Following the immense success of Audi and Peugeot diesel powered models in Australia, BMW now brings the power and economy of its turbo-diesel 3 Series sedans to the local market with the introduction of the 320d and 320d Executive.

With a power output of 115 kW and 330 Nm of torque from as low as 2,000 rpm, the new 2.0-litre engine is the first turbo-diesel to be available in the 3 Series in Australia. Mated to the standard equipment BMW six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, it delivers the now traditional European diesel performance.

Capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and with a potential maximum speed of 216 km/h, the new BMW returns a remarkable overall average fuel consumption of 6.7-litres per 100 km.

The BMW 320d and 320d Executive will be offered with equipment levels comparable with their petrol-engined 'stable mates'.

The BMW 3 Series Diesel models share their 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powerplant with the 120d.

The turbo-diesel also meets tough Euro 4 emission standards.

The engine is mounted longitudinally, driving the rear wheels and locating the centre of gravity behind the front axle. This makes a contribution towards achieving a 50:50 weight distribution.

Important too is the inherent chassis balance and superb suspension of the BMW 3 Series. The double-joint front axle, newly developed for the 3 Series and made entirely of aluminium, ensures a balance of driving dynamics and comfort. Two of its strongest points are superior tracking stability and particularly low roll noise. And despite its low weight, the aluminium front axle is very stiff and stable.

At the rear, the five-arm lightweight-steel rear axle guarantees agility and sports handling, with precise wheel guidance and a high standard of suspension compliance and comfort.

Today’s turbo-diesel is a highly advanced power unit that reflects the 25 years BMW has been working with diesel technology.

Featuring BMW's second-generation common-rail technology as well as an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, this four-cylinder is at the top of its class in terms of driving pleasure.

Electronic engine noise control and balancer shafts have reduced engine vibration to a minimum. So low are the diesel combustion noise levels that the driver and passengers have an impression that there is a conventional petrol engine under the bonnet.

The engine incorporates common rail injection with the following features:

• Weight optimised crankcase.
• Balance shafts in separate housing.
• Oil pump flange mounted on the balance shaft housing.
• Inlet and exhaust camshafts connected by spur gears.
• More pressure-resistant piston with optimised piston crown bowls and brass bearings for piston pins.
• Modified oil spray nozzles.
• Glow system.
• High pressure pump with 1,600 bar and flow regulating valve.

The BMW 3 Series diesel power plant is also barely noticeable after the start button is pressed, or even in very cold conditions. The engine will start after a freezing Australian winter’s night without any noticeable delay, designed to work in temperatures as cold as minus 20 degrees.

Quick-start glow plugs begin to work as the driver opens the door, and do not wait until the starter button is pressed. The system incorporates six-volt glow plugs which are heated only at the tip to maximum temperature. Because of the convenient start function, the start button only needs to be pressed once to start the engine.

The control of the starting procedure then continues automatically until the engine fires.

The BMW 320d and 320d Executive are five-seater vehicles, offering high levels of comfort and high levels of specification.

Features such as automatic climate control with microfilter, AM/FM radio with in-dash CD player, Titanium matt interior trim, on-board computer, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, and multi-function leather steering wheel are all standard.

Also standard are automatic headlight control with rain sensor, cruise control, central locking and DataDot technology.

The BMW 3 Series diesels feature the passive and active safety features expected of a premium German marque.

Standard safety equipment in the both the BMW 320d and 320d Executive models includes six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Automatic Stability Control & Traction (ASC+T) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

The arrival of a new common rail turbo-diesel in the 3 Series range brings to eight the number of 3 Series models now available in Australia. The 320d and 320d Executive join the 320i, 320i Executive, 323i, 325i and 330i Sedans, in addition to the 323i Touring.

The BMW 320d and BMW 320d Executive are on sale now, priced at $56,700 (RRP) and $61,500 (RRP) respectively.

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