The legendary BMW 3 Series Sedan enters 2008 as Australia’s most popular sporting luxury sedan, with another year of market leadership under its belt.

To celebrate another year of market success, the 320d is improved still further for 2008. It has been given a new heart in the form of the latest third generation common rail fuel injected 2.0-litre engine. This delivers 125 kW and 340 Nm of torque, giving it the most torque of any four-cylinder 3 Series model, and second only to the Twin Turbo petrol 335i model in the entire 3 Series family.

This hearty new engine boasts variable nozzle turbine technology and delivers its peak power at 4,000 rpm with peak torque achieved at just 1,750 rpm, giving a broad spread of meaty torque across the powerband.

The new engine spirits the 320d from 0-100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds, and on to a top sped of 225 km/h (where legal). A super smooth six-speed automatic transmission conveys drive to the rear wheels.

The powerful engine will be something of a rare sight at refuelling stations with a combined cycle consumption figure of just 6.0-litres per 100 km.

Thanks to the latest innovations based on BMW EfficientDynamics and the outstanding competence of BMW in the development and production of exhilarating engines, the new four-cylinder diesel offers six-cylinder levels of performance and refinement, while at the same time retaining all the advantages of a four-cylinder in terms of fuel efficiency.

This all-aluminium four-cylinder diesel engine uses piezo-injectors to squirt fuel into the combustion chambers with absolute precision under a pressure of 1,800 bar.

The new engine is 20kg lighter than its predecessor, offers 10 kW more power and 10 Nm more torque and is a useful 10 per cent more frugal, too.

BMW is the leading supplier of diesel powered luxury vehicles in Australia. The 320d 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is also fitted to the 1 Series, 5 Series Sedan and X3 Sports Activity Vehicle, underlining its versatility, supreme performance, and of course its immense torque.

All BMW 320d models are fitted with a particulate filter.