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9/3/2007 | BMW
BMW's iconic compact sports sedan has been completely redesigned for 2006, and many conservative enthusiasts breathed a sigh of relief when the car bowed with much less outrÃAƒÂAc sheetmetal than its stablemates, the 7-Series and Z4.
The 3-Series has been updated with hints of BMW's
"flame-surfacing" styling and a split front bumper, but the
silhouette is familiar, keeping the lineage that started in the mid-1970s
clear. Coupe, sedan and convertible body styles return with the updated
styling. Inside, the 3-Series is comfortable, with a choice of wood or metallic
dash trim and a standard ten-speaker sound system. Sirius satellite radio and
an iPod adapter kit are available.
BMW's M.O. when updating its cars has always
been to offer all-new engine and suspension components, no matter how
conservative the redesign, and the new 3-Series is no different. The new car
also picks up a number of technological innovations from larger BMW products.
The 215-horsepower 325i and 255-horse 330i feature all-new straight-six
powerplants with electronic throttle control and continuously variable valve
timing. Fuel economy has been improved thanks in part to lighter
magnesium/aluminum composite
construction. A choice of six-speed manual or five-speed
automatic transmissions is offered. The M3 has not yet made the leap onto the
new platform (BMW's top-performing sedan is usually a year or two behind,
allowing the engineers to fine-tune the high-performance version to the new
car) but the M division has developed a Performance Package for the 330Ci Coupe
that adds ten horsepower, a short-shift kit for the manual transmission, and
tightened suspension components.
The available Active Steering is borrowed from the 5-Series, and sharpens
the new 3-Series' reflexes. Bigger brakes and run-flat tires are also standard
equipment. Amenities that have trickled down from more expensive BMWs include a
"smart" key that doesn't need to be inserted into the dash to start
the car, a navigation system, BMW's controversial iDrive controller, and rear
sunshades.
For even better handling (and also, perhaps, to compete with Audi) the
3-Series will be available with all-wheel drive (AWD) later this year. A
version of BMW's excellent xDrive AWD system splits power front to rear, and
works actively to prevent loss of traction in slippery or high-speed
situations. The fully independent suspension uses BMW's precise double-pivot
strut up front and a five-link rear.
Sedan prices have been set at
$30,995 for the 325i and $36,995 for the 330i. The coupes are slightly more, of
course, at $32,995 for the 325Ci and $38,295 for the 330Ci. Convertibles are in
the $40,000-$45,000 range.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 BMW 325i Sedan.
Length: 178.2 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 55.9 in.
Wheelbase: 108.7 in.
Cargo space: 12.0 cu.ft.
Base price: $30,995
Engine: 2.5 liter inline six-cylinder
Drivetrain: six-speed manual or five-speed automatic,
rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 215 @ 6250
Torque: 185 @ 2750
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gal.
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