2006 BMW 3-Series Road Test

What set the E46 apart from its predecessors, and most of its compact sport/luxury rivals, is a variety of bodystyles

The two sedans that make up the new 2006 3-Series lineup seem rather simple in comparison to the outgoing E46's myriad of model configurations. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

and drivetrain options. The 2005 3-Series can been had as a five-door wagon, two-door coupe, two-door convertible and, of course a four-door sedan. It offers four engine options, including 2.2-litre, 2.5-litre, 3.0-litre and 3.2-litre configurations, driving the rear- or all-wheels via four transmission options, a 5-speed manual, six-speed manual, 5-speed automatic with manual mode, and 6-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG); optimizing one general architecture to produce an entire lineup of fun and functional entry-level premium vehicles.

The new 2006 3-Series lineup seems rather simple in comparison, but of course its single four-door sedan profile and 2.5- plus 3.0-litre duo of engines will soon share the stable with more derivatives, such as a 325i wagon scheduled to become available in rear- and all-wheel drivetrains in the fall. But that is months away yet, making the need for BMW to get yours truly into its new 325i and 330i sedans, that are already starting to arrive at

Simply put, the 2006 3-Series is better than the outgoing model in every way. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

dealerships across the country, priority one.

The automaker chose Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the car's North American press launch, which now makes sense after driving the sensational roads that crisscross the state. Being that my intro to this story has taken more of your time than initially anticipated let me cut to the chase. The 2006 3-Series is better than the outgoing model in every way. It delivers more power, better handling, greater feel of the road, superior braking, way more safety and convenience features, tauter construction, and in my opinion, better styling.