Sporting BMW 3 Series Now with Diesel Power

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – December 11, 2009: With the overriding success of BMW diesel power plants, BMW is set to expand the range even further, introducing the first ever diesel powered 3 Series Coupe, Convertible and Touring to the Australian market.

Customers will have the choice between two engines depending on body style; a 2.0-litre four cylinder or 3.0-litre straight-six diesel power plant, both combining the very best in dynamic and efficient motoring.

In response to increasing customer demand for BMW diesel engines, BMW will provide customers with another option in what is historically, a petrol dominated market.

All new diesel 3 Series models arrive equipped with renowned BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering and Common Rail Diesel Technology, sitting comfortably under the luxury car tax efficiency threshold.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine, as deployed in the ever popular 320d Executive Sedan, will now make its way to the to the 3 Series Coupe, Convertible and Touring, providing customers the combined benefit of dynamic performance, low fuel efficiency and low emissions, irrespective of body style.

Developing a maximum output of 130kW and peak torque of 350 Newton-metres between 1,750 and 3,000rpm, the average fuel consumption is just 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres for the BMW 320d Coupe (5.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the BMW 320d Executive Touring and 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the BMW 320d Convertible), the BMW 320d again sets the standard for supreme efficiency in its segment.

Acceleration of these new models is equally as impressive throughout the various body styles. The 320d Coupe for moves from 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds, the BMW 320d Executive Touring in 8.3 seconds and the BMW 320d Convertible in 8.7 seconds.

The power unit features an exhaust gas turbocharger which, thanks to its variable turbine geometry, ensures optimum development of power throughout all ranges.

Equipment levels of the 320d Coupe, Convertible are akin to the current 325i Coupe and Convertible with the Touring likened to the 320i Executive and 320d Executive Sedan.

Notable standard features across the new 320d model range include Automatic transmission, Dakota Leather interior, Sports multifunction leather steering wheel, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, Automatic Climate Control, Auxiliary in-put, Park Distance Control, Xenon Lights (Coupe and Convertible) and light alloys wheels (17-inch Coupe and Convertible, 16-inch Touring). Front seat heating is also standard on the 320d Convertible.

For prospective customers, the 320d Coupe, Convertible and Touring make a formidable package, combining performance, efficiency and exclusive luxury motoring at an affordable price. The BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible now commence at a price point, approximately $16,000 less than before, the Coupe $67,500* and the 3 Series Convertible $80,400*.

And for those wanting to up the ante, the all-aluminium high-output turbocharged 180 kW six-cylinder diesel engine, will power the new 330d Coupe and 330d Convertible.

Developing a substantial 520 Nm of torque, the super frugal straight six propels the 330d Coupe from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and 6.5 seconds for the 330d Convertible. Uniquely, this blistering acceleration is combined with an average fuel consumption of just 6.2 litres (Coupe) and 6.4 litres (Convertible) per 100 kilometres.

The straight-six diesel in the BMW 330d clearly represents the latest state-of-the-art BMW engine development. Displacing 3.0 litres, this ultra-modern power unit comes with an all-aluminium crankcase and turbocharger system with variable intake geometry, providing a highly dynamic but smooth flow of power tailored harmoniously to the driving conditions. Fuel is supplied by the latest generation of common-rail fuel injection using piezo-injectors operating at a maximum pressure of 1,800 bar.

Performance minded buyers will be further enticed by the wide range of standard features on the 330d Coupe and 330d Convertible. Specification levels rival the range topping 335i Coupe and 335i Convertible and include full Dakota Leather trim (Convertible with SunReflective technology), Business Navigation, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, 10 speaker HiFi loudspeaker system, electric drive and passenger seats with memory function (Coupe with Sports Seats) and 17 inch light alloy wheels, just a name a few.

Delivery of the new range of diesel powered 3 Series Coupe, Convertible and Touring models will be available for customer delivery in December 2009