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