New BMW 325i Now Available
Auto Bavaria has started selling the new BMW 325i model as a locally-assembled model. The latest 325i is a recent addition to the BMW line-up worldwide and replaces the 328i. According to Auto Bavaria’s GM of Sales & Marketing, Tunku Badlishah, the new model has the improved M54 straight-six engine which develops 141 kW/192 bhp and maximum torque of 245 Nm at 3500 rpm. Its acceleration from 0-100 km/h is claimed to be 7.2 seconds. The new generation six-cylinder engine’s torque curve is also much ‘beefier’, with at least 85% of maximum torque consistently available between 1500 and 6000 rpm. This means more usable power as a step on the accelerator provides all the desired overtaking power on the road.
“Given the introduction of the new and improved engine, coupled with innovations such as the Electronic Accelerator Pedal and competitive pricing, we expect the new 325i to enhance BMW’s position as the leader in its market segment,” he said. The Electronic Accelerator Pedal is a ‘drive-by-wire’ feature which does away with the conventional cable linkage and transmits the driver’s pressure on the accelerator pedal by electronic signals.
The new 325 is said to set new standards in terms of performance, fuel economy and drive comfort. Its optimised adaptive automatic transmission management ensures greater spontaneity and motoring comfort as the transmission can ‘sense’ the driver’s style and provide the correct shifting regime.
Maintenance cost is lower than before due to optimisation of the new engine. The Double-VANOS camshaft drive system is maintenance-free and designed to last the lifespan of the engine. Under normal running conditions, the air filter and long-life spark plugs need changing only after about 100,000 kms while the average oil change interval is approximately 23,000 kms (the on-board computer calculates oil changes based on certain criteria of usage).
Tunku Badlishah pointed out that despite its reputation as a performance saloon, the BMW 3 Series recently underlined its leading position in passive safety by emerging as the best car in its category in a series of crash tests conducted by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Washington DC, USA.
The new 325i is priced at RM247,898.55 (personal registration, excluding insurance) and is available with six colour choices- Biaritz Blue, Diamond Black, Meer Green, Siena Red, Steel Blue and Titan Silver.
