Review: 2006 BMW 3 Series Coupe & Convertible
Aging gracefully, still driving brilliantlyPhotography by the manufacturer
Introduction
Using its customary staggered-launch schedule, BMW began rolling out the fifth generation of its volume-leader 3 Series family with the spring introduction of the new E90-based 325i/330i Sedans. While these early 2006 models have just been joined by a new 325xi AWD Sport Wagon, the coupes and convertibles continue on their existing E46 platform, and carry on virtually unchanged pending their respective transitions over the course of the next 10-24 months. Both the five-passenger subcompact hardtop and four-place mini-compact drop-top are available in 325Ci, 330Ci, and ultra-performance M3 guise.
Exterior
With an arguably less dramatic exterior than the sedan/wagon, the crisply rendered sheetmetal on the coupe/convertible -- and fully-padded power top on the latter -- displays athletic flair couched in more conventional BMW styling language, from the heritage twin kidney grilles to Adaptive Brake Lights with high-intensity LEDs. That subtle-but-solid visual character is epitomized in the M3, with its bolder bodywork and unique front/rear fascia treatments. Where 325Ci models wear 205/55 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels and the 330Ci gets 205/50 rubber on 17-inch rims, M3s have 225/45 front and 255/40 rear boots on lightweight 18-inch wheels.
Interior
Modestly scaled but nicely finished, the cabins on these two-doors share a common basic design with lots of soft-touch surfaces, leatherette or real leather trim, and wood or brushed aluminum accents. True to BMW form, positives abound and negatives persist. On the upside, gauges are legible, controls well-positioned for the most part, and power assists plentiful, including a one-button top mechanism on convertibles and one-touch moonroof activation on the coupes. Things like a tilt/telescoping steering column; comfortable, supportive seats bucket seats; automatic climate control; keyless remote; and cruise control add even more functional charm. Conversely, BMW has yet to get its sums right on ancillaries like genuinely usable storage space and -- now heres a surprise -- cupholders.
Depending on body style, the aft accommodations have two distinct characters. The convertible truly does live down to its mini-compact EPA rating, with a belted-for-two bucketed bench that even small adults will find compromising. With 1.2 inches more legroom, a 6.8-inch broader shoulder span, and a more welcoming seatback rake, the coupes bench actually can carry a pair of near six footers. However, three-across occupancy has limited appeal, even for kids.
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Safety
Rigid structure, engineered crumple zones, stability/traction control, enhanced ABS brakes, and intensity-sensing Adaptive Brake Lights are all part of the standard 3 Series protection portfolio, as are proactive three-point seatbelts, smart front airbags, front-side bags and front side-curtain bags. Convertibles add pop-up rear roll hoops, and all models offer optional rear-side airbags.
Powertrain
Three degrees of I-6 motivation exist for this group, each a twin-cam unit fitted with BMWs Double Vanos variable valve timing to bump responsiveness and efficiency. The 2.5-liter in the 325i/Ci makes 184 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, the 330i/Ci has a 3.0-liter that develops 225 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, and the stellar 3.2-liter M-spec engine turns out a searing 333 ponies and 262 lb-ft of twist. Three transmission types are available: a standard manual -- with five speeds in the 325i/Ci and a six in the 330i/Ci; a five-speed Steptronic manumatic thats optional in both; and for the M3, a choice of a six-speed manual or clutchless, programmable six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox. BMWs driver-selectable Dynamic Stability Control with traction is standard in all.
Behind the wheel
All of these 3 Series two-doors are designed to be driven, and to be done so with gusto. Considered by the auto industry as a performance benchmark, standard 3 Series chassis tuning has an engaging and communicative character that matches balance and responsiveness with comfort and control -- with or without DSC oversight. Those seeking a slightly sharper edge will find it in the more tautly executed Sport Package, while well-heeled enthusiasts can step up to the legendary M3, or defining M3 Competition Package that also includes more lenient DSC mapping.
Convertible models dont quite equal the absolute rigidity of the coupes, but cowl shake is minimal even on rough roads, while squeaks, creaks, and leaks are simply nonexistent. Save for about a 350-lb weight penalty, their biggest downside is a wide C-pillar that materially impacts rear sightlines with the top up.
Despite the absence of Valvetronic, the variable valve lift system used on the all-new I-6 engines in the redesigned 3 Series sedans, this side of the family hardly lacks for straight-line enthusiasm. Even the autoshifted 325Ci convertible we drove will scamper to 60 mph in a respectable 8.9 seconds, while an M3 coupe nails that benchmark in a blistering 4.8 ticks.
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Ownership
BMW established much of its Ultimate Driving Machine reputation on the strength of the enduring 3 Series -- and these spirited two-door models adroitly demonstrate why. Even in the twilight of their model life, few vehicles can match their dynamic gamesmanship. Refined but involving, all earn impressively high marks on the IC total value charts and have the tangible and intangible qualities to merit strong consideration for anyone pondering an Audi A4 Cabriolet, Infiniti G35, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, Mini Cooper S, or Saab 9-3.
Final Word
While even brighter days lie ahead for these BMW two-doors, there are still plenty of exhilarating miles to be found in the current iteration of each.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>What's Hot
</TD><TD vAlign=top>What's Not
- Driver-centric personality
- Spirited to absolutely stunning performance
- Sporty handling
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>What's New
- Cramped rear seating (convertibles)
- Impaired rear visibility (convertibles)
- Limited interior storage/trunk space
In a virtual carryover year, three new exterior colors replace three outgoing hues and the Sequential Manual Gearshift (SMG) transmission drops off of the 325Ci/330Ci option list. The M3 gets standard leather upholstery, plus a power rear sunshade and 19-inch wheel options.
Key Options
Main 325Ci/330Ci packages include: Premium (four-way front-seat power lumbar support, auto-dimming mirror, Homelink, BMW telematicsall but Telematics are 330Ci standards); Sport (Sport suspension, unique 18-inch wheel/tire fitment, 10-way power sport seats with two-way thigh support); Cold Weather (heated front seats, heated headlight washers, ski sack); and Performance (comprehensive functional and cosmetic upgrade headed by 235-hp engine, Sport-plus suspension, unique 18-inch wheel/tire fitment, 10-way power sport seats, M3-style multifunction steering wheel). A harman/kardon sound system with six-disc CD changer (standard on 330Ci), run-flat tires (330Ci only), body-color hard top for convertibles, rear park assist, iPod integration kit, and Sirius Satellite Radio are available as single options. The M3 Coupe also offers a Competition Package (larger brakes, 19-inch wheels with 225/40 front/255/35 rear tires, quicker steering, performance-programmed DSC, special interior trim).
Others To Consider
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- Audi A4 2006
- Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2006
- Mini Cooper 2006
source:http://motortrend.com/roadtests/intellichoice/369_0511_review_2006_bmw_3series/index2.html
