BMW M Sport Style and Performance Leads the Way for New 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – May 17, 2010

New BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible: M Sport style and dynamics
BMW Group Australia has given its new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible a serious dose of sporting style and performance with a new 335i M Sport model and range topping M3 leading the way.

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 outstanding 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque as its 335i predecessor with a reduced fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100km for the Coupe and 8.8 litres per 100km for the Convertible.

For true sports performance, the new engine is mated 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 0-100km/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 whole new set of sports attire direct from the M Sports division to improve both the stunning design and dynamic performance.

The distinctive exterior design showcases a full aerodynamic M Sport body kit with stunning 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 sporting 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 (please note 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 performance leader M3.

Design: sleek, sporting and elegant
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 a more powerful 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 customers 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 non-cost option of three fine-wood finishes to provide customers with further scope to individualise their 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 already stunning M3 have been limited to new rear light clusters.

Powertrain: high performance and efficiency for sheer driving pleasure
To match the more sporting style of the new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, BMW offers a range of refined, powerful and highly efficient engines that all meet the strict 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 5kW more power and 30Nm more torque together with reduced fuel consumption.

Generating a maximum power of 135kW at 400rpm and peak torque of 380Nm between 1900rpm - 2750rpm, the new 320d offers an outstanding combined fuel consumption of just 4.7l/100km for the Coupe and 5.1l/100km for the Convertible when mated 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 160kW at 6500rpm and 250Nm from 2750rpm - 4250rpm that enables the BMW 325i Coupe to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds (Convertible 7.8 s). At the same time, combined fuel consumption is 7.2l/100km for the Coupe and 9.2l/100km for the Convertible when matched to the smooth shifting six-speed manual gearbox. Like the 320d, the 325i is also optionally available with a slick six-speed automatic transmission.

For outstanding performance and efficiency, the 3.0-litre straight six turbo diesel in the 330d generates 180kW at 4000rpm and a massive 520Nm between a low 1750rpm - 3000rpm providing supreme acceleration and a 0-100km/h time of just 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 only 6.2 litres of fuel for every 100km.

Topping the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible range and sitting above the new 335i M Sport is the new M3. Its familiar 309kW/400Nm 4.0-litre V8 needs little introduction as the engine of choice for the ultimate driving pleasure 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 11.2l/100km (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 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds (with M-DCT) with the Convertible not far behind sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds (with 7-speed sports automatic transmission).

This stunning performance is equally matched by the M3 models' supreme 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: luxury features for supreme comfort
As the class-leading models in their segments, both the new BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come very highly specified to offer customers 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 sleek and elegant 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 has again raised the benchmark in dynamic luxury sporting Coupes and Convertibles.