It was feared that the capital raised would be insufficient and so a share and option package was offered publicly.

The 500 option package was deleted although a stereo cassette player/recorder with microphone was new on the option list.

The 300 was a $2,040 option package featuring special emblems and traditional cross-hair 300-style grille.

Last year the company cut director option packages amid shareholder discontent.

A top-spec example costs more than 30,000 - with an impressive options package - only 2,500 less than an identically powered 3-series saloon.