All-New Bmw 3-Series Features Aggressive Pricing Strategies

m whatever an(prenominal) Option Prices Stay the Same Despite Improvements Better than the outgoing pose in every way, the all-new BMW 3-Series wont increase such(prenominal) in determine when it goes on sale later this month. The cc6 325i testament start at $30,995, all $1,695 more than the 2005 personate, despite featuring an entirely new design, upgraded 3. 0-liter inline six-cylinder railway locomotive that now makes 215-horse federal agency comp ard to the 2005 models 184-horsepower rating, a new six-speed robotic transmittal with manual mode, enhanced chassis engine room and direct geometry, totally revised interior, and more.The top-line 330i is improved too, 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 gondola car to 220 lb-ft. Like the 325i, the 330is base price will show when it goes on sale, but only by $1,295 to $36,995. both(prenominal) 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 too the first six-cylinders in the BMW family to make use of Valvetronic, the brands variable valve clock trunk.Other option groups accept the $2,200 Navigation package, up $400 from stick out days navigation system, but now featuring integrated voice perception for hands free actuation of ancillary functions. A Cold brave package, at $1,000, the same price as last years version, adds a ski bag, fold down rear bunsbacks, heated front sit and retractable headlight washers. A Premium package, available on both(prenominal) models, is priced at $2,900 in the new 325i compared to $2,300 in the outgoing car. It have gots the same power glass sunroof, leather covered 8-way power front seating area and drivers perspective emory, and Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system. The ne w model also features power folding mirrors in reward guise. The 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 plume 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 versions of the same features, such as sport seats with electrically adjustable seat width, a 3-spoke leather-wrapped manoeuvre 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. The price of the 330is Sport package has increased from $1,400 in 2005 model year vehicles to $1,600 in 2006, and also features the new run-flat tires.Other stand-alone options dont rise in price much either, and in the case of the new 6-speed automatic transmissions extra forward gear, rancider major improvements in design and engineering. That transmission only goes up by $225 at $1,500 compared to the 2005 models $1,275 optional gearbox, while the Dakota premium leather upgrade will cost $1,450, the same price as the 2005 cars Montana leather package. Park distance control is once over again $350, while metallic paint remains a $475 option.New for 2006 will be adaptive headlights, which point a set of bulbs in the bang the car is turning, active cruise control at $2,200, which will mechanically slow the 3-Series down when approaching a slower vehicle, and active steering, a $1,250 feature that essentially adapts the steering ratio to vehicle speed, but its electric-motor-assisted, planetary-gear-motivated rack-and-pinion system is much more sophisticated than conventional speed sensitive steering counterparts, common to luxury cars of all stripes. Steering response to introduce is much quicker than any other car, at about 1. turns lock to lock, fashioning maneuvering into, around and out of tight spaces such as parking lot incredibly easy. To put this in perspective, most cars need about doubly that amount to turn the wheel from full left to full right, or about 3. 5 turns lock to lock. The reason for this is so steering input isnt too direct at high speeds. At 1. 7 turns a car traveling at highway speeds would simply dart off the road with minimal input, not a good thing. Active Steering, however, electronically and mechanically adjusts the ratio to about 4 turns lock to lock when velocities demand.Both the 325i and 330i will be available with BMWs xDrive all-wheel-drive system in October, which is when the new 3-Series Tour ing, a sports wagon derivative, will arrive in dealerships. While there is no word on pricing for the 325xi or the Touring version, expect each models last(a) window sticker to remain close to 2005 levels, if the pricing of sedan models is any indication. BMWs aggressive pricing strategy will help it maintain leading in the compact premium class, a position it has enjoyed since the first 3-Series debuted in 1977.