M Sport package for BMW 3 Series

BMW has given its popular new 3 Series sedan range in Australia a sportier edge with the addition of an optional M Sport package available across most variants.

The extra-cost package brings a host of cosmetic and performance upgrades, something that BMW Group Australia managing director Phil Horton said furthered the 3 Series’ status as the “most sporty luxury compact sedan on the market”.

“With more than a quarter of all previous generation 3 Series sold in Australia being optioned with the M Sport Package it is clear that our customers place a premium on performance and sportiness,” he said.

“The 3 Series has always had the sporting edge in this class and the new M-Sport package epitomises that character.”

Inspired by the car-maker’s performance-oriented M division, the package adds 10mm lower sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, a subtle aerodynamics package and new eight-bar ‘kidney’ grille design.

Inside the cabin, the package adds a chunkier M Sport leather steering wheel, Dakota leather sports seats, Anthracite roof liner, M door sill trims, aluminium interior trim with either blue or glossy black highlights, unique instrument cluster and ambient interior lighting.

Vehicles fitted with the M Sport package are available with -cost options such as Estoril Blue metallic paint, M Sport brakes and reduced-cost adaptive M suspension.

The package starts at $5460 when fitted to the top-selling $64,900 328i – the subject of a five month waiting list earlier this year – bringing the price up to $70,360 plus on-road costs.

This figure grows to $6100 when fitted to the 335i (normal versions $91,400) and $6844 when added to the 320i ($57,600) and 320d ($60,900).

The package is not available on the entry-level 318d diesel, which retails for $56,400.

Sales of the 3 Series to the end of July were up 18.4 per cent with 2841 units sold year-to-date.