BMW'S new 3-Series, just going on Irish sale, is coming to the market with a rare distinction - pricing that's much the same and in some cases cheaper than its predecessor.
The fifth generation of a range which has been around for 30 years and bristles with new technologies giving lightweight construction and active steering, starts at €41,250 on the road.
That's for the four-cylinder 320i, which with the 320d and the six cylinder 330i, are now going into Irish showrooms. Next month sees the arrival of the six cylinder 325i, while the 318i, 318d and 330d saloons will come later in the year. The 318i from the outgoing fourth generation was priced here at €44,410 excluding delivery.
Other fifth generation Irish prices are €44,440 for the 320SE, €44,750 for the 320d, €48,800 for the 320d SE and €56,250 for the 330i SE. These prices include a €850 delivery charge that was introduced on January 1st for all new BMW models.
The higher specification SE offers as standard automatic air conditioning, a rear Park Distance Control system, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control and front fog lamps. Standard equipment gives a six-speed manual gearbox, air conditioning, six airbags, electric windows, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and run-flat tyres.
BMW Group Ireland is expecting that the new 3-Series will account for 600 to 700 sales this year, and 1,000 in 2006 when the full range comes on stream. Diesel is likely to account for around 30 per cent. In its 30-year lifetime, over three million 3-Series have been sold.
Michael Nugent, the sales and marketing director, says he was particularly excited by the pricing. "We have achieved it through product harmonisation with the UK and thus being able to buy more efficiently from the BMW base in Munich," he says. "It's all about economies of scale."