When it comes to sports sedans, the BMW 3 series has always been an object of great attention with a devoted following. An important and enduring symbol of what a sports sedan should be.
In other words a true icon.
Starting with sedans in 1999, followed by coupes, convertibles and then wagons, the fourth generation 3 Series--which Munich internally tags the E46--has been widely successful for the Bavarian company. With a range that spans from the 320i to the mesmerizing M3, BMW claims that 40 per cent of its total sales worldwide are 3 Series. In some neighbourhoods, the cars have become more ubiquitous than Camrys or Accords.
With the next generation due in showrooms within weeks, it's time for one last drive of the current BMW 3 Series that has been around since the last millennium. Specifically the model runout 325i Executive Edition sedan.
Checking off the Executive Edition on the options sheet not only adds $3,200 to the base price of the 325i, sedan, but also 17-inch star spoke alloy wheels, three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunroof, power, heated seats, a hi-fi sound system and metallic paint (limited to black metallic, titanium silver and silver grey metallic). Basically, it's the Premium Package plus the bigger wheels and tires at a savings of over $1,500 and BMW Financial is offering special finance rates to help move these last remaining cars.
Compared to the Baby Bear 320i, or the Papa Bear 330i, the 325i has always been the "just right" Mama Bear of the four-doors. Its 2.5-litre, twin-cam, 24-valve straight-six is as smooth as the other sixes in the range. Translation: Think baby's bottoms.
Similarly priced rivals such as Infiniti's G35 (280-hp, $39,900,), the Lexus IS300 (215-hp, $37,990), or Cadillac's CTS 2.8 (210-hp, $37,800), have more outright power. Nonetheless, car zealots moonlighting as writers have always attempted to describe this sweetheart of an engine that continues to impress with its persuasive, satiny power delivery and grand sound. Mated to the well-geared five-speed manual that sends power to the rear wheels with a delicate yet precise feel, it seems that BMW knows how to get more from 184 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque better than anyone else.
The standard 3 Series suspension is McPherson struts up front and BMW's independent "Z" axle setup at the rear. Steering is power-assisted rack-and-pinion and the brakes are obviously discs all round. Nothing outlandish, but all systems work together like a medal-winning synchro swim team.
Even without BMW's excellent sport suspension, the standard setup lavishes the 325i with athletic moves that no current, front-drive sports sedan wannabe can match. And what has always set the 3 Series apart from its rivals is the fact that this handling prowess does not come at the expense of a jarring ride, unlike, say, a G35.
Making amends for when they lightened up the steering feel in the 2001 3 Series models, BMW quickly responded to enthusiasts complaints of blasphemy and returned some weight back into the steering. It's now back to being wonderfully responsive and accurate to boot as the cognescenti have come to expect.
In other words a true icon.
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| 2005 BMW 325i Executive Edition (photo : John Leblanc, straight-six.com) |
With the next generation due in showrooms within weeks, it's time for one last drive of the current BMW 3 Series that has been around since the last millennium. Specifically the model runout 325i Executive Edition sedan.
Checking off the Executive Edition on the options sheet not only adds $3,200 to the base price of the 325i, sedan, but also 17-inch star spoke alloy wheels, three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunroof, power, heated seats, a hi-fi sound system and metallic paint (limited to black metallic, titanium silver and silver grey metallic). Basically, it's the Premium Package plus the bigger wheels and tires at a savings of over $1,500 and BMW Financial is offering special finance rates to help move these last remaining cars.
Compared to the Baby Bear 320i, or the Papa Bear 330i, the 325i has always been the "just right" Mama Bear of the four-doors. Its 2.5-litre, twin-cam, 24-valve straight-six is as smooth as the other sixes in the range. Translation: Think baby's bottoms.
 |
| 2005 BMW 325i Executive Edition (photo : John Leblanc, straight-six.com) |
The standard 3 Series suspension is McPherson struts up front and BMW's independent "Z" axle setup at the rear. Steering is power-assisted rack-and-pinion and the brakes are obviously discs all round. Nothing outlandish, but all systems work together like a medal-winning synchro swim team.
Even without BMW's excellent sport suspension, the standard setup lavishes the 325i with athletic moves that no current, front-drive sports sedan wannabe can match. And what has always set the 3 Series apart from its rivals is the fact that this handling prowess does not come at the expense of a jarring ride, unlike, say, a G35.
Making amends for when they lightened up the steering feel in the 2001 3 Series models, BMW quickly responded to enthusiasts complaints of blasphemy and returned some weight back into the steering. It's now back to being wonderfully responsive and accurate to boot as the cognescenti have come to expect.