BMW Australia has launched the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series. This includes the new 328i which has just put down 169kW at the wheels in a recent independent dyno test.
In Australia, the model range consists of the 318d, 320i, 320d, 328i, and the 335i. All variants are turbocharged using TwinPower (twin-scroll) technology, and all except the 335i come with a new four-cylinder engine. More information on the specifications and pricing for Australia can be read further down.
BMW enthusiast forum Bimmerpost recently had the opportunity to put an example of the new 2012 BMW 328i onto a European Auto Source Dynojet 224xLC dyno, and complete some power tests.
In standard form, as you can read below, the 2012 BMW 328i comes with a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 180kW and 350Nm. After a dyno run, the 3 Series put down an impressive 169kW at the wheels. Using the very general formula of minus 15 per cent for the driveline, it equals to around 199kW at the engine. Not bad for factory figures.
Click play on the video below to see the run. It sounds pretty awesome for a stock car.
2012 BMW 3 Series in Australia
The entry-level 2012 BMW 318d comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 105kW and 320Nm, and offers an average fuel consumption rating of 4.5L/100km. It’s priced from $56,400, and, like all new 3 Series vehicles, is available in three trim levels; Modern Line ($3900), Sport and Luxury Line ($4900).
Next up is the 2012 BMW 320i. It comes with a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, developing 135kW and 270Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.0L/100km. It’s priced from $57,600 (Modern – $3100, Sport/Luxury – $4100).
Next in the range is the 2012 BMW 320d. It comes with the same engine as seen in the 318d, except power is boosted to 135kW and 380Nm. Strangely, the fuel consumption rating remains unchanged at 4.5L/100km. It’s available from $60,900 (Modern – $3100, Sport/Luxury – $4100).
Replacing the outgoing BMW 330i 3.0-litre inline six, the 2012 BMW 328i comes with a higher output version of the new 2.0-litre TwinPower petrol seen in the 320i, and produces 180kW and 350Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at just 6.3L/100km. Prices start at $66,900 (Modern – $1000, Sport/Luxury – $2000).
Topping out the range is the 2012 BMW 335i. It comes with the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six as the outgoing model. Fuel consumption has been decreased from 9.6L/100km to 7.9L/100km. Prices start at $91,900 (Modern – $1000, Sport/Luxury – $2000).
All prices exclude on-road costs and additional charges. The 318d and the 320i will arrive in Australia in March, while all other variants are available to order now. Further 2012 BMW 3 Series details can be found here.
