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Following hot
on the heels of the recent International release of BMW's new 3.0 litre
M54 engine, BMW Australia announces the arrival of the new in-line 6 cylinder
power plant in the class-leading BMW 3 series range from September this
year.
The new 3.0 litre
engine produces a remarkable 170 kW with 300 Nm torque from as low as
3,500 rpm. It once again raises the bar in terms of smooth high performance
6 cylinder engines with extremely flexible power delivery across their
entire operational range.
Naturally, the
new M54 3.0 litre engines utilise the latest versions of BMW's twin VANOS
variable intake and outlet valve timing system combined with BMW's own
DME engine management system, providing both outstanding performance with
incredible fluidity.
The new 3.0 litre
engine will appear in the new 330Ci convertible, which debuted at the
Melbourne International Motorshow and in the other top of the range 3
Series variants, including the 330i sedan, 330Ci coupé and Z3 roadster
3.0i.
With the introduction
of the new power plant, BMW Australia has taken the opportunity to even
further enhance the already extremely high level of specification for
the top of the range 3 Series models, whilst establishing post-GST pricing.
This is certain to ensure continued strong market performance of the top
3 Series models.
The new 330i sedan
adds to its comprehensive specification - which currently includes 8 standard
airbags, full leather upholstery and countless luxury and comfort features
- 17" star spoke alloy wheels, Park Distance Control (ultra sonic
park sensor), Xenon headlights with headlamp washer system and rain sensor
activating the windscreen wipers. In addition, BMW's on-board monitor,
with capability for TV reception and ready for installation of optional
BMW navigation, will be fitted as standard.
The stunning
3 Series coupé range is now topped by an even more capable luxury
performance coupé in the 330Ci, which in addition to its new power
plant also gains the additional safety feature of Xenon headlights with
washer system and rain sensor. Of course the 330Ci retains the standard
luxury features of the 328Ci including the on board monitor with TV, multiple
airbag system, leather upholstery, Hi Fi sound system with CD stacker
and Park Distance Control.
New to the Z3
range is the Z3 roadster 3.0i which adds the outstanding performance of
the 3.0 litre engine to the already full specification list which was
incorporated into the revised Z3 roadster 2.8 mid-1999, thus providing
a roadster with performance capabilities even closer to the astounding
levels of the ultimate Z3, the M roadster. In addition, the automatic
version of the Z3 roadster 3.0i gains a 5 speed transmission with Steptronic
control.
Pricing for the
new BMW 3 Series 3.0 litre variants reflects BMW Australia's intention
to maintain the strong position, which BMW has always held in this sector
of the market. The 330i sedan is priced at $89,500 and, as has been the
custom with the top 3 Series sedan for some time, will be available only
as a 5 speed automatic with Steptronic. The 330Ci coupé will be
priced at $92,500 for the 5-speed manual and $95,100 for the automatic
and the Z3 roadster 3.0i will be priced at $87,490 for the 5-speed manual
and $90,090 for the automatic.
As announced at
the Melbourne Motorshow in March, the new 330Ci convertible will arrive
at the price of $103,500 for the manual and $106,100 for the automatic
model, effectively no increase on its predecessor based on its increased
specification which now will include standard rollover protection system,
electrically operated and heated seats, a new thermally lined fully automatic
hood with glass rear window and of course introduce the stunning new E46
3 Series styling to the convertible range.
With the introduction
of the new M54 3.0 litre in-line 6 cylinder engine to the top 3 Series
models, BMW is certain to maintain its established position as the benchmark
in compact luxury performance 6-cylinder sedans, coupes, roadsters and
convertibles. The new range will be available from BMW dealers from September.
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