BMW F30 3-Series tagged posts

The current generation of BMW 3 Series (F30) has been around for more than 3 years and it is due for the mid-cycle refresh. Today BMW announced some details about the upcoming 2016 model year 3 series. The biggest change is the introducing of 3 new turbocharged engines: the B38 3-cylinder, B48 4-cylinder (B47 for diesel) and finally the B58 6-cylinder.

Below are the details (please note: some models may not be sold in the US market):

– 2016 316d, 318d: new B47 turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder engine; 316d output: 114hp
– 2016 318i: B38 1.5L turbocharged I3, 134hp (100 kW) and 162 lb-ft of torque, 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and top speed is 130mph
– 2016 320i: B48 2...

Nowadays, plastic is not something unfamiliar in our daily commute cars. We see them in the interior trims, body panels, cowls and even some brackets inside the engine compartment.

Previously we can never think of using plastics in some critical parts which are subject to high loads, excessive heat and demanding stress. But the usage of engineering plastics continues to expand in the auto industry.

One example is the BMW N20 4-cylider turbo engine. For some F30 3-series, the N20 engine comes with a plastic engine oil pan, as shown in the below image. The engine oil pan seals the underside of the engine and holds all of its lubrication oil.

Recently Mercedes-Benz go anoth...