The new BMW 3 Series

Following its March 2005 launch, when it was hailed as offering a new level of
achievement for the compact executive segment, BMW's class-leading, and most
popular, car has just raised the bar again. The BMW 3 Series has been revised
for September and now features a new interior and exterior appearance to
combine with its benchmark powertrains and continued unrivalled driving
dynamics. The model also comes with all of BMW's EfficientDynamics technologies
for best-in-class economy and emissions.


The revised BMW 3 Series is offered with a range of award-winning powerplants,
five petrol and five diesel derivatives, from launch. To further underscore its
competitive advantage, the BMW 330d engine is a newly developed all-aluminium
unit that uses third generation common-rail diesel injection technology with
piezo injectors and a single turbo-charger with variable vane geometry. At the
other end of the scale, the popular BMW 318d can now be mated to a six-speed
automatic transmission for the first time.


The new six-cylinder 2,993cc engine in the 330d produces 245hp at 4,000rpm,
14hp up over its predecessor. Torque has also increased by 20Nm to 520Nm and
this peak figure is available from 1,750rpm through to 3,000pm. The impressive
statistics mean the performance figures of the new 330d Saloon and Touring have
improved compared to the previous model. The 330d Saloon now accelerates from
zero to 62mph in 6.1 seconds (Touring 6.2 seconds) before going on to an
electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The economy and emissions of the
new 330d have similarly improved from 46.3mpg to 49.6mpg and 160g/km to 152g/km.


The two thirds of new 330d drivers who favour an automatic transmission see an
additional benefit as their chosen vehicle will qualify for a lower Vehicle
Excise Duty band (D instead of E) with CO2 emissions now 165g/km as opposed to
176g/km.


The performance of the 325d and 335d Saloon and Touring also witness
improvements in performance and efficiency. Combined fuel consumption on the
325d Saloon improves from 47.9mpg to 49.6mpg, while CO2 emissions are cut from
155g/km to 153g/km. Customers choosing a 325d Saloon or Touring with an
automatic gearbox further benefit as their car now falls into the Band D
Vehicle Excise Duty bracket on account of the new 164g/km and 165g/km emissions
figures instead of 169g/km and 172g/km respectively.


For the 335d Saloon and Touring models, power and torque output figures are
still the same at 286hp and 580Nm, however the Saloon now reaches 62mph from
standstill in 6.2 seconds, with the Touring recording a similar jump in
performance.


BMW 318d Saloon and Touring are available with a six-speed automatic gearbox
for the first time and this offers drivers a more relaxed driving experience
for a negligible impact on economy and emissions. A 318d Saloon with automatic
gearbox records a combined consumption figure of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of
144g/km.


Elsewhere on the 3 Series Saloon and Touring ranges, the powerplants remain
unchanged following last year's introduction of widespread engine enhancements.
This means the 3 Series model portfolio continues to be powered by the
International Engine of the Year for 2007 and 2008 (the petrol-powered
3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit) and the most fuel efficient and least
polluting diesel and petrol engines in their class. All BMW 3 Series
powerplants feature direct injection technology and the extensive use of
lightweight materials to improve engine efficiency.


The table below underscores the competitive advantage these changes have
ensured. Further comparisons of the 3 Series range with competitor products can
be gleaned from logging on to www.bmw.co.uk and clicking through the
EfficientDynamics link.

(Please see attached downloadable document for fully formatted table of detail)

Model / Power Hp / Torque Nm / 0-62mph Secs / Top Speed Mph / Combined Mpg /
CO2 Emissions g/km / VED Band

BMW 325d Saloon* / 197 / 400 / 7.4 / 146 / 49.6 / 152 / D
Audi A4 TDI SE 190 Saloon / 187 / 400 / 7.7 / 140 / 42.8 / 167 / E
Data supplied by EMMOX Carcost Ltd
*Car with automatic transmission as Audi only offered with this gearbox.

Model / Power Hp / Torque Nm / 0-62mph Secs / Top Speed Mph / Combined
Mpg / CO2 Emissions g/km / VED Band

BMW 330d Saloon* / 245 / 520 / 6.1 / 155** / 49.6 / 152 / D
Mercedes C320 CDi Saloon / 224 / 510 / 6.9 / 155** / 38.7 / 193 / F
Data supplied by EMMOX Carcost Ltd
*Car with automatic transmission as Mercedes only offered with this gearbox.
** Electronically-limited.

A new look
The latest BMW 3 Series builds on its already striking design to keep it as one
of the most sporting and luxurious looking cars in its class. Compared to the
outgoing ES and SE specification cars, the latest model now features two
additional raised precision lines on the bonnet for a more muscular look. The
iconic BMW kidney grille has been re-profiled, while the headlights feature
twin corona side lights as standard. The front apron has been reshaped too for
a more sporting look.


At the side, the valance now features a new crease line for a more sporting
look and the wing mirrors have been increased in size for better visibility.
The track of the car has been increased by 24mm for enhanced driving dynamics.
The rear light cluster has been changed and is now monochrome in colour with
LED technology as standard, while the rear valance and boot lid have been
re-styled. In addition to these changes seven new styles of alloy wheel designs
are offered, including a sports-oriented 17-inch V-spoke alloy wheel as
standard on four-cylinder SE specification cars.


M Sport models also feature the new bonnet, front and rear lights and new M
Aerodynamic body styling to further set the car apart.


Inside, and a revised centre console houses the all-new iDrive system (when
specified). For added convenience and improved functionality, iDrive features a
new on-screen layout with scroll across display for each chosen function for
greater clarity. A 'back' button and shortcut keys mean it is even easier to
navigate to a required function. The use of 'favourite buttons' below the
iDrive screen add another element of practicality allowing you to call upon
favourite destinations, music sources or phone book entries. Other interior
changes for the 3 Series include improved ergonomics, such as the positioning
of switchgear, and more luxurious materials.


The new operating system is only possible courtesy of the hard disc drive used
for of the vehicle's electronic data storage. 8Gb of this space is specifically
set aside for the uploading of favourite music tracks. The car is capable of
storing in excess of 100 albums. Elsewhere inside the car new trims are
available.


All 3 Series Saloon and Touring models come as standard with six airbags, front
and rear ISOFIX child seat mounts (including front airbag deactivation) and one
of the most advanced stability control systems in the world to guard against
accidents. For the first time on a 3 Series the model now comes as standard
with active head restraints. In the event of a rear-end collision the front
section of the head restraint moves forward by 60mm and up by 40mm to reduce
the distance between head rest and the occupants' heads thus reducing the risk
of spinal injury.


The current generation of 3 Series was first seen in 2005 and since then an
average of 28,000 Saloons and 9,000 Touring models are sold every year. The
most popular engine variant is the 320d which accounts for 43 per cent of
Saloon sales and 46 per cent of Touring sales. A third of all 3 Series sales in
UK are M Sport, but this increases to nearly 70 per cent when taking only
six-cylinder cars into consideration.


The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring go on sale on 20 September, 2008, with
pricing announced at a later date.

(Please see attached downloadable document for fully formatted table of detail)

Model - Power Hp / Torque Nm / 0 - 62 secs / Top Speed Mph / Combined Mpg / CO2
Emissions g/km

BMW 318i Saloon - 143 / 190 / 9.1 / 131 / 47.9 / 142
BMW 320i Saloon - 170 / 210 / 8.2 / 142 / 46.3 / 146
BMW 325i Saloon - 218 / 270 / 6.7 / 155* / 39.8 / 170
BMW 330i Saloon - 272 / 320 / 6.1 / 155* / 39.2 / 173
BMW 335i Saloon - 306 / 400 / 5.6 / 155* / 31.0 / 218
BMW 318d Saloon - 143 / 300 / 9.3 / 130 / 60.1 / 123
BMW 320d Saloon - 177 / 350 / 7.9 / 143 / 58.9 / 128
BMW 325d Saloon - 197 / 400 / 7.4 / 146 / 49.6 / 153
BMW 330d Saloon - 245 / 520 / 6.1 / 155* / 49.6 / 152
BMW 335d Saloon** - 286 / 580 / 6.0 / 155* / 42.2 / 177
*Electronically-limited.
** Automatic transmission only.

Model - Power Hp / Torque Nm / 0 - 62 secs / Top Speed Mph / Combined Mpg / CO2
Emissions g/km

BMW 318i Touring - 143 / 190 / 9.5 / 130 / 47.1 / 144
BMW 320i Touring - 170 / 210 / 8.4 / 140 / 45.6 / 148
BMW 325i Touring - 218 / 270 / 6.9 / 155* / 39.2 / 173
BMW 330i Touring - 272 / 320 / 6.2 / 155* / 38.7 / 175
BMW 335i Touring - 306 / 400 / 5.7 / 155* / 30.4 / 222
BMW 318d Touring - 143 / 300 / 9.6 / 130 / 58.9 / 125
BMW 320d Touring - 177 / 350 / 8.1 / 142 / 57.6 / 130
BMW 325d Touring - 197 / 400 / 7.6 / 145 / 47.9 / 155
BMW 330d Touring - 245 / 520 / 6.2 / 155* / 47.9 / 155
BMW 335d Touring** - 286 / 580 / 6.1 / 155* / 41.5 / 178
*Electronically-limited.
** Automatic transmission only.

Ends