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BMW Malaysia today introduced five new variants into its local model lineup, these being three versions of the 3 Series Coupe and a 3 Series Convertible, as well as the Z4 sDrive35is M Sport.

The new 3 Series Coupe lineup consists of the 320i Coupe, 325i Coupe and the top of the line 335i Coupe M Sport, while the 325i Convertible makes for the drop-top entry.

The 306bhp six-cylinder turbocharged 335i Coupe M Sport comes with a 7-speed double clutch sports automatic transmission and comes with a new gear shift logic for the steering-wheel paddles similar to that on the M3.

The M Sports package on this one includes a special Aerodynamics package and 19-inch M light-alloy double spoke 313 wheels riding on a specially tuned sports suspension. Interior-wise, the package adds in sports seats in Dakota leather upholstery, Aluminium Glacier Silver dark interior trim and Anthracite headliner. Further enhancing the car's sporty nature are M entry sills and a M footrest.

Of course, there are optional equipment packages, including an Innovation Package and a Glass Roof Package, for the rest of the range, enabling owners to tailor suit their vehicles to their individual tastes and personal preferences.

Catered specifically for the BMW 320i Coupe, the Innovation Package includes a navigation system and mobile phone preparation. The navigation system offers DVD drive, iDrive Controller with direct menu control buttons, functional bookmarks, integrated hard disk for audio files and navigation data, 3D map display on a high-resolution 8.8-inch monitor, whilst the Mobile Phone preparation offers Bluetooth capability that includes hands free capability. Going the Innovation Package route will set you back a mere RM20,000.

The Glass Roof Package, on the other hand, is available as an option for the 320i Coupe and 325i Coupe. The package includes an electric operated glass roof with slide and tilt function, and goes for RM10,000 .

The new 325i Convertible utilises the same six-cylinder 218bhp 2.5l block found on the 325i Coupe, and shares the same lighting specifications as that on the 335i Coupe M Sport, with light rings with two brightness settings for use as parking lights or daytime running lights, as well as LED indicators.

Meanwhile, the Z4 sDrive35is M Sport rolls in as the top of the line roadster, with 340bhp and 450Nm of torque available from its 3.0l turbo pot. It comes with the 7-speed double-clutch sports automatic transmission, Dynamic Driving Control with Sport and Sport+ settings and Launch Control as standard issue.

Here, the M sports package is made up of a M aerodynamics package, which has modified front and rear aprons and a rear diffuser among other things, as well as the Adaptive M Suspension package. Oxide Silver mirror caps and five-spoke 18 inch alloy wheels round off the exterior trim, and exclusive to the M Sports package on the Z4 sDrive35is M Sport is the option of the special Melbourne Red exterior colour.

The retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive 3 years/60,000km + Repair) are RM289,800 for the 320i Coupe, RM378,800 for the 325i Coupe, RM498,800 for the 335i Coupe M Sport, while the 325i Convertible goes for RM439,800, and the Z4 sDrive35is M Sport is priced at RM598,800.

Posted by: Anthony Lim

US automakers have surpassed foreign brands for the first time in a survey that measures the quality of new cars and trucks.

J.D. Power and Associates said yesterday that owners of vehicles made by Detroit automakers reported fewer problems on average during the first 90 days of ownership than those built by companies based overseas.

It was the first time that has happened in the 24 years the industry research group has conducted the annual quality study that is a closely watched measure of the durability and reliability of vehicles.

US automakers have long lagged foreign brands, especially those from Asian manufacturers like Toyota, which many consumers believe produce higher quality cars and trucks than General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

But J.D. Power said Ford showed some of the biggest gains in quality among individual brands, moving into the fifth spot. Porsche was the top scorer. Toyota, which has suffered through huge safety recalls earlier this year, saw its score drop.

The study ranks vehicles according to the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles. The overall average for the industry was 109 problems per 100 vehicles. That industry average has fallen steadily over the past decade.

US manufacturers scored an average of 108 problems, while foreign companies posted 109 problems. That is a marked difference than just 10 years ago, when import brands had far fewer initial problems than those made by US companies.

Luxury brands topped the list, with Acura and Mercedes-Benz holding the second and third spots. Daimler, which makes the Mercedes-Benz, had the best performing plant, an assembly facility in East London, South Africa.

Land Rover had the highest overall number of average problems with 170.

Ford was the best scorer among non-luxury brands, with 93 problems per 100 vehicles. J.D. Power said that Ford has shown steady improvement over the last nine years.

The rankings are closely watched by automakers, which frequently use them in advertising campaigns. Ford vice president of quality Bennie Fowler said in a statement that the survey shows Ford's "steady and meticulous attention to new model launches."

Toyota's ranking dropped to the 21st spot, down from the sixth ranking in 2009. The Japanese automaker has built a strong reputation for vehicle quality, but has seen its image suffer after wide reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.

"Overall, we're disappointed but probably not surprised," said Jim Lentz, Toyota's top US sales executive. "If you look at when the survey was fielded, it was right during the height of the recall and the intense coverage of the recall."

He said vehicles not involved in recall saw their scores go up in the study. He also noted that Toyota had six segment award winners, more than any other manufacturer.

"We are paying close attention to what the customer is telling us through J.D. Power," he said. - AP