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Get Yours Now: BMW 320si Saloon |
Formula 1 Factory |
The 320si WTCC |
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Components from BMW's
Formula 1 Factory.The cylinder head is an all-new development from the ground up, with the rough castings coming from the Formula 1 foundry at BMW's Landshut Plant. Both the intake and outlet ducts as well as the combustion chambers are processed with supreme precision and surface quality by computerised machine tools. Together with the larger valves and the modified flange contours on the intake and outlet side, this ensures optimum fuel/air mixture formation. And the final point is that special spark plugs masterminded by single ignition coils initiate the combustion process.
The compression ratio raised from 10.5 to 11.0:1 also helps to boost power by 17 kW/23 hp over the "regular" model, while the engine nevertheless still runs on 95 RON premium fuel, just like the "standard" version.
Formula 1 technology is also to be found and admired in other engine components such as the rocker arms coated in a special process developed specifically for BMW's Formula 1 power units.
The four-cylinder in this new special model reaches its peak output of 127 kW/173 hp at 7000 rpm, with engine speed being limited to 7300 rpm. Thanks to the intake system with variable intake manifold length ( DISA) and variable camshaft adjustment (bi- VANOS), torque is up to a maximum of 200 Nm or 147 lb-ft at 4250 rpm.
To take the high temperatures in motorsport into account, BMW's engine specialists have focused in particular on the flow of coolant optimised by large cross-sections in the cylinder head. The radiator in the six-cylinder models, in turn, ensures a good balance of temperatures at all times.
The cylinder head cover made of special carbonfibre makes an important contribution in reducing the weight of the car by approximately 10 kg or 22 lb versus the BMW 320i. Proudly displaying its qualities at very first sight, the cylinder head cover not only demonstrates a direct link to motorsport, but also lowers the engine's centre of gravity by reducing weight at the highest point.
The engines are largely hand-built by specialists at BMW's Hams Hall engine plant, from where they go straight to the assembly process at BMW's Production Plant in Munich. The BMW 320si is available exclusively in Europe with both left and right-hand drive.
Sporting Agility and Superior Handling.
The six-speed manual gearbox of the BMW 320si is laid out to give the car its top speed of 225 km/h or 140 mph in sixth gear. With its unladen weight of 1350 kg or 2977 lb (DIN), this sporting high-performance saloon accelerates to 100 km/h in just 8.1 seconds. Acceleration from 80 – 120 km/h or 50 – 75 mph in fourth gear, in turn, takes an equally fast and impressive 7.7 seconds. And last but not least, it almost goes without saying that the BMW 320si complies with all the requirements of the Euro 4 emission standard, consuming just 8.9 litres/100 km in the composite EU fuel consumption cycle (equal to 31.7 mpg Imp).
Through its concept alone, the new Edition Model enables the driver to enjoy motorsport at its best: The fast-revving four-cylinder responds immediately to the accelerator pedal, offering even greater agility and an even more dynamic response than in the BMW 320i. The engine has a powerful and sporting sound without in any way becoming loud or obtrusive, responding dynamically to the gas pedal and immediately giving the driver the power and performance he – or she – desires.
The sporting and ambitious driver will also appreciate the fact that the engine develops an even stronger braking effect when taking back the throttle, in comparison with a VALVETRONIC power unit. This is because engine load management is controlled in this case by a conventional throttle butterfly.
In conjunction with the short final drive (4.10) and the M sports suspension with 18-inch wheels running on large tyres at the front and even wider tyres at the rear, the BMW 320si allows a very sporting and dynamic style of motoring without coming uncomfortably close to the extreme limit. Thanks to its equal and well-balanced axle load distribution, in turn, this exclusive Sports Saloon also excels through neutral behaviour and superior agility on the road – which explains why the experienced driver at the wheel of the BMW 320si is able to lap the legendary Northern Circuit of Nürburgring in less than nine minutes.
To properly cope with the even more powerful engine, the BMW 320si comes with an even larger and more powerful brake system: Both front and rear inner-vented 16-inch disc brakes ensure optimum acceleration at all times. And this very special car also features extra-large wheel mounts.
Limited to 2,600 units, production of the BMW 320si entering the market at a price of Euro 32,150.- will be starting in spring 2006. The car will be making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March of next year and BMW dealers will be taking orders as of December 2005.
Specifications for BMW 320si e90
Type | Built | Performance | Fuel cons | Engine | Power/Torque |
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BMW 320si 3 Series (E90) Sedan | 2005 - 2008 | Topspd: 225km/h 0-100km/h: 8.1s 80-120km/h*: 7.7s | City: 12.8 l/100km Hway: 6.6 l/100km Avg: 8.9 l/100km | Code: N45 B20S 1997cc - 4cyl / 16v petrol | 127kW / 173HP at 7000rpm 200Nm at 4250rpm |