2006 BMW 3 Series Review

Specifications

New Beemer Doesnt Disappoint

Thanks to magnificent handling, solid build quality and noteworthy refinement, the BMW 3-Series has long been reputed as a class-leading specimen in the Premium Compact segment. This cluster of performance machines includes some tough competition from Europe, Japan and North America, such as the Acura TSX, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3 and Volvo S60. With such esteemed company - which is only expected to improve as revised replacement models appear on the horizon - BMW knew its aging 3-Series was going to need a shot in its circulatory system to keep up. Call it blood-doping or outright steroid use, but the Bavarian Motor Works company has imbued the new 3-Series with improved performanceand stunning refinement, not to mention dramatic styling.

A 2005 3-Series parked near this weeks tester provided the contrast necessary to fully appreciate the aggressive styling of the 2006 330i, the fifth generation 3. No sheet metal panel has been carried forward from last years model; this gens stamping is completely new and more in-line with the restyled 5-Series than the “out there” 7-Series. From the front, the new 3 exhibits a crouched-down, ready-to-pounce silhouette dominated by predatory feline-shaped headlights and BMWs snarling nostrils, signature bi-kidney grille. A sharply creased shoulder line runs horizontally through the door-handles, highlighting the cars side view between its athletically flared wheel wells and raised rear deck.

Cracking open the door of my tester revealed a completely new interior as well, featuring a dash design that is smoother and cleaner looking than before. In spite of its excellent functionality and tidier appearance, I dont find the new look quite as appealing as the old. From my perspective its not as sporty, nor is it quite as driver-oriented.  If not at the top of its game in dash design, BMW certainly is when it comes to seating. Thanks to hefty, power-adjustable side bolstering and firm cushioning the optional Sport perches in my tester hugged like an emotional relative after a snoot full of distilled courage. They were also tremendously supportive and comfortable over the long haul.

And long hauls are to be cherished in the 330i because thats when this Autobahn-bred compact sedan comes to life. It is remarkably stable and composed at high-speed, communicating to its driver with crystal-clarity as it absorbs twists and curves with ease and confidence. Engage in an evasive emergency maneuver and the 330i will dig its optional 18-inch rubber deep into the pavement and toss itself in the exact chosen direction without any unsettling oversteer or unpredictable yaw.

BMW has been setting benchmarks with the handling characteristics of its 3-Series sedans and coupes over the years, and the 2006 330i is the culmination of that effort. It has a near perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution to compliment its independent aluminum front suspension and five-link rear setup. Overseeing the entire chassis arrangement is the automakers Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) technology, which intervenes if a loss of vehicle control is imminent - and believe me, getting there requires pushing the thoroughbred to extreme thresholds.

The nailed-to-the-road driving dynamic of the Sport Suspension equipped 330i isnt accompanied by a bone-jarring ride, in fact the 330i is quite civilized when it comes to managing road decay, typical of urban driving. Although its no Lexus over the rough stuff, its not likely to generate a line-up at the local chiropractic office either.

rich in tone, delightful and satisfying beyond wonderment. The first source of ear-pleasing pleasuIn addition to a firm but endurable ride, the 330i houses its occupants in a vault-like cabin substantially free of annoying road and wind noise. The two main auditory sources in my tester werere came with the push of a dash-mounted button. Ah yes, the tonal quality of BMWs 3.0-liter (182 cu in) inline 6-cylinder was intoxicating as it spun the 330is tachometer from idle to its 7,000 rpm redline; this robust-six revs with a refinement meant for turbine engines.

BMW has resisted the global trend to migrate to a “V” configuration with its 6-cylinder powerplants, and I for one applaud their steadfastness. Instead they have refined and re-refined their inline-configured engines to the point of perfection; at least thats how it feels when ones right foot sinks to the carpet unleashing 255-horsepower to the rear wheels. Along with Major League ponies, 220 foot-pounds of torque is available at a sweet-and-low 2,750 rpm. Translated, that means gobs and gobs of low-end torque.

The 330i will pull strongly in most gears, reducing the need to downshift when spiriting it ahead of slower traffic. This also means that off-the-line acceleration is forceful from the get-go; no need here to wait for the mill to wind itself up before peak acceleration sets in. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds when the 6-speed manual transmission is employed, of which my tester was equipped. It clicked from cog to cog with deft precision through a stick that fell naturally to hand. Throws were a little longer than those found in some competitors, but the Beemers clutch actuated with such smoothness that each shift became something to savor.

Good brakes may not be something to savor as much as something to appreciate, and appreciate I did when it came to freeze-framing the 330i. BMW stocks this model with antilock 4-wheel vented disc brakes. To be fair, I didnt measure stopping distances, but nonetheless I will vouch for how effective these binders are. I dont think I have ever experienced quicker stops in any previous 4-door tester - period.

BMW has attached a wallop of technology to the 330is brake system including: Brake Standby - if the drivers foot is quickly removed from the accelerator pedal, the brake system will pretension for more immediate brake response; Brake Drying - in wet conditions the brake pads are gently applied to the rotors rubbing them dry; Start-Off Assist - when starting on a hill, the brakes prevent the vehicle from rolling back as the clutch is engaged; Fade Compensation - as the brake temperature rises, brake pressure is automatically increased to compensate for fade; Soft Stop - when gently braking to a stop, Soft Stop ensures a smooth, jerk-free stopping action.

Another innovative 330i brake function, and one I have ruminated over at times, is increased brake-light intensity corresponding with increased brake-force application - meaning the harder the brakes are stomped, the more intense the brake lights. The purpose of BMWs Brakeforce Display is to communicate to following drivers the difference between a slight tap on the brakes and a hard stop - makes sense doesnt it?

Also making sense is BMWs commitment to safety. In addition to traction control and run-flat tires with a run-flat warning system, the 330i is equipped with adaptive headlights that turn slightly in the direction of a curve to more effectively illuminate bends.

Should all the electronic safety and guidance aids fail to prevent a collision, the 330i is well equipped to protect its occupants. Standard equipment includes driver and front passenger frontal airbags, front-to-rear head airbags covering the entire window area and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Another wise touch is the connectivity between the rain-sensing wipers and the automatic headlights; when rain activates the wipers it also activates the headlights.

As with most premium automobile offerings of late, the 330i is very lavishly equipped with comfort and convenience amenities, but alas there are those dreaded option packages that escalate the price of an already pricey ride. The 330i can be black-tied with BMWs Premium Package, which includes auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a compass, leather upholstery, premium sound, lumbar support and universal garage door opening. Checking-off the Sport Package adds a 3-spoke leather steering wheel, 18-inch ellipsoid alloy wheels, sport seats and sport suspension. A Cold Weather Package adds heated seats, plus a navigation system is also available as are a few sundry stand-alone options such as Park Distance Control and BMWs Steptronic automatic transmission featuring manual mode.

A lot of anticipation surrounded the re-make of BMWs lauded 3-Series. Its design was quite successfully kept under wraps during development. Fears that it might suffer the fate of the 7-Series redesign kept many Beemer purists up at night. Fortunately those fears were never founded; the 2006 3-Series is aggressively styled, but within acceptable parameters. What may now be sustaining insomnia is the excitement kindled by the outstanding performance characteristics of the prodigious 330i. It is a sedan that begs to be driven, and driven hard while pleasing all senses human, except possibly the sense of economics. Yes, there is certainly value in the 330i, especially when factoring in its high residual or resale rates, but you pay a healthy price for it up front. However, for those with the means and desire the 2006 330i wont disappoint.