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BMW and its arch rival Mercedes-Benz are deeply into a power struggle in Australia. BMW is very slightly ahead in the sales race as I write this, but is well aware of the major changes Mercedes has made to its C-Class, changes we reported on a couple of weeks back. The BMW 3 Series competes head on with the C-Class so has taken action in an attempt to counter the Mercedes’ attack.
BMW Australia is also keeping a close eye on Audi and its midsize A4, as the ‘other’ prestige German marque is making rapid strides in gaining acceptance with the Australian public.
Though the BMW 3 Series is getting on in years and is due to be replaced by an all-new model about this time next year, it still looks reasonably up to date. That’s partly due to a minor, but effective, facelift this time last year.
However, buyers of cars are a stylish mob and very much tuned into the latest and greatest. To keep attention on its ageing 3 Series, BMW Australia has resorted to one of the oldest of plans. It has reduced prices and at the same time increased standard equipment levels.
Value for money is loved by everyone and BMW Australia even feels it can pull buyers up from the topline Japanese marques with the lower cost models in the 3 Series range.
Having said that, the biggest sales push will be on the mid range models, where price drops in the vicinity of nine to eleven per cent are offered in models like the BMW 325i sedan, coupe and convertible.
At the other end of the scale is the stunning BMW M3 which has only had its price trimmed by two per cent. Still a saving of about $3300 is nothing to be sneezed at.
To tempt motoring writers into advising their readers on the price reductions and equipment increases in the 3 Series, BMW Australia invited us to spend a day driving them in the beautiful Yarra Valley area north east of Melbourne. There is no doubt that the superb balance of these cars is a major selling features and we were able to experience not only the cars, but also appreciate the hard work that has been done by the local residents fighting back from the horrible death and devastation caused by the bush fires of early 2010.
We stopped for a coffee and light lunch along the way and experienced the true Aussie spirit that has helped us make this country such a wonderful place to live.
Alright, so the BMW 3 Series isn’t the most spacious car in this class when you line it up with the front-wheel drive models from Asia. But every time we experience the neutral handling and sharp steering response that are features of a rear-wheel drive car we remember why we love them so much.
When big boys fight in the car sales race it’s a great opportunity for buyers to pick up real bargains. Get in there for your share - and be aware that the current promotional campaign by BMW on its 3 Series is the one that’s most likely to provide huge savings.
The BMW sedans, coupes and convertibles come with a staggering array of option packages, as well as individual optional items. Rather than us devoting valuable pages detailing these, may we suggest you contact your local BMW dealer and/or logging onto www.bmw.com.au/.
The new prices for BMW 3 Series models are as follows, with previous prices in brackets:
325i Exclusive Innovations sedan: $71,900 ($81,000)
325i M Sport Innovations sedan: $76,700 ($85,800)
335i M Sport sedan: $108,200 ($110,900)
M3 sedan: $141,700 ($145,000)
M3 Pure Edition sedan: $131,700 ($135,000)
335i M Sport Touring wagon: $112,600 ($115,300)
325i Innovations coupe: $80,850 ($90,300)
325i M Sport coupe: $86,050 ($90,800)
325i M Sport Innovations coupe: $86,050 ($95,500)
335i M Sport coupe: $113,750 ($116,700)
M3 coupe: $155,000 ($158,300)
M3 Pure Edition coupe: $145,000 ($148,300)
325i Innovations convertible: $94,600 ($104,100)
325i M Sport convertible: $101,100 ($105,900)
325i M Sport Innovations convertible: $101,100 ($110,600)
335i M Sport convertible: $126,900 ($129,900)
M3 convertible: $173,350 ($176,700)
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