2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon: Road Test
2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon ▼
- MSRP: $30,900 - $38,500
- Invoice: $28,300 - $35,215
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Our road test for the 2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon includes a full evaluation of the 2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon help you decide if a 2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Neither engine has abundant low-rpm punch, but both build power quickly and are strong around town or on the highway. Test automatic-transmission 325i sedan did 7.2 sec 0-60 mph. Test manual 330i did 6.2 sec. Automatics change gears smoothly, but downshifts tend to lag behind throttle inputs, and some testers complained of exaggerated low-speed engine braking. Manual has silky smooth shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
With automatic transmission, 325i sedan averaged 20.7 mpg in city/highway driving that included gas-eating performance tests, 325xi sedan 31.9 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 325xi wagon 20.6 in city/highway driving. With manual transmission, 330i test cars averaged 18.6-22.3 mpg. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.9 |
Favors taut composure over cushioned isolation, aided by ingot-solid construction. Base suspension compliant, though sharp bumps can pound through. Firmer Sport Package suspension, tires can trigger abrupt vertical and side-to-side motions on uneven pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7.2 |
Still the class benchmark for overall control, steering feel. Excellent balance with base suspension, even better with Sport Package. Steering precise, direct. Optional Active Steering aids low-speed maneuverability, but some testers feel its activation point is inconsistent. We recommend AWD in snowy climates. Powerful, stable braking.
QUIETNESS
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Both engines cruise quietly, emit refined hum in acceleration. Wind rush evident at highway speeds. Tire noise subdued, but elevates with Sport Package.
CONTROLS
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
Audio, climate controls compromised by low-mounted position, some cryptic markings. Turn-signal stalk has odd toggle action, and rain-sensing windshield wipers sometimes erratic. BMW wise to make complex iDrive control system optional, though anyone who wants a navigation system will have to live with it. iDrive here simpler than in other BMWs, but still absorbs audio controls, complicating their use, and many functions require a long look away from the road. Cabin materials look classy, have sturdy, soft-touch feel. No opportunity to evaluate with standard vinyl seating trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Good head, leg room for all but tallest drivers. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard, helps tailor comfortable driving position. Seats provide fine lateral support; Sport Package's buckets even more supportive. Fine rear visibility, but some testers complained that thick front pillars obscure vision to forward corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Head room tight for those over 6 ft tall, and toe room limited with front seat bottoms lowered. Minimal leg room behind even midsize front occupants.
CARGO ROOM
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 4.7 |
Neither sedan trunk nor wagon cargo bay generously sized, but are shaped for maximum utility and have wide openings, low liftover. Trunklid hinges don't intrude, and space expands with split folding rear seatbacks. Interiors could use more spaces for small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6.1 |
More power and interior room yield a redesigned 3-Series that matures without losing its sporty character. Base prices are reasonable for this class, but BMW charges extra for popular amenities many competitors include as standard equipment. The 3-Series may be costlier than some rivals, feature for feature, but it's a Best Buy for resolute focus on balanced performance.
Total Score
| 325i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 325xi wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | 330i w/nav. sys., auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 62 | 60 | 62 | 58.7 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
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