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BMW's upgraded M3 coming to SA

The revised interior is said to feature a new start/stop button and fresh rotary controls for the air conditioning. Furthermore, the storage area under the centre console's armrest has been redesigned.

The biggest interior adjustment, no doubt, is the revised iDrive control system with preference keys on the centre console. It is said to be much simpler to use and, according to BMW, "can be operated intuitively without a long familiarisation period".

The facelifted sedan will, along with the rest of the 3 Series sedan range, be available in South Africa towards the end of the year.

However, BMW SA has said there are currently no plans to facelift the 3 Series Coupe, either in M3 or ordinary derivatives."

On M3 Sedan, though, the interior is said to feature a new start/stop button and new rotary controls for the air conditioning. Furthermore, the storage area under the centre console's armrest has been redesigned.

The biggest interior adjustment, no doubt, is the revised iDrive control system with preference keys on the centre console. It is said to be much simpler to use and, according to BMW, "can be operated intuitively without a long familiarisation period".

BMW SA has confirmed that the new iDrive will be offered "only on M3 sedan facelift from October production for now, although there will be no ConnectedDrive for SA since we don't have the telematics infrastructure."

ConnectedDrive allows for unrestricted in-car internet access.

Mechanically, M3 Sedan remains unchanged with 309 kW being sourced from its 4.0-litre V8 driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual shifter, or the optional seven-speed M DCT dual clutch transmission.

In making the announcement, BMW's M division also detailed changes to the M5 and M6 ranges.

BMW SA assured that the M5 and M5 Touring offered in South Africa were updated along with the rest of the 5 Series range last year.

M6 enhancements were detailed at the local announcement on the facelifted 6 Series earlier this year.

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