BMW has a lot riding on the new 3-Series 325i and 330i sedans. Over a half million units are sold worldwide, with about 100,000 in the U.S. The 2006 3 has an all new exterior, interior and an inline six powerplant, but is it enough to keep current owners interested again and new buyers interested at all? The 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty is one reason they'll buy, while the 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Program definitely gives them a solid reason to visit the showroom.
First Glance
This is the fifth-generation 3-Series, which for BMW equates to 30 years of small sedan success. It's interesting that most manufacturers, when redesigning a vehicle, will target the top new models in the segment, which often belong to other manufacturers. But it appears that BMW benchmarked itself. Strange; I supposed if you're only interested in being the best in performance that might be the right road to take. Or is it? The new 3-Series is marginally longer, wider and taller than the '05 model, with slightly more shoulder, head and leg room than the previous model as well. If anyone had asked me (which, of course, they didn't, and I don't speak German anyway), I would have told him to peek at the Infiniti G35 sedan. I'll be referring to it as the benchmark competitive vehicle.
As far as the styling of the new 3-Series, it is a pleasant transition from the old to the new. The family resemblance is there in the gracefulness of the lines and the bold face that houses the signature twin-kidney grille. Although physically it's over two inches longer than the previous model, the vehicle looks smaller because of the rounding of the hindquarters. It's a handsome car, and should appeal to most demographic segments.
In the Driver's Seat
BMW interiors, especially in the 3-Series models, have always leaned toward functional and businesslike, if somewhat cold. There are two different dashes: one with the navigation system and one without. As typical in a BMW sedan, the seats are supportive and the short throws of the shifter on the standard 6-speed manual make it easy to snick through the gears. Although wheelbase is up an inch, the rear only gets a slight improvement in knee room, so there will still be complaints from taller passengers back there.
BMW is all about the driving experience, which means good ergonomics, but areas of the cabin strongly remind you that you're in a German driving machine, where some things take a back seat to ride and handling. Such as the height-adjustable shoulder belts that aren't. You cannot manually adjust them, which means for us shorter folk the belt doesn't sit low enough on the shoulder and cuts across the neck. Or the driver cupholder that has to curve over from the passenger side because there was no place else to put it. Plus it's great that there's a pushbutton start, but you need to insert the key into the slot to start the car. You can't leave the key in your pocket like a lot of the other competitive products.
On the Road
There's no question you're in a BMW once you're on the road. The steering is exceptional, especially with the available active steering function that delivers just the right amount of boost for the driving situation. The suspension is stiff, which is great for handling, but it's almost too harsh over the highway or on bumpy roads. BMW's image is about performance, but I prefer a middle-ground ride like the Infiniti G35 offers, since the majority of driving time for many is spent schelpping back and forth to work on uninspiring roads. The brakes are outstanding as well, and all vehicles come with run-flat tires, which means no spare tire and lots of peace of mind.
The engines on both the 325i and 330i are inline sixes, and offer 215 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque on the 325i, with the 330i making 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the G35's V-6 makes 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, besting both of BMW's new engines. There's still plenty of punch, enough to move the 3 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. I did like the three levels of the stability control program. It offers a wide range of traction and stability functions for driving connoisseurs as well as those who aren't quite at that level.
Journey's End
It's hard to beat the BMW if you're all about driving twisty roads sunrise to sunset. But reality has a nasty way of creeping into fantasy. Let's face it: we're all getting older, our butts are demanding more cush, and we want cupholders. I like the new 3-Series, but don't think it would be my first choice for a daily driver. Especially after looking at the cost. At a base of $30,995 for the 325i and $36,995 for the 330i, the new 3-Series seem reasonably priced. But if you want all the goodies that make it a true BMW, you better spread that wallet wide. Loaded, the BMW 325i is just over $40,000, and the 330i is $45,540. An all-wheel-drive G35 sedan with more power, standard leather, longer wheelbase, more cargo room, and then some is still well under $40,000 when comparably equipped. BMW says that the value of the free maintenance program balances out the cost of the car.
BMW has long been unchallenged in the performance arena, and that used to be enough to get by. But times have changed, and virtually every car magazine has the Infiniti vehicles beating the BMW models because people want more than just performance. They want comfort and value, too. Maybe it's time for this company to start looking beyond the end of its own hood.
