Elsewhere on the 3 Series Saloon and Touring ranges, the engines remain unchanged following last year's introduction of widespread engine enhancements. This means the 3 Series model portfolio continues to be powered by the International Engine of the Year for 2007 and 2008 (the petrol-powered 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit) and the most fuel efficient and least polluting diesel and petrol engines in their class. All BMW 3 Series engines feature direct injection technology and the extensive use of lightweight materials to improve engine efficiency.

The latest BMW 3 Series builds on its design. Compared to the outgoing ES and SE specification cars, the latest model now features two additional raised precision lines on the bonnet for a more muscular look. The BMW kidney grille has been re-profiled, while the headlights feature twin corona side lights as standard.

The wing mirrors have been increased in size for better visibility. The track of the car has been increased by 24mm for enhanced driving dynamics. The rear light cluster has been changed and is now monochrome in colour with LED technology as standard, while the rear valance and boot lid have been re-styled. In addition to these changes seven new styles of alloy wheel designs are offered, including a sports-oriented 17-inch V-spoke alloy wheel as standard on four-cylinder SE specification cars.

On the inside a revised centre console houses the all-new iDrive system (when specified). The new iDrive features a new on-screen layout with scroll across display for each chosen function for greater clarity. A 'back' button and shortcut keys mean it is even easier to navigate to a required function. The use of 'favourite buttons' below the iDrive screen add another element of practicality allowing you to call upon favourite destinations, music sources or phone book entries. The new operating system is only possible courtesy of the hard disc drive used for of the vehicle's electronic data storage. 8Gb of this space is specifically set aside for the uploading of favourite music tracks. The car is capable of storing in excess of 100 albums. Elsewhere inside the car new trims are available.

All 3 Series Saloon and Touring models come as standard with six airbags, front and rear ISOFIX child seat mounts (including front airbag deactivation). BMW claims that it uses one of the most advanced stability control systems in the world to guard against accidents.

For the first time on a 3 Series the model now comes as standard with active head restraints. In the event of a rear-end collision the front section of the head restraint moves forward by 60mm and up by 40mm to reduce the distance between head rest and the occupants' heads thus reducing the risk of spinal injury.

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