2006 BMW 3-Series Washington

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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 outré 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.