2019 BMW 3 Series Gets More Horsepower, MagneRide-like Suspension
Optimized all-round visibility, glass roof with far larger surface area
The slender A-pillar trim, the new location of the Control Display and the rearview mirror’s ultra-slim frame all serve to optimize the view through the windscreen at the same time as adding to the interior’s more spacious feel. The view to the rear has also been significantly improved. Customers opting for the glass roof, will be greeted by a larger glass area that can be better enjoyed by rear seat passengers.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan’s trunk capacity has been increased from 15.8 to 17.0 cubic feet, and its new partitioning into primary luggage compartment and separate storage compartments has created an additional 1.3 cubic feet of space. The optional Storage package adds features such as extra storage areas, partition nets on both sides of the trunk, bag hooks, and a 12-volt socket. The standard 40:20:40 split-folding rear backrest makes it easy to transport particularly large and bulky items.
If the Comfort Access option is specified, the car will automatically unlock when the key FOB is detected in its immediate vicinity and lock again when it moves out of range. This feature’s functionality includes hands-free opening and closing of the trunk lid. A new movement sensor in the key permanently monitors whether the key is being carried (and therefore is always transmitting) or has been put down on a table, for example, allowing it to switch into standby mode with the transmit function deactivated.
Ambient lighting: an atmospheric interior mood
The standard lighting for the cabin of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is composed entirely of LEDs. This includes the reading and interior lights in the front and rear, as well as the lighting for the glove compartment, the storage compartment under the center armrest, the footwells, the mirrors in the sun visors and the boot, plus the courtesy lights in the doors. The optional ambient lighting results in atmospherically rich illumination of the cabin, which can also be adjusted as desired. The additional indirect lighting of the contour lines running along the instrument panel and the door paneling uses precisely positioned LED fiber-optic light guides to create a dynamic, exclusive mood.
A total of six light colors and eleven combinations of brightness, light distribution and color scheme for all light sources in the interior can be selected from the iDrive menu. In addition, the Dynamic interior light function emits pulsating light signals in specific situations. These signals appear on the inner trim of an open door when the engine is running and on the instrument panel in response to an incoming phone call. Another of the optional ambient lighting’s functions is the Welcome Light Carpet, which illuminates the approach to the doors when they are unlocked using the central locking or a door is opened.
Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight
In standard specification, the task of illuminating the road ahead falls to full-LED headlights that use LED units not just for low beam and high beam, but also for the daytime driving lights and direction indicators. The optional LED headlights with extended features include a dynamic cornering light function, and employ U-shaped LED units in the inner and outer headlights as daytime driving lights. Automatic High Beams are available as an additional option in conjunction with both headlight variants. The LED fog lamps (also optionally available) are horizontal in form and integrated into the outer air intakes.
For even better visibility when driving at night, customers can opt for the Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight, which offer variable illumination of the road ahead and a non-dazzling high beam. Blue, L-shaped accents inside the signature twin headlights reveal the presence of this highly sophisticated lighting technology.
Innovative technology is employed for cleaning the windshield too. The wiper arms with integral spray nozzles specially developed for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan allow the washer fluid to be distributed in a very even manner, ensuring it does not impair the view through the windscreen at whatever speed the car is traveling. Optimized acoustics: climate control, A-pillars, windscreen and doors
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan comes standard with a rain sensor, automatic headlights, a hands-free phone system and three-zone automatic climate control with independent control of the temperature and ventilation settings for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. The acoustic properties of both systems have been improved. The air ducts and outlets have been redesigned and pressure losses reduced, leading to a perceptible decrease in flow noise when the ventilation, heating or air conditioning are operating.
Body improvements to divert wind noise further boost acoustic comfort, while the structural foam used to fill the A-pillars lessens the amount of wind noise that reaches the interior. Acoustic glass for the windscreen is part of standard specification for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. This type of glass is available as an option for the side door windows.
Photos: Fabian Kirchbauer Photography