PressClub South Africa · Article.
The BMW 330d, 323i and 320i Start
Wed Dec 05 11:56:53 CET 2012 Press Release
Midrand – Diesel is fast-becoming the fossil-fuel source of choice in the 21st Century – with fast being the operative word. Now, just five months after the local debut of the new 3 Series sedan, the awesome new 330d diesel model becomes the flag bearer for diesel in the 3 Series range. At the same time, the 3 Series range expands even further with the addition of the 323i and a new entry-level model, the 320i Start.
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BMW Group
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Author.
Edward Makwana
BMW Group
To further enhance the sporting ability of this iconic sports sedan, a new 3 Series Sport model is also available, with any engine derivative, comprising features such as a sporting suspension set-up, BMW’s Aerodynamics Package complete with fog lamps, exclusive light-alloy wheels, sports seats, the M leather steering wheel and M door cut-out strips.
BMW 3 Series: New Engines for the 3 Series Saloon.
Boasting BMW’s 3.0-litre diesel engine, the 330d has the most powerful diesel ever seen in the 3 Series: Output from this six-cylinder power unit is a significant 160 kW at 4,000 rpm, with thrilling development of power and muscle provided by maximum torque of 480 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. This means very impressive power reserves from very low speeds.
The 330d accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 246 km/h. Despite this superior performance, fuel consumption is just 6.5 litres of diesel fuel on 100 kilometres in the composite EU cycle.
Developing maximum power output of 130 kW and peak torque of 230 Nm, the new 323i rounds off the lower end of six-cylinder 3 Series range. With surprisingly frugal fuel economy of just 8.4 litres/100 km in the composite EU cycle, the 323i still offers excellent performance on the road, accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, from 80–120 km/h in fourth gear in 8.4 seconds, and achieving a top speed of 229 km/h.
Mechanically, the entry-level BMW 320i Start is identical to it’s higher-specced 320i sibling. That means it also gets the most powerful four-cylinder engine yet seen in the 3 Series range. Equipped with VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS variable camshaft adjustment, the engine develops maximum output of 110 kW at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 200 Nm at 3,600 rpm. This accelerates the BMW 320i Start from 0–100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and gives the car a top speed of 220 km/h. Fuel consumption in the composite EU cycle is 7.4 litres/100 km.