BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible Facelift Details and Photos

Before the first month of 2010 is over, German carmaker BMW released the official details and photos of the long awaited BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible facelifts, two models that are expected to be officially presented at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

The facelifted versions of the two models bring both visual and performance upgrades, with the most notable ones being the introduction of the BMW 318i powered by a straight-four 2.0l 143 hp petrol engine and the entry of the most efficient car in the midrange segment, as BMW calls it, the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. But let's take it one step at a time.

The new versions of the 3 Series feature visual enhancements like headlights with newly designed contour lines, new paintwork colors, updated range of leather upholstery and tweaked BMW ConnectedDrive.

BMW took the opportunity to launch a revised line of engines with the facelift, including the ones found in the BMW 325d (150 kW/204 hp) and the BMW 320d (135 kW/184 hp). The top of the range BMW 335i, available on all body styles, comes with a 3.0l straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC. The unit develops 225 kW/306 hp, while at the same time fulfilling the EU5 emission standard.

This particular engine comes with an acceleration time of 5.5 seconds in the BMW 335i Coupe and in 5.8 seconds in the BMW 335i Convertible, while the top speed is rated at 250 km/h (155 mph). Average fuel consumption is 8.4l/100 km (33.6 mpg) on the Coupe and 8.8l (32.1 mpg) on the Convertible. The CO2 rating is 196 and 205 grams/km, respectively.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition brings a little extra than its siblings. It is named the most efficient car in the midrange segment thanks to the 4.1l of fuel it eats every 100 km (68.9 mpg), while emitting only 109 g/km of CO2 from the 163 hp unit.

In all, the new BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come with five petrol and four diesel engines. For both body styles, the choice of engines is made up of two four- and three six-cylinders, while the diesel engines comprises of one four-cylinder and three or, two six-cylinders, respectively.

Both models come equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, with the 335i and 320d employing a newly developed transmission with dry sump lubrication. As an option, the BMW 320i, BMW 325i, BMW 330i, BMW 320d, BMW 325d, and BMW 330d are available in both body variants with six-speed automatic transmission, standard on the BMW 335d.