Even nonreligious BMW fans are saying thankful prayers that BMW got its bigger, faster, roomier early 2006 3 Series sedan right. The last generation 3 Series model arrived in 1999 and BMW has offered other new models since then that have alarmed BMW fans with offbeat styling and complicated controls.
The compact 3 Series long has been BMW's top seller and is an iconic model -- the standard for small sporty sedans. Last year, BMW sold 450,000 3 Series cars, with 106,549 coming to America, beating rivals from Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. The next most popular BMW model here was the mid-size 5-Series sedan, which found 45,584 buyers.
The heritage of the 3 Series dates back to the small, carefree 1600 and 2002 four-seat models that arrived here in the late 1960s. The first 3 Series debuted in 1977, and the 2006 version is the fifth-generation model.
The 3 Series currently is offered only as a rear-drive sedan, but a station wagon version follows this fall with all-wheel drive -- a feature that also will be available for the 3 Series sedan. Coupe and convertible versions debut next year as 2007 models and also carry their current design until they arrive. A hot rod M3 version will be sold in 2007.
While still a compact, the new 3 Series sedan is 2.2 inches longer, 3 inches wider and nearly an inch taller, with a slightly wider track and a wheelbase up by 1.4 inches. The car feels tighter and looks more substantial than its predecessor, but some folks might not be jazzed by its heftier appearance.
The main benefit of the 2006 upsizing is more rear leg room -- two tall adults now fit comfortably in back, although the center of the rear seat is too hard for comfort. It's best to fold down the center rear armrest and use the cupholders that pop from its leading edge.
There's decent room in the front seat, but not much space to spare up there. Front doors have handy storage pockets, but the glove compartment is tiny, and the center console cargo bin isn't very roomy.
The larger trunk has plenty of room and a low, wide opening. Its lid pops up well out of the way on hydraulic struts that won't damage luggage. Rear seatbacks flip forward and lay flat to enlarge the cargo area if you order the $1,000 Cold Weather package, which also contains heated front seats.
The new model is 44 to 88 pounds heavier, but horsepower of its smooth, high-revving new 3-liter inline (not a V-6) six-cylinder engine has been increased from 184 to 215 in the base $30,300 325i model and from 225 to 255 in the higher-line 330i version, which costs $36,300.
The new 3 Series is fast with either engine, both of which deliver an estimated 20-21 mpg in the city and 29-30 on highways.
Starting a 3 Series engine requires inserting a small plastic fob into a dashboard slot and then pushing a button to start the engine. You also push the button to stop the engine, and then pull out the fob. Why not just turn a regular ignition key to start and stop the engine?
The standard, slick six-speed manual gearbox allows the most driving kicks, although the $1,275 six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability -- up from a five-speed unit -- is a tempting alternative. That's especially true if lots of driving is in heavy traffic.
Also offered for the 330i only is a $1,500 six-speed sequential shift manual transmission, which is basically a clutchless manual gearbox operated by a console lever or steering wheel paddles. You can't get it without ordering the $1,600 Sport Package, which contains such items as sports seats and a sport suspension with 17-inch tires for the 325i and 18-inch tires with the 330i.
I tested the 325i with the responsive six-speed automatic, standard suspension with 16-inch tires. The car, which has nearly 50-50 weight distribution, was such a kick to drive, with a superb chassis and steering, that I hardly missed the manual gearbox.
However, despite the improved, generally supple standard suspension, the ride occasionally was a little choppy on expressways. It might have been worse with the Sport Package's firmer suspension and wider tires, which have narrow sidewalls that don't help absorb road shocks. Leave the Sport Package to hard-core car buffs who want slightly sharper handling and don't mind a firmer ride.
There's no spare tire, so all 3 Series models have run-flat tires.
The legendary BMW intuitive power steering is rather heavy, but not objectionably so, and is quick with good road feel. BMW's $1,250 Active Steering system reduces steering wheel movements for parking, but really isn't needed.
Stopping power with hefty anti-lock brakes is impressive. But the pedal is touchy during light braking and thus can prevent smooth stops until a driver gets used to it. Everything is fine during hard stops. In wet weather, brakes are automatically kept dry by brake system components for safer stops.
Handling is assisted by standard traction and stability control systems, and other safety features include front side air bags and head-protecting tubular side airbags.
The front bucket seats embrace you. While they initially seem too firm, they provide long-haul comfort. Instruments are easily read and controls are nicely positioned. The turn signal requires only a slight nudge to operate.
Avoid BMW's overly complicated iDrive system, which comes with the $2,000 navigation system and utilizes a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication and climate functions. It's just too much of a pain to utilize the system while driving.
Even the 325i is well-equipped, with such items as dual-zone automatic climate controls, power sunroof, cruise control, grippy tilt-telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM/ CD/MP3 player and power windows, locks and mirrors.
Besides its extra power, the 330i adds such items as power front seats ($995 for the 325i) and upgraded sound system.
A $2,200 adaptive cruise control system that maintains a set following distance also might prove to be a good safety item.
My test car had a $2,900 Premium Package ($2,200 for the 330i), which contains such items as leather upholstery, power folding exterior mirrors and a hands-free cellular-telephone link.
The new 3 Series sedan is better than its predecessor and continues to provide a stimulating driving experience -- although it no longer has the small sports sedan market pretty much to itself.
2006 BMW 3 SERIES
PRICES
$30,300-$36,300
LIKES
More power. Roomier. Added features. Drives much like a sports car.
DISLIKES
Touchy brake pedal. Choppy ride. Nearly useless middle rear seat. Why the engine start-stop button? |