The new models get a sportier look through changes to the front, side and rear profiles. The front overhang is increased by 29mm, the rear by 3mm. BMW says the extended front end also helps to optimise pedestrian safety. The BMW kidney grille has also been widened.
Both the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible come as standard with bi-xenon headlights, and optional Adaptive Lights swivel with the steering and follow the course of the road.
The rear lights now have a new red covered glass, and other modifications include a new design for the exterior mirrors and four new wheel designs.
Inside the modified leather sports steering wheel comes as standard with multifunction buttons, while gearshift paddles for selecting gears manually are available with the optional automatic transmission and with Sports Automatic.
The new BMW 335i Coupé and the new BMW 335i Convertible are entering the market with a straight-six power unit for the first time combining BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection, and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve management.
Displacing 3.0 litres, the engine delivers maximum output of 225kW / 306hp at 5800rpm, with peak torque of 400Nm / 295 lb-ft maintained all the way from 1200 to 5000rpm.
Acceleration from a standstill to 100kmh comes in 5.5 seconds in the BMW 335i Coupé and in 5.8 seconds in the BMW 335i Convertible. Top speed is limited electronically on both models to 250kmh.
Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.4 litres/100 kilometres on the Coupé and 8.8 litres on the Convertible. The CO2 rating is 196 and, respectively, 205 grams per kilometre – an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model.
BMW’s new 3.0 litre turbo-diesel engine is now available for the first time in New Zealand in the BMW 3 Series range. The BMW 330d Coupe replaces the 335d Coupe in New Zealand, offering an acceleration from standstill to 100kmh in 6.1 seconds (manual 6.0 seconds), and an electronically limited top speed of 250kmh.
The average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.0 litres (manual 7.3 litres) which results in a CO2 rating of 164 (manual 152) grams per kilometre.
Entering the 2010 model year, all engines in the BMW 3 Series fulfil the EU5 emission standard.
The BMW 335i Coupé and the BMW 335i Convertible come standard with seven-speed Sports Automatic featuring double-clutch operation.
All versions of the BMW 3 Series Coupé and the BMW 3 Series Convertible come as standard with numerous BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, depending on the model. The features include Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, on-demand control of the engine’s ancillary units including the electromechanical power steering, a detachable a/c compressor, a map-controlled oil pump as well as optimised aerodynamics, tyres with reduced roll resistance, and intelligent lightweight construction.
The range of paintwork colours available on both models now includes Deep Sea Blue Metallic and Vermillion Red Metallic, with Mineral White Metallic also becoming available in June 2010. Interior colours now include soft-grey Oyster and the Bamboo Anthracite Grain variant.
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