BMW South Africa has introduced the 160 kW 330d, the 2,5-litre six-cylinder 323i and entry-level 320i Start models to its 3 Series range. In addition, an optional Sports specification is now available for all models in the compact saloon’s lineup.
BMW South Africa has introduced the 160 kW 330d, the 2,5-litre six-cylinder 323i and entry-level 320i Start models to its 3 Series range. In addition, an optional Sports specification is now available for all models in the compact saloon’s lineup.
Powered by the most powerful turbodiesel engine to get a tour of duty in the 3 Series – a 3,0-litre six cylinder producing 160 kW at 4 000 r/min and, more significantly, maximum torque of 480 N.m between 1 750 and 2 750 r/min – the 330d is priced very closely to its petrol-engined (190 kW) 330i sibling. Fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, the Three’s top oil burner costs R355 000 (versus the stick-shift 330i for R353 500) and the 330d six-speed Steptronic R368 000 (versus 330i automatic – R366 500).
The 330d pictured here is an example of a 3 Series model that has been given the “M treatment”. The 3 Series Sport models enable buyers to personalise their cars with, inter alia, a sporting suspension set-up, the Aerodynamics Package (front and rear air dams with fog lamps) and side-sills, as well as exclusive 17-inch light-alloy wheels with different-sized tyres front and rear.
A Sport model’s interior features sports seats and leather sports steering wheel. Aluminium trim strips in Glacier Silver, the M footrest as well as M door entry strips round off the package.
According to the manufacturer, the 330d can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6,9 seconds and reach a top speed of 246 km/h. Furthermore, the manual transmission model is said to consume 6,5 litres of diesel per 100 km in the composite EU cycle.
The new 323i model breaches the gap between the 320i and 325i and develops a maximum power output of 130 kW and peak torque of 230 N.m. Its specification is near-identical to that of the 325i, but whereas the latter comes standard with leather upholstery, the former’s seats are trimmed in a combination of cloth and leather. In terms of performance, BMW claims the model will consume 8,4 litres per 100 km in the composite EU cycle, accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7,9 seconds, from 80-120 km/h in fourth gear in 8,4 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 229 km/h.
In addition, a new entry-level model, the 320i Start (with a base price of R234 000) has been launched in both manual and automatic form. The models are mechanically similar to their 320i siblings, but have a lower level of specification… Air conditioning, electric windows, power steering and a BMW Business AM/FM tuner with integrated front-loading CD are standard, but leather seats, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, cellphone and CD changer preparation and air particulate filter have been omitted.
When equipped with a trailer towing hook, the 3 Series now offers Trailer Stability Control integrated in the latest generation of DSC. The function recognises the risk of the car and trailer possibly starting to sway and automatically intervenes whenever necessary.
Price:
320i Start R 234 000
320i Start Steptronic R 247 000
323i R 266 000
323i Steptronic R 279 000
330d R 355 000
330d Steptronic R 368 000
Sport model (additional cost):
320i and 320d R 19 900
323i R 18 100
325i R 16 900
330i and 330d R 13 700
