The New BMW 3-Door 1 Series

People seeking to get their hands on the new BMW 1 Series are now in luck as the new 3-door range goes on sale in South Africa. Customers will have the initial choice of three models namely the 116i, 125i and the M135i. A fourth model, the 118i will be available in November 2012.

If its performance you are after you may want to take a closer look at the top of the range M Performance model as seen in the M135i. This model, as with all the other models, features BMW TwinPower technology and is fitted with a six cylinder, 3.0 litre petrol unit that whops out 235kW and 450Nm. On the road, this will translate into a sprint time of 5.1 seconds to 100km/h in manual guise and 4.9 seconds for the automatic. It’s top speed is 250km/h. Fuel consumption for this model is 8-litres/100km for the manual and 7.5-litres/100km for the automatic. All models are fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard while the 8-speed auto transmission and the 8-speed auto sports transmission can be had as an option.

If customers are looking for individualisation, the new 1 Series is also offered as the BMW Sport Line version or the BMW Urban Line which add a range of special options and equipment. You won’t run out of space in the new 1 Series either because it has a big boot, like 360-litres big and if that’s not enough you can always fold down the rear bench which will increase the space to 1 200 litres.

To read about the other models, additional features and pricing for the new 1 Series I suggest you read New BMW 1 Series in SouthAfrica.

If you really like it, it may be time to visit your nearest BMW dealer to see this baby up close and personal.

News Source: Cars.co.za

BMW Updates

There will be a host of changes in the BMW stable as of July 2012 with a particular focus on fuel consumption improvements and new equipment. South Africans will see the improvements made available over the next few months as changes are rolled out worldwide.

Some of the expected changes include:

BMW 1-Series

A new BMW 114i has been introduced as an entry-level model with a turbocharged four cylinder engine that produces 75kW with 180Nm of torque. This model will not be available in South Africa. However, South Africans can look forward to the arrival of the M135i in September 2012. The M135i will produce 235kWwith 450Nm of torque and will come with six-speed manual transmission as standard. Now that’s something to look forward to. 

BMW 3-Series

BMW recently launched the new 3-Series sedan range and will add to it with the new 330d, making use of straight six diesel power. The range will also see the addition of the new entry-level 100kW BMW 316i at the end of 2012 which will be mated with either a six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.

A number of BMW Individual options will be offered with The M Sport Package with the M Aerodynamics Package. These include special door sills and cabin footrests, chromed exhaust pipes, new instrument cluster, M Sports braking system and a choice of either 18” or 19” alloy rims.

BMW 5-Series

Most of the changes will occur in the 5-Series range. In the GT range, a new model will be included, the 530d. The 550 has been tweaked to 330kW with 650nM of torque. A new multifunction instrument display will also feature in the 5-Series that is freely programmable by the driver. A Bang & Olufsen High End Surround-Sound System will also be available for all 5-Series models in South Africa.

BMW will also incorporate a hands-free boot lid operation that will come as standard on all 5-Series models. The Gran Turismo will also be fitted with a Auto Stop/Start system as well as electric power steering to assist in improving fuel consumption.

The Gran Turismo will also come with Driving Experience Control with Eco Pro mode allowing the driver to make adjustments according to road conditions or driver preference. An extra option on the GT is a parking assist mechanism that helps find a safe parking space and assists in parking. The 5-Series GT also features an Active Protection safety package that prepares the cabin for a collision when detected, automatically slowing the vehicle down and applying the brakes for an extra 1.5 seconds after the collision, amazing.

BMW 6-Series

The BMW 6-Series range will be fitted with assistance systems that includes ‘no overtaking’ information as well as automatic stop start for certain models.

BMW Z4

The retractable hard top will get BMW individual treatment and a selection of contrasting colours will be available including matte black or silver metallic.