More value for revised 3 Series range

BMW and Mercedes-Benz must work to the same production schedules -- down to the very same day. Within hours of Benz's local arm announcing a restructured model range for the C-Class, BMW Australia revealed that the 3 Series will undergo significant changes to specification from March production.

We're aware that changes to the 3 Series range have been in the pipeline -- you can read an international review from our man Michael Taylor in coming days -- and BMW advises that the March production cars will be arriving in dealer showrooms here from around May or June.

"We've been working on this strategy for a while, and the timing just worked that, with March production, it sort of came in at around the same...[as the C-Class news]" said Tim James, BMW Australia's PR & Corporate Communications Manager.

"They [Mercedes-Benz] were obviously working on the same sort of timescale as us. I'm sure we both monitor what each other is doing in the marketplace -- so there's probably no surprise what either of us has done."

What BMW has done is to revamp the specifications for the 3 Series range, adding extra standard equipment and renaming the levels of trim.

"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 Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Australia.

But foremost among those reasons is the adoption of the 'single-turbo' TwinPower six for the 335i sedan and Touring. This engine has already been introduced to Australia in the 535i Gran Turismo and, according to James, the same engine will also be introduced progressively in the 135i, the 3 Series Coupe/Convertible variants, the updated X5 and the F10-generation 5 Series -- all due from around mid-year.

For those who are detail-focused, the new engine is coded N55 and replaces the previous twin-turbo (but not 'TwinPower') engine coded N54. The new engine is named 'TwinPower' for its twin-scroll turbo -- which effectively does the work of the two turbos fitted to the N54 engine that currently powers the 335i.

In fact, the new engine fights above its weight, developing the same power and torque figures, but using 0.5L/100km less fuel in combined-cycle testing. The consumption figures are 8.7L/100km for the N55 sedan and Touring (from 9.2 for the N54 sedan and 9.3 for the N54 Touring).

For the rest of the range, the changes in detail are predominantly confined to marketing nomenclature and re-specifying the standard equipment throughout the range.

"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," explained Noble.

"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 and Sedan and Touring range in Australia."

320i, 320d Executive and 323i are renamed 320i Lifestyle, 320d Lifestyle and 323i Lifestyle, respectively. The 'Lifestyle' grade signifies additional standard equipment, estimated by BMW to be worth as much as $3000, for a price increase of $800. These additional features are: 17-inch light alloy wheels (V-spoke 338 design), door sill finishers with "Edition" motif, Chrome Line Exterior package, and a chrome-finished decorative bar in the lower front apron. New pricing for the Lifestyle variants is set at $55,300 (320i) and $59,100 (320d and 323i).

The 325i ($76,150) and 330d ($90,150) variants are now trimmed to the 'Exclusive' specification. The price has not changed from the previous model year counterparts, but the value has improved by $500, according to BMW. Standard features in this grade now include: 17-inch light alloy wheels (in a Star-spoke 339 design), door sill finishers with "Edition" motif, Chrome Line Exterior package, a chrome-finished decorative bar in the front apron, fine wood trim in Bamboo Grain, anthracite, and steering wheel inlay in Pearl Grey. The Touring model's roof rails are now completed by an aluminium satin finish.

BMW will offer the Exclusive variants with the option of an Innovations Package, comprising: bi-xenon headlights with headlight washer system, High-Beam Assist and Navigation System Business. In addition, this option also packs exterior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function and electric folding, Bi-Xenon headlights including headlight washer system, High-Beam assist, Navigation System Professional and Voice Control. The 330d with the box ticked for this option also gains Adaptive headlights and the harman/kardon Surround Sound audio system. This option will cost $4100 for the sedans and $4300 for the Touring.

BMW has renamed the 335i variants 335i M Sport, indicating the standard inclusion of the former M Sport option. Both sedan and Touring variants are priced $3000 higher than before, reflecting the additional features ($110,800 for the Sedan and $115,200 for the Touring).

An M Sport Innovations Package combines the previous M Sport and Innovations Package, with application to the 320d for the first time. This pack features: bi-xenon headlights including headlight washer system; High-Beam Assist and Navigation Business, in addition to the M Sport items.

The same option for the 325i also bundles anti-dazzle/electric-folding exterior mirrors and voice control. Adaptive headlights and the harman/kardon Surround Sound audio system are included in the option for the 330d. Pricing for this option pack starts from $8700 for the 320i, 320d and 323i, rising to $8900 for the 325i and 330d.

Largely unchanged -- although rumoured to be arriving here with auto-stop/start in its arsenal -- the M3 sedan will bring to market the new Competition Package from May 2010. This package integrates the following features: 19-inch M light alloy wheels (in Y-spoke 359M design), M Drive, EDC with new Sport Mode and DSC stability control with a special set up for Drive Dynamics optimisation. This option inflates the purchase price of the M3 by $9,900.

All prices are manufacturer's list prices, excluding on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charges.

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