction of luxurious and luxury, many view it as probably the most ‘boring’ and uninteresting 3 Collection era. Nonetheless, these in Munich argue they’d no different alternative, as they wanted to develop the three Collection’ buyer base. We personally loved driving the F30/F80 — even when they weren’t fairly as enjoyable because the E90 or G20 — and would suggest them to anybody seeking to purchase a used BMW.
