The 335i's engine features an all-aluminum crankcase-the first of its kind-keeping the rotating assembly light. The Piezo injectors in BMW's High Precision Injection system are positioned right in the middle of the four valves to ensure consistent and exact-metered injection in any situation. "With our High Precision Injection system, we are able flush out the residual gas, provide an early ignition [for optimum power], use a leaner fuel mixture due to the special metals in the turbo, and still be able to have a 10.2:1 compression," Albin Dirndorfer, the 3 Series Project Leader, assured us.
High compression, a lean fuel mixture, and early ignition are all found in the turbocharged engine (see analysis on the next page). That is impressive. And that's how BMW is able to give this car V8-like power and torque without the increased weight, and also keep the fuel consumption optimal. Through these capabilities, turbo lag is also kept at bay. In fact, the car just feels like its got a V8 in there-there is no noticeable turbo lag.
Why twins and not a single turbo? "There simply is no room for a larger, single turbo housing," said Dirndorfer. After looking at the packaging, I have to say it's very, very tight. And it will be interesting to see if any of the BMW tuners anxiously waiting to get their hands on one of these will ever successfully fit larger turbos on there. As european car's Project Editor and one of those guys who loves to tinker with cars, even I am starting to concede to the fact that this may be one of those rare sport coupes that's better left untouched. It's just that good.
Expect to see the BMW 335i in dealer showrooms very soon with prices in the upper $40Ks.
2007 BMW 335iLayoutFront engine, rear-wheel driveEngine3.0-liter straight six, dohc, four valves per cylinder, turbocharged and intercooledTransmissionSix-speed manual; optionalsix-speed automaticSuspensionF: Double-joint tie-barspring-strut axleR: Independent five-arm axleBrakesFour-channel ABS, single-piston calipers, ventilated discsDimensionsLength x Width x Height (in.):180.3 x 70.2 x 54.1Wheelbase: 108.7 inCurb Weight: 3,527 lbPerformancePeak Power: 302 bhp@ 5800 rpmPeak Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm0-62 mph:5.5 sec.Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)Why we love it:Further refined good looks, incredible turbocharged engineWhy we don't:Only one reason: The steering wheel-mounted paddles on the automatic stinkThe Price Tag: $46,500 (est.)