BMW has revealed a raft of changes to its model line-up for 2005, affecting most cars built from this month.

For the 3-series saloon, all petrol-engined, non-Sport 3-series saloon models are now available with a Plus package, offering free of charge a group of previously high-value optional items.

The Plus package includes metallic paintwork, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and M-aerodynamic bodystyling, all enhancing the visual appeal of the car while improving value for money and residual values.

All BMW 3-series diesel models retain their free three years/60,000-mile service and maintenance package.

Customers purchasing a 3-series Coupe non-Sport model can now specify the Hi-Line package on their cars, offering alloy wheels, metallic paint and leather from £800.

In the 3-series Coupe and Convertible, as well as new colours, the professional navigation system including TV can now receive digital TV stations.

The TV enhancement also affects the 5-series saloon and Touring, while a new voice control system can be specified.

A new rear headphone system is also able to order, so rear seat passengers can listen to different music from those in the front seats. The jury is still out on whether BMW will soon be rolling out a high-performance version of the 1-series into the showrooms.

Engineers at BMW’s M division rate the Golf-sized hatchback as an ideal model for the go-faster M treatment, but the project is unlikely to be given the green light this year.

BMW M product and process management director Bernhard Gobmeier said: ‘We have only finite resources and our work on the new M5 and our version of the X5 means we are now operating at full stretch and are unable to take on any more work at present. But we would like to get to work on the 1-series – it already looks like a sports car.’

Set up in 1984, the M subsidiary has now built a total of 100,000 vehicles based on 3 and 5-series models.