KEY POINTS:
Acting on impulse tends to take BMW in all sorts of directions. Into a galaxy far, far away in the case of the X6.
It's a different story for the model that matters most to Munich. Getting the 3 Series right is more vital, for the sake of
the company, than getting it wrong with extreme "fringe" models. Even the smallest risks are carefully considered.
Which explains why the 3's facelift - or Life Cycle Impulse in haughty BMW-speak - might seem anything but impulsive.
After three and a bit years, the sedan and Touring (translation: wagon) line adopts exterior enhancements that give a more rakish, meaningful look.
The interior also gets a spring clean and there are greener engines and enhanced technology - at a higher price.
The changes are deemed necessary to divert attention from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi's A4, which leads the luxury sector with a 23.1 per cent share.
When the line is launched in March, you'll pay more than the current 3 Series that starts at $55,000 and tops at $116,500, BMW New Zealand spokesman Piers Scott said.
"A specification adjustment, combined with the falling value of the New Zealand dollar, means we can expect a considerable price increase."
That news will probably enhance demand for the present car, which accounted for 129 of the 498 new BMWs registered by the end of June.
The midlife update brings opportunity for BMW New Zealand to adopt specification parity with Australia, so iDrive should be standard for some versions.
BMW 3s heading this way won't get the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission developed as an answer to the likes of Volkswagen's DSG.
BMW New Zealand currently offers a pair of four-cylinder models, the 320i and 320d, and five six-pots - the 325i, 330i and 335i petrols and 330d and 335d turbodiesels.
The engine revised most is the popular 3.0-litre. The update is well-timed - more than 50 per cent of BMWs sold in the year to date have been diesel and Audi is about to release its 3-litre TDi, for quattro A4 sedan and wagon.
There are two versions of BMW's 2993cc unit. The 330d has a new aluminium block, next-generation CRD technology and variable turbine geometry. Power lifts 10kW to 180kW accompanied by 520Nm of torque. BMW claims 0-100kmh in 6.1 seconds and economy of 5.7 litres per 100km. It emits only 152g/km of CO2 according to BMW Australia.
Reserved for Europe and potentially North America is an optional version that debuts BMW's BluePerformance emissions-control technology. It achieves the EU 6 emissions standard not due until 2011.
Suspension and brakes are the same as in the current BMW 3 Series but the rear track on the six-cylinder cars has been widened by 24mm.
There's no mistaking the 2009 car among the sea of current models. Munich's provided a more muscular look, particularly at the front to emphasise the width.
It takes a heavily profiled bumper, newly contoured bonnet and subtly reworked headlamps. Optional bi-xenon lights incorporate LED indicators. Larger wing mirrors grace the doors and at the rear there are new tail lamps with a revised bumper.
Standard active head restraints are adopted range-wise and the dashboard reshapes for iDrive cars. This is the latest update, with a new control dial surrounded by more specific buttons for functions such as CD, radio and telephone.
In addition to being faster, the Professional Navigation system incorporates an 80GB hard drive that allows music from MP3 players and CD to be transferred across.
Another innovation is BMW ConnectedDrive. This is the first BMW to get this gadget, which allows unlimited internet use from inside the car.
But don't get too excited. It isn't for us - our broadband's not up to speed.