New Locally-Assembled BMW 325i Now Available
Auto Bavaria has announced the availability of a more powerful version of the 3-Series – the 325i – in locally-assembled form. This follows the new which was launched earlier in the year and has been selling like hotcakes.
The new 325i, priced at RM265,087.38 (personal registration, excluding insurance), retains the same 2494 cc 6-cylinder inline engine as its predecessor, meaning it doesn’t have the innovative Valvetronic technology in its cylinder head (but it does have Double VANOS). But it’s still a fairly potent powerplant with 141 kW/192 bhp and 245 Nm, and a claimed acceleration time of 7.2 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 245 km/h. A Steptronic adaptive 5-speed transmission is standard, giving the best of both worlds when it comes to changing gears.
New for the 2003 model is Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), BMW’s electronic stability enhancement system. An important safety feature, DSC moderates braking pressure and engine power to optimise traction, particularly when accelerating through bends and on slippery surfaces.
Other new features include Park Distance Control (PDC) for convenience when parking, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat (with memory) and original BMW 16-inch Star Spoke 43 alloy rims.
As with the latest 318i, the bodywork of the new 325i has a sportier look with new bumpers and lighting unit designs. At a glance, the cosmetics seem no different but a longer look will reveal more refinement.
According to Auto Bavaria general manager for sales and marketing, Tunku Badlishah bin Tunku Annuar, the new 325i is expected to further consolidate the BMW 3 Series reputation as the best-selling sports sedan in Malaysia.
“The new 318i that was launched in February this year received tremendous response. We believe the new 325i will also be well received by those who want a 3-Series with a higher level of performance,” he said, adding that it is available for viewing and test drives at all Auto Bavaria branches and authorised dealers.
