How does the BMW 3 differ from the 5. How does the BMW M Sport package differ from the BMW M series? Features of "BMW" assembled in Russia
Now the cars of the German automobile concern BMW are at their peak of popularity in Tajikistan. If a year or two ago, Tajiks were afraid of buying a BMW for the reasons that BMW parts were not only expensive, but also made to order. But time passed ... Now there is no difficulty in finding this or that auto part for BMW (and not only for it), and people also realized that BMW does not bite at all, moreover, now there are more BMW fans than any other brand of cars ..
But we are talking about something else. With the advent of BMW, as with the advent of something new, people had a lot of questions, and this is understandable, because BMW has many models, modifications, the head will go round ... And perhaps the most pressing question is what is the difference between the M version of BMW and a simple BMW or BMW in the M-package. They call the BMW M Series the M-package, or they call all the sporty BMW M-series the name “M5”, because in fact the M5 is just the M version of the BMW 5-series. Each BMW model has its own M-mark. And you can list it endlessly.
Having spent a couple of dozen minutes surfing the Internet to search for information about what are the differences between the M-package and the M version of BMW, unfortunately, we did not find anything sensible. It became clear why people are "in the tank" and cannot get out of it, because there is no information, and for this reason they cannot correctly differentiate BMW.
To dispel the puzzle, the site team wants to talk a little about BMW models and point out the main differences between simple, M-packages and M versions of BMW models.
The BMW model range is divided into large groups: numerical series, Z series and X series. The X series is urban crossovers, and the X designation stands for the xDrive system, in other words, it is a cross-drive system (some also call it all-wheel drive). The X series includes: X1, X3, X5 and X6. The Z series (meaning from the German word "Zukunft" - the future) is a sports car with an open body. The Z series includes: Z1, Z3, Z4, Z8. The numerical series BMW includes sedans and station wagons (but it would be more correct to call Touring, Opel and Mercedes-Benz have station wagons, and BMW has sports touring, according to BMW), which include models: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Now to the main question "the difference between eMoks and ordinary BMWs":
Firstly, the M version of one or another BMW class takes the most top-end engine, while the M division further enhances it. For example, the BMW X6 50i and X6 M have identical 4.4 gasoline engines, but the BMW X6 has 407 horsepower, and the X6 M has 555! The difference is as much as 148 horsepower ...
Secondly, and the most prominent thing is the appearance. The exterior of the BMW M Series also differs from the standard production version by an aerodynamic body kit: the bumper, skirts and rear bumper are designed in a special style of the BMW M Series. But, a distinctive feature of many BMW M series are the so-called gills for additional air intake, which are located on the front fenders of the car. By the way, in some M models of BMW, the wheelbase is also wider.
Thirdly, the gearbox of the M versions is reinforced and modified. For example, in the BMW M5, the E60 body is equipped with an SMG gearbox.
Fourthly, in the M versions there is always a special exhaust system (at the back you can see 4 exhaust pipes). The roar of the exhaust from the M version is richer.
Fifthly, the suspension of the BMW M is also different from the conventional suspension, as the speed increases and the car needs to stay on the road with confidence.
Sixth, branded BMW M series wheels differ from all others in appearance and have high speed performance on the road. They are also much lighter in weight. Anyway, the whole car is aimed at reducing weight for faster acceleration.
Seventh, the interior of the M versions is finished with the best materials. The car is equipped with a special equipment for the M series interior. Gearbox petals on the steering wheel, projection on the windshield, leather upholstery with M branded embroidery, sports steering wheel and much more.
Also a distinctive feature of the BMW M series is the distinctive /// M badge (letter “M” with three tricolor stripes: blue, blue and red). However, anyone can buy such a badge and hang it on the same diesel, which is far from the power and equipment of the BMW M series. Such cases, especially in Tajikistan, are far from uncommon. But what is there, some manage to attach such a nameplate to both Opel and Daewoo ...
A bit of clarification: the M-package is an optional retrofit package to achieve the BMW M-style. Typically, this retrofit kit is made at the factory to order. But the cases of retrofitting after the release of the car are not uncommon. It turns out that the body kits are changed, but what is under the hood and the suspension itself remains the same. You can find BMW 530d - a diesel engine with a volume of 3 liters, and externally the car will be like the M series. It is not uncommon for a car to be retrofitted not just to the M-package, but to the M: bumpers, "skirts", exhaust pipes, etc. Almost everything that is listed in the article changes.
By the way, some small "cloudy" statistics. BMWs of the following series are popular in Dushanbe: 3, 5, 7, X5 and X6. At the same time, there are not so many M versions, about 3-4 BMW M3s, in the same number of M5s as for the X5M and X6M, then they can also be counted on the fingers of one hand.
P.S. And remember, diesel M versions of BMW do not exist in nature. For example, the X6 M50d is a BMW X6 with a 3.0 diesel unit and three turbines, and externally - BMW M Performance. It's powerful enough, fast enough, similar to the X6 M, but it's a diesel X6.
Finally - a selection of handsome BMW M3, M5, M6, X5M and X6M!
What now? The Bavarians added two more hatchbacks to the existing bodies: the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. And they completely confused us!
Do not look at the fact that now some of the cars (sedan, station wagon and hatch "Gran Turismo") belong to the 3 Series family, and the coupe, convertible and "Gran Coupe" belong to the fourth. Yes, the "fours" have a different design, a wider track and less ground clearance, but this does not change the essence: the platform, the engines, and the interior are essentially the same here. Moreover, at first glance, the difference between the models is absolutely minimal.
Of course, the more prestigious car of the fourth series cannot be equipped with weak engines. If the "three-ruble" is at least 316i, then the minimum index of the "four" is 420i and not one less. The equipment is also a little richer here. But not so much! Look at the price: if the most basic BMW 420i Gran Coupe costs 2 million 266 thousand, then the sedan BMW 320i can take 1 million 919 thousand. The difference is 350 thousand. A lot!
And, unlike the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, which looks a million times cooler than the usual “five”, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe does not look much more expensive than a three-ruble note. At least in a "vacuum", but if you put two cars side by side, you will immediately see that the hatchback is lower, wider and generally steeper. Moreover, it already has one of the equipment packages by default: Sport Line, Modern Line or Luxury Line. Depending on the choice, the "four" will differ in bumpers, wheels, interior decor and some other equipment. Have "three rubles" for them still have to pay extra.
What's the difference on driving? All the nuances of handling must be described with the word "it seems". It seems that the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is slightly sharper and more precise than a regular sedan. It seems that at the same time the suspension is even a little more energy-intensive and although the BMW only slightly rounds out small irregularities, the car copes with larger ones quite confidently. Or is it just it seems?
In any case, the Quartet behaves remarkably well on the road. The only complaint about the car is that its straight steering wheel is too light and a little empty. However, this is "treated" by ordering the M-package.
It certainly doesn't seem like the 428i's 2.0-liter engine is great. It has ideal characteristics: 245 horsepower and 350 Newton meters is enough for the "four" to catapult from a traffic light to 100 km / h in six seconds, humiliating a couple of tuned hot hats on the way. And yet the power of five horsepower falls short of the draconian vehicle tax rate. In this situation, the 435i version is simply not needed: the difference in dynamics from the 428i is not radical, and if you really want to burn out like hell, then you should immediately take the M3 or M4.
Even the engine sounds great: at medium revs it hums like a six-cylinder, and closer to the top it is filled with a typical BMW trill. True, it's quiet, but if you want an obscenely loud soundtrack, again, you need to look towards the M-models.
BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission with a twist. In fact, there are two of them: regular and "sports" versions. To understand which version is on the car, you can look at the paddle shifters - if they are, then it is the "sports" one. She has exactly the same hardware and even the same gear ratios. The difference is in the "software", which allows you to quickly click the transfer. And although the usual "automatic" does not have the slightest problem with the speed of switching, in sport mode it allows you to save a couple of tenths when accelerating to a hundred. And at the same time twitch the driver a little when switching, which, with super-smooth thrust of the turbo engine, is perhaps even a plus.
But still, where is that chic? After all, all the same can be said about the usual sedan of the third series. And if the X6 is radically different from the X5, and the “six” of the Gran Coupe is from the usual 5 Series, then everything is a little more complicated here.
Practicality? Yes, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe looks like a sedan (whatever the name says) and yet has the functionality of a hatchback. The volume of the trunk is 480 liters, which is exactly the same as that of a regular "three-ruble note", but at the same time you can fold the rear backrests and get 1,300 liters with a wide opening. But for the most practical there is the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo: its trunk is not only even larger (from 520 to 1,600 liters, for a minute), it has a longer wheelbase (more spacious for rear passengers), and the ground clearance is higher (the driver does not so scary on bad roads).
Wow, we have piled up a vegetable garden!
However, this is not the fault of the "four" as such. It's not bad, it's just that the usual Bavarians' treshka turned out to be so brilliant that it is almost impossible to improve something in it. Another indirect confirmation of this is the recent restyling, in which the BMW 3 Series, in fact, received new engines and several new options. And that's it!
Throughout the entire production period of BMW cars, there have always been those willing to pay for the excellent driving performance characteristic of this brand. With the release of the new model, there are more and more fans of Bavarian cars, which in turn forces the manufacturer to constantly improve the model range and equipment of each model of the BMW series.
1 series BMW.
The uniqueness of this series lies in the arrangement of the drive and motor. BMW1, the only car of its class in the world, with a longitudinal engine layout and rear axle drive. This arrangement affected the behavior of the car on the road, which significantly distinguishes it from all kinds of competitors. The manufacturer's goal was to create an affordable BMW series for the consumer, without losing quality and comfort, compared to BMW 3 Series cars. Attracting new fans to its ranks, the concern created a car with an unusual body type - a hatchback, but retained its recognizable appearance.
At first glance, it becomes clear that it is BMW in front of you, you don't even need to look for the logo on the hood or trunk to be convinced of this. The technical principles that are the hallmark of the brand have also been preserved: excellent handling, excellent brakes and a stable, slightly harsh suspension. The unit got such a character thanks to the good weight distribution of the car. By placing the engine over the front axle, the weight distribution is split evenly across both axles, 50:50. The interior of the unit repeats the older BMW model. By using more rigid materials in the upholstery, the high-quality fit of the upholstery components meets the quality criteria of the BMW concern. Thanks to a wide range of adjustments, a fairly comfortable seating can be achieved on the front seats, which cannot be said about the rear seats of the passenger compartment, where passengers will be cramped. But this feature exists in all other golf class cars presented by various automakers.
BMW 1 Series engines.
What does it take to reveal the character of a car? Powerful engine with plenty of horsepower, comfortable and fast. The larger the engine displacement, the more horses under the hood, the faster the car will show itself. Silence and swiftness, what the creators of the unit from Bavaria conceived and embodied. The smaller BMW model available, was equipped with a fairly wide range of engines, from 1.6 to 2.0 liters petrol and 1.8 or 2.0 diesel. However, diesel engines are not officially supplied to Russia, due to the poor quality of diesel fuel, which, according to the manufacturer, will not show the car in its best qualities, and will not allow the declared service life of the engine. However, the 2007 models assume the installation of 3.0 and 3.5 liter engines.
Since the restyling of the model, which took place in 2007, they have modernized and increased the power of the engines, except for the most recent ones, 3.0 and 3.5 liters, and also, the fans of the brand were presented with a car with a “coupe” body. All BMW engines have the familiar, chain-driven timing system, which has proven itself to be the best in terms of reliability. That allows you to maximize the life of the engine without unnecessary maintenance costs.
Also, the manufacturer does not specify the exact oil change interval when using high quality lubricants. But, the electronic oil quality control system will prompt the moment of oil change in case of a critical condition of the engine lubrication. For this, a warning lamp is provided on the dashboard. According to the manufacturer's recommendation, with a careful and calm driving style, the engine oil change interval is up to 30,000 kilometers. What manufacturers could not avoid is the inherent BMW oil appetite between replacements, therefore, as with all models, the oil level must be checked periodically on one unit, regardless of engine size.
The main feature of the BMW 1 Series is the instability of the engine to overheating, which immediately affects the block head, right up to its replacement, for further operation. In this regard, in the operating manual, it is strongly recommended to periodically check the oil level in the engine, monitor the temperature and at least once a year to clean the honeycomb of the radiator of the engine cooling system. It is also recommended to change the coolant at least once a year.
Suspension 1 Series BMW.
The elements of the suspension, transmission, as well as the engine, were inherited from their older brothers. As in the BMW 5, the front suspension is of the MacPherson type, with aluminum levers, the rear as in the BMW 3, multi-link, steel. In the conditions of bad roads in the CIS countries, the suspension of the BMW 1, like its older brothers, does not really withstand the load, different units and parts have to be replaced after different periods of operation. Although, this factor directly depends on the manner of operating a particular car. The unit, like all other BMW models, stands out significantly from other car manufacturers with its brakes. The manufacturer makes very high demands on the brake discs, only 1.5 - 2 mm the degree of wear of the brake discs is allowed, after which they need to be replaced. Mechanical transmissions are highly reliable, and automatic transmissions require additional attention due to worn clutches, which can only be checked at an authorized BMW station. The declared service life of the gearbox clutch is about 100 thousand km with a calm driving style.
3 series BMW.
The Bavarian treshka has steadily occupied high positions in the general vehicle fleet for many years. This applies to both used and new vehicles on the market. It is she who is the most purchased BMW model in Russia and the CIS countries. In the price range, the BMW 3 sits ahead of the older model, the 5 Series, but above the 1 Series. Occupying a middle position between the models, the equipment is quite wide, as for a middle-class car. Manufacturers offer cars in various configurations with a choice of engine and body type for every taste and budget.
For the troika, the manufacturer offers a wide range of engines, both gasoline and diesel. The body of the car was also not ignored, providing a choice between a coupe, a sedan and a station wagon. In addition, for lovers of uniqueness, you can purchase a charged version of the BMW M3 with unique characteristics.
From the moment of production until the end of 2008, the cars were supplied from the USA and Germany. Regardless of the country of export, the car could be selected in good condition and of various configurations. Also, do not lose sight of the cars bought in car dealerships new, but after a while, put up for sale.
After the opening of the assembly line in Kaliningrad, the model became more accessible to the buyer, but only if he was satisfied with a sedan equipped with a 4 or 6-cylinder engine with a manual or automatic transmission, without any special bells and whistles. In addition to everything, the Kaliningrad assembly had some drawbacks in the hood paint, although the official dealer eliminated this malfunction under warranty, of course, if the car was bought in the showroom.
BMW interior and body3.
BMW is known as a car made for the driver. Maximum comfort and excellent ergonomics of the driver's seat attracts everyone who has ever driven this car. The central panel is turned towards the driver, a fairly wide range of seat adjustments, the ability to adjust the steering column both in tilt and reach, all this undoubtedly complements the driver's comfort. The chair has excellent lateral support, which will certainly affect the comfort when performing sharp maneuvers. So, the driver will feel as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, this cannot be said about the comfort of passengers in the back seat, behind a driver and a passenger of tall stature. Legroom for these passengers will not be enough. The build quality of the interior materials used in the BMW 3 Series is one of the best in its class. The good impression is complemented by the rich equipment of the model. Those interested can pay extra and buy a car with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, you can do without a surcharge if you buy a car imported from the United States. Almost all cars on the American market are equipped with automatic transmissions, leather interior (with mandatory heated seats in the front and even the back row) and a rich package, in contrast to European counterparts. The paintwork pleases with its impeccability, the fitting of the body units is carried out to the millimeter exactly. However, there are also small flaws in individual nodes. So, over time, backlash may occur in the front door locks, in rare cases, you will have to purchase new ones, but basically the problem is eliminated by adjusting the service or on your own with skillful hands. He does not like C and fast driving on our roads, full of bumps and potholes, the result of such a ride will be a problem with the support cups of the front shock absorbers. Most often, they crack and will need to be strengthened and welded by welding.
BMW engines 3.
In the vast expanses of the former Soviet Union, the bulk of 3 series cars with a gasoline engine, turbocharged diesel engines are extremely rare. The range of gasoline engines consists mainly of 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 - liter, reliable and dynamic engines. However, almost all BMW engines are sensitive to overheating. To avoid the cost of repairing the head of the engine block, it is necessary to pay maximum attention to the temperature of the engine and the condition of the cooling system itself. Also, a distinctive feature of Bavarian motors is the consumption of oil. If for 1000 km. mileage, oil consumption does not exceed 1 liter of oil, the engine is considered to be in order. This consumption is due to the design feature of BMW engines, which does not interfere with enjoying driving a car in various modes, the acceleration dynamics will delight even the most skeptical driver. The complete set of the car with a manual transmission does not imply any special features of service. An automatic transmission will require periodic checks at a service station, especially if a powerful engine is installed on the car, and the driving style implies dynamic acceleration. In this case, premature wear of the automatic transmission clutches is possible.
5 series BMW.
In 1995, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a new generation of the BMW 5 Series model with the E39 body index was presented. The new model has shown an incredible leap forward in the automotive industry of the Bavarian manufacturer. The straight, sometimes chopped body shapes were replaced by smooth transitions from the radiator grille to the rear bumper of the car. The width of the body has noticeably changed upwards, the rigidity of the body has increased, which has improved the handling of the car and has a positive effect on the safety of passengers and the driver. Imagination was also struck by the internal interior, as if continuing the external smoothness of the lines right in the cabin. Even after so many years, this model does not look outdated against the background of the modern BMW 5 in terms of design and comfort. For two years, only cars with a sedan body were produced, and in 1997 the production of station wagons began. For consumers in Western Europe, the assembly was carried out only in Germany, therefore, almost the entire secondary market of the CIS is filled with such cars.
Two years later, in 1999, they began to assemble BMWs in Kaliningrad. Initially, it was a "screwdriver" assembly, the bodies were supplied painted in Germany, the engines were assembled there, the assembly shops only put everything together and sold on the Russian market. In terms of the equipment level, Kaliningrad cars were inferior to their German counterparts, but this was offset by a lower price. Cars assembled in Russia were equipped with only 2.5 and 2.8 liter engines without an on-board computer. Those who did not like this configuration option bought a German-made BMW. Both Russian and German cars were sold at the same time, the difference in price made the Russian analogue more popular. In addition, Kaliningrad vehicles were equipped with a reinforced chassis, in which it was 22 mm. higher ground clearance due to higher springs, reinforced anti-roll bar. Also, the original crankcase protection was added to the basic configuration and, most importantly, the engine on the Russian car was made less susceptible to low fuel quality.
BMW 5 Series Engines.
Initially, the 5 series was equipped with an in-line six-cylinder engine with an aluminum block head with a volume of 2.5 and 2.8 liters. Power was equal to 170 and 193 hp, respectively. Compared to the "cast-iron" predecessors, they did not really win in power, so on the 2.5-liter engine, the power was specially underestimated by 22 hp, and V-shaped engines appeared only in 1996. It was then that the installation of a 3.5 liter (235 hp), 4.0 liter (286 hp), 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine and an inline six with a volume of 2.0 liters (150 hp) began on the BMW 5. In the secondary market, cars with a 2.0-liter engine and a manual transmission are not uncommon, primarily due to German economy, but even in the basic configuration, a dynamic stabilization system, ABS, climate control and 4 airbags were installed. In the more expensive version, leather, electrically adjustable seats, double glazing and air suspension were installed. The body was galvanized, practically did not give in to corrosion, this was undoubtedly appreciated by all owners of the BMW 5 Series car. However, if body repair is necessary, it is best to carry out the work at a specialized car service, which has all the necessary equipment for repairing a galvanized BMW body.
Nikasil.
Special attention should be paid to engines with a nickel-silicon coating of the inner surface of the cylinder. In colloquial speech, such a coverage is called nikasil and has a certain nuance in operation. Engines with a nikasil coating of the cylinder are found on cars manufactured before 1998. The properties of the nickel-silicon coating exclude the use of fuel containing lead, over time, lead inclusions "eat up" the coating, after which it will be necessary to replace the cylinder block or carry out its liner. For this reason, the engine resource of operated cars in the CIS did not exceed 100 thousand km, although there were also long-livers with a range of up to 200 thousand km. The wear of the nickel-silicon coating resulted in increased oil consumption, reaching 2 liters per 1,000 km. mileage.
The sports engine, M series, with a capacity of 490 hp, a displacement of 4.9 liters, with eight throttle valves (one per cylinder) appeared in 1998. On cars equipped with such an engine, only a 6-speed gearbox was installed, with the help of which the car accelerated to 100 km / h in 5.3 seconds, which corresponded to the class of expensive sports cars.
Over time, the range of engines installed on the BMW 5 engines was supplemented by 2 and 3-liter diesels with 136 and 194 hp. respectively, and in 2001, a 3.0 liter inline six was released. The timing drive (gas distribution mechanism) is chain, which practically does not require special attention to itself, but is distinguished by high reliability and accuracy in operation. The chain is tensioned due to the oil pressure in the lubrication system by means of a hydraulic compensator.
Depending on the engine power, the BMW 5 was equipped with a 5 or 6-speed gearbox or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Manual and automatic transmissions have a fairly large margin of safety, excluding abrupt starts, which reduces the service life of the clutch and clutches by almost half, from 200 thousand km. mileage up to 100. On the recommendation of the manufacturer, the oil must be changed every 60 thousand km. mileage, both for manual and automatic transmission.
The interior of the BMW 5 Series is distinguished by spaciousness for the driver and passenger of the front row of seats, the second row will be a little cramped, and the three of them are quite crowded. As in all previous models, conditions for maximum comfort and the best ergonomics have been created for the driver, regardless of height and weight, the driver can easily adjust the seat and steering wheel for himself. Noise insulation and interior trim are at a high level, excellent ventilation and heating system that provide maximum comfort for all passengers, both the first and second row of seats.
Suspension BMW 5 Series.
Compared to the suspension of the earlier BMW 5 models and the modern ones, the suspension system remains largely unchanged. Now only aluminum is used as a material for the manufacture of suspension parts. With less weight, the quality of the suspension has not changed, the car still performs excellently in handling, especially those assembled in Germany. The difference between the BMW 5 assembled for Europe and the CIS is in the length of the suspension springs.
The Russian counterparts have longer springs compensate for the poor quality of the roads, therefore, when maneuvering, a certain "roll" of the car is felt. But at the same time, the reliability of such a suspension is higher than the European one, however, this nuance does not increase the service life of the levers. Front and rear suspension multi-link, with anti-roll bar. The most vulnerable point in the suspension is the stabilizer struts (the so-called "bones"), their resource is about 20-30 thousand km. mileage depending on the axle, front or rear.
The front shock absorbers will require replacement after 30 thousand km. run, and the rear after 50. Fans of active, dynamic driving should get ready to replace the silent blocks of the front levers ahead of schedule. It should also be remembered that the replacement of the ball joint is possible only together with the lever, because the body of the ball joint is the lever itself. The rear suspension, also multi-link, is distinguished by a large number of silent blocks, which, moreover, tend to wear out unevenly. So, for example, on the inside, the silent blocks wear out faster than the outer ones, and it is necessary to replace all of them at the same time. On some cars equipped with an in-line six-cylinder engine, there is a backlash in the steering rack, especially if you miss the point of service.
Then it will need to be replaced, which is quite expensive. Cars with a heavier V-engine are equipped with a reinforced front suspension and a worm gear instead of a steering rack. The resource of the reducer is enough for 200 thousand km. mileage. Pneumatic rear struts, limited slip differential are an additional option in more expensive versions of the vehicle. Problems with them do not arise with timely oil change and maintenance.
When writing the article, materials from the social portal of Barnaul and the Altai Territory were used. The site contains a lot of useful and accessible information about Altai, as well as the community of motorists of the Altai Territory, who prefer the German concern BMW to all other brands.
Serially produced BMWs, with rare exceptions, have always had alphanumeric names. Suffixes in the form of letters and words after the numbers not only give a more complete characterization of the engine, but also carry information about the type of drive, body, length of the base ... Here are the most relevant of these symbols:
A (discontinued) = automatic transmission,
C (abolished) = coupé body,
C = convertible,
D = diesel engine,
E = vehicle with extensive use of energy saving technologies,
EDrive = plug-in hybrid vehicle using gasoline and electric motors,
EfficientDynamics Edition - a vehicle with extensive use of energy-saving technologies,
G = CNG engine,
Hydrogen is a hydrogen engine
BMW 2002 Automatic
I = fuel injection system,
L = long wheelbase,
S (discontinued) = sports car (also used to refer to the BMW 3 Series E36 2-door body),
SDrive = rear wheel drive,
T / Turbo = turbocharging,
T / touring = station wagon,
Ti (discontinued) = designation for the BMW E36 Compact 3-door hatchback,
X / xDrive = four-wheel drive.
Letters
The models of the Active Hybrid line (hybrid cars using gasoline and electric motors) stand apart. This includes Active Hybrid 3, Active Hybrid 5 and Active Hybrid 7, which are part of the respective BMW series.
BMW ActiveHybrid 7
There is also a prefix in the form of the letter M, which means that the car has components created by the BMW M Gmbh division. You should not confuse full-fledged M-models and cars that have options in the form of styling, modified suspension, brakes and other parts that were developed by M Gmbh.
M-models in the name have only the letter M followed by a number indicating the belonging to the series, for example, M3, M5, M6. The exceptions are the M versions of the Z3 and Z3 Coupe cars, called the BMW M Roadster and the BMW M coupe, as well as the 1M Coupe, built on the basis of the BMW E82 "one". Cars with M-accessories are distinguished by the M prefix in front of the usual alphanumeric name: M 550d xDrive, M550i.
Bmw m5
Numbers
Numbers in the names are not easy. As mentioned, the reflection of the approximate engine volume in liters in the names of cars was fixed only in the late 50s - early 60s. So, "Izetta" 250 was content with a modest 250-cc engine, BMW 3200 CS had a 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, and the BMW 1600 - a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. Cars half a step lower in the class BMW 1600-2 (later BMW 1602) and BMW 2002 were equipped with 1.6-liter and 2-liter engines, respectively, and the number 2 at the end meant the presence of two doors.
As the model range expanded, it became clear that such a system did not allow distinguishing between classes of cars when using engines of the same size. Then the new "five" with the E12 index introduced a new standard of three digits: the first designated the internal corporate class of the car, the latter, as before, - the approximate engine volume in liters. Now the "five" with an engine of 1990 cubic centimeters was called the BMW 520i, and the engine of 2 788 "cubes" belonged to the BMW 528i.
BMW 520i
The slender system, as in the case with, was violated by the appearance of a turbocharger. But if the Stuttgart people faced problems only at the very end of the twentieth century, then the Bavarians - a couple of decades earlier.
A couple of modifications of the 1979 E23 “sevens” were called 732i (6-cylinder engine with a volume of 3 210 cubic centimeters) and 735i (3 430 “cubes” were rounded up for some reason, but you can close your eyes to this inaccuracy).
In 1980, the production of the BMW 745i began. Do you think it was equipped with a 4.5-liter engine? No matter how it is: it was a 732i engine with a turbocharger. Nevertheless, to emphasize the greater performance and high cost of the cars of the new version of the executive sedan, they deliberately assigned the "wrong", overestimated index. By the way, in 1983 she already had a 735i engine with a turbocharger, but the index remained the same, 745i.
BMW 735i
However, there was also an underestimation of the real volume of the engine. So, the BMW E30 316i from 1982 to 1987 was produced with an engine of 1,766 cubic centimeters, and the status coupe of the 8th series was constantly modest: the BMW 840Ci from 1995 to 1999 was offered with a 4.4-liter engine, the 850Ci was driven by a 5.4-liter engine, and the flagship 850CSi - as much as 5.6-liter.
However, in the last 10 years, index fraud has become more frequent. Let's look at a few examples. "One" BMW 130i was produced from 2005 to 2013, 125i - from 2008 to 2013. One could assume that at least the 125i had a smaller engine than the 130i, but in reality the same N52B30 motor was used with varying degrees of boost - 218 hp. for 125i and 265 (258 from 2009) for 130i. Of course, from a marketing point of view, the owner of the 130i needed to please and demonstrate the superiority of the more powerful version of the "one" over the less powerful one in the form of a nameplate on the trunk lid. For the same reason, the indexes of the current F20 114i, 116i, 120i, which are aggregated with the 1.6-liter turbocharged N13B16 engine, are spaced.
BMW 125i
The BMW E63 had 635d and 630i among a number of modifications. The latter was the cheapest (if this word is generally applicable to a premium coupe of the "Gran Turismo" class) among all versions of the 6-series, its engine displacement was 2,996 cubic centimeters. The more expensive 635d has an engine capacity of 2,993 "cubes", that is, formally less than that of the 630i, but the diesel power, even after updating the gasoline engine, remained more by a symbolic 14 hp. I think there is no need to explain why the index of the diesel version is higher than that of the gasoline ...
There are also quite curious cases. You can guess that the BMW F30 320i and 328i are equipped with different variants of the same 2-liter petrol engine. In addition, there are 320d and 328d. The nuance is that the engines in these machines are identical, but the 328d is sold in the American market, the name is "sharpened" to the tastes of buyers. After all, the inhabitants of the States do not favor cars with small motors ...
What's the bottom line?
It is no longer possible to unconditionally trust the numbers in the designation of models. They turned into rather abstract values, indicating only the fact that within one series, the model with a lower number in the index is less powerful than with a large one. Fortunately, there is still truth in the letter prefix and suffixes ...
The German concern "BMW" became the first large automobile enterprise that decided to start assembling cars on the territory of Russia. The Avtotor enterprise is located in Kaliningrad, and today this company supplies the largest number of BMWs entering the Russian market. At the same time, many people have doubts: is it worth taking a car assembled in Russia, how much better will a German-made BMW be? Opinions on the forums can be found directly opposite, while objective evidence of both points of view is difficult to provide.
What attracts Russian buyers to truly German cars
One of the main advantages of a truly German car is the quality of the engine. As a result, the durability of the entire structure depends on the reliability of the motor, and it was German technology in this parameter that outstripped many manufacturers around the world. And it is precisely the reliability that ultimately lacks the products of the Russian car industry. BMW has already become a symbol of practicality, quality and comfort all over the world.
Distinctive features of this car: excellent handling due to the coordinated work of complex electronic systems, efficient brakes, a comfortable interior in which a driver of any size will feel comfortable. For all its positive qualities, BMWs are focused specifically on city traffic, so they are not designed for difficult road conditions. After the company began assembling cars at the Kaliningrad plant, heated debates broke out among fans of this brand regarding the quality of the cars.
Features of "BMW" assembled in Russia
How to distinguish a German-made BMW from a Kaliningrad one? The Russian assembly is equipped with a number of design differences. Since Avtotor's products are mainly aimed at Russian customers, a special “Russian package” had to adapt them to non-standard local conditions. The main distinguishing features of the "Russian" BMW:
- The clearance increased by 22 mm made it possible to achieve increased cross-country ability. Taking into account the situation on Russian roads, such an addition can hardly be called superfluous.
- Stiffer shock absorbers and reinforced anti-roll bars (both front and rear). This will allow the machine to remain operational longer.
- Electronics allows you to start the car even in severe frost conditions.
- Many motorists note that the Russian assembly is less sensitive to the quality of gasoline, which is important, given the quality of fuel at most gas stations.
Thus, the traditional BMW has become more durable, designed to overcome difficulties and travel on those routes for which the car was not originally intended at all. You can check the exact place of assembly of the car using the VIN-code. This is a marking that is put on the engine, and in which the country of manufacture must be reflected. Russian cars are marked with the letter "X". You can go shopping with a friend who knows where to find the VIN.
What to choose: German or Russian assembly
So far, almost entirely imported components are used for the production of BMWs at the plant in Kaliningrad. That is, it is difficult to talk about the discrepancy in the quality of the machines, since in the end they pass the same quality control. At the same time, many note that when driving a vehicle assembled in Russia, the noise is louder, and the car, as a result, turns out to be less durable. However, these disadvantages can be attributed to the quality of service, and to the observance of the rules for operating the machine.
The cars assembled in Kaliningrad end up undergoing a triple quality control: initially, the parts are checked by the manufacturer, then they are checked upon arrival at the plant, and, ultimately, they are finally checked after assembly. The likelihood of marriage in this case is reduced to a minimum, so the "Russian" BMWs are not much inferior to the German ones. The Russian assembly has been on the market for 13 years.
An important factor determining the purchase of a Russian assembly is its cost. On the forums, the question is often asked, is it possible to buy a new BMW of German assembly from a dealer? New German cars are still supplied to the Russian market, but their cost is very high. For example, the updated series BMW 520i has been available from official sellers since September last year at a price of 1.825 million rubles. Cars assembled in Russia are not subject to customs duties, so the price markups are much less.
German used car or new domestic
Which is better to buy: a used car from Germany or a new domestic one? For the price, cars made in Russia are almost equal to low-mileage models that are transported across the border. It's hard to say what exactly will be better for a Russian driver:
- Used BMWs with low mileage, with proper operation, are not much inferior to new ones. The Germans have always been a thrifty people, and used cars arrive from abroad in very good condition, making them a bargain.
- At the same time, the new car cannot be compared with anything else. It is always more pleasant to be behind the wheel of a car that no one else has owned before you. The purchase of new cars may fall into concessional lending programs aimed at supporting the manufacturer. This will help you save additional money.
- The new car has a warranty card that will allow you to correct any factory defects, if any. Many owners also speak positively about the Russian assembly: the cars are quite high-quality, in no way inferior to their German counterparts, and the build quality in them is not worse.
The prejudice regarding the quality of Russian cars, of course, has good reasons. At the same time, times are changing, and one can expect that the Russian assembly will soon be at a quite decent level, gradually ousting the Western representatives of the automotive industry. So far, the choice remains only with the opinion and taste of the buyer.
