BMW revises 3 Series Touring range

BMW has used the launch of new 320i and 335i Touring models for 2008 to add new features to the previous sole 323i Touring model in the company's quest to double its 3 Series wagon sales for 2008.

By increasing the model choice and upgrading the standard equipment of the wagon versions of its best-selling 3 Series range, BMW is set to capitalise on any future swing away from less fuel-efficient and more cumbersome SUVs to more agile, sportier wagons based on passenger cars.

According to BMW, the latest 3 Series Touring "offers a remarkable combination of driving dynamics, safety, passenger comfort and impressive versatility in a car that is larger than its predecessor E46 generation car in every way, yet actually weighs less."

However, BMW Group Australia has no immediate plans to launch a 320d Touring diesel version.

BMW spokesman Toni Andreevski confirmed that the 320d Sedan (currently 10-15 per cent of 3 Series sales) and the Touring body style (currently just under 10 per cent of 3 Series sales) would both need to represent a higher percentage of 3 Series sales before a diesel Touring version would be viable for the Australian market.

The new 2008 3 Series Touring range which has just tripled in size includes:

320i Touring: This new for 2008 Touring model at its $54,200 entry price includes BMW's upgraded 115kW four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual as standard. Key features include steel 16-inch wheels with 205/55 R16 run-flat tyres, multi-function leather steering wheel, warning triangle with first aid kit, split-fold rear seats, Comfort Access keyless entry and engine start system, rear parking sensors (PDC), rain sensor wipers, automatic headlights, cruise control, Bluetooth, in-dash CD, front side and head air bags for front and rear occupants, combination leather/cloth trim, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), DataDot security and tailgate with separate-opening rear glass.

In addition, the 320i Touring gains the new Luggage Compartment Package now standard across the range. It includes the removable watertight folding storage box, reversible liner with integrated protective cover, dividable storage compartment beneath the main luggage compartment floor and luggage compartment nets.

320i Executive Touring: Starting at $59,100 for the manual and also new for 2008, the Executive level adds BMW's Dakota leather trim, front fog lights, partial electric seat adjustment, a choice of woodgrain or aluminium cabin trim, 16-inch alloy wheels, extended vehicle entry and in-cabin lighting.

323i Touring: The existing single 323i Touring level starts at $68,900 with its 140kW six-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual specification equivalent to the 320i Executive Touring. As for all Touring models, except for the 335i where it is standard, the six speed Steptronic automatic adds $2600.

Over the new 320i Executive Touring, the 323i Touring has extended DSC functions and cruise-control with brake function. For 2008, it also gains the Luggage Compartment Package.

335i Touring: This new for 2008 model adds BMW's International Engine of the Year to the Touring body for a starting price of $108,600. After the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine brings a road-blistering 225kW and 400Nm to BMW's 3 Series wagon body, it can post a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds and 250km/h top speed. Direct injection technology helps deliver a combined fuel figure of 9.8L/100km. Its 1630kg kerb weight adds 80kg over the equivalent 335i sedan.

The 335i also brings a wealth of features over the 320i Executive/323i Touring specification including standard six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle controls, front and rear parking sensors (PDC), 17-inch alloys, adaptive headlights, Bi-Xenon headlights with washer system, high beam assist, 8.8-inch control display colour monitor with Professional Navigation, TV tuner and voice control, 10-speaker hi-fi loudspeaker system, full driver's seat electric adjustment with memory, electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger and six stacker CD. The Luggage Compartment Package is also standard.

M Sport Package: All Touring models except the entry 320i can be equipped with the M Sport package which includes the M aerodynamic body package, 17-inch double spoke M light-alloy wheels, sports seats, M Sport suspension with 15mm lower ride height, M mulit-function sports steering wheel, anthracite headlining, M door sills and Aluminium Glacier Silver cabin trim. The M Sport Package adds $5500 to the 320i Executive, $5200 to the 323i and $4500 to the 335i Touring.

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