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A bigger, more mature 3 Series sedan with loads of appeal
Jeff Voth
Date Posted: 8/2/2005
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The city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania seemed like an odd place for BMW to host the ride and drive press launch of the new 3 Series BMW. So odd in fact that try though we may, none of the assembled scribes could figure out the "official"
rationale. When pressed on this issue, BMW employees would only smile and say, "We have our reasons," and then quickly move on to a different topic.
Surely somewhere warm with a beach like Miami, Florida would have been preferable. Or maybe it would have been better to choose a locale rich in German heritage, where Bavarian culture runs deep and German tourists visit on an annual basis. Exotic South America would do nicely, don't you think? (I wonder if my warm beach theme is a little too obvious.) But Pittsburgh, why there?
It wasn't until I arrived back home and saw the new 3 Series television commercials that I realized the sly nature of their choice. If you have seen or read any of the advertising associated with the most important BMW sold in the world, you will notice they have chosen to play up the theme of counting to three.
As it turns out, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania also has a strong connection to the number 3. It is the largest inland port, strategically located at the confluence of three great rivers, the Alleghany, Monongahela and the Ohio. The Pirates and Steelers became infamous in the mid to late seventies playing baseball and football at the renowned Three Rivers Stadium. In hind sight then, there really couldn't have been a more appropriate location to have my first test drive in the new 3 Series BMW, though my vote still rests with a beach somewhere.
It can't be overstated that in order to maintain its place as the maker of fine, status worthy automobiles, BMW needs to be successful selling the new 3 Series sedan.
Recent new designs have shown a propensity on the part of Bavarian Motor Works to take risks on the 5, 6 and 7 Series cars. Some have worked very well, and others not so much. For that reason, all care was taken to make sure the new 3 Series is as close to perfect as possible. In my opinion, BMW should be proud of what they have accomplished.
A clean sheet was used to design the new 3. Styling ques were taken from the rest of the lineup, but with a much less dramatic flare. Exterior dimensions have been increased, (wheelbase adds 1.4 inches) offering improved looks and interior space. The rich heritage of the 3 Series has been left intact, with the overall appearance being one of sophistication and sportiness in harmony.
Two models define the available 3 Series lineup in the U.S. at this time.
The 325i comes standard with an all new straight 6-cylinder engine that produces 215 hp @ 6250 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 2750 rpm. New features include a magnesium/aluminum composite engine block, Valvetronic variable valve lift for improved performance and fuel economy, as well as an electric coolant pump and volume-controlled oil pump.
The 330i offers 255 hp @ 6600 rpm and improves torque further to 220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm. Unique to the 330i is a 3-stage induction system for improved overall performance.
A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on both the 325i and 330i models, with a 6-speed automatic transmission optional.
Available as of September, 2005 the Sport Package equipped 330i will also offer a 6-speed sequential manual transmission for
added fun.
If I have one complaint of the new 3 Series BMW, it is with the automatic transmission.
For reasons known only to the designers, BMW's "manumatic" transmission shifts in the opposite direction of its competitors, (forward for downshifts, rearward for upshifts). While this may not pose a problem for some, for those of us who drive more than one vehicle on a regular basis, the difference seems to overcomplicate things just for the sake of being different. The bulk of my seat time therefore was spent touring the Pennsylvania backroads in "Drive" and allowing the car to pick shift points automatically.
Chassis enhancements include a new 5-link rear suspension, as well as an all-new aluminum double pivot strut type front suspension that markedly improves the already phenomenal handling characteristics of the 3 Series sedan.
A much improved new chassis and body structure provides the platform for this sophisticated setup and BMW makes full use of the added rigidity it offers. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard, as are twin-tube gas shocks and engine-speed sensitive variable-assist power steering.
On the road, and in our case on the track, performance is exceptional. The backroads of Pennsylvania offer some of the finest two-lane highways in which to put a performance car through its paces and the new 3 Series performed up to, or exceeded my expectations.
Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS are of course standard, but BMW really ups the safety and performance quotient by adding dynamic braking, stability and traction control, along with brake fade compensation, brake standby and drying as well as a very practical start-off assist feature.
This last feature is particularly useful when resting on an incline at a stop sign or traffic light while driving a manual transmission equipped vehicle. Automatically applying the brakes for a limited time, the new 3 Series allows for easy takeoffs, dramatically reducing the chance of accidentally rolling back into an automobile that may be to close for comfort. For those living in hilly areas such as San Francisco or Seattle, it should prove to be a real benefit.
Inside, the new 3 Series is spacious and comfortable, though perhaps a little cold when it comes to the touchy-feely factor. That said, the standard burl walnut trim certainly does add to the warmth and the quality of material used is excellent.
Interior room and trunk space is improved, as was in evidence when I took my place in the backseat. |
| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2006 BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN Specs |
| Description: |
Sports Sedan |
| Model Options: |
Sports Sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
108.7 inches |
| Overall Length: |
178.2 inches |
| Engine Size: |
3.0L DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cyl |
| Transmission: |
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic |
| Drive: |
RWD |
| Braking: |
4-wheel ventilated disc, ABS, DSC, DTC, DBC, EBP |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) 2 (side) 2(side curtain) |
| Gas Mileage: |
Manual Transmission: 20/30 mpg Automatic Transmission: 21/29 mpg |
| Price: |
325i: $30,995 330i: $36,995 |
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