The M Executive Package adds a meatier steering wheel that is pleasing
to the hand as much as it is to the eye. Also part of the group is an M shift knob, luxurious Montana leather that wrap the seats beautifully and a power glass sunroof.
The Harman Kardon audio system is impressive. It is identical to the one we had in the recently tested X3 although the sound quality is not the same. I am going to guess that the interior dimensions and acoustics of the sedan have a negative effect on the end result of this otherwise excellent system.
The dashboard is a homerun in design and execution. The plastics are thick and padded and assembled with care. General ergonomics are very good, however the HVAC and audio controls are confusing to make out as they all look alike and are located in the same spot. These buttons have a soft substantial feel that radiates luxury. The gauges are classic BMW fare that is nearly unchanged since the late 70s. Even the headliner and the manner in which the trunk is finished show that this is a luxury car.
The 3-series' major failing is a tight cabin. If you regularly have passengers aboard, this will definitely be an issue. The complaints will principally focus on the lack of legroom in the rear. Headroom though is adequate throughout the cabin even with the sunroof. If you are thinking of golfing with three of your buddies, you will have to leave the clubs at home as the trunk is quite small. If this is your situation, you can always look into the 325iT wagon or the X3.
The seatbelt tensionners of the tester were already tired; they would not retract after being unbuckled and, on a few occasions, got caught between the door and the door sill.
Technical
Three engines are on the 3-series roster and they are all DOHC inline 6-cylinders with variable valve timing of altering displacement. The first is a 2.2L reserved for the 320i. It develops 168 hp at 6 100 rpm and 155 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The second is a 2.5L that puts out 184 hp at
6 000 rpm and 175 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The last is a 3.0L that delivers 225 hp at 5 900 rpm and 214 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The 320i is the only one to have a 5-speed manual transmission whereas the others receive a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The 5-speed STEPTRONIC semi-automatic transmission is a $1,400 option. As per usual, BMWs are driven by the rear wheels except for the 325xi and 330xi. These two get a variable torque distribution all-wheel drive system that sends 62% of the power to rear wheels and 38% to the front. All 3-series BMWs are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes.
On the road
The 3.0L is not particularly powerful per say. It is torquey and nervous but it will not impress like the Honda Accord's 240 hp 3.0L V6. Its state of fine-tune is evident though, as the car still feels like it is pulling in 6th gear. My average fuel consumption was 13L per 100 km.
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The Harman Kardon audio system is impressive. It is identical to the one we had in the recently tested X3 although the sound quality is not the same. I am going to guess that the interior dimensions and acoustics of the sedan have a negative effect on the end result of this otherwise excellent system.
The dashboard is a homerun in design and execution. The plastics are thick and padded and assembled with care. General ergonomics are very good, however the HVAC and audio controls are confusing to make out as they all look alike and are located in the same spot. These buttons have a soft substantial feel that radiates luxury. The gauges are classic BMW fare that is nearly unchanged since the late 70s. Even the headliner and the manner in which the trunk is finished show that this is a luxury car.
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The seatbelt tensionners of the tester were already tired; they would not retract after being unbuckled and, on a few occasions, got caught between the door and the door sill.
Technical
Three engines are on the 3-series roster and they are all DOHC inline 6-cylinders with variable valve timing of altering displacement. The first is a 2.2L reserved for the 320i. It develops 168 hp at 6 100 rpm and 155 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The second is a 2.5L that puts out 184 hp at
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On the road
The 3.0L is not particularly powerful per say. It is torquey and nervous but it will not impress like the Honda Accord's 240 hp 3.0L V6. Its state of fine-tune is evident though, as the car still feels like it is pulling in 6th gear. My average fuel consumption was 13L per 100 km.