BMW puts one and one together

BMW is aiming to lure hip young things with its new "plus one" music package now available on the 118i, 120i and 120d hatches as well as a "professional package" for its 5 Series models.

The 1 Series package comes with a 30-gig iPod, complete with car connector. The system can be powered through the car’s electrical system and played via the on-board stereo, utilising the car’s multi-function steering wheel controls.

In the 95kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder 118i, as well as the iPod, the plus one pack includes Boston leather upholstery, 17-inch star-spoke alloys, cruise control, metallic paint, and colour coded door handles, roof mouldings and rubbing strips.



In the 120i, adds Bluetooth phone preparation and parking sensors. The package is priced at $2200 for 118i and 120i and 120d models.

Apart from the music packages, a new six-speed manual transmission will now be available in all 116i and 118i models, replacing the five-speed manual.

The new transmission joins the just-launched turbo-diesel 115kW/330Nm 120d, which costs $47,800 and is mated to a Steptronic six-speed automatic only.

The "professional package" is exclusive to the 5 Series and includes heads-up display, professional navigation, voice recognition and business Bluetooth phone preparation. In the 525i Sedan, parking sensors are also included.

For the 530i sedan, Touring and 530d models, the professional package additionally incorporates comfort keyless access to get into the car and also to start and stop the engine.

The 540i and 550i sedans add a sunroof (540i) and LOGIC7 and active cruise control (550i).

The professional package costs $2500 for six-cylinder cars and $3500 for V8s.