Hot turbo engines for BMW's 3-Series

By Angus Fitton

Motor Industry

11 August 2006 10:36

Three new six-cylinder engines are joining the BMW 3-Series range.

Top of the pile – until the V8 M3 arrives – is the 335d, which runs the twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine offered in the 5-series. An explosive 428lb ft of torque (that's more than the V10 M5) and 286bhp means it can surge to 62mph in only 6.2sec. But there's economy to match the high performance: combined fuel consumption is 37.7mpg. The straight six petrol is adopted from the new 3-Series Coupe. Badged 335i, it employs two small turbochargers to reduce lag and generate 306bhp. It's the fastest new shape 3-Series saloon yet, with 62mph coming up in only 5.6sec and an electronically limited 155mph. At the opposite end of the scale is the new 325d, a single turbocharged diesel that kicks out 197bhp and returns an impressive 44.1mpg. Prices are set to start at £27,310 for the 325d saloon, £30,940 for the 335i saloon and £32,995 for the 335d. The Touring models command a premium of around £1100. Deliveries of all three are due in mid-October.

By Angus Fitton