BMW upgrades announced

BMW is preparing to introduce running changes to its 1, 3, and 6 Series models in Europe in coming months – with some likely to continue on to Australian cars  within a year.

However BMW Australia could not confirm when the changes would roll out to Australian-spec models.  “We don’t have an exact timeline for these changes, but like any new technology we’d be very interested in anything that is suitable for our market,” BMW spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says.

More diesel variants are set to become Euro VI compliant ahead of the due date, helped by an expanded availability of BMW’s BluePerformance urea-injection system. By early 2014, all six-cylinder Z4 and M Performance models will also be Euro VI compliant.

All 1, 3, and 6 Series models equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission are set to score a new launch control function, offering drivers ‘set and forget’ capability to extract maximum off-the-mark performance. 

Those eight-speed models equipped with the EcoPro efficiency drive mode will also feature a new ‘sail mode’, which disconnects the engine and drivetrain when coasting, offering a marginal fuel efficiency gain.

Further EcoPro functionality will be available when the ‘Professional’ satnav pack is optioned, with the navigation able to offer efficiency guidance to the driver when approaching bends or intersections. 

Several ConnectedDrive Safety features currently exclusive to the 7 Series model are also set to filter down through the lesser model ranges.

The optional Driving Assistant pack now includes lane departure and collision warning, combined with potential collision recognition and suggestive braking at speeds up to 60km/h.

The next-tier Driving Assistant Plus combines adaptive cruise control with the ability to apply maximum braking to avoid a collision, and the Lane Change Warning blind-spot monitoring option will also be capable of working as slow as 20km/h (down from 70km/h).

BMW 6 and 7 Series models optioned with the Night Vision system will soon be able to recognise animals in addition to pedestrians – arguably of greater benefit to Australian buyers.