Auto Start-Stop - The engine stops whenever the car comes to rest and is taken out of gear, restarting the second the clutch is depressed.

Intelligent Alternator Control / Brake Energy Regeneration - The alternator disengages automatically when the battery is fully charged, only re-engaging when the battery needs charging. In addition, the system engages automatically when the vehicle is braking or coasting, to recycle wasted energy.

Electric Power Steering - Replacing the conventional hydraulic system saves weight and fuel and allows assistance to be varied at lower speeds.

Optimum Shift Indicator - A small visual display on the car’s instrument cluster shows the optimum gear for a more fuel-efficient driving style.

For more information visit http://www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/

Taking full advantage of lower CO2
BMW Group accounted for 48% of the total CO2 reduction by the industry last year. (Autocar, February 2008)

New company car tax rates explained
From April 2008, the CO2 based benefit in kind (BIK) tax bandings for company cars tightened further as the Government encourages drivers into lower emission cars.

The BIK tax bands dropped by 5g/km, to 135g/km for the 15% petrol/18% diesel rates. And while this means increases in tax for many cars, there is no change for models such as the class leading 128g/km BMW 320d Saloon or 136g/km BMW 520d Saloon, which remain below the threshold.

Indeed, with the lower rate of income tax reduction from 22% to 20% these models are even lower in company car tax. April also saw the introduction of the new 10% BIK banding for cars emitting less than 120g/km. As a result the BMW 118d is now taxed at 13% of its P11d value.

London Congestion Charge explained
From 27 October 2008, cars emitting less than 120g/km will qualify for a 100% discount from the proposed London Congestion Charge.

The BMW 1 Series 118d, in both 3 and 5-door, qualifies thanks to its 119g/km emission figure. At 143hp it is also currently the highest powered vehicle that qualifies for the discount.

At the same time, Transport for London intends to introduce a higher charge of £25 for car first registered with the DVLA on or after 1 March 2001 that produce above 225g/km of CO2. Under the 225g/km threshold, the cost of entering the Congestion Charging zone will remain at £8 per day.

BMW - Emissions < 120g/km