2005 BMW 325i Executive Edition Road Test

2005 BMW 325i Executive Edition (photo : John Leblanc, straight-six.com)

Although this generation of 3 Series never matched the class leading interior of the Audi A4, its functional layout and use of high-grade materials is still well above the Infiniti, Lexus or Caddy. The fundamentally excellent relationship between driver, steering wheel, pedals, and gear shifter with just the right amount of resistance in all of their applications is still present and accounted for.

Having in the past been accused of wearing rose coloured driving glasses when it comes to BMWs, there are a few complaints with the current 3 Series. The flip-up exterior door handles always seem fragile and awkward to use. If you need any kind of storage space on the inside for the jetsam and flotsam of day-to-day driving, there just ain't any. And finally, compared to some of the other cars in this class when matched feature-for-feature, the 3 Series is not, and never has been, cheap to get into.

Bottom line: You get what you pay for.

2005 BMW 325i Executive Edition (photo : John Leblanc, straight-six.com)

Codenamed E90, expect the upcoming 3 Series sedan along with being a tad heavier and a bit larger, to be a little pricier too. One of the reasons is that the new car will initially only be sold in North America with an all new 3.0-litre straight-six engine: The 325i will have 215 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque; the 330i, 255 hp and 220 lb-ft.

And of course, the new 3 Series comes with new styling inside and out, which may be reason enough to go with the existing old soldier.

If you're not concerned about wearing the latest fashions, and you're someone who truly loves to drive, the 2005 BMW 325i Executive Edition sedan is a relative bargain and a good opportunity to get into a sports sedan icon.

2005 BMW 325i Executive Edition

Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-door sports sedan

Seats: Five

Base price: $39,900

Price as tested: $43,100

Warranty: 4 years/80,000 kms, with no extra charge scheduled maintenance.

Engine: 2.5-litre, DOHC, straight-six, 184-hp @ 6,000 rpm, 175 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual, five-speed manumatic optional

Suspension: Front suspension: Independent struts, with stabilizer bar; Rear suspension: Independent multilink with stabilizer bar.

Brakes: F/R vented, discs, ABS.

Wheels: 17-in. alloy

Tires: 205/50R17

Wheelbase: 2,725 mm (107.3 in)

Overall length: 4,471 mm (176.0 in)

Overall height: 1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Overall width: 1,739 mm (68.5 in)

Curb weight: 1,460 kg (3,219 lb.)

Fuel economy: City: 11.6/100kms (24 mpg), Highway: 7.4 l/100kms  (38 mpg)

Fuel type: Premium gasoline recommended
photo:Photos by John LeBlanc