2006 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Road Test

Our road test for the 2006 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible includes a full evaluation of the 2006 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible help you decide if a 2006 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible is right for you.

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Cargo room (convertible)

Steering/handling	Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe, convertible)

Build quality

Exterior finish

Available AWD

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
5	7	8	8	8.2

Satisfying to spectacular as you ascend model lines. Each engine a paragon of smoothness, and all best enjoyed with conventional manual transmission. SMT feels ill-mannered in all but racetracklike driving. With automatic, test 325 convertible did 8.1 sec 0-60 mph. With manual, test 330 coupe did 6.8 sec, M3 convertible 5.4. BMW pegs 330s at 7 sec 0-60 with automatic, 6.4 with manual.

Fuel Economy

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
6	5	4	5	4.2

Test 325 convertible with automatic transmission averaged 16.2-22.0 mpg, depending on city/highway mix. In M3 tests, coupe with SMT averaged 17.7 mpg, convertible with conventional manual 18.7. All models require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
6	7	4	4	4.3

Firmly composed. Comfort deteriorates somewhat with tires larger than 17s. Stiffer-yet settings, high-speed, low-profile tires make M3s thumpy, though not brutal.

Steering/Handling/Braking

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
8	8	9	9	8.5

The class benchmark for overall control, steering feel, though margin is slim over best rivals. Standard antiskid system adds to safety, but mediocre traction in snow with base tires, poor grip on wet roads with sport treads. All stop with swift, stable assurance.

Quietness

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
5	6	4	3	4.1

Convertibles suffer the most wind rush, M3s emit pronounced tire roar and a loud, raspy engine note. Others pretty quiet overall, and all are mechanically refined.

Controls

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Steering-wheel audio, cruise controls complement well-arranged dashboard, but navigation system a chore to program. Making leather optional for most models is penny pinching by BMW.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.7

Upright cabin seems narrow, but isn't cramped. Leg room plentiful. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps driver comfort, but tester complaints included subpar lumbar support, tight head room for the very tall. Visibility fine except top-up in convertibles.

Room/Comfort (rear)

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
2	2	2	2	.7

Poor knee, foot space with a front seat more than halfway back. Taxing entry/exit.

Cargo Room

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
2	3	3	2	2

Disappointing. Trunks small for class. Interior needs more small-item storage.

Value within Class

325Ci conv, w/Sport Pkg., auto.	330Ci cpe, auto.	M3 cpe, SMT	M3 conv, man.	Class Average
6	7	2	4	4.5

BMW's new-generation 2006 3-Series sedans and wagons are premium compact car Best Buys. These coupes and convertibles, which are based on a 1999-vintage design, remain worthy of consideration in the premium sporty/performance class. They admittedly are lame-duck designs. And some competitors offer more standard features and more power for less money. But no comparable rival is more refined or dynamically capable overall.

Total Score