BMW adds value to 3 Series sedan, wagon

BMW has upgraded its volume-selling 3 Series sedan and wagon line-up, adding fresh features and enhancing value across the range, and introducing new model variant names to reflect the change.

Effective from March production and due in Australian showrooms later in the second quarter, the revised 3 Series information was released this week as Mercedes-Benz launched its enhanced C-class range for the 2010 model year.

The biggest change centres on the 335i sedan and Touring (wagon), which have picked up the 3.0-litre ‘TwinPower’ twin-scroll single-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine – a replacement for the current twin-turbo unit but one that produces the same 225kW/400Nm power and torque outputs, with lower fuel consumption (now below 9L/100km) and emissions.

Already seen in Australia on the recently launched 5 Series GT, this engine will be introduced on a host of forthcoming models this year, including the new-generation 5 Series sedan and wagon, upgraded X5 SUV, 3 Series Coupe and Convertible and the 1 Series compact.

Pricing for the 335i sedan and wagon will increase $3000 to $110,800 and $115,200 respectively (plus statutory and dealer charges), and will carry the M Sport label to reflect the standard inclusion of the M Sport package, currently offered as an option.

The pack includes a special aerodynamic package, M light-alloy wheels, M Sport suspension, sports seats and an M leather steering wheel.

In turn, BMW has created an M Sport Innovations Package – a combination of the current M Sport and Innovations option packs – for the upgraded series, which will be available on all sedan and wagon variants below the 335i, including, for the first time, the 330d.

In addition to the usual M Sport features, the extra equipment includes bi-Xenon headlights (with washers), High-Beam Assist and Navigation Business, while the 325i adds electric folding/anti-dazzle wing mirrors to the list and uses Navigation System Professional and Voice Control.

For the 330d, the package adds adaptive headlights and a Harmon Kardon stereo. Pack pricing ranges from $8700 to $8900, depending on the variant.

At the entry level, BMW has introduced the ‘Lifestyle’ moniker for the four-cylinder 320i, 320d Executive and six-cylinder 323i, all of which pick up new features valued at up to $3000 for an increase of $800 to each respective recommended retail price.

These features are 17-inch light-alloy wheels, door sill inserts (with ‘Edition’ motif), the Chrome Line Exterior package and a chrome-finished decorative bar in the lower front bumper.

Pricing starts from $55,300 for the 320i Lifestyle sedan, climbing to $59,100 for the 320d Lifestyle and 323i Lifestyle.

At the mid-range, the 325i and 330d now carry ‘Exclusive’ identification, which includes star-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels, the same door sill inserts and chrome detailing from the ‘Lifestyle’ models, higher-grade interior trim and, on the Touring, an aluminium satin finish for the roof rails.

Pricing remains firm for these models, despite the increase in equipment valued at $500, with the 325i Exclusive sedan starting from $76,150 and the 330d Exclusive from $90,150.

As well as being available with the M Sport Innovations Package, the 320i, 320d and 323i Lifestyle variants can all be optioned with a cheaper non-M Exclusive Innovations Package (priced at $4100 for the sedan, $4300 for the wagon).

Taking this route adds the same equipment as the Exclusive package fitted to the 325i and 330d and all the non-M Innovation items mentioned above, such as bi-Xenon lights and navigation. For the same money, 325i and 330d customers can also add the latter features.

At the top of the range, the V8-powered M3 sports sedan – now priced from $145,000 – gains the option of a new Competition Package.

Available from May, the $9900 package includes unique Y-spoke 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Drive, EDC with a new Sport Mode, and DSC stability control with a unique set-up for Drive Dynamics.

Exterior paint choices across all model variants will include one non-metallic colour (Alpine White) and four metallic finishes: Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Bluewater and Space Grey.

Le Mans Blue will be exclusive to models with the M Sport Innovations Package, while other models can also be specified with Montego Blue, Platinum Bronze, Deep Sea Blue, Tasman or Vermillion red.

Inside, all models are finished in Dakota leather available in grey, beige, oyster/black, red-brown/black, saddle-brown/black or just plain black.

Standard dash and door trim inserts are black high gloss for Lifestyle and Bamboo Grain/Anthracite for Exclusive and higher. Options include Burled Walnut, Walnut and Aluminium.

“This feature upgrade at no or minimal cost, depending on model, gives BMW 3 Series customers plenty of reasons to opt for what is still the benchmark sporting premium compact sedan,” said BMW Group Australia marketing general manager Tom Noble.

“BMW has striven to deliver more joy to customers with two new editions and revised packages that combine many of the popular options at a very attractive price.

“By co-ordinating these options into packages, we are confident we will be giving customers exactly what they want, without of course limiting their ability to further personalise their new BMW purchase.

“With these new Lifestyle and Exclusive Editions and the new Exclusive Innovations and M Sport Packages, BMW has the right formula to continue the unbroken success of the 3 Series sedan and Touring range in Australia.”

BMW 3 Series range pricing:
Sedan
320i Lifestyle (a)	$55,300
320d Lifestyle (a)	$59,100
323i Lifestyle (a)	$59,100
325i Exclusive (a)	$76,150
330d Exclusive (a)	$90,150
335i M Sport (a)	$110,800
M3 (a)	$145,000
Touring
320i Lifestyle (a)	$58,500
320d Lifestyle (a)	$62,300
323i Lifestyle (a)	$63,300
335i M Sport (a)	$115,200