The 330d comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and is priced from 29,390 UK Pounds, with a six-speed automatic gearbox available at extra cost. All new BMW models meet the stringent EU4 emission regulations.


News of the latest engines for the 3 Series Saloon comes as the existing 3 Series Coupe and Convertible (E46 model) ranges have been enhanced. The new 320Cd ES Coupe is offered with Sports Suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, Storage Compartment Package*, M leather steering wheel and anthracite headlining. The 320Cd ES Coupé costs 22,995 UK Pounds.

Buyers of a 3 Series Coupe SE can now also upgrade to Sport or the Hi-Line Package** for just 500 UK Pounds.

*Storage Compartment Package comprises front seat back nets, front and rear centre armrests and 2 x 12V power sockets.
** Hi-Line Package comprises 17-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, Montana leather upholstery.



BMW 540i launched

Following the recent announcement of the entry-level BMW 520d for September (BMW press release 21/7/05), the award-winning BMW 5 Series range gains another new powerplant, also in September, with the launch of the V8-engined 540i. The BMW 540i uses the same 4,000cc engine already seen in the new 7 Series and is capable of propelling the 5 Series from zero to 62mph in a time of 6.2 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. The 540i's engine delivers 306hp and 390Nm of torque, while combined fuel consumption is 25.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 264g/km.


The 540i is offered in Saloon guise only and is priced at 36,985 UK Pounds for the SE and 39,610 UK Pounds for the M Sport.



BMW 550i launched

Demand for the BMW M5 has been so strong, with the waiting list extending to two years, that many buyers seeking a high performance 5 Series could well be tempted behind the wheel of the BMW 550i, the fastest non-Motorsport 5 Series model ever.


Offered in both Saloon and Touring variants, the 4,799cc 367hp car sprints from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Maximum torque is 490Nm while combined fuel consumption is 25.4mpg and CO2 emissions 267g/km. The 550i Saloon is priced from 43,550 UK Pounds while the 550i Touring starts at 45,575 UK Pounds. Both the 540i and the 550i surpass the stringent EU4 emission regulations and replace the 535i and 545i respectively.


The introduction of the two new V8 petrol engines in the 5 Series comes as the class-leading 530d also receives an upgrade to its performance, thereby increasing its performance advantages over the competition. Using the same technical update as the recently introduced 730d, including the use of an all aluminium cylinder block, the 3.0-litre engine now has an output of 231hp, 13hp higher than the previous car. Torque remains at 500Nm but this peak figure is now available from just 1,750rpm, not 2,000rpm as on the previous engine, for greater in-gear overtaking performance. The sprint from zero to 62mph is dispatched in 6.8 seconds, a further improvement on the outgoing 530d's 7.1 seconds. The increases in engine performance have not, however, been to the detriment of fuel consumption with actual improvements on the combined cycle from 40.9mpg to 42.2mpg.

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