2006 BMW 325i
How do they do it?
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke (I have a hard time pronouncing it also), is one of the most recognized automakers in the World. Since its official inception in 1917, this company has built many memorable cars although one stands out as being the BMW for most people; the 3-series. It actually all started in 1975-76 with the introduction of the 320i, the successor to the now nearly legendary 2002. Throughout the following thirty years, BMW has created only five editions of the first cars to be considered a sporty family automobile.
2006 marks this fifth chapter for BMW's best selling model. As it has been since the beginning, the car continues to get bigger and more powerful but never looses its driving edge. Competition is fierce in this category and BMW has long been recognized as the benchmark. The question is: Can they do it again? What do you think?
A basically equipped 325i sedan starts at $39,900. An all dressed 330i sedan can fetch upwards of $65,000. We tested a 325i with leather and other options and it retailed for $52,000.
Styling
All 3-series, from one generation to the next, are an evolution of each
other. Right off the bat, a BMW without a twin kidney grille is not a BMW. From the side, the 3-Series has never had an upright pillar, at least since 1982. If one looks carefully, it seems as though the pillars are bending back towards the rear because of the speed that the car can attain. The 2006's lines are crisper than the preceding version and adopt a wider, more aggressive front fascia similar to those on the 5 and 6-Series. The overall approach to the E90 is a lower slung more imposing and serious looking car. I would add though that the taillights might be the only part of the car that breaks with this styling. The side-view mirrors are quite small and limit side view visibility.
I found the body panels to be flawlessly assembled however the Monaco Blue paint application was covered with much orange peel on every panel.
The cabin of the 3-Series is a shrunken-down copy of the one found in the 5 and 7-Series. BMW's insistence on quality and luxury are obvious, even when sitting in their entry-level $40,000 car. Fit and finish are perfect. The choice of leather and plastics are impeccable. The front seats are amazingly supportive; it is as though the driver and passenger were
sitting in a baseball glove. Interior volume is still limited compared to some of the car's competitors however I find the cockpit to be very cozy and just the right size for two occupants with their stuff.
Once again, the Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system is astonishingly powerful and clear. The sound quality is easily one of the best out of all car audio systems. The dash-mounted pop-out cup holders and their quasi flimsiness remind me that this is an automobile destined to be driven on the Autobahn, not through a drive-through.
How do they do it?
 |
2006 marks this fifth chapter for BMW's best selling model. As it has been since the beginning, the car continues to get bigger and more powerful but never looses its driving edge. Competition is fierce in this category and BMW has long been recognized as the benchmark. The question is: Can they do it again? What do you think?
A basically equipped 325i sedan starts at $39,900. An all dressed 330i sedan can fetch upwards of $65,000. We tested a 325i with leather and other options and it retailed for $52,000.
Styling
All 3-series, from one generation to the next, are an evolution of each
 |
I found the body panels to be flawlessly assembled however the Monaco Blue paint application was covered with much orange peel on every panel.
The cabin of the 3-Series is a shrunken-down copy of the one found in the 5 and 7-Series. BMW's insistence on quality and luxury are obvious, even when sitting in their entry-level $40,000 car. Fit and finish are perfect. The choice of leather and plastics are impeccable. The front seats are amazingly supportive; it is as though the driver and passenger were
 |
Once again, the Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system is astonishingly powerful and clear. The sound quality is easily one of the best out of all car audio systems. The dash-mounted pop-out cup holders and their quasi flimsiness remind me that this is an automobile destined to be driven on the Autobahn, not through a drive-through.