With Audi and Mercedes launching new family execs in the past 12 months, time has come for BMW to spruce up the 3-series. CAR has spotted the facelifted car testing around Munich, with a typically subtle BMW facelift.
Judging by our pictures, the front end will receive a more sculptured bonnet and deeper grille, making the snout more aggressive, and aping the M3 saloon. The headlights should incorporate clear lenses, much like the latest 5-series, while the rear lights will likely be LEDs, and much closer in design to those on the 3-series coupe. At long last, those terrible, shapeless rear lamps – so Mitsubishi Carisma! – will be fixed.
A single exhaust either side of the rear shows the test car is a bigger-engined variant: the set-up differs from the twin exhausts seen on the current range-toppers. Along the side, a new chrome strip tastefully trims the glass, again mirroring the 5-series. Expect some new, higher quality materials inside too.
Click ‘Next’ to read full story
Hardly ground breaking stuff…
No, but then the 3-series enjoyed another healthy year of sales in 2007, outselling mainstream stuff to become the seventh best seller in the UK overall. Even the new Mondeo was left standing. BMW is hardly going to mess with a formula as successful as that – the 3-series is the company’s main bread-winner.
One thing that will make an appearance is the Efficient Dynamics package introduced to various BMWs last year. It sounds very A-level Physics, but is essentially a re-jigged engine fitted with stop-start technology to cut CO2 output and increase the fuel economy.
That’s all we hear about these days!
True, but this one seems to work. On the big-selling 320d, the carbon emissions are cut down to 128g/km. It also sees the Beemer into the lowest company car tax band. Did we mention 59.1mpg as well?
Such figures mean BMW is bound to increase the package beyond its current four-cylinder limit, especially considering its stated aim to sell a third of their cars with Efficient Dynamics. If it wants to hit that target, then where better to apply the technology than across their most profitable range?
Click ‘Next’ to read full story
Any more details on the 3-series?
Engine choices will remain broadly similar to today’s range, with the following choices:
Petrols
318i – 2.0 143bhp/140 lb ft
320i – 2.0 170bhp/155 lb ft
325i – 3.0 218bhp/199 lb ft
330i – 3.0 272bhp/236 lb ft
335i – 3.0 306bhp/295 lb ft
Diesels
318d – 2.0 143bhp/221 lb ft
320d – 2.0 177bhp/258 lb ft
325d – 3.0 197bhp/295 lb ft
330d – 3.0 231bhp/368 lb ft
335d – 3.0 286bhp/427 lb ft
All will be available in SE or M Sport trim, with the base ES specification kicking off the range on the 318 and 320. Expect a slight price hike in line with other BMW facelifts, though not as drastic as the £745-plus that 5-series buyers suffered last year. Expect to see the wraps come off the facelifted 3-series at Paris in September 2008.
If you don’t like the look of the new car, BMW is offering a new series of Edition models for the Three with upgraded interior trim, bigger wheels and Efficient Dynamics.