The car that invented the segment in 1975 and which has competed strongly the class over five generations of models may now be even more popular with Australian buyers, thanks to the increase in standard specification for the entry model.

The new entry point is the 320i Executive, complete with Dakota leather trim, power front seats, light alloy wheels, active front head restraints and standard six-speed automatic transmission. It is priced from $54,500 plus dealer delivery and statutory charges.

Further standard features include front fog lights, rain sensor, and rear Park Distance Control.

A unique feature BMW offers as standard on all 3 Series Sedan and Touring models is the exterior lights package that illuminates the door handles when the unlock button on the key fob is pressed. It also includes puddle, footwell and ambient interior lighting.

Standard equipment also includes USB/audio interface, automatic climate control air conditioning, on board computer, preparation for Bluetooth mobiles and a multi-function sport steering wheel.

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring ranges are available with an optional Innovations Package (not 335i) and/or M Sport Package.

The BMW Innovations Package comprises Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlamps, High Beam Assist, 6.5 inch colour monitor and Business Navigation (8.8 inch control display for 325i with BMW Professional Navigation including TV and Voice Recognition).

The BMW M Sport Package includes the M Aerodynamic Package, 17 inch-light alloy wheels, Sport seats, M Sport suspension, M Multi-function Sport steering wheel, Individual high gloss shadowline, Individual anthracite headlining, M door sills and Aluminium Glacier Silver interior trim.

The Professional Navigation System (standard on the 335i) has been taken to a new level with a new iDrive Controller and a completely new menu structure. It now comes with an 8.8-inch high resolution colour monitor offering full screen mode for viewing maps; three-dimensional relief maps, DVD drive, and an integrated 80 GB hard disc drive. This allows the storage of up to 8 GB of audio files from CD or USB devices.

The iDrive also features eight favourite buttons, allowing drivers to take a short cut to their preferred settings.

The Business Navigation System (standard on 325i) remains unchanged apart from adding the new iDrive Controller.

The full range of new BMW 3 Series models comprises the 320i Executive Sedan and Touring, 320d Executive Sedan, 323i Sedan and Touring, 325i Sedan, 335i Sedan and Touring. All but the 320d and 335i models are available with manual transmission (as a no cost option).

Thanks to its impressive combined fuel consumption of 6.0-litres per 100 km, the new BMW 320d Executive escapes the Luxury Car Tax net, making it even better value for customers. It’s four-cylinder engine boasts 130 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque, and epitomises the benefits of the BMW EfficientDynamics programme.

The key features of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring range are a redesigned front facia panel, new bonnet with power bulge, redesigned side profile and door mirrors, new tail light cluster and a wider track (up to 24 mm depending on models) to further improve roadholding and driving dynamics.

Since the introduction of the E90 generation in May 2005, more than 25,000 cars have been delivered in Australia, more than the previous generation over a similar time frame.

Globally, the E90 has been the most successful BMW 3 Series yet with more than 1.75 million delivered; an increase of 300,000 cars compared with the same period of the E46 generation’s life.

"The BMW 3 Series is the most successful luxury compact sport sedan in the world and we have further improved the offering to the market with the new cars," said Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing, BMW Group Australia.

"The range is extremely well equipped from the start, at a very attractive price point below the Luxury Car Tax threshold."

"The high performing 320d Executive resists LCT thanks to its super efficient diesel engine that is the most powerful in its class and the fastest accelerating."

"With the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring we will continue to deliver our customers the ultimate driving machine," Tom said.

Pricing (RRP) of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring range November 2008

Sedan

320i Executive	$54,500
320d Executive	$57,500
323i	$63,200
325i	$75,900
335i	$107,300

Touring

320i Executive	$57,700
323i	$67,400
335i	$111,700