Even though the current BMW 3-Series is nearing the end of its life cycle, BMW is still improving it and the latest upgrade sees South African models gain some new technologies that make the models more efficient.
As a result you can now expect even lower CO2 emissions on the BMW 320d, 323i, 325i and 330i (320i from January 2011 already).
Whilst all 6-cylinder 3 Series models have featured the on-demand operation of engine ancillary units (map controlled water and oil pumps) since launch in 2005, many other BMW EfficientDynamics measures have not been implemented in South Africa on the BMW 3 Series up until now.
Now all BMW 3 Series Sedan models, except the BMW 335i and the BMW 330d, will feature Brake Energy Regeneration, along with an automatic coupler for the climate control compressor and map-controlled oil pumps (only on 6-cylinder models) as standard in order to save additional fuel.
In addition, the 135kW BMW 320d with manual transmission will also be equipped with a gear-shift point indicator, which shows the driver the optimal point to shift gear for maximum economy.
The end result is an overall fuel consumption figure, in the EU cycle, which decreases from 5.4 litres per 100km to just 4.7 litres per 100km. At the same time, CO2 emissions are reduced from 140g/km to just 125g/km.
Here's how the improvements affect the rest of the range (M = manual, A = auto):
BMW 320i:
M: 7.8 litres per 100km; 182g/km (was 8.1; 189)
A: 7.8 litres per 100km; 182g/km (was 8.1; 189)
BMW 323i:
M: 8.2 l/100km; 191g/km (was 8.4; 203)
A: 8.6 l/100km; 200g/km (was 8.8; 212)
BMW 325i:
M: 8.2 l/100km; 191g/km (was 8.4; 203)
A: 8.6 l/100km; 200g/km (was 8.8; 212)
BMW 330i:
M: 8.6 l/100km; 200g/km (was 8.7; 210)
A: 8.8 l/100km; 205g/km (was 9.0; 216)
These changes in the BMW 3 Series range are also carried over in the BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible range to similar effect.