March 2003 will see BMW stake new ground in its product line-up with the production of its first ever diesel Coupé, the BMW 330Cd. Click here for the 320Cd.

The 330Cd features an uprated version of BMW’s acclaimed 3.0-litre diesel engine and will arrive in the UK in 2004. The new 3.0-litre unit will also slot into the 330d Saloon and Touring models next spring in the UK when the following range of styling and performance enhancements will also hit the UK showrooms:

• Introduction of the BMW 330Cd (lhd – March 2003; rhd – 2004)
• Uprated 6 cylinder diesel engines
• New six speed manual transmissions added to the range
• New six-speed SSG transmission available on BMW 330Ci/325Ci Coupé and Convertible
• Styling enhancements on Coupé, Convertible and Compact
• DSC standardised across the range

BMW’s first ever diesel Coupé will feature the perfect marriage of an uprated version of the muscular 3.0-litre diesel engine to the dynamic poise and handling of the renowned 3 Series Coupé chassis.

The new, lighter engine in the BMW 330Cd offers an extra 20 bhp, increased low-down torque (max 410 Nm available at 1,500 rpm), improved top speed and 0-62 performance. Improved fuel consumption makes the package even more unbeatable.

The uprated 3.0-litre diesel will also be added to the 330d Saloon and Touring

The combustion process and oil filtration systems within the new 3.0-litre engine have also been refined, resulting in reduced contamination and extended oil change intervals of over 25,000 miles.

Six Speed Manuals/DSC As Standard

All BMW 3.0-litre petrol and diesel body styles will receive a new six speed manual transmission that offers improved fuel consumption and greater flexibility for the driver. The six speed ’box will also come as standard on the new 330Cd, current 320d Saloon and Touring, and 320td/325ti Compacts.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all six cylinder 3 Series models and the electronic driver aid will now come as standard on all four cylinder 3 Series models. DSC monitors lateral and longitudinal forces on the car as well as throttle and steering inputs from the driver and any wheel slippage. It then compares the intended trajectory of the car to its actual course. If necessary, the system can adjust the dynamic attitude of the car by applying braking forces to individual wheels and controlling throttle inputs. DSC can be disengaged by the driver on all BMWs if preferred.

Restyled Coupé, Convertible And Compact

All Coupé, Convertible and Compact models have been re-styled to present an even sportier and dynamic appearance following the design tweaks applied to the Saloon and Touring models in 2001.

BMW Coupé and Convertible models feature a new, smoother, bonnet and a distinctive new front spoiler, punctuated with new front light housings and side indicators on new front wings.

The redesigned front incorporates a 60mm wider kidney grille. At the rear, new light clusters with LED technology and a re-designed rear apron with colour-coded Park Distance Control feature on both Coupé and Convertible, with a new wider boot grab handle applied to the Coupé and Compact models. Compacts also feature a redesigned rear light cluster and sporty new side sills.

New Six Speed SSG Available

BMW 330i and BMW 325i Coupé and Convertible owners will be able to specify a new, six speed Sports Sequential Gearbox (SSG). The transmission currently features five gears and offers drivers a distinct reference to Formula 1 technology through the paddle-shift transmission. The new SSG will offer an even sharper shift quality than currently available on these models enabling the driver to shift gears in a split second with two paddles on the steering wheel or via a reassuringly shortened gear stick that feels particularly sporty.

Pricing of the 2003 3 Series model range will be announced early next year.