PROS
Smooth and linear engine, Razor-sharp handling, Excellent driving position
CONS
Buckboard ride, Cramped back seat, Raucous tires
Purebred Upgrade v2.0
Over the years, the BMW 3-Series has set and reset the sports-sedan bar. For 2006, the German automaker redesigned its bestselling car, giving it new styling, more power, and an available iDrive control system. Unlike recent radical makeovers to the 5- and 7-Series, the new "3" remains loyal to its ardent fans as an exceptional sports sedan with a luxury flair.
Slightly longer and wider than it's predecessor, the '06 3-Series sedan comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. Regardless of drive wheels, the new "3" is powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cyl engine that makes 215 horsepower in 325 models and 255 horsepower in 330 models. Transmission choices include either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode. Standard Safety features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction and skid control, front-seat side airbags, and curtain airbags. Also included on all models are run-flat tires.
Vehicle Tested |
Base Price: $32,800
As-Tested Price: $42,790
Built in South Africa
Options
Sparkling Graphite Metallic Paint
Cold-Weather Package
Premium Package
Sport Package
Automatic Transmission
Xenon Headlights
Satellite Radio
Premium Sound System w/DSP
Engine: DOHC 3.0-liter I6 cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive Wheels: all-wheel drive |
Get up and Go
Though the 215-horsepower six that comes on 325 models can't keep up with American V8s in a stoplight grand prix, it's as smooth an engine as you will find, and power delivery is extremely linear. Modest take-off power gently builds to generous mid-range passing punch and crescendos with an invigorating rush as the engine approaches redline.Perfectly matched to the engine's linear powerband is the smooth shifting and alert 6-speed automatic. Though throttle tip-in can disappoint some expecting a snap of acceleration, the transmission is otherwise always in the right gear and two-gear downshifts are but a brief stab of the right foot away.
Though there was no opportunity to test the 325xi's all wheel drive system in snowy conditions, it did prove useful in hard acceleration on wet roads--especially when pulling away from stoplights where the rear tires might start spinning when they cross over painted sections of the road. It's important to note that all-wheel-drive's advantage of additional traction in the snow is offset by the Sport Package's performance tires. Therefore, snow tires are a must for those in northern climates.
The EPA numbers on the 215-horsepower straight-six/6-speed auto combo are 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. It's likely that most drivers will find a happy middle ground at 21-22 mpg. However, if you have a mainly urban commute, don't be surprised if you fail to top the 20 mpg marker between fill ups.
Sadly, both the 215-horsepower and 255-horsepower engines require premium-grade fuel. Given its 20 cent premium, running premium-grade is like taking a 4 mpg hit vs. engines that run fine on regular-grade.On the Road
Few sedans can match the 3-Series' combination of tenacious roadholding, precise steering, and arresting brakes. It's almost as if the 325xi is reading your mind as it reacts to driver inputs when carving through a corner or bound over a crest.
What's most impressive is the way the "3" does it without breaking a sweat. Plenty of competitors claim to match the BMW in roadholding or stopping ability, though none do it with the same sense of ease. After spending a few minutes behind the wheel of any 3-Series, it's clear that BMW has spent a fair amount of research and development money sorting out the suspension and refining the driver inputs.
On this BMW, because it's fitted with the optional Sport Package, handling prowess comes with a penalty. Bump absorption is minimal and larger potholes pound though with a disconcerting thud, though the suspension is sophisticated enough to prevent undue skittering around corners. Opting for the base suspension makes more sense for those in areas of the country where the roads aren't billiard-table smooth or if razor-sharp handling reflexes aren't as important as a comfortable ride.
Another drawback of the optional Sport Package is elevated cabin noise. Even on smooth roads, the tires can be heard roaring in the background. On coarse concrete surfaces, tire noise becomes downright annoying. Regardless of suspension package, the inline six purrs like a kitten at idle and growls with the authority of a panther in hard acceleration. Wind noise is but a whisper-even at extra legal speeds.
Behind the Wheel
At first, the 3-Series' sporty bucket seats can seem somewhat confining. Given the "3s" sporting moves, most will come to appreciate the firm lateral support and comfortable seat cushion. In addition, the 3-Series' seat cushions expand forward to offer additional thigh support for lanky drivers, a feature lacking on many high-priced luxury cars.
There's no mistaking that the 3-Series is first-and-foremost a driver's car. The driver's seat, steering wheel, pedals, and major controls are all in perfect harmony. Visibility is excellent to all directions. And, even large drivers can sit all day behind the wheel without requiring a visit to the chiropractor.The same can't be said for the back seat. The 3-Series has never been known for offering a roomy back seat and the redesigned '06 model is no exception. However, pre-teens and smaller adults will have no trouble with knee or head room as long as the front seats aren't all the way back.
Available on the redesigned 3-Series is BMW's i-Drive system. I've heard many descriptions of this system, none of them kind. The term I'd use is "confounding." BMW intended i-Drive as a way to remove the sea of buttons and knobs in the interior, instead offering control to various vehicle functions via a rotating knob or joystick. It's similar to the way a mouse has replaced many of the keyboard commands on today's computers.
The problem with i-Drive isn't the software or the input device; it's the fact that it has to be operated while driving. Imagine operating your mouse while walking along the edge of a cliff and talking to a friend on the cell phone. That's what it's like to try and operate i-Drive.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results, 2006 BMW 3-Series |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 stars |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 stars |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 stars |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 stars |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 stars |
Thankfully i-Drive is optional and wasn't installed on this test model. Instead there are clearly marked and easy to access controls for the audio and climate control system. A bit confusing was the "menu" button that allowed access to the trip computer and Bluetooth phone connection. A quick trip through the manual is all that's required, though, and you'll be talking on your cell phone through the car's audio system in no time.Bottom Line
Sadly, prices for the redesigned 3-Series increased nearly 10% from a year ago--though BMW will claim that cost is offset by additional standard equipment. Still, when carefully optioned, the 3-Series isn't that much more expensive than competitors like the Cadillac CTS or Infiniti G35--sort of like paying a premium for a puppy with a champion pedigree.
Overall, the restyled and re-powered 3-Series isn't a significant leap forward in the sports-sedan arena. Instead, it's a refinement of an already excellent vehicle and a commitment by BMW to remain true to loyalists.