Cars Service

BMW 3 Series Review Road Test

In the closely fought compact executive market, one model stands out from the rest: the BMW 3-Series. It has history stretching back to the 1980s and has built a solid reputation, and is the car of choice for every young middle manager.

Its not that 3-Series lacks any serious rivals: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as prestigious; the Lexus IS will push it on reliability, while a fully loaded Ford Mondeo is better value. But it’s only the 3-Series, with its purposeful yet conservative styling, which has struck a chord with the British. Its popularity has not weakened residuals; even with plenty of used ones about, prices are remarkably stable.




Other automakers are envious of the 3 Series for another reason: It exemplifies consistency in product character and values. BMWs 3 Series cars have been the benchmark for entry luxury cars for some time, and we do not see this changing soon.

The competition may be gaining, but BMW is hardly sitting still. For 2004, the 3 Series gets an extensive array of updates. The coupe and convertible are mildy restyled, front and rear, and theres more of just about everything: More technology, more standard equipment, more wheel design choices. 330 models now come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, and BMWs trick Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is offered on all rear-drive models. Theres a new Performance Package for the 330i sedan that makes it a virtual four-door M3. All 3 Series are offered with a BMW Assist telematics package that no longer requires the optional navigation system.

The coupe and convertible prices increase several hundred dollars, but all 3 Series cars come with the same full-maintenance included for the duration of the four- year, 50,000-mile warranty. For entry luxury market shoppers who put a premium on driving satisfaction, the BMW 3 Series remains the place to start.

Passengers

BMW clearly acknowledged criticisms over passenger space in the previous 3 Series and although not a class leader, the new car easily accommodates four adults with good legroom in the rear. However, a raised central cushion in the rear will make for an uncomfortable journey for a fifth passenger. The new 3 Series has a slightly harder ride than its predecessor. Wind and road noise are very low and engine noise from the diesels is minimal, even at motorway speeds, the six cylinder petrol engines give out a muscular note when pressed.

Drivers

The bmw 3 series has a choice of six engines; the 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines having recently been updated now deliver significant improvements in performance and economy. With a sportier reputation than most of its rivals the 3 Series has a lot to live up to, it doesnt disappoint, BMW has tuned the chassis to make the 3 Series even more responsive and to improve driver feedback.

Apart from the 316i, which is underpowered, all of the BMW engines excel; the six cylinder engines are silky smooth and the diesels are awesome, in particular the 330d. On the flipside of the BMWs sportier pedigree is a firmer suspension, resulting in a slightly harder ride than its rivals. The BMW 3 Series has an excellent driving position with two-way adjustable steering and height adjustable seats, which provide good support. The gear change can be a little harsh at low speeds. The steering wheel mounted SMG sequential semi-automatic transmission is also worthy of consideration. As you would expect the cabin is well laid out with controls logically placed and within reach.

Equipment

Base spec doesnt offer very much. SE and Sport are much better served but there’s still plenty of options to consider.

Driving Impressions

Driving doesnt get much better than the BMW 3 Series, at least not with room for five, a high-level of all-season comfort and good mileage. Yes, some of its competitors offer a stronger price/equipment equation and comparable objective performance. But if you take off in a 3 Series and immediately realize the gap to the rest of the pack is wider than the price differential, then you can consider yourself an enthusiast driver and that your money was well spent.
If price is an issue, dont hesitate to choose the 325i. For a price less than the typical mid-size SUV, and nearly $7,000 less than the 330i, you get a true European sports sedan. You may never miss the extra power of the 330i, and you certainly wont miss the increase in monthly payments. The 2.5-liter engine doesnt develop the urgent thrust of the 3.0-liter, but it has plenty of power and its delivered in smooth, linear fashion with no significant dead spots or rushes. Just strong, steady propulsion. Its so smooth that its easy to rev past the redline to where the rev limiter cuts back on the throttle.

BMW uses inline six-cylinder engines instead of V6s. Though it takes up more space, an inline-6 is has its strengths in terms of operational performance. Indeed, BMW believes that six pistons lined up in a row run more smoothly than two banks of three pistons arranged in a V, and we agree. Both 3 Series engines feature the latest high-output technology, including fully electronic throttle control and a dual-resonance intake system.

The throttle feels light, responsive and linear in its power delivery. BMWs double VANOS variable-valve timing helps both engines provide plenty of torque (the force that makes a car jump when you hit the gas) throughout the rev range. Both engine meet new ULEV2 emissions standards in California and the Northeast.

The 330is 3.0-liter engine delivers most of its gusto at the top of the rev range, yet is surprisingly strong at lower engine speeds, too. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 330s with the manual transmission, versus 7.1 seconds for the 325i. Both top out at an electronically limited 128 mph, unless you order the Performance Package.

The new Performance Package for the 330i sedan adds 10 horsepower and 8 pounds-feet of torque to the 3.0-liter engine. Moreover, it includes an integrated package of performance upgrades, including a sport suspension tuned by BMWs elite M division, and a manual shifter that reduces shift throws 0.4 inch (the Performance Package is also offered with the automatic transmission). So equipped, the 330i sedan goes like a virtual four-door M3, with a similarly aggressive appearance for at least $7,000 less than the M3 coupe. This package trims another second from the 330is 0-60 times: 5.4 seconds is fast for any sedan, much less one with a six-cylinder engine. The top speed extends to 155 mph, which is the voluntary limit adopted by most German automakers. We should note that this increase in speed is not solely because of the engine. The performance package includes Z-rated tires that are certified to operate safely at 155 mph. (That doesnt mean the driver will operate safely at this speed, however.)


Safety & Security

Driver, passenger, head and side-impact airbags with crash sensitive inflation rates are standard on all BMW 3 Series. Also standard are anti-lock brakes traction control and Dynamic Skid Control (DSC).

Quality & Reliability

The BMW 3 Series has a well-earned reputation for durability; hard-wearing engines and the use of high-quality materials in the interior make these cars resilient to daily wear and tear.

Owning

The BMW 3 Series has class leading running costs due to low depreciation; expect to recover around 60% after 3 years, and low servicing costs. Servicing intervals vary depending on how the car is driven; maximum intervals are at 15000 miles.