BMW rolls out CKD F30 3 Series
Inokom’s plant in Kulim, Kedah, has begun rolling out locally assembled units of the all-new BMW 3 Series. As expected, the variants selected for local production are the volume-selling four-cylinder models, namely the 320d and 328i. The new variants come at a lower price, each enjoying a RM20,000 reduction from their respective CBU counterparts whilst being said to be identical in all respects. The 328i continues to offer the Sport and Luxury Line trim options as before, whilst the 320d is now introduced with a choice of Sport or Modern Line trim.
Opting for Sport Line trim adds a special High Gloss Black finish to the kidney grille, bumpers, and air intakes. The tail pipe gets a Chrome Black finish and the rims measure 17″ x 7.5J with double spoke styling 392 for the 320d, and 18″ x 8J star-spoke styling 397 for the 328i. The cabin is lined with Coral Red highlights and red stitching on the steering and seats. Even the keys get the red highlights.
The newly-introduced Modern Line, available only with the 320d, can be identified from the outside by its Chrome Matt finish on the grille, bumper, air intakes, and tail pipes. The car gets 17″ x 7.5J V-spoke style 413 alloys. Its interior features a contrasting leather upholstery with Dark Oyster stitching and piping, and its meter cluster is light-coloured in Oyster and Chrono scaling.
Luxury Line, an exclusive offering for the 328i and still-imported 335i, trims the exterior elements in Chrome and slaps a set of 18″ x 8J Multi-spoke styling 416 alloys at all corners. Inside, the dash is lined with ‘Fineline’ wood trim finished in Pearl Gloss complemented with what BMW calls ‘exclusive Luxury stitching’.
To recap, both the 320d and 328i are powered by turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engines. The 320d’s diesel unit makes 184hp @ 4,000rpm and 380Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750rpm, whilst the 328i’s petrol motor generates 245hp @ 5,000 – 6,500rpm and 350Nm @ 1,250 – 4,800rpm. Both these direct injected engines marry impressive performance with frugal economy. The 320d accelerates from rest to 100kph in 7.6 seconds and delivers a rated fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100km. Meanwhile, the more powerful 328i hits 100kph in 6.1 seconds and consumes a not too thirsty 6.3 l/100km.
Introducing the new models, Mr. Sashi Ambi, Corporate Communications Manager, BMW Group Malaysia said, “Since we introduced the all new sixth generation BMW 3 Series in March this year, the premium sports sedan has rapidly grown to become the number one bestseller and key contributor to our growth in becoming Malaysia’s number one best-selling premium carmaker as of the first quarter of 2012.”
Operational since 2008, BMW’s assembly line in Kulim, which feeds 250 employees, has churned out 12,000 vehicles to date. It operated separate and independent of other assembly lines in the factory, and is responsible for assembling variants of the 3 Series, 5 Series, and X1 in Malaysia.
“Here at Kulim, our BMW assembly line facility operates to the standards of any BMW production facility anywhere in the world and we are proud to report that our operations are constantly leading to the introduction of superior premium quality assembly line technology, practices and standards to Malaysia, not to mention the creation of over 250 professional and skilled work opportunities,” said Mr. Manfred Zink, Production Manager and Plant Representative of BMW Group Malaysia.
Retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the locally assembled BMW 320d and BMW 328i are as follows:
· BMW 320d – RM 248,800 (Specifications)
· BMW 328i – RM 289,800 (Specifications)
Pictures: Official BMW release.
Further Details:
– BMW car prices and specifications in Malaysia.
– List of BMW Group Malaysia official dealers and branches.
