Technical
The 3-series is endowed with two versions of an all-new engine for 2006 as well as a carryover for the base model. The 323i inherits the 2.5L I-6
that develops 174 hp and 170 lb/ft of torque. The 3.0L inline-6 cylinder is shared with the 530 and the refreshed Z4. The basic 325i makes due with 215 hp and 185 lb/ft of torque. The 330i is luckier; it gets all of 255 hp and 220 lb/ft of torque. You get 6 gears with either engine; all you have to do is choose between the automatic and the manual. Although BMWs are known for their RWD prowesses, it is now possible to order your 325 or 330 with the xDrive AWD system which can transfer up to 70% of the power to the front wheels and 80% to the rear and everything in between. Brakes are 4-wheel vented discs and steering is engine-speed sensitive power assisted..
On the road
On the road is where the 330xi belongs. The beauty of the xi's AWD system is that not one stretch of tarmac, whether covered in snow, water
or ice is a match for the added traction. Seamless and constantly alert, the xDrive adapts instantly to changing conditions. This test drive saw temperature fluctuations from +5 to -20 degrees Celsius. The road conditions were varied and not once was the system caught off-guard. I must add that the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22s were also quite impressive.
The 255 hp I-6 is sweet. From its mellow and strong engine to its finely tuned power delivery, this motor performs with devotion. Low-end torque is aplenty and as the engine speed rises, the horsepower takes over with a lovely sustained howl. The car is not blisteringly fast although it can hold its own. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is completed in 6.6 seconds. Fuel consumption is reasonable. I managed 11.5L per 100 km over a 650 km test.
Steering is communicative like few other steering systems are. The wheel transmits exact and precise input in both directions. The driver feels the tires as they grip and flex and the 3-spoke sport wheel tells the controller exactly what is happening. Brakes are impressively strong. The last 325i
impressed me with strong brakes and short stopping distances. The 330i has larger discs and it shows. The pad-to-disc grip is immediate and assertive.
The car's ride is like clockwork. The shocks know exactly what to do when the time comes. The ultra-stiff chassis coupled to the perfect damping create a solid, planted feeling. On the highway, the 330 is stable and unflappable.
Safety
The 3-Series is equipped with 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 not yet crash tested the 2006 3-series. The Euro NCAP, the European equivalent to the two American organisations, awarded the car 5 stars (top rating) in frontal impacts.
The 3-series is endowed with two versions of an all-new engine for 2006 as well as a carryover for the base model. The 323i inherits the 2.5L I-6
 |
On the road
On the road is where the 330xi belongs. The beauty of the xi's AWD system is that not one stretch of tarmac, whether covered in snow, water
 |
The 255 hp I-6 is sweet. From its mellow and strong engine to its finely tuned power delivery, this motor performs with devotion. Low-end torque is aplenty and as the engine speed rises, the horsepower takes over with a lovely sustained howl. The car is not blisteringly fast although it can hold its own. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is completed in 6.6 seconds. Fuel consumption is reasonable. I managed 11.5L per 100 km over a 650 km test.
Steering is communicative like few other steering systems are. The wheel transmits exact and precise input in both directions. The driver feels the tires as they grip and flex and the 3-spoke sport wheel tells the controller exactly what is happening. Brakes are impressively strong. The last 325i
 |
The car's ride is like clockwork. The shocks know exactly what to do when the time comes. The ultra-stiff chassis coupled to the perfect damping create a solid, planted feeling. On the highway, the 330 is stable and unflappable.
Safety
The 3-Series is equipped with 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 not yet crash tested the 2006 3-series. The Euro NCAP, the European equivalent to the two American organisations, awarded the car 5 stars (top rating) in frontal impacts.