Technical
Along with the big physical changes for 2006, the 3-series also receives two new engines. Well, not quite. Both of them are based on the same DOHC 3.0L inline-6 cylinder. The lowly 325i's I-6 develops 215 hp at 6 250 rpm and 185 lb/ft of torque at 2 750 rpm. The 330i gets a fully massaged
255 hp at 6 600 rpm and 220 lb/ft of torque at 2 750 rpm thanks to a three-stage induction system. Transmission choices are between an automatic with manual mode and a regular manual each featuring six forward gears. For the moment and as expected, the 3-Series is driven by the rear wheels. The braking system consists of 4-wheel vented discs; the 330i's are about 10% larger than the 325i's.
On the road
The revised 3.0L inline-6 is not particularly powerful. It does quite a good job of getting the 1 490 kg sedan up to speed, however the moment the A/C compressor kicks in; an important loss of momentum is felt. Otherwise, it creates a nice impression that the car is really moving. The 325i may not blow the doors off the competition from a stop but it is remarkably frugal when it comes to fuel consumption. My driving consisted of over 80% city commutes and I still managed only 11.5L per 100 km. A quick trip on the highway saw that number dip to 8.5L.
The new 3-series feels even tighter on the road than the previous generation, 60% stiffer actually. The 2005 330xi was impressive in its own right however this one manages to surpass the impression of strength and solidity that was already better than 99% of vehicles on the road.
The road ahead and the suspension seem to be telepathically connected: nothing, except craters, disturbs the ride of the 325i. It is simply a perfect blend of comfort, control and very sharp handling. Speaking of sharp, the steering is like nothing else in the category. A slight tug on the wheel will immediately have you going in the desired direction. The stock brakes are also some of the best in the business: pedal effort is minimal but resulting stopping power impresses by its immediacy and fade resistance.
For 2006, BMW seems to have lightened the shifter and clutch movements. The shifter flows through the gate with more ease than the last 2005 I have driven but its precision remains unaffected.
Safety
The 325i has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS
brakes with electronic brake force distribution and assist, stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) have yet to crash test the 2006 3-series. The Euro NCAP awarded the car 5 stars (top rating) in frontal impacts.
Along with the big physical changes for 2006, the 3-series also receives two new engines. Well, not quite. Both of them are based on the same DOHC 3.0L inline-6 cylinder. The lowly 325i's I-6 develops 215 hp at 6 250 rpm and 185 lb/ft of torque at 2 750 rpm. The 330i gets a fully massaged
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On the road
The revised 3.0L inline-6 is not particularly powerful. It does quite a good job of getting the 1 490 kg sedan up to speed, however the moment the A/C compressor kicks in; an important loss of momentum is felt. Otherwise, it creates a nice impression that the car is really moving. The 325i may not blow the doors off the competition from a stop but it is remarkably frugal when it comes to fuel consumption. My driving consisted of over 80% city commutes and I still managed only 11.5L per 100 km. A quick trip on the highway saw that number dip to 8.5L.
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The road ahead and the suspension seem to be telepathically connected: nothing, except craters, disturbs the ride of the 325i. It is simply a perfect blend of comfort, control and very sharp handling. Speaking of sharp, the steering is like nothing else in the category. A slight tug on the wheel will immediately have you going in the desired direction. The stock brakes are also some of the best in the business: pedal effort is minimal but resulting stopping power impresses by its immediacy and fade resistance.
For 2006, BMW seems to have lightened the shifter and clutch movements. The shifter flows through the gate with more ease than the last 2005 I have driven but its precision remains unaffected.
Safety
The 325i has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS
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