BMW 3 Series sports car prices slashed

BMW has announced value-added High-line models for its 1 Series and 3 Series Coupe and Convertible cars, representing savings of up to $15,000 based on pricing and specification realignment.

To maintain interest in the last of the current two-door 3 Series range (E92/E93), BMW has slashed prices and loaded up the vehicles with more standard features ahead of the cars' replacement by the new BMW 4 Series at the end of 2013.

The entry-level BMW 320d Coupe ($64,900) and Convertible ($77,900) variants are priced $5200 lower than previously, but gain "high-demand" features as standard, such as electric seats with memory, 18-inch alloy wheels, anti-dazzle mirrors, automatic transmission with paddle shifters, a primo Harman/kardon stereo system, front proximity sensors and satellite navigation.

Move up the range to the BMW 325i High-line models and prices for coupe and drop-top versions have been slashed by $11,800, while adding the same features as the 320d models and upgrading the wheels to 19-inch star spoke designs.

The 335i High-line models represent a saving of $8800 and add metallic paint plus BMW's seven-speed Double clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

All 3 Series Convertible High-line models get a wind deflector as standard now.

BMW Australia will sell the High-line 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models until the end of the current models' production in June and October respectively (bearing in mind the three month journey by sea to Australia). The company is calling the change-over from regular to High-line models a 're-specification' for 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models.

BMW explained that 'end of lifecycle' vehicles often represent the best value.

The 1 Series High-line models however are bespoke limited edition models, which will be constrained to just 50 units - 25 for each body style.

The BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible High-line models cost around $2000 more than their donor cars, but add up to $4000 worth of value says the importer, by adding features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with high-beam assist, satellite navigation, Boston leather upholstery and 'Edition' badges.

Three colours are offered - grey, black and white - while exterior trimmings such as a chrome front kidney grille with white sides on the vertical bars, dark chrome exhaust outlets and brown-silver effect cloth roofs for the Convertible models are also gratis.

BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible High-Line Edition pricing (previous prices in brackets)
320d Coupe High-line $64,900 ($70,100)
325i Coupe High-line $69,900 ($80,950)
335i Coupe High-line $99,900 ($108,700)

320d Convertible High-line $77,900 ($83,100)
325i Convertible High-line $82,900 ($94,700)
335i Convertible High-line $112,900 ($121,700)

BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible High-Line Edition pricing
118d Convertible High-line $56,262
120i Convertible High-line $56,262
125i Convertible High-line $68,200
123d Convertible High-line $70,562

120i Coupe High-line $50,462
125i Coupe High-line $58,662
123d Coupe High-line $61,262

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.