The 330i sedan will also be available with BMW's optional all-wheel-drive system this summer.This is the same system already featured on the BMW X5, Nickel explains, with "Selective operation of the brakes taking the place of conventional differential locks in order to provide maximum traction." The DSC driving stability system is an integral part of this all-wheel drive system, Nickel says.
In his view, a 3-Series with all-wheel drive is "simply ideal for the discerning Canadian motorist who seeks optimum traction on snow, ice and loose gravel over and above the very good traction already offered by the standard 3-Series."
In the Z3 roadster, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 6.0 seconds, and 6.3 seconds with the new 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. That latter time is the same as it takes to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fourth gear, again for passing purposes.
At the same time, says Nickel, average fuel consumption is "a very economical 9.5 litres premium fuel per 100 km (estimated), which is quite unusual for a sports car of this calibre."
From outside, the Z3 3.0 roadster is characterised by the model designation "3.0i" at the rear.The new engine will turn up this summer in the 3-Series and the roadster, but it will be in the X5 by May. Putting this engine in the SUV represents something of an about-face for BMW Canada, which had previously rejected the notion of offering something smaller than the 5-litre V8 in the Canadian lineup.
The X5 3.0i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an estimated 8.5 seconds, or 8.8 seconds with the 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission in 8.8 seconds.