BMW Tweaks 3-Series

Within a week of unveiling its all-new 7-Series BMW has also had to wheel out its facelifted 3-Series Saloon and Touring models after an American website broke the embargo (tut, tut). Visually, it's not radically different to the old model although quite a few external components have been updated, including the front and rear bumpers; headlamps and tail lamps; bonnet; bootlid; rockers and wheels, while the cabin gets the mildest of tweaks; new electric window buttons, more storage space and the revised, easier-to-operated iDrive system. "ConnectedDrive", which is BMW-speak for internet access, is now optional.Mechanically, there aren't many changes either. As before, every 3-Series utilises BWM's EfficientDynamics technology to return incredibly low CO2 figures. Brake energy regeneration, automatic engine start/stop function, shift-point display, needs-related control of auxiliary units and active aerodynamics with computer-controlled air intake flaps are amongst the technologies used. Other changes include a new straight-six diesel engine for the BMW 330d, which produces 245 bhp and 520 Nm (0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, limited top speed of 250 km/h) while needing only 5.7 litres of fuel every 100km and emitting a staggering 152g/km, making it Band B clean. There's also a new 320xd (and all-wheel-drive version of the 320d; the first four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive 3-Series) although it won't be offered in RHD, and BMW's new 7-speed double clutch transmission will also be available in 335i Coupé and Convertible, eventually whittling its way down the range to cooking models.