2005 BMW 3-Series: Tester's Comments
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2005 BMW 3-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $31,200 -$55,800
- Invoice: $28,570 -$50,960
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2005 BMW 3-Series. See if the 2005 BMW 3-Series is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2005 BMW 3-Series |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | M3 coupe |
| Arrival Date: | 05/23/2005 |
| Engine: | dohc I6 |
| Bodystyle | 2-door coupe |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automated manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 47,300 |
| Price as Tested: | 59,120 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 4706 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5224 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 518 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 29.251 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 17.71 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Imoja Red, Black Leather, Cold Weather Pkg. (heated front seats, retractable headlight washers, ski bag), Premium Package (power glass moonroof, power seats with driver memory, BMW assist system and services, Nappa leather upholstery), Adjustable seat, Park Distance Control, Rain Sensor and Auto Headlights, Xenon Headlights, Navigation System, Harman-Kardon Sound System, Sequential Manual Gearbox
From the Back Seat
John Biel
Any M3 is a pricey proposition, even more so with the $2400 SMT transmission. Considering the unpleasant operation in full-automatic mode, it's best to manually shift the SMT, and the starting and stopping routine of an SMT-equipped car is so similar to that of a fully manual car, you'll wonder why you should spend more. You might as well enjoy the wonderful standard six-speed gearbox.
Mark Bilek
Though this is a $50,000 car, many will claim the performance is worth the expense. I, however, do not feel that way. SMT totally destroys the vehicle for me. Even so, I'd probably save close to $20,000 and get either a Mazda RX-8 or Honda S2000.
Tom Appel
No superlative is wasted on this car until you get to the transmission. Exiting a fast on-ramp onto an open expressway, BMW's clutchless SMG transmission is a joy to snick though. Driving through rush-hour traffic it is a balky curse borne of the minds of cruel sadists. The M3 is a nearly perfect car, it deserves a proper manual transmission. Does that sound British?
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