BMW takes the High-line

BMW has introduced a limited-edition High-line variant of its 1 and 3 Series Coupe and Cabriolet range in Australia, with prices on some models slashed by more than $11,000.

The announcement of a price decrease and limited-edition model range indicates that BMW Australia is in run-out mode, with the ageing 3 Series due to be replaced by the new 4 Series in the third quarter of this year.

The biggest price reduction in the 3 Series range is for the 325i Convertible, which falls from $94,700 to $82,900, a saving of $11,800.

The Coupe version of the 325i has gone down from $80,950 to $69,900, a drop of $11,050.

Opening the 3 Series High-line range, which goes on sale in March, is the 320d at $64,900 for the Coupe and $77,900 for the Cabrio, both down by $5200.

BMW has added to the standard features list for the High-line with the 320d gaining automatic transmission with gearshift paddles, electric seats with memory function, auto-dimming mirror, a Harman/Kardon surround-sound system, upgraded sat-nav and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Left: BMW 1 Series High-line Cabriolet

Stepping up to the 325i Coupe or Cabrio adds 19-inch alloys, while the range-topping 335i models get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with gearshift paddles and metallic paint for $99,900 (Coupe) and $112,900 (Cabriolet).

The price reduction comes after the German car-maker introduced the stripped-out Pure Edition of the M3 Coupe in January for $125,000, a saving of $30,000 over the regular M3.

Buyers keen on getting into a 1 Series High-line will have to be quick as BMW has limited numbers to just 25 examples for each body style.

Prices across the 1 Series Coupe and Cabriolet range have increased with the introduction of the High-line range, but each model gains additional features to compensate.

The entry-level 118d and 120i Convertible models increase by $2462 to $56,262, while the top-spec 123d rises by the same amount to $70,562 for the Convertible and $61,262 for the Coupe.

High-line models gain some new exterior flourishes, including 18-inch alloys, chrome highlights, dark-chrome exhaust trims and a brown-silver effect for the soft-top roof of the Convertible.

The cabin features upgrades including Boston leather trim in ‘tobacco’ colour with platinum stitching for the steering wheel and seats, special-edition door-sill trims, bi-xenon headlights and an upgraded sat-nav.

BMW Group Australia managing director Phil Horton said the limited-edition 1 Series will not stick around for long.

“Due to their great value and unique nature, limited-edition models in any model range get snapped up very quickly by savvy shoppers,” he said. “With only 25 units available for each body style, the High-line Limited Edition is a rare opportunity for 50 lucky customers.”

BMW’s upcoming 4 Series Coupe, which was previewed at the Detroit motor show in January, will replace the 3 Series Coupe in the third quarter and will be followed by a convertible version that may arrive in early 2014.

The current 3 Series Coupe range is based on the superseded model that was replaced in January 2012 and has been on sale in Australia since October 2006.

BMW will also change the nomenclature of the next-generation 1 Series Coupe and Cabriolet range to 2 Series when it is unveiled sometime in the second half of this year.

BMW 3 and 1 Series High-line pricing*

320d Coupe	$64,900
325i Coupe	$69,900
335i Coupe	$99,900
320d Convertible	$77,900
325i Convertible	$112,900
118d Convertible	$56,262
120i Convertible	$56,262
125i Convertible	$68,200
123d Convertible	$70,562
120i Coupe	$50,462
125i Coupe	$58,662
123d Coupe	$61,262

*Plus on-road costs.