Following its March 2005 launch, the BMW 3 Series has been revised for September and now features a new interior and exterior appearance to combine with its benchmark powertrains and continued unrivalled driving dynamics. The model also comes with all of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies for best-in-class economy and emissions.

The revised BMW 3 Series is offered with a range of award-winning powerplants, five petrol and five diesel derivatives, from launch. To further underscore its competitive advantage, the BMW 330d engine is a newly developed all-aluminium unit that uses third generation common-rail diesel injection technology with piezo injectors and a single turbo-charger with variable vane geometry. At the other end of the scale, the popular BMW 318d can now be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time.

The new six-cylinder 2,993cc engine in the 330d produces 245hp at 4,000rpm, 14hp up over its predecessor. Torque has also increased by 20Nm to 520Nm and this peak figure is available from 1,750rpm through to 3,000pm. The impressive statistics mean the performance figures of the new 330d Saloon and Touring have improved compared to the previous model. The 330d Saloon now accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.1 seconds (Touring 6.2 seconds) before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The economy and emissions of the new 330d have similarly improved from 46.3mpg to 49.6mpg and 160g/km to 152g/km.

The two thirds of new 330d drivers who favour an automatic transmission see an additional benefit as their chosen vehicle will qualify for a lower Vehicle Excise Duty band (D instead of E) with CO₂ emissions now 165g/km as opposed to 176g/km.

The performance of the 325d and 335d Saloon and Touring also witness improvements in performance and efficiency. Combined fuel consumption on the 325d Saloon improves from 47.9mpg to 49.6mpg, while CO₂ emissions are cut from 155g/km to 153g/km. Customers choosing a 325d Saloon or Touring with an automatic gearbox further benefit as their car now falls into the Band D Vehicle Excise Duty bracket on account of the new 164g/km and 165g/km emissions figures instead of 169g/km and 172g/km respectively.

BMW 318d Saloon and Touring are available with a six-speed automatic gearbox for the first time and this offers drivers a more relaxed driving experience for a negligible impact on economy and emissions. A 318d Saloon with automatic gearbox records a combined consumption figure of 52.3mpg and CO₂ emissions of 144g/km.

The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring go on sale on 20 September, 2008, with pricing announced at a later date.