BMW Group Malaysia has finally launched the new F30 BMW 3 Series LCI. Teased on the company’s local website just days ago, the new facelifted 3 Series range features prices that stretch from RM208,800 to RM308,800.
Your ticket to owning a new sixth-gen facelifted 3 Series begins with the 318i Luxury variant, which commands RM208,888. The 320i Sport Line is next, and will set you back a cool RM238,800. Opt for an even sportier look, and you’ll be staring down the 320i M Sport variant that will set you back by RM258,800.
The sole diesel 320d M Sport retails from a further RM268,800, while the 330i M Sport marks the expensive model in the line-up, if you exclude the M3, retailing from RM308,800. Sadly, there’s no longer a six-cylinder variant in the range, with the 340i that replaced the 335i designation nowhere in sight for our market.
Sporting a minor makeover inside and out, the new BMW 3 Series was first revealed to the world earlier in May this year (2015). Yes, when the curtains were first lifted, the new 3er didn’t appear to set itself very much apart from the original F30’s designs that debuted back in 2012, but taking a closer look here reveals a significantly updated vehicle.
Visibly new here are redesigned twin-circular headlamps, new L-shaped tail lights, as well as reshaped front and rear bumpers. The interior of the car also appears very similar to the pre-facelifted model, but so too does a closer inspection reveal several changes. There are more chrome accents and glossy black trim elements that give the cabin a refreshed look.
Sharp eyes may also spot finer updates that include a new sliding cupholder lid ahead of the centre console and a new compact storage compartment there too, as well as new white-coloured digital illumination for the climate control displays — the illumination reverts to the familiar amber colour only when the headlamps are activated, assuming that it is night time.
Despite the subtle changes, however, under its skin is where you’ll find the majority of the new and more significant BMW 3 Series updates. The three-cylinder engine, for starters is a completely new instalment to the 3 Series range, while the four-cylinder BMW TwinPower engines have all been updated to offer more power and better fuel efficiency.
Likewise, there’s even been significant work done to upgrade the new 3er’s chassis, with the car’s suspension geometry given a workout in an attempt to improve handling without compromising all-important ride comfort and quality.
Moving on what motivates the new 3 Series, the base BMW 318i variant is tasked to replace the previous 316i in the ranks, and introduces a new 1.5 litre three-cylinder BMW TwinPower petrol engine to the range. The new three-pot matches the previous 316i’s 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine’s power outputs identically, being rated at 136 hp and 220 Nm of torque.
The new turbo mill is also more fuel efficient and is also quicker than before. Previously claiming a fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litres/100 km, the 318i is now good for 5.1 litres/100km. Likewise, where the previous 316i took 9.2 seconds to perform its century sprint, the new 318i achieves the same feat in just 8.9 seconds.
Like all variants of the Malaysian-spec BMW 3 Series, a ZF-sourced eight-speed Steptronic torque converter automatic transmission is called for duty, delivering power exclusively to the rear wheels.
Springing for more power, you have the BMW 320i, which features a B48 2.0 litre petrol four-pot that delivers the same 180 hp as before, but 20 Nm of torque more for a sum 290 Nm. The 320i is also more fuel efficient and marginally quicker than its predecessor, promising 5.8 litres/100 km (previously 6.0 litres/100 km), and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 7.2 seconds (previously 7.3 seconds).
At the helm of the new 3 Series range sits the BMW 330i, which we know retires the 328i designation. Offering seven horses more for a total of 252 hp and the same 350 Nm of torque, the 330i moves to become the most powerful German sedan in its class — with all three German contenders square for torque, the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI is good for second place on paper with its 225 hp, while the top-spec Mercedes-Benz C 250 offers a humble 211 hp.
Also offering marginal performance and efficiency gains, the 330i claims a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds (previously 5.9 seconds), while promising a fuel consumption figure of 6.1 litres/100 km (previously 6.3 litres/100 km).
Reprising its role as the sole diesel-powered 3 Series in the line-up, the BMW 320d features the same B47 2.0 litre four-pot oil burner that first made a local appearance in the BMW 520d Sport. The BMW TwinPower diesel engine is also the most upgraded engine in attendance, pushing out 190 hp/400 Nm over the previous 320d’s 180 hp/380 Nm of torque, bettering fuel consumption by 0.5 litres/100 km to 4.0 litres/100 km, and is speedier over a 100 km/h dash by 0.2 seconds for a claimed 7.2 seconds.
Shifting to the 3 Series’ equipment and features, and it is clear that the 318i steps up to the plate with a humble, yet upgraded list of highlights over the out-going 316i. For example, while the previous 316i was a no-line variant, the new 318i is dressed in a Luxury Line that invites further chrome elements to the exterior of the vehicle — particularly to the front and rear bumpers and window surrounds. There are also a set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels to speak of, with LED headlights now fitted as standard from the base 318i onwards.
Inside, all the LCI’s key updates are accounted for, while the 318i’s Luxury Line itself appoints a sports leather multi-function steering wheel and an ambient lighting package. Power-adjustable front seats are standard, while this variant also comes with Cruise Control with Braking Function.
Interestingly, the 318i Luxury Line is the only variant available with a Dakota Saddle Brown leather interior colour option on top of the standard Dakota Black. However, this interior colour option is only available to match Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey and Alphine White exterior colours — opt of the Imperial Blue or Platinum Silver, and you’ll have to settle for the Dakota Black leather upholstery.
Moving along up the ladder, and you have the BMW 320i Sport Line, which carries forward all the above-mentioned specifications of the 318i, but adds a more powerful petrol engine as mentioned (44 hp/70 Nm more), as well as a sportier exterior and interior kit.
The Sport Line exchanges the Luxury Line’s chrome accents for glossy black finishing touches to the exterior, and so too are the multi-spoke wheels swapped for a five twin-spoke alloy set of the same 17-inch size.
The 320i Sport Line also adds sportier seats and an upgrade to a HiFi audio system. But unlike the Luxury Line, interior colours for the Sport Line variant is limited to the sole Dakota Black option.
Keen for more aesthetic aggression, your next best bet is on the BMW 320i and 320d M Sport variants, which both offer exactly the same design styling features, set apart only by their petrol and diesel powertrains.
A set of 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in a Star-spoke style is standard here, so too an M aerodynamic package that adds a more aggressive front and rear bumper, side skirts, and a more performance-minded M Sport Suspension too.
Sport seats are a given, while an M Leather three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is added, including a rolling-type sunblind for the rear windows. The extra ringgits also buy you an upgrade to the Navigation Business infotainment system.The extra cost of the 320d M Sport however, includes an upgrade to a Navigational System Professional infotainment system.
Interior colours for the 320i and 320d M Sport are limited to the sole Dakota Black option, while the pretty shade of Estoril Blue exterior paint becomes available from this point onwards in the local 3 Series line-up.
For when you’ve got to have it all from your 3 Series, look no further than the range-topping BMW 330i M Sport – this also means that the 322 hp/450 Nm 340i variant has been given a miss for our market. Nevertheless, the most powerful 3 Series available in Malaysia that isn’t an M3 gets the full M Sport-specific aerodynamic exterior package, inclusive of 18-inch M light alloy double-spoke wheels painted in Ferric Grey Metallic.
The 330i M Sport also gets an Adaptive M Suspension system with actively-controllable damping settings, a Variable Sport Steering wheel system, an updated version of the Navigational System Professional, and even a full-colour Head-Up display system as standard.
Unique to the 330i M Sport is a Dakota Oyster over black interior colour option, which can only be had if you specify either the Black Sapphire or Estoril Blue exterior body colour.
BMW Group Malaysia has also extended its list of new ConnectedDrive features to the new 3 Series, just as we first saw on the new F48 X1 SUV here. The brand’s very cool Concierge Services, Remote Apps, Teleservices and Intelligent Emergency Call (E-Call) features are at the 3er’s disposal. Only the 318i Luxury Line and 320i Sport Line are without the Concierge Services, but the 320i M Sport, 320d M Sport and 330i M Sport get the full suite.
The cars come with an integrated SIM card that enables data connectivity. The services are available for free over the first three years beginning from the time of your purchase, and then onwards, a service subscription will be charged – these fees haven’t been disclosed yet. Also, it isn’t possible for existing BMW owners to upgrade their infotainment systems to feature the new ConnectedDrive services.
To recap, OTR without insurance prices for the new BMW 3 Series are as follows, inclusive of BMW Malaysia’s new five years unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service:
GALLERY: BMW 318i Luxury Line
GALLERY: BMW 320i Sport Line
GALLERY: BMW 320d M Sport
GALLERY: BMW 330i M Sport
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
stil the same boring thing
From 4 cylinder become 3 cylinder BMW…
Is so cheap going to buy 3 of the various…. and thanks for the Rakyat buying Proton
and Perodua cars so that I can buy extra car for my mistress !!!
The 3 series is so cheap in the US. BMW Malaysia will get country distributor price of around US$20k for the 3 series. How come here, GLC Sime Darby can hantam RM200k despite it being CKD somemore?
The question we must be asking is, where is Najib’s promise to reduce car prices?
Where is Najib’s promise? Najib promised 30 million people 2 years ago before the election that he would reduce car prices by 30 percent.
He said the 30 million people need not worry because BN always kept their word and never mungkir janji. He said if people voted for BN, he was 100% sure to reduce car prices by 30 percent.
Najib, in his speech told people that BN knew how much people suffered paying for their cars and he felt very sorry for the people, thus, he was sure to reduce car prices by 30%.
It is a well knowfact, that we Malaysians are paying 3x the global prices of cars. And double whammy, not only we pay 3x the global prices of cars, our cars are stripped down so bad, it hardly lacks any safety features. Even our top D segment cars each have about 20 less safety features than the same car costing 3 times less overseas. For example, a 10 airbag Toyota Camry CBU in the US cost US$22,000. In Malaysia, this cost RM180k. And loads of safety spec taken out. For example Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and many others. Camry Hybrid in the US is US26,000. Come to Malaysia, should be tax free. CKD it using Malaysian parts should be even cheaper. But here sell RM175k
Now, what happened Najib? Where is your promise? BMW Malaysia is GLC owned. they can reduce their prices if they Government cares for the Rakyat!
LOL you still believe what he says?
Go buy Proton lar, they claim it is as good as BMW Mercedes, I just can’t stop laughing there LOL
In US, BMW 328i, now the 330i selling for US$32k. This is CBU car somemore. Pure German Made.
BMW Malaysia will get this cr cheaper at around US$25k. CKD the car, cost drops to US$20k. (RM85k)
But sell Malaysian Made BMW for RM308k
Where is Najib’s Promise?
Don’t buy new BMW. Cause the Depreciation of any BMW is over RM100k for the first year alone.
Be wise, buy 2nd hand. A good July reg 2013 BMW 520i F10 now only RM190k. A brand new 2015 BMW 520i is RM370k. In 18 months, the car can jatuh RM180k.
Be wise. Let the first buyer bear the biggest depreciation loss. After that, 2nd year onwards, its only RM20k loss per year.
Welcome to najib tax countries
Just for the 318i yes. And do test drive it first rather than repeating your tedious comments. Its a far cry from your axia. Why are u so obsessed with it anyway?
Still very expensive for local Malaysians. Why are cars expensive? Very simple. Too much of songlapping going on in Malaysia by officials.
For example, one man can songlap RM2.6 billion is just one news we know. What about the other times he songlap that we don’t know about? I think it runs to hundreds of billions.
Taib songlap US$20 billion (RM80 billion) also nothing happen to him. Infact he was rewarded for his songlap and made Governor and even given Tunship.
What about the songlaps by the other Menteri and Government officials?
It all runs to hundreds of billions per annum the Songlap.
This is why we get low spec lousy cars with super high prices. Our guardians are more interested in Songlap than fighting for the rakyat to get good and safe cars that are also reasonably priced.
Agree. Test drove it and realise why the 1.5 has bagged engine of the year award. It’s silky smooth and free revving for a 3 potter. No one will believe its capacity and cylinder count. Drives so well and suspension is just right.
Actually from inline 6 to 4 cylinders and now becomes 3. So for future 3 series we can conclude that it has only 2 rounded cylinders, and the last 3 series maybe has 2 small cylinders with 1 long cylinder. That’s truly a man car.
Applegreen, you are indeed the MAN!!!
What exciting cars do you own?
Lykan badged Vavi
proton satria GTI…ah the good days when BN was strong…on another note…this bmw no keyless entry…my macai almera got keyless entry….how can
Then use almera loh. No one stop u.
sigh,,,,,,i really hate the ‘broken-nose’ design…..undeniably this is the ugliest BM’s design language of all time
Ya, these BMWs has very Korean design outlook.
Current Audi and Merc have much better design throughout their car lines.
They will always use this fugly design
for merged nose…Get yourself Kia Cerato lah! why complaint here.
I want one !!!!!!!
Wait till December, you will get lots of discounts from BMW and good trade-in value for your current junk.
spec to spec and price to price, c250 amg line is so much more value for money now with the decreased price.
One buys a merc for value for money but buys a bmw for sheer pleasure.
Better buy Altis. High RV
Did somebody just mentioned about RV?
Yes, get a Toyota and it has good RV.
Sheer pleasure…?
Yeah right… Don’t let it get you sheer PRESSURE on your backbone with that stiff ride…
i’m not sure why so many disliked but C250 competes with 330i and comes with premium sound system etc…they must have failed maths.
Dislike because we can’t afford it…that’s why
41 horses difference between the C250 and 330i, this makes a huge difference in terms of performance.
BMW M-sport handling is also better than Merc Avantgarde.
Spec is good enough for LCI. Especially offering HUD for M-sport models, really suit. Hope next all-new model includes “comfort access”. ConnectedDrive Service with E-call is extremely useful too. Great job BMW
Are these units ckd ?
I doubt that 1.5turbo as the same refinement as the outgoing 1.6t….cmon bmw,3cylinder in a 3series what are u thinking? Reading some overseas reviews,it confirms my doubt that it has more vibrations than the 4 cylinder unit,technology cant beat physics i guess….
the brand new a4 and the c-class has moved the game interms of quality n interior design….im surprised bmw havnt done much to address that…
You got alot of die hard BMW fans to thumbs you down.
Lol basically this is kancil engined BMW.
Tell that to bmw i8 designers.
Im a fan myself..but im not here collecting thumbs up for my ego…! Jus giving opinions…
I agree with you man..my love for bmw is fading bir by bit when they started downsizing their engine..their signature inline six in one of the things to have in their cars.
Plus i think this overstating the displacement excercise is cheating the consumers
Overstating?
Are u accusing BMW of cheating?
Be careful what u write as it can be used against you.
Never stepped into a beemer and u dare make such a statement.
Key board warrior go get a job cos u can’t even afford a run flat tyre.
Still living in the cave? The world is changing…fuel efficiency and environmental friendly cars are more preferred
Then why they still got the best engine award ?
You will regret of having 3 cylinders.
As good as Kelisa Kenari…3 pots. Brrrrrrrr…..good vibrator. Good vibration all over. Law of physics vs technology?? A shame for the name.
Why? Most people who buy this model tend to use it as a second or third runabout car. No one uses it for track days or tailgating on nkve.
If I want 3 cylinders I would buy an Axia. No thanks BMW.
Obviously your income is just tin kosong. High income ppl won’t bother to buy if they were 3 or 4 cylinder
As a matter of fact they do care. Thats called product knowledge. They real BMW has inline sixes. Its people without money that buys the 3 and 4 potters.
@JZ is the i8 an inline 6? Is the rm420k 528i an inline 6? No-money people buy these cars? I learn something new everyday from these self appointed product experts.
Fool. Did you know the legendary e30 m3 was an inline 4? Crap knows crap.
I8 is a 3 pot 1.5 litre engine hybrid costing a cool 1.2 mil. cheap? I don’t think so.
U always regret this, regret that. Since when u won’t regret???!!!. O I C…the day u have started paying loan on your “Kim Chi” car?
Overall a better package than the pre-lci models. And without much of a price change at that, despite speculations by some that there would likely be a price bump.
Compare with variant BMW 3 series LCI which sold in Indonesia :
320d Sport
320i Sport & Luxury
328i Sport & Luxury
340i M Sport Individual
318i Ada reverse camera tak
Can enter car without teet teet?
Can. The remote has no teet teet sound like cheap japanese cars.
Wow, RM200k car still with hand brake? Should have upgraded to electric parking brake instead.
The Dakota oyster on black interior is pretty nice. Though I think the C250 AMG looks nicer (inside and out) than the 330 M Sport.
Better get the outgoing 316i now, before they run out of stock. Why 3 cylinders? Even the new Civic 1.5 turbo is a 4 cylinder. Anyways, chances are, 90% of the world’s population would not even know it has a 3 cylinder engine.
BMW salesmen in Glenmarie themselves dunno about the 3 cylinder. They think it is a joke.
They laughed because they saw you coming mah
But you as the owner will know you paid more than RM200K for a 3 cylinder car. How does that make you feel?
It feels good that i can drop 200k just like that while others go mental thinking about 3 cylinders.
The writer certainly has strange usage of the English language in writing up this article. Also is quite incredible putting up a gallery full of 340i models whereas none are sold here in Malaysia.
I think he did a good job.
such a boring car. Our roads are littered with bmw these days. No one bothered to give bmw cars a second look….
What to do…..it is the favourite car of all the insurance sales people, all the bank sales people and all the MLM conmen.
Bmw drivers wouldnt care to give you a second look either.
Then, spare parts must be cheap maaaa
Hmmm… 3 cylinders in a 3.
3 pots for a luxury marque is so ‘meh!’ It’s vibration time.
My you love your vibrators dont you kenneth
Did I miss reading if there’s any mention wherher there is a rear camera , comfort access, or if the rear seats can be folded down? I also read that he non M Sport versions does not have satellite navigation? Quite weak in specs for an over 200k car I think.
No reverse camera, u hv to pay xtra. No comfort access and yes, no rear folding seats. But people still buy this car maaa cause it carries the aura of luxury!!!
Cant comment on the warranty and cant comment on the price and cant comment on the performance, so the haters are targetting the inclusion of a 3 cylinder option. It’s optional folks, you can choose to buy a 4 cylinder or even an M model. Theres always something with this bunch.
Not an option if you want the 318i dummy
Not as dumb as yo mama for not teach you to read. Optional as in you can choose to buy other 4 cylinder models in the range or even an M model if the idea of a 3 cylinder car bothers you so much.
Why making a big issue with the 3 potter?
Didn’t it win the Best Engine for 2015?
And isn’t it powering the i8 as well?
Come on guys just bcos the Kelisa & Kenari has issues, don’t just generalise everything
with your limited CPS / Campro knowledge .
Coz… all the commenters think they know better than BMW themselves. Don’t you know we have so many keyboard warriors here?? Some of them talking c*** as if they know everything!
Bro, if you pay for a Kelisa or Kenari you can’t complain its a 3 cylinder engine but on a BMW? Have you checked the price difference with an entry level Perodua?
Oh u only look at the 3 cylinder bit but dont care to understand the advanced engineering behind it? Bravo – malaysia negara maju with people like u.
in their life, they only know 3-pots fitted in kelisa, kancil, viva and axia.
What is BMW with 3 cylinders? Same as perodua.
So BMW = Perodua < Daihatsu < Toyota <<<<<<<<< Lexus
Better buy Lexus anytime or even Camry
That biscuit is delicious
Only the 318i comes with 3 cylinders. Go test drive it yourself and feel how differentbit is from your kenari.
You and your obsessive 3 cylinder comments. Its just for the base model. All that thought of vibrations must be making you itch somewhere.
there is no more 335i M, now only got 330i M.
was 6 cylinder, now left 4 cylinders.
most people nowadays only buy the RM200k base variant BMW. who want to spend so much for a BMW? This is where people get angry the base variant become only 3 cylinders..
for Higher price, we got other better choices.
Yes you have other choices. Why need to get angry?
Furthermore you can always order the 340i through BMW if you really wanted one.
Test drove it. No one will guess it’s a 1.5 3-potter. It’s silky smooth and free revving. 2015 engine of the year don’t play play.
wow estoril blue now available from 320i onwards? niceee
I thought 320d will be ceased out from MYS? The diesel can use meh?
why not?
Tons of Hilux running fine out there with the Euro 2M diesel.
so all those 1 series will have 1 cylinder to run…:P
Still using hand pull handbrake for 200-300k car.
A real BMW have 6 cylinders…
While I like what they did for the 318i (ugly rims though) they once again omitted the comfort access and reverse camera which are standard kit for the C class and the top spec 330i should have the Harmon audio system as standard kit too.
BMW is disease car, stay away at al cost
No options for BMW Driving Assistant and city braking?
Selling RM130K in 90% of the countries worldwide but comes to Dr M Proton land and his egoistic Proton becomes RM209K. Malaysians pay RM80K more because of the stupid Proton. Najib and BN please close down Proton and reduce all cars prices by additional 30-40% and we will make sure Najib and BN win every election. We don’t care about the billions of dollars claimed by others missing we just want to pay for cars without the exorbitant taxes!! Please for the sake of all Malaysians reduce car prices and close down the Dr M Proton! najib we’ll support you!!!
i dunno man…looks boring to me.better buy V40 T5.
i think 320i badge sellers gonna make a lot of money, now everyone can drive a bmw, just a quick badge change to 320i walla, instant eliteness
For BMW not to include keyless entry, reverse camera, rear seats can’t be folded down, no city brake assist, no satellite navigation for the 320i, and just a 3 potter in the 318i selling at over 200k is a real rip off indeed!
due to the need to price it competitively and the our high excise duty, i guess they have no choice but to spec it down..such as shame really
With dat fuel consumption. Will it be eligible for NAP and make it cheaper? Dat will be very interesting
no more BMW 316i, come the BMW 318i.
no more the 4 cylinder, come the 3 cylinder.
no more BMW 335i , come the BMW 330i,
no more 6 cylinder, come the 4 cylinder.
so cheap.
sour grapes
in the article mentioned that all malaysian-spec 3 series are using ZF source 8 speed transmission. Is it true? isn’t the previous 316i 8 speeder from aisin? i’m curious to know. thanks
It has always been zf. Aisin is for fwd vehicles I believe.
Sorry all BMW 8 speeders are from ZF.
You want Aisin, you can have the Hilux
still lagging the simplest thing like keyless entry… Why BMW…Why…
Comfort Access System sound like keyless entry. May be i’m wrong
wow, that’s about 70k per cylinder..
Facelifted still low spec. new Kimchi CEO pls help..
9.8 out of 10 person here cannot afford to buy half of 318i.
People earn 6k a month like me will go for Lexus instead of some 3 pot engine. No thanks for 3 cylinder engine even it is from a premium brand.
Good way to filter out scum.
earning 6k a month jgn nk berlagak la, others income 100k++ a month pon x bising
im earning rm12k a month and i still cant afford a 3 series comfortably. life of a malaysian…
by broken-nose i mean the ugly straight bonnet line lah…..
Aiyak. 136hp pon pakai 8 speed gb.
Proton, do something on ur turbo. This 1.5 engine is almost equivalent to ur preve turbo and exora (1.6) 138hp.
“opt of the Imperial Blue or Platinum Silver, and you’ll have to settle for the Dakota Black leather upholstery”
But in your photo galleries isn’t that an Imperial Blue 318i with Dakota Brown Leather?
Most people are used to a minimum of 4-cylinder engines. This 3-cyl will get getting used to. As long as it can deliver enough power and proves to be reliable in the long run…all will be good. BMW exterior design though…IMHO one the best if not the best currently. Easy on the eyes. The right proportions with just the right accents to make it special – from all angles. Not even Merc can do this – yet.