2006 BMW 3-Series Preview

Maintaining the Benchmark

Among BMW fans, the 3-Series garners cult-like devotion. Sure the M cars are sensational and special one-offs such as the Z8

For decades the 3-Series has been a staple among BMW loyalists and dealers alike. (Photo: BMW Canada)

otherworldly by even dream standards, but the 3, for decades a staple among BMW loyalists and dealers alike, is the most important car in the lineup.

For such reasons both dealers and potential buyers have been on pins and needles with anticipation over the new model. Normally the concern would not be so great, but since Chris Bangle took over top job at BMW styling, now moved up to make way for Adrian von Hooydonk, the designer of the lovely new 6-Series and also creative mind that dreamt up the controversial yet bestselling 7, normally credited to Bangle, most everyone has been hoping for a more conservative approach to the new 3.

As a six-times BMW owner I think I can speak for everyone by first letting out a gasp of relief, and then unequivocally stating the new 3-Series is one of the prettiest designs to come out of Munich in years. Don't get me wrong, I'm in the camp that actually likes the new 5 and 6, plus after years of getting used to it am now appreciative of the 7's ominous presence.

The 3, on the other hand, retains BMW's "flaming surface" design language without appearing overly complicated, a la 9th grade French teacher's horn rimmed reading glasses in place of headlight clusters on the 5-Series, or

The new 3-Series is one of the prettiest designs to come out of Munich in years. (Photo: BMW Canada)

at least that's the way one auto journalist I know described them. The new 3's headlamps are wonderfully flowing, tilting upwards in a similar fashion to the new X3 sport utility, but in a much more elegant manner. Its grille, sporting a fine chrome surround and thicker horizontal chrome strip, is heavily influenced by the new 6, and again adds an elegant touch to the smaller Bimmer. I also like the way the sculpted hoodline continues past the grille and headlamp clusters, diving deep down into the front fascia and forming the central oil cooling air vent in the process. Two additional brake cooling vents butt up on each side, integrating discrete circular fog lamps at their outermost reaches. These are tied together via a thin horizontal chrome strip that spans the width of the car, an unusual yet graceful styling detail.