BMW plans engine overhaul

BMW is preparing a new wave of engines, which will have an impact on virtually every model range from 1 to 7 Series.

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BMW is preparing a new wave of engines, which will have an impact on virtually every model range from 1 to 7 Series.

Available in the UK from this autumn, the newcomers will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

As well as the powerful new 130i small family car and 520d entry-level executive diesel unveiled yesterday, the company will launch the following new models:

• A new entry-level petrol and diesel 3 Series. The 318i offers 127bhp, 0-62mph in 10sec and average fuel consumption of 38.7mpg. The 318d develops 121bhp, reaches 62mph in 10.6sec and returns 50.4mpg. Estimated price: from £20,000

• A new 302bhp 540i capable of reaching 62mph in 6.2sec and returning 25.7mpg on the combined cycle. Estimated price: from £38,500

• An uprated version of the existing 530d will have 10bhp more at 228bhp, improved economy as well as faster performance. Estimated price: from £33,000

• A new 362bhp engine to join the 5 Series range in the 550i. Replacing the 545i, it's almost 30bhp more powerful and can accelerate to 62mph in 5.5sec. Combined fuel consumption is 25.4mpg. Estimated price: from £43,000

• The same 4.8-litre petrol engine joins the 6 Series range to replace the 645i. Almost 0.5sec is knocked off the 0-62mph sprint time, which now stands at 5.4sec for the Coupe. Combined economy is a slight 0.4mpg worse at 23.7mpg. Estimated price: from £43,000

• A long-wheelbase version of the diesel 7 Series, the 730Ld, on sale in the UK for the first time Estimated price:£50,000