Small BMW grows in every direction, inside and out
By Alexander Corne
THESE are the first official pictures of next year's bigger and better equipped BMW 3-Series.
It has been stretched in every direction, inside and out, almost reaching the proportions of the 1980s generation 5-Series.
The external styling closely resembles the present 5-Series, especially around the side windows and C pillar, while the front end, with its kidney grille now part of the hood, bears traces of the Z3's muscular lines.
The headlights, with their curvy cutouts into the lower panel, serve to remind observers that BMW has always used dual individual circular lamps.
Inveterate BMW-spotters will also note the demise of the pull- up, flush-fit door handles, replaced by the pull type handle so beloved of Mercedes.
The short, high rump is disguised by larger taillights which now spill over into the trunk lid, while a black rubbing strip stretches around the color-coded bumper at its most prominent edge.
The new 3-Series, coded E46, goes on sale late next year following a world launch at the Geneva motor show in March.
The E46 is almost certain to benefit from technological trickle down from the current 5 and 7-Series cars.
While details are still vague, it is expected the cars will have aluminum suspension components to pare back weight, allowing for the larger body and increase in standard and optional equipment.
Chief among the options is likely to be the multifunction steering wheel with integrated telephone controls, television and satellite navigation screen, while increased active safety is provided by front door-mounted air bags and BMW's new for 1998 inflatable tubular structure, or head air bag. This is already available on 1998 model 7-Series cars.
Engine choices at launch may be confined to the 1.8-liter 87kW four-cylinder 8-valve and 2.8-liter 142kW 24-valve straight-six. The 1.9-liter 103kW 16-valve four and 2.5-liter 125kW 24-valve six are expected later.
The 3-Series Coupe is expected on sale only in late 1999, and the new M3 soon after.
The increased size of the 3-Series fuels speculation concerning BMW's plans regarding a smaller car range.
This 2-Series could come in three and five-door versions, replacing the Compact hatch, which has been a good seller for BMW in Europe.
Meanwhile BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, factory has produced its 100,000th Z3 Roadster, just two years after the start of production.
The Z3 has been a huge success around the world and is offered in three models, with a choice of 1.9-liter four-cylinder, 2.8- liter straight-six and the barnstorming 3.2-liter M engines.