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BMW's new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

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2010 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible

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30th May, 2010

BMW has given its new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible a dose of sporting style and performance with a new 335i M Sport model and range topping M3 leading the way. The new models arrive locally in June.

Powered by a new 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo Technology engine that now features High Precision Injection and VALVTRONIC fully variable valve management, the BMW 335i M Sport delivers the same 225 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque as its 335i predecessor, but with reduced fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 km for the Coupe and 8.8 litres per 100 km for the Convertible.

For true sports performance, the new engine is matched to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional seven-speed Sports Automatic Double-Clutch Transmission with new gearshift paddles for quicker and more intuitive use enabling the seven-speed Coupe to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

To complement this superb performance drivetrain, BMW has raised the profile of the straight six-cylinder 335i M Sport Coupe and Convertible models by giving them a new set of sports attire direct from the M Sports division to improve both the design and dynamic performance.

The exterior design showcases a full aerodynamic M Sport body kit with 19 inch double-spoke light alloy wheels, while inside, M Sport door sills, a Sports multi-function steering wheel, aluminium trim highlights and BMW Individual anthracite headliner further emphasise the car's prowess. To ensure the 335i M Sport continues to deliver ultimate driving pleasure, it also comes standard with the lowered, stiffer M Sport suspension to ensure the driving dynamics match the aesthetic (this option can be deleted if desired).

"The M Sport brand is an icon in the world of sports sedans, coupes and convertibles and with the supreme performance and dynamic driving characteristics of the 335i already established, it was fitting to build upon that with the new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible and give the cars their own distinctive performance personality," said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Stavros Yallouridis.

"At the same time, the whole range benefits from redesigned front, rear and side features that give even greater emphasis to the sporting and elegant character of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible."

"Further to this, a broad range of upgraded and more efficient engines including the fitment of Auto Stop/Start to the M3 for the first time (includes Manual and M-DCT transmission), increased standard luxury equipment and innovative technology will ensure the new BMW 3 Series Coupe and folding hard-top Convertible remain the benchmark cars in their class."

The new BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible range offers a choice of five different models to meet the sporting driving requirements of a broad range of customers. Available as both the sleek two-door Coupe and the folding hardtop, four-seater Convertible, are two diesel models, the 320d and 330d, and three petrol models, an entry level 325i, the new 335i M Sport and the M3.

Design

Taking the lead from the new 335i M Sport models, the 320d, 325i and 330d feature a substantial restyle that combine a redesigned front bumper and bonnet with a wider BMW kidney grille, a wide horizontally split air intake and modified standard Bi-Xenon headlights to give the cars a front view that boasts more 'presence'.

The front-end can be made even more distinctive through the application of LED light elements for the four daytime driving light rings, the new "eyebrow" illumination and the indicator lamps as part of the new optional Innovations Package (standard on 335i M Sport).

Subtly modified side sills and slightly longer redesigned front and rear bumpers provide the new BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible with a sleeker and more dynamic silhouette while the modified L-shaped taillights and redesigned rear bumper with an accentuated rear character line further enhance the cars' sporting style.

Three new exterior metallic paint colours take the total colour options to 12 to give a broad choice of finishes.

The 320d, 325i and 330d are also optionally available with the M- Sport Package that includes the M Aerodynamic Package and sports suspension.

Inside, the standard fine Dakota leather upholstery is now available in a choice of six colours including the new Oyster/Black combination with trim details finished in high gloss Black enamel, Fine Brushed Aluminium or the no-cost option of three fine-wood finishes to provide further scope to individualise the new BMW 3 Series Coupe or Convertible. All models also feature a modified design multi-function three-spoke sports steering wheel trimmed in smooth leather that gives the cars a more dynamic aesthetic and improved feel.

Design changes to the M3 have been limited to new rear light clusters.

Powertrain

To match the style of the new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, BMW offers a range of refined, powerful and efficient engines that all meet the Euro 5 emissions regulations.

Leading on the efficiency front is the upgraded 2.0 litre turbo diesel four cylinder powerplant in the 320d that now delivers 5 kW more power and 30 Nm more torque together with reduced fuel consumption.

Generating a maximum power of 135 kW at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 380 Nm between 1,900 rpm - 2,750 rpm, the new 320d offers a combined fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km for the Coupe and 5.1 l/100 km for the Convertible when matched to the new six-speed manual gearbox.  This is the first time the 320d has been offered with a manual gearbox and its fitment has provided the opportunity to expand the application of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including the standard Auto Stop/Start function.

As the entry level petrol engine, the straight six cylinder 2.5 litre unit in the 325i combines a perfect match of power and fuel efficiency generating peak outputs of 160 kW at 6,500 rpm and 250 Nm from 2,750 rpm - 4,250 rpm that enables the BMW 325i Coupe to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds (Convertible 7.8 s). At the same time, combined fuel consumption is 7.2 l/100 km for the Coupe and 9.2 l/100 km for the Convertible when matched to the six-speed manual gearbox. Like the 320d, the 325i is also optionally available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For performance and efficiency, the 3.0 litre straight six turbo diesel in the 330d generates 180 kW at 4,000 rpm and 520 Nm between 1,750 rpm - 3,000 rpm providing a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds for the 330d Coupe. Matched to the standard six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, the latest 3rd generation common-rail technology delivers a car that uses 6.2 litres of fuel for every 100 km.

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Topping the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible range and sitting above the new 335i M Sport is the new M3. Its familiar 309 kW/400 Nm 4.0 litre V8 needs little introduction but for the new model M3 Coupe and Convertible, BMW has been able to improve efficiency through the application of standard Auto Stop/ Start on both the six-speed manual gearbox and seven-speed Sports Automatic Double-Clutch Transmission. This is the first time BMW has applied its Auto Stop/Start technology to an automatic transmission and the result has been a fuel consumption improvement of 6 per cent with the automatic M3 Coupe now delivering a combined fuel consumption of 11.2 l/100 km (with M-DCT).

Of course, the performance of the M3 models remains their raison d'etre and the new model automatic M3 Coupe is able to cover 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds (with M-DCT) with the Convertible not far behind sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds (with 7-speed sports automatic transmission).

This performance is equally matched by the M3 models' driving dynamics and for those customers who wish to experience even greater control and razor-sharp handling, BMW is offering a Competition Package for the new M3 Coupe.

This optional package comprises a continually adjustable Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system that now includes a new Sport mode, modified calibration of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), M Drive and M Y-spoke design 19-inch alloy wheels.

Comfort, convenience and safety

Both the new BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come very highly specified to offer a supreme level of comfort, convenience and safety.

Standard features for the 320d include cruise control, climate control, power windows and heated exterior mirrors, partial electric seat adjustment for driver and front passenger, BMW Professional Radio system with MP3 compatible single slot CD player and USB audio interface, Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, automatic windscreen wipers, 17-inch light alloy wheels and electrically operated 3 part steel roof (Convertible), seat heating (Convertible) and fully electric seat adjustment with memory function (Convertible).

Safety equipment is equally comprehensive with all models across the range featuring dual front, front side and full length side curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), active front head restraints, Rain Sensor and rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Reflecting the mid-range status of the 325i and 330d, these models also gain full electric sports front seats with lumbar support and memory, Comfort Access System, Business Navigation System, cruise control with brake function and DSC with extended functions, with the 330d also featuring front Park Distance Control and the HiFi Loudspeaker system as standard.

The 320d, 325i and 330d are also available with an optional Innovations Package that adds further features in addition to the LED light elements. For the 320d these include Comfort Access System, Adaptive Headlights, High Beam Assist and Business Navigation System. With its more comprehensive standard specification, the Innovations Package for 325i gains automatic folding exterior mirrors, BMW Professional Navigation System, Voice Control and HiFi Loudspeaker system while the 330d also receives the harman/kardon Surround Sound System as part of the optional package.

All these features with the exclusion of the harman/kardon Surround Sound System are standard on the new BMW 335i M Sport with the top of the range M3 models gaining a further audio upgrade with the harman/kardon system matched to a six-stack CD changer and gaining its own bespoke M Sport seats finished in Novillo leather.

With its redesigned styling, more powerful and efficient engines and extended list of standard equipment highlighted by the new 335i M Sport model, the new BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible is set to challenge the successful Audi A5/S5, the stylish Peugeot 407 coupe and the highly respected Saab 9-3 convertible.

BMW 3 Series Coupe - Australian Pricing (MLP):

BMW 320d                       $65,600*
BMW 325i                        $84,900*
BMW 330d                       $94,700*
BMW 335i M Sport          $116,700*
BMW M3                          $158,300*

BMW 3 Series Convertible - Australian Pricing (MLP):

BMW 320d                       $78,500*
BMW 325i                        $98,700*
BMW 330d                       $107,700*
BMW 335i M Sport          $129,900*
BMW M3                          $176,700*

Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) is indicated above and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges and the various statutory charges (which vary between dealers and States/Territories).


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