2007 BMW 3-series

For 2007, the best sports sedans and sports wagons in the compact luxury segment receive new engines, improved performance, new colors and interior updates

Interior upgrades, new exterior colors

Galvanic silver trim matching the trim around the start/stop button has been applied to the climate control knobs adding a premium touch to the console. The sport steering wheel, available with the optional Sport Package, is now the same as that of the 3 Series Coupes’ with galvanic accents. Satellite radio preparation is standard. There are two changes to the 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon exterior color palette: Crimson Red replaces Electric Red and Montego Blue metallic takes over for Mystic Blue metallic.

The fifth generation of the 3 Series

From their low, wind-slicing front end through an upswept silhouette to a high trunk lid or large-area tailgate that enhances aerodynamics and cargo space, the ’07 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons are a logical progression from their predecessors. Not only does the first glance tell you that these are BMWs; it also tells you clearly that they are 3 Series.

Compared to their predecessors, these models are larger in every dimension. Their wheelbase it is up by 1.4 in., length is 2.2 in. greater for the Sedans, 1.9 in. for the Sports Wagons. Width has increased a full 3.0 in. and the new models are 0.8 in. (Sedans) or 1.0 in. taller. These increases in exterior dimensions translate into greater safety capabilities, enhanced luxury and comfort equipment and greater passenger and cargo space: shoulder room, front head room, rear knee room and EPA-rated passenger and cargo volumes have all increased.

Exterior  

The exterior design:
3 Series tradition, freshly expressed
The current 3 Series consistently reflects the new direction set by BMW design with the 7 Series in 2002 and evolved with the new 5 Series in ’04. At the same time, it is true to its heritage, radiating the dynamic presence that has increasingly characterized this Series with each new generation.

At the front. In this face of strong character, distinctively formed four-beam headlight units wrap around and taper to a precise point, emphasizing in the front view the vehicle’s width and in profile its short front overhang. With the Xenon Adaptive lights (optional 328i/xi models, standard 335i model), BMW’s distinctive and popular luminous rings function as additional parking lights and also illuminate when the headlights are on.

In profile: Sedans. There is much “swing” in the side view: the hood cut line, sloping upward and then continuing to become the beltline and on past the C-pillar; a strong character line corresponds to that of the previous 3 Series, but sets up a stronger convex/concave intersection. Taillights that wrap well around into the body sides form an esthetic “punctuation” while enhancing visibility of the vehicle from the side – an active-safety factor. 328i/xi Sedans have all-black side-window framing; 335i Sedans have chrome and black.

Sports Wagons. Identical from the A-pillars forward and using the same front doors, the Sports Wagons take on their own (but consistent) character from the B-pillar rearward. The roofline and the side windows’ upper line taper downward while the beltline continues upward, creating an expressly sporty wagon profile. Standard roof rails add swing and function to the profile as well.

At the rear: Sedans. A graceful arc connecting the taillight edges through the integral spoiler’s lower edge is at the top; the top of the spoiler is the continuation of a line that begins in the C-pillar. Below the spoiler, the surface goes concave toward the license-plate recess. The trunk’s outer edges sweep down into the bumper, making a conveniently low loading height also a visual treat. Functional/esthetic shapes are sculpted into the lower bumper area to help organize airflow at the back of the vehicle.

Sports Wagons. The side beltline wraps around to become an across-the-tailgate character line just under the separately opening rear windows. At the top, an integrated roof spoiler forms a graceful conclusion to the roofline, helping smooth airflow and incorporating the 3rd brake light. Like the Sedan‘s trunklid, the tailgate reaches down into the bumper for a low loading height.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamically, this is the smoothest 3 Series yet. At 0.30, the rear-wheel-drive Sedans are a “point” better than the previous models’ 0.31; at 0.31, the Sports Wagons are also a point better than their predecessor. The overall shape of either body style is calibrated to maintain low aerodynamic lift at higher speeds; a visually interesting and also functional sharp edge at the taillights’ corners helps ensure efficient airflow at the rear.
 
Improved corrosion-proofing
and paint processes

In preparing to produce the new 3 Series, BMW has further developed its rustproofing and paint processes. The refinements include:
• Body shell now virtually fully galvanized, for further enhanced corrosion resistance. Standing behind this claim is BMW’s 12-year/unlimited-mileage Rust-Perforation Warranty.br />• Pre-paint preparation further improved. Bodies for the 3 are cleaned and prepared for priming in a new 12-zone process.
• Rotation dipping for pre-paint preparation and primer application. This improves the cleaning process, and means that primers and corrosion-proofing coats reach even more fully into the body’s nooks and crannies.

Interior