BMW To Produce Greener 3 Series Model

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Fri, 25 Apr 2008

BMW has revealed plans to make one of its 3 Series models exempt from the London Congestion Charge by reducing the car’s carbon dioxide emissions .

Government changes to the congestion charge, set to be introduced later this year (October 27), will result in cars emitting 120g/km of carbon dioxide or less being exempt from the charge.

However, cars that emit over 225g/km will face an increase from the current £8-a-day charge to £25 to enter the capital .

BMW said it is confident it can successfully reduce emissions from the current 141bhp 318d, which emits just 123/km of CO2, despite concerns that the car may not be ready by the start of the exemption period this autumn.

By cutting the emissions to 120g/km or below, buyers would also have the added benefit of having their VED tax bills reduced from £115 a year to £35 a year for cars registered after the changes have taken place.

BMW has already made alterations to its X5 range, with the X5 3.0d model being brought below the 225g/km mark.

The changes to the X5 3.0d, which now emits 216g/km of carbon dioxide, has led to owners paying £205 a year in tax, instead of £300.