The new 3 also boasts a Brake Standby feature that is said to shorten braking response time by preparing the brakes for
 |
| The new 3 boasts a Brake Standby feature that is said to shorten braking response time by preparing the brakes for application. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
application whenever the driver's foot abruptly lifts off the throttle. So, by anticipating the need to apply the binders, Brake Standby can bring the new 3 to a stop quicker than via regular braking systems. What a creative idea.
BMW's new Starting Assistant feature isn't particularly new, as hill-holders were pioneered on in the mass market by Japanese automaker Subaru many years back. Nevertheless, BMW owners who may be intimidated with the prospect of starting out on a steep hill will appreciate not having to use the handbrake to keep the car from rolling backwards after letting go of the foot brake to engage the clutch.
While all these features make the new 3-Series better, there are some things that shouldn't change, like the position of the
 |
| The new BMW will mostly maintain the near perfect 50:50 balance of weight over the front and rear wheels that the current car exhibits. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
inline-6, still mounted longitudinally up front, driving the rear wheels with a near perfect 50:50 balance of weight over the front and rear wheels. Despite BMW offering one of the best handling all-wheel drive compacts in the business with the Xi, this classic 3-Series setup has to remain relatively unchanged. But it's OK to modify the equipment for enhancement purposes, such as the new cars unique double-pivot front suspension that reportedly improves responsiveness. Recently developed, the suspension is made of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. In order to balance out a good thing BMW improved the rear suspension with a new five-link setup. For strength the rear suspension is made of lightweight steel, reducing weight compared to the old setup.
