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All-New BMW 3-Series Features Aggressive Pricing Strategy

Many Option Prices Stay the Same Despite Improvements

Better than the outgoing model in every way, the all-new BMW 3-Series wont increase much in price when it goes on sale later this month.

The 2006 325i will start at $30,995, only $1,695 more than the 2005 model, despite featuring an entirely new design, upgraded 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that now makes 215-horsepower compared to the 2005 models 184-horsepower rating, a new six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, enhanced chassis engineering and steering geometry, totally revised interior, and more.

The top-line 330i is improved too,

Despite a number of upgrades, the 2006 325i will only cost $1,695 more than the 2005 model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

featuring all of the 325is upgrades plus an all-new 3.0-liter engine that produces 255-horsepower compared to the outgoing models 225-horsepower rating, while torque is up from 214 lb-ft in the current car to 220 lb-ft. Like the 325i, the 330is base price will rise when it goes on sale, but only by $1,295 to $36,995.

Both new engines are

Every aspect of the new 3-Series is improved over the outgoing car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the first in large-scale series production to incorporate magnesium as a main component, a metal that is 30 percent lighter than aluminum. The engines are also the first six-cylinders in the BMW family to make use of Valvetronic, the brands variable valve timing system.

Other option groups include the $2,200 Navigation package, up $400 from last years navigation system, but now featuring integrated voice recognition for hands free actuation of ancillary

Both new engines are the first in large-scale series production to incorporate magnesium as a main component. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

functions.

A Cold Weather package, at $1,000, the same price as last years version, adds a ski bag, fold down rear seatbacks, heated front seats and retractable headlight washers.

A Premium package, available on both models, is priced at $2,900 in the new 325i compared to $2,300 in the outgoing car. It features the same power glass sunroof, leather covered 8-way power front seats and drivers side memory, and Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system. The new model also features power folding mirrors in premium guise.

The

The 2006 3-Series is also available with a Sport package, just like the 2005 model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Premium package for the 330i is priced the same as last years version, at $2,200, and features everything that is available on the 325i Premium package, less the power seats with drivers side memory, which come standard on the 330i. Other Premium features include a universal garage door opener, auto dimming exterior mirrors, drivers seat lumbar support, a compass in the mirror, Dakota leather seats and trim replace Montana leather seats and trim, and a Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system.

The 2006 3-Series is also available with a Sport package, just like the 2005 model. At $1,600, it is $200 more expensive than the outgoing cars, and continues forward with updated

The price of the new 6-speed automatic transmission goes up by $225 compared to the outgoing 5-speed unit, despite major improvements in engineering. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

versions of the same features, such as sport seats with electrically adjustable seat width, a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus a sport suspension. The only difference, feature to feature, is the addition of performance-oriented run-flat tires.

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