All-New BMW 3-Series Holds the Line on Pricing

Many Option Prices Stay the Same Despite Improvements

Better than the outgoing model in every way, the all-new BMW 3-Series won't increase in price at all when it goes on

Despite a number of upgrades, the 2006 325i will once again start at $39,900. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

sale later this month.

While no mid-$30K 320i is available yet, the 2006 325i will once again start at $39,900, despite featuring an entirely new design, upgraded 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that now makes 215-horsepower compared to the 2005 model's 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, featuring all of the 325i's upgrades plus an all-new 3.0-litre engine that produces 255-horsepower compared to the outgoing model's 225-horsepower rating, while torque is up from 214 lb-ft in the current car to 220 lb-ft. Unlike the 325i, the 330i's base price will rise when it goes on sale, but only by $100 to $47,500.

"We are extremely pleased to offer Canadians with the new version of this iconic sports sedan at a price that provides

"We are confident that the new 3 Series Sedan will bring pure driving pleasure to a record number of 3 Series owners in Canada." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

tremendous value," commented Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO, BMW Group Canada. "At these prices combined with the increased level of standard equipment and dynamic improvements, we are confident that the new 3 Series Sedan will bring pure driving pleasure to a record number of 3 Series owners in Canada."

Both new engines are 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 brand's variable valve timing system.