While the BMW 130i M Sport grabs all the headlines the 120d, with its 1,995cc four-cylinder diesel engine, was the biggest selling variant in 2005. The 163hp car, with its 49.6mpg combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 152g/km, make it an ideal proposition for the private and business user alike. Completing the 1 Series range is the 118d that uses the same engine as the 120d but with a marginally lower output.

Prices

Model Price OTR

BMW 116i to 116i M Sport Pounds Sterling 15,995 to Pounds Sterling 19,690
BMW 118i to 118i M Sport Pounds Sterling 17,800 to Pounds Sterling 21,495
BMW 118d to 118d M Sport Pounds Sterling 17,885 to Pounds Sterling 21,580
BMW 120i to 120i M Sport Pounds Sterling 18,885 to Pounds Sterling 22,510
BMW 120d to 120d M Sport Pounds Sterling 19,410 to Pounds Sterling 23,035
BMW 130i SE to 130i M Sport Pounds Sterling 24,770 to Pounds Sterling 26,540

*BMW Group Hams Hall builds all of BMW's four-cylinder petrol engines.



5. The BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series represents the core of the BMW brand. The first 3 Series was introduced in 1982 and since then four generations have added to the car's iconic life story. 2005 saw the introduction of the fifth generation of 3 Series and its sales impact, trophy cabinet and press reviews continued where its predecessor left off. It remains unbeaten in major UK motoring press group tests, is the reigning World Car of the Year, What Car? Car of the Year, and stands above competitors in the sales charts.

The 3 Series is the biggest selling range within the BMW model line-up and the latest 3 Series Saloon is the most popular derivative. In 2005 it accounted it accounted for more than 50 per cent of all 3 Series, with the 3 Touring, Coupe and Convertible taking approximately, 15, 18 and 15 per cent respectively. The healthy four-way model split with the 3 Series, unique within the competitor set, ensures that the 3 Series remains a desirable model with BMW's line-up.


The 320d stars alongside a 330i M Sport Saloon and a 330d M Sport Touring at the British International Motor Show. The 320d is the best selling variant of the 3 Series range and holds the 2006 World Car of the Year and What Car? car of the year titles. 163hp four-cylinder diesel engine marries 47.9mpg frugality with rock-solid performance that enables it to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 8.6 seconds before going on to a top speed of 139mph. Such versatility allied to low running costs is a clear indicator as to why the 320d is a popular choice for private buyers and fleet managers.

The 330i M Sport Saloon and the 330d M Sport Touring emphasise BMW's class-leading engine technology in both the petrol and diesel markets. The 330i is powered by the world's lightest production six-cylinder engine while the award-winning 3.0-litre diesel engine in the 330d M Sport Touring has helped the model to win one car magazine group test after the other.


Soon to join the fold will be 335i and 335d versions of the 3 Series Saloon and Touring. The former's 3.0-litre petrol engine uses two turbochargers and direct injection technology to produce 272hp and 400Nm of torque. The 335d uses an updated version of the 3.0-litre diesel engine from the 535d to produce 286hp and 580Nm. The upgrade makes this unit the most powerful diesel engine ever offered by BMW in the UK.

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