Latest news with #3Series
Auto Car
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
254bhp, 53mpg and a 495-litre boot - from less than £10,000
You can snap one of these up for as little as £2500, but this will tie you to a moon-mileage car with clear signs of hard use. Stretch to around £7000-£10,000 and you will get a much tidier example. Our top choice, though, would be the brawny and characterful 330d, which gets a punchier six-cylinder oil-burner that makes 254bhp and 413lb ft of torque. It's a crackerjack engine and suits the car well, and it will still do 53mpg on motorway schleps. You will need more than £10,000 for a decent example, though. There are several petrols to choose from, but we would aim for either the 320i if you're after the best economy or the slightly thirsty, 242bhp 328i if you want potency. Classified adverts with 'LCI' in the headline refer to the 'Life Cycle Impulse' (which normal people would call a facelift), rolled out to the car in 2015, bringing a new look and LED headlights. BMW also added the ultra-frugal 320d Efficient Dynamics model to the range – a tempting choice when you consider its real-world 60mpg economy, and it's tax-exempt too. Also new was the 340i, which feels like a pseudo-M3 to drive. Its 322bhp turbocharged petrol straight six is a smooth, elastic and flexible engine that provides serious pace – and it will still do upwards of 35mpg, whereas the Jaguar XE S, say, will struggle to return 30mpg. Upgrades were also made to the interior, but whether you opt for an early or late example, all versions of the 3 Series Touring have a suitably upmarket cabin, with a neat dashboard layout and high-quality materials throughout. It's comfortable, it has excellent ergonomics and rear space is good enough for adults – plus you get a capacious 495-litre boot. Sure, you will choose this estate for its additional practicality, but you will love owning one more for its impressive economy, engaging drive, elegantly finished interior and, in most cases, outstanding performance. Page 2
Time Business News
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
What You Need to Know About BMW Spare and Replacement Keys
Being aware of your options can help you save time, money, and irritation when you lose or damage your BMW auto key. Knowing your options for key replacement is crucial, regardless of whether you drive a contemporary X5 with smart key technology or a vintage 3 Series. We'll also look at cost considerations, locksmith vs. dealership services, and how to steer clear of major problems in the future. Find out more about BMW spare keys, visit Access Fobs Website and browse through our range of compatible Replacement remote fobs for your BMW. Types of BMW Keys: Understanding the many types of BMW keys available will help you have a better ownership experience. BMW provides a number of options, each of which is intended to satisfy particular requirements and tastes. For devoted BMW fans, the classic metal key still has nostalgic value even though it is less prevalent in more recent models. It's a material link to the brand's rich heritage and artistry. However, more recent key fobs, such as the Display Key, offer much more capability. These keys have a built-in touchscreen that lets you remotely control climate settings, keep an eye on vehicle status, and even set up maintenance alerts—all from the palm of your hand. Furthermore, you can unlock and start your BMW without a physical key by using the Digital Key feature, which makes use of your smartphone. In addition to improving convenience, this smooth technological integration highlights BMW's dedication to advancement in automobile security and communication. It's crucial to think about which key type best suits your driving style and lifestyle when you're looking at replacement or spare possibilities. How much are BMW spare/ replacement keys? In terms of spare and replacement BMW key cost, it really depends on several factors such as the type of key, the make and the country you live in. For example, the old-fashioned metal keys typically cost less, varying between £40 to £75. But if you have a high-tech key fob or smart key on your BMW, you should expect to pay between £150 and £375. Please note: The new key may also need to be programed to your car, which will have an extra charge, this fee will vary depending on the model of your car. It's also important to keep in mind that getting a replacement key from an authorised dealer is convenient, but it has its own benefits and possible disadvantages. Dealers may not always provide the most affordable prices, even though they promise that the replacement would adhere to OEM standards. Third-party locksmiths, on the other hand, might offer less expensive solutions, but you need to make sure they are qualified to work with BMW's complex technological systems. In the end, knowing these subtleties will enable you to choose your BMW keys wisely, striking a balance between price, quality, and security. Common Issues with BMW Keys Battery failure in the key fob is one of the most common problems owners of BMW vehicles have to deal with. Normally keys like these are super convenient with their remote lock/unlock features, but they consume lots of battery power. A battery that suddenly drains can leave you high and dry (pun intended), and it always seems to happen at the worst possible times. If you take the proactive approach of checking and replacing the battery in your key remote on a regular basis, you'll save yourself from the annoyance of being locked out of your car for no reason, but this easy preventive measure is something many drivers don't think about. Yet another common issue comes from the programming of the key. BMW have a smart key system, which must be programmed by a specialist so that the immobiliser can synchronise with the vehicle's engine management system. In case you have your key recently replaced or repaired, there is a possibility that it may not function properly if you don't already have it programmed. This can result in expensive trips to the dealer being required, where special machinery is required to re-program your vehicle. Knowledge of this kind will enable owners to appreciate their vehicle's inner workings and promote some proactive steps, like retaining an extra key or seeking professional help when problems arise. How to Take Care of Your BMW Key Caring for your BMW key is crucial for longevity, as well as hassle free entry to your car. One of the best things you can do is protect your key fob from temperature extremes and moisture as the battery life and sensitive internal electronics can be compromised by too much heat or cold. You might want to invest in a case or keychain that provides some extra insulation, while also looking good. Battery maintenance is another aspect that's often overlooked. For a key fob with a replaceable battery, get ahead of it by checking the charge every couple of months. A failing or weak battery can result in erratic operation or a no-start condition, stranding you on the highway. If you do replace the battery, go for those reputable brands that follow OEM specs because they may cause some troubles. Last but not least, pepper your key with regular physical checkups, as cracks or worn out buttons can affect both of ease of use and may need to be addressed to avoid expensive replacements. And with that, your BMW key will be every bit as dependable as your BMW. Maintaining convenience, security, and peace of mind requires knowing the options for BMW spare and replacement keys. Understanding the many kinds of keys, where to find them, and the related expenses can help you save time and frustration, whether you've misplaced a key, need a backup, or are switching to a smarter fob. Certified locksmiths can give a quicker and frequently less expensive solution, but authorised dealerships guarantee compatibility. To avoid such problems, always maintain an extra key in a secure location and think about taking preventative action. Being knowledgeable guarantees that you'll be ready for any important issue with your BMW. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
India Today
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
BMW M340i review, first drive: Fierce & demure
Our country isn't one with a large population of performance cars, and for many reasons. In such a market, achieving more than 1,000 unit sales for a perfromance car is beyond commendable, and that is the car that you see on these pages, the 2024 BMW M340i. The M340i looks the same from the front with the same kidney grille, swept-back LED headlamps, and the same bumpers and air vents. advertisementIt hasn't been very long since we last drove the BMW M340i, which was beefed up with some minor changes and now it's time again. Oh did I sound like I was complaining? Not at all. The M340i is an idea, made into a product, it is the short-wheelbase 3 Series, with the B58 motor, that is a slightly watered down version of the S58, which powers the M2, M3 and M4. The result is a car that plays so heavily on its duality of nature, that it starts pulling on one's heartstrings after just a few minutes behind the wheel. The rear of the M340i also does not get any changes. advertisementNow given the choice between the BMW M2, the hot-headed RWD coupe or the M340i, I'd choose the former, but that is because the quintessential RWD sports coupe format is the peak in any enthusiasts mind, and the M2 by all means is the perfect car, especially with the stick-shifter. But lets say you are a bit sceptical about going all in into a hardcore sports coupe, and would like to have a car that isn't going to wake up the neighbors or scrape its belly on speed breakers, then you should keep reading. The dashboard of the M340i follows BMW's standard layout of the German Marquee. The 2024 MY M340i was launched last year in November, and it comes with even less changes when compared to the 2023 update that the car received. It looks exactly the same from the front, the same kidney grille, the same slim, swept-back LED headlamps, and the same bumpers and air vents. Over to the sides, the story continues as before, but the 19-inch jet black alloys are new, with a new design as well, which blends in much better with the overall theme of the car. It looks the same from the rear as well, with its lip spoiler, diffuser and twin exhaust tips. The Arctic Blue Race Metallic paint you see on the car on these pages is also new, and it is so much better compared to older Tanzanite Blue. Just because it looks 95 per cent the same doesn't mean it is a negative, I actually love the way BMW has given this car some sportier elements, such as the active cooling kidney grille which opens up to provide fresh air to the engine, the aerodynamic ORVM housings and the diffuser and twin-exhausts all let off the vibe that the M340i means business. The interior of the M340i gets hidden aircon vents with toggle-like directional controls, along with electric seats. Step inside, and the interiors are the same as the one before this, but with subtle changes. Firstly, it gets hidden aircon vents with toggle-like directional controls, neat, but not the simplest to operate. While the BMW Curved Display with the 12.3-inch and 14.9-inch displays has been a fixture since the last update, they now run the latest BMW OS 8.5. The seats now come wrapped in Vernasca leather, with M-specific stitching, very premium. And except for the placement of a couple of buttons on the central console, and a slightly altered steering with M Stitching and a red centre marker, its the same. All the information about the M340i can be accessed through the 14.9-inch infotainment panel. advertisementWell enough about how it looks, we all know that the money BMW asks for is all for the performance. And it is good money, considering that the B58 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-petrol makes 374bhp and comes paired to a mild-hybrid system adding 11bhp of boost. Interestingly, the engine used to make more power at 387bhp (before 2023), but the addition of the hybrid boost means that it still accelerates at breakneck pace, achieving 100kmph in just 4.4 seconds. That makes it the fastest ICE car made in India, as BMW never forgets to remind us. But all of this ferocity is reserved for the Sport mode, everything becomes red, the exhaust gets louder, the gearshift and the steering change their character to deliver performance which is unbelievable, the engine starts burning petrol into pure symphony, in a car which looks and behaves for the most part like a regular 3. And that is where I feel that the magic of the M340i resides. The M340i rides on 19-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P Zero rubber. advertisementI mean, if you want an thoroughbred four-door sportscar, then you have the M3, or the C-Class AMG, or the S5/RS5, but all of these cost a bit more, and their daily-life usability isn't great. The suspension is stiffened to take on 911s at the Nordschleife, the seats are more to keep your torso and bottom half in place as you pull unnatural G-forces, and the startup, and subsequent acceleration is enough to wake your neighbours and shame Italian purebreds. And this is where I feel that the M340i sits at an absolute sweet spot, it offers close performance to match its superiors, but in a package that is 100 per cent usable as a normal car. One of the key elements here is the adaptive dampers, now standard for the 2024 car, which in normal mode makes the car feel just as pliant as the regular 3, and gets stiff enough in Sport mode. It gets all kinds of creature comforts, 3-zone climate control, powered seats, and even a start-stop system to help save some fuel during traffic stops. In fact most people who noticed the car, assumed it was a regular 3, till I made the 6-cylinder hit the redline and the exhaust crackle and pop. Yes, I am an yob. Meet a corner, and the M340i will remind you why the M Division is revered, it sticks to its line like nobody's business. advertisementPerformance isn't something that the M340i lacks, you can try and push its limits, and well, it is beyond my skill at the very least. Acceleration is relentless, and it keeps going even beyond the 160kmph mark, and the gearbox just putting the engine into its desired revs every time, with the exhaust providing all the extra drama that you'll need. Meet a corner, and the M340i will remind you why the M Division is revered, it sticks to its line like nobody's business, the xDrive AWD with torque vectoring allowing the front wheels to claw at the tarmac while you contemplate going even faster through the corner, and the M Sport Differential ensuring that the car doesn't isn't surprising that the M340i is a fan favourite, it comes with a proper motor, not a downsized one, genuine performance cred, and everyday usability, all of which blend together at a price that the M340i stays undisputed. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
Miami Herald
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Shopping for a 2025 BMW 3-Series? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead
Is there another BMW as iconic as the BMW 3 Series? Probably not. This is the car that built BMW in America, where it quickly established itself as the penultimate sports sedan, a title it has yet to relinquish. It retains its sharp handling reflexes, with quick steering, strong brakes, and a well-controlled ride with minimal body lean. The current generation 3 Series is offered as the 255-horsepower 330i or 386-horsepower M340i, with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated with a mild hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates the 3-Series at 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, except for the base 330i, which returns 31 mpg. All models require premium fuel, and towing is rated at 3,747 pounds with trailer brakes. An optional M Sport package tightens up the suspension, while a Dynamic Handling package brings adaptive dampers. Both packages transform this buggy's ride, rendering it firm but not punishing. The interior houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with redundant console-mounted controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot are standard, while a head-up display is optional. The cabin's modern design and ambient lighting make it feel well worth its price, with firm and comfortable seats. Trunk space is very good at 17 cubic feet – fairly large for this sedan's overall length. The 3-Series certainly remains the world's best sports sedan, but you might wonder what its competition is like. Here's a sampling of the 3-Series' continental competitors. From a sheer performance standpoint, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can more than hold its own dynamically against the BMW 3 Series. Oozing with style, it's offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 280 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. It's EPA-rated at 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving with rear-wheel drive and 26 mpg with all-wheel drive. Premium fuel is required, and towing is rated at 3,500 pounds. Trunk space is also fairly good, measuring 17 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Even if the Giulia's interior finishes aren't quite as special as its German rivals, its seats' aggressive bolsters and sumptuous leather telegraph that you're in a sports sedan. Its fast, dynamic feel will have you grinning every minute you're behind the wheel, with balanced handling, quick steering, and engine and exhaust noises that will ensure that you'll never listen to the radio. Audi models have always benefited from a quiet sophistication that belies their adept performance. Then again, it's always the quiet ones that you have to watch. This is the final year for the A4 sedan, which is powered by a 261-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. It's EPA-rated at 29 mpg and requires premium fuel with a 1,580-lb towing capacity. While the Audi proves athletic when roads turn twisty, it offers a bit more damping than the BMW and a bit more comfort as a result. The cabin is roomy, although trunk space is tight at 12 cubic feet. The A4's instrument panel is anchored by a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with elegant graphics that eschew the circus-like user interface used by its German rivals. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard. A 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is available on Premium Plus and Prestige models. The Audi A4 is an incredibly competent yet quietly sophisticated luxury compact sports sedan that doesn't need to shout its intentions. Mercedes-Benz sedans are like Russian stacking dolls; what you expect on one, you can expect on others, just sized differently. And while the company may use a single formula, it works, producing cars that are uniquely products of the three-pointed star. Beautifully styled and detailed, the C-Class is powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system that funnels its power through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the real wheels or all four. EPA-rated at 29 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 27 mpg with all-wheel drive, all C-Class models require premium unleaded fuel. Its towing capacity is 3,950 pounds with trailer brakes. Trunk space measures 13 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging are standard, while a head-up display is available. The C-Class handles like a sports sedan, but its steering and brakes return a feel that trails the best-in-class. It still proves to be a luxurious automobile, though, emitting an upscale vibe that is distinctly Mercedes-Benz. Volvo has implemented few changes to the S60, which counts the 2025 model year as its last. That's too bad, as its cool Scandinavian elan is unique, giving it a unique presence that's unmistakably Volvo. It comes with either a 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is as unexciting as it sounds, or as a plug-in hybrid with 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 40 miles of pure electric driving range. The four-cylinder S60 is EPA-rated at 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid is rated at 31 mpg when running its gas engine, and all Volvo S60s use premium fuel. The towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. Trunk space is on the small side at 12 cubic feet. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display are standard. You'll find the interior quality to be excellent, with a restrained sumptuousness that plays to its personality. The S60 isn't really a sports sedan. Although it acquits itself well enough, it lacks the edgy, connected feel that the best in this class offer. If you prefer a bit more comfort, however, this is your ride. The BMW 3 Series remains the best-in-class among sports sedans and remains the model every other automaker seems to imitate. The Alfa Romeo certainly challenges the BMW's performance cred, but interior quality prevents it from being its equal. The Mercedes-Benz comes close but fails to deliver the essence of a great sports sedan, instead offering a quintessential contemporary luxury experience. The Audi delivers the compelling handling you'd expect with a quiet dignity that is the brand's modern-day hallmark. Finally, we have the Volvo, which isn't the sports sedan you expect but delivers it in a package that is wholly its own. There's no wrong answer among this crowd, with each car delivering a unique, pleasing persona. Take each for a ride and see which European beauty best speaks to your needs. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Shopping for a 2025 BMW 3-Series? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead
Is there another BMW as iconic as the BMW 3 Series? Probably not. This is the car that built BMW in America, where it quickly established itself as the penultimate sports sedan, a title it has yet to relinquish. It retains its sharp handling reflexes, with quick steering, strong brakes, and a well-controlled ride with minimal body lean. The current generation 3 Series is offered as the 255-horsepower 330i or 386-horsepower M340i, with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated with a mild hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates the 3-Series at 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, except for the base 330i, which returns 31 mpg. All models require premium fuel, and towing is rated at 3,747 pounds with trailer brakes. An optional M Sport package tightens up the suspension, while a Dynamic Handling package brings adaptive dampers. Both packages transform this buggy's ride, rendering it firm but not punishing. The interior houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with redundant console-mounted controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot are standard, while a head-up display is optional. The cabin's modern design and ambient lighting make it feel well worth its price, with firm and comfortable seats. Trunk space is very good at 17 cubic feet – fairly large for this sedan's overall length. The 3-Series certainly remains the world's best sports sedan, but you might wonder what its competition is like. Here's a sampling of the 3-Series' continental competitors. From a sheer performance standpoint, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can more than hold its own dynamically against the BMW 3 Series. Oozing with style, it's offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 280 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. It's EPA-rated at 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving with rear-wheel drive and 26 mpg with all-wheel drive. Premium fuel is required, and towing is rated at 3,500 pounds. Trunk space is also fairly good, measuring 17 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Even if the Giulia's interior finishes aren't quite as special as its German rivals, its seats' aggressive bolsters and sumptuous leather telegraph that you're in a sports sedan. Its fast, dynamic feel will have you grinning every minute you're behind the wheel, with balanced handling, quick steering, and engine and exhaust noises that will ensure that you'll never listen to the radio. Audi models have always benefited from a quiet sophistication that belies their adept performance. Then again, it's always the quiet ones that you have to watch. This is the final year for the A4 sedan, which is powered by a 261-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. It's EPA-rated at 29 mpg and requires premium fuel with a 1,580-lb towing capacity. While the Audi proves athletic when roads turn twisty, it offers a bit more damping than the BMW and a bit more comfort as a result. The cabin is roomy, although trunk space is tight at 12 cubic feet. The A4's instrument panel is anchored by a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with elegant graphics that eschew the circus-like user interface used by its German rivals. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard. A 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is available on Premium Plus and Prestige models. The Audi A4 is an incredibly competent yet quietly sophisticated luxury compact sports sedan that doesn't need to shout its intentions. Mercedes-Benz sedans are like Russian stacking dolls; what you expect on one, you can expect on others, just sized differently. And while the company may use a single formula, it works, producing cars that are uniquely products of the three-pointed star. Beautifully styled and detailed, the C-Class is powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system that funnels its power through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the real wheels or all four. EPA-rated at 29 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 27 mpg with all-wheel drive, all C-Class models require premium unleaded fuel. Its towing capacity is 3,950 pounds with trailer brakes. Trunk space measures 13 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging are standard, while a head-up display is available. The C-Class handles like a sports sedan, but its steering and brakes return a feel that trails the best-in-class. It still proves to be a luxurious automobile, though, emitting an upscale vibe that is distinctly Mercedes-Benz. Volvo has implemented few changes to the S60, which counts the 2025 model year as its last. That's too bad, as its cool Scandinavian elan is unique, giving it a unique presence that's unmistakably Volvo. It comes with either a 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is as unexciting as it sounds, or as a plug-in hybrid with 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 40 miles of pure electric driving range. The four-cylinder S60 is EPA-rated at 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid is rated at 31 mpg when running its gas engine, and all Volvo S60s use premium fuel. The towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. Trunk space is on the small side at 12 cubic feet. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display are standard. You'll find the interior quality to be excellent, with a restrained sumptuousness that plays to its personality. The S60 isn't really a sports sedan. Although it acquits itself well enough, it lacks the edgy, connected feel that the best in this class offer. If you prefer a bit more comfort, however, this is your ride. The BMW 3 Series remains the best-in-class among sports sedans and remains the model every other automaker seems to imitate. The Alfa Romeo certainly challenges the BMW's performance cred, but interior quality prevents it from being its equal. The Mercedes-Benz comes close but fails to deliver the essence of a great sports sedan, instead offering a quintessential contemporary luxury experience. The Audi delivers the compelling handling you'd expect with a quiet dignity that is the brand's modern-day hallmark. Finally, we have the Volvo, which isn't the sports sedan you expect but delivers it in a package that is wholly its own. There's no wrong answer among this crowd, with each car delivering a unique, pleasing persona. Take each for a ride and see which European beauty best speaks to your needs.
