Like the previous 330i, the new top dog 3 Series sedan is a virtuoso on public roads.
The 335i Sedan's ride quality betters the Coupé's harsher setup, but is its equal in having surgically accurate steering, powerful brakes, and bang-on ergonomics. With the almost-obligatory sports package ($2,500) that includes more articulating front seats, a tighter suspension and 18-inch high performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A run flats (that will require you put aside a couple of grand for proper winter rubber), the four-door matches the two-door's standard sports suspension setup and, thusly, needed some track time at the recently opened Calabogie Motorsports Park, just west of Ottawa, Ontario.
Calabogie's big loop course requires a car that can accurately be positioned on the track. Miss the first apex on some of the multiple apex corners, and a potentially smooth lap can be thrown out the window. To avoid this, a car needs to have its steering, power delivery and ergonomics working as a team. It's here that the rear-drive 335i Sedan exceeds any 3 Series four-door to date.
Beyond a slightly taller seating position, the sedan mimics the 335i Coupé's sublime, delicate driving experience. A couple of generations into the development, BMW's electric hydraulic steering is now as linear and
delicate as that vaunted E36 M3. To properly make your way around the challenging track, you also need the back of a car to respond to your wishes. Again, that monster of a motor (that can't be only 300 h.p., can it?) brings a lot to the 335i Sedan's driving experience. It's where the 335i Sedan separates itself from its 330i predecessor. Not only is power available everywhere in the rev range, but also throttle response is linear and immediate. Power overseer is but a switch of the DSC away, and when the car's rear end does come around, the 335i Sedan can easily be coaxed back onto your intended path. The 335i Sedan's steering, suspension--and just as importantly--brakes, all work together in a cohesive package. What fun! In a four-door! If you bought a 2006 330i Sedan, I can understand why a trade-in may be in the cards...
But is the 2007 BMW 335i Sedan a worthy successor to that legendary E36 M3 sedan?
First off, objectively and subjectively, the new E90 sedan blows away that late-'90s M3 Sedan. Only Luddites would argue with that statement. But how does the 335i Sedan stack up against the most recent E46 M3?
Despite similar performance numbers, admittedly, the new 335i Sedan isn't as sharp at the limit or as alive in its actions. But if you need the added practicality of four doors it's next best thing until the whomping, new eight-cylinder E90 M3 shows up sometime next year.
As for now, the 335i with the stick and the Sport Package is the best driving BMW you can buy.
And that's no fairy tale.
Just the facts...
Build quality 5/6
Features 4/6
Performance 6/6
Fun-to-drive 5/6
Overall value 6/6
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| (Photo: John LeBlanc, Auto123.com) |
Calabogie's big loop course requires a car that can accurately be positioned on the track. Miss the first apex on some of the multiple apex corners, and a potentially smooth lap can be thrown out the window. To avoid this, a car needs to have its steering, power delivery and ergonomics working as a team. It's here that the rear-drive 335i Sedan exceeds any 3 Series four-door to date.
Beyond a slightly taller seating position, the sedan mimics the 335i Coupé's sublime, delicate driving experience. A couple of generations into the development, BMW's electric hydraulic steering is now as linear and
 |
| (Photo: John LeBlanc, Auto123.com) |
But is the 2007 BMW 335i Sedan a worthy successor to that legendary E36 M3 sedan?
 |
| (Photo: John LeBlanc, Auto123.com) |
Despite similar performance numbers, admittedly, the new 335i Sedan isn't as sharp at the limit or as alive in its actions. But if you need the added practicality of four doors it's next best thing until the whomping, new eight-cylinder E90 M3 shows up sometime next year.
As for now, the 335i with the stick and the Sport Package is the best driving BMW you can buy.
 |
| (Photo: John LeBlanc, Auto123.com) |
Just the facts...
Build quality 5/6
Features 4/6
Performance 6/6
Fun-to-drive 5/6
Overall value 6/6
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