2006-2007 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Full Review

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation BMW 3-Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation BMW 3-Series.

2006-2007 BMW 3-Series Review

BMW began redesigning its most popular lineup for 2006, giving it new styling and more power, along with BMW's iDrive control system as an option. A new premium compact sedan went on sale in mid-2005, as a 2006 model. A new wagon emerged in the fall of 2005. The 2006 3-Series sedan and wagon were 1.4 inches longer in wheelbase, 2.2 inches longer overall, and 3 inches wider than the 1999-2005 versions. Rivals to the 3-Series included the Acura TL, Infiniti G35, and Saab 9-3. Every 2006 sedan and wagon had an inline 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive was available on sedans and standard on wagons; AWD models were designated with an "xi" suffix. Others had rear-wheel drive. BMW's 325i and 325xi models had 215-horsepower engines, up from 184 in the last generation's 2.5-liter six. Wagons were available only as the 325xi. The 330i and 330xi models had 255 horsepower (30 more than the prior generation). For all, a six-speed manual transmission was standard, with a six-speed automatic optional. All 2006 3-Series sedans included a sunroof, traction/antiskid control, front torso side airbags, and head-protecting tubular side airbags that covered both seating rows. Wagons had a larger "panoramic" sunroof. Also standard were a tire-pressure monitor, run-flat tires, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Steering-linked xenon headlights were optional on 325s, standard on 330 models. An optional Sport Package included a sport suspension and 17-inch tires, to replace standard 16-inchers on 325s, or 18-inch tires versus 17s on 330 models. Active Steering, which electronically varied steering ratio and assist, was optional. BMW's iDrive, which used a console "joystick" knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and some climate functions, came with the available navigation system. Other options included leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear obstacle detection, and satellite radio. Also offered were adaptive cruise control, designed to maintain a set following distance; keyless ignition; and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service. The latter included an interface to use the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones. Coupes and convertibles continued unchanged into 2006 with the design that had been introduced for 1999, awaiting a redesign for the 2007 model year.

Year to Year Changes

2007 BMW 3-Series: BMW's coupe was redesigned for 2007, following the lead of the sedan and wagon. Coupes had their own styling, however, and were available with all-wheel drive for the first time. Measuring 3.6 inches longer overall and 1.7 inches wider than its predecessor, the coupe was also more than 200 pounds heavier. Renamed this year with more powerful engines, coupes and sedans came in 328i trim with a 215-horsepower six-cylinder, 328xi with that engine and all-wheel drive, and 335i with a turbocharged 300-hp engine that replaced the prior 255-hp powerplant. Wagons were offered in 328i and 328i guise, but not with the turbo. A six-speed manual transmission was standard; six-speed automatic optional. Steering-linked xenon headlights were standard on coupe and 335i sedans, optional on others. Rear-drive coupes got a firmer suspension and seats with extra side bolstering; those items were available in a Sport Package for rear-drive sedans and wagons. A redesigned convertible arrived in spring 2007. For the first time, BMW offered an open-roof model that was actually a retractable hardtop, similar to the Volvo C70 and Volkswagen Eos. A complex mechanism automatically stowed the multi-panel metal roof into the trunk. Needless to say, trunk space suffered severely with the top down.

2006-2007 BMW 3-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Back-seat space and comfort

Steering/handling	Cargo room

Front-seat space and comfort	Complicated top mechanism

Ride (sedan)

Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Value for the Money
More power and interior room yield a 3-Series that has matured without losing its sporty character. Expanded availability of AWD, too, has made it more appealing than ever. Base new-car prices have been reasonable for this class. Though BMW charged extra for popular amenities, making the 3-Series more expensive than many competitors, feature for feature, it's still a Best Buy value for its resolute focus on balanced performance.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

BMW 335i w/auto.	Rating

Performance	8

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	8

Quietness	7

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	10

Total:	66

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2006-2007 BMW 3-Series Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: A/C may blow warm air after driving about an hour due to an air leak near the evaporator sensor. (2006)

Air conditioner: A/C may make hissing noises and is corrected by adding 90g more refrigerant to the system. (2006)

Check-engine light: The check engine light may come on and a code for excessive torque converter lockup slip may be stored due to failure of a seal on the converter. (2006)

Interior trim: The decorative trim on the console heats up when rear seat heat is selected, which can become uncomfortably hot on the driver's knee when contacted. (2006)

Mirrors: On vehicles equipped with xenon lights, the power mirrors and windows may quit working if a connector behind the headlight gets wet and corrodes. (2006)

Steering problems: Power steering assist may fade due to internal wear of the power steering pump. (2006)

Water pump: Overheating can occur if the electric water pump fails, which will fail again unless a very specific bleeding procedure is not followed. (2006-07)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$710

Alternator	$540

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$6,950

Brakes	$900

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$1,430

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,325

Exhaust System	$1,375

Radiator	$1,425

Shocks and/or Struts	$3,105

Timing Chain or Belt	$750

NHTSA Recall History

2006: One suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly and could loosen, which could impair vehicle handling.

2007: One of the suspension control arms and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly and could loosen and impair vehicle handling and control. Dealers will inspect the bolted connection and, if necessary, adjust the connection.

2006-2007 BMW 3-Series Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2006
325Ci convertible	$34,000-36,500	$31,600-33,900	$24,100-25,900
325i coupe/sedan/wagon	$27,500-29,500	$25,600-27,400	$18,400-19,800
330Ci convertible	$37,500-40,000	$34,900-37,200	$26,600-28,400
330i coupe/sedan	$31,000-33,500	$28,800-31,200	$21,700-23,500
M3 convertible	$47,000-49,500	$44,200-46,500	$34,800-36,600
M3 coupe	$44,500-47,000	$41,800-44,200	$32,500-34,300

2007
328Ci convertible	$38,500-41,500	$35,800-38,600	$27,300-29,500
328i coupe/sedan/wagon	$32,000-34,500	$29,800-32,100	$22,400-24,200
335Ci convertible	$43,500-47,000	$40,900-44,200	$31,800-34,300
335i coupe/sedan	$37,000-39,500	$34,400-36,700	$26,300-28,000

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2006-2007 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe	4-door sedan	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.7	108.7	108.7	108.7

Overall Length, in.	180.6	180.3	178.2	178.2

Overall Width, in.	70.2	70.2	71.5	71.5

Overall Height, in.	54.4	54.1	55.9	55.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3792	3417	3285	3737

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	9.0	11.1	12.0	60.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.1	15.9	15.9	15.9

Seating Capacity	4	4	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.0	37.1	37.4	37.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.8	41.8	41.5	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	36.5	36.1	37.1	36.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	31.9	33.7	34.6	34.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

All 3-Series engines were 3.0-liter inline six-cylinders. Sedans and wagons in 2006 came in 325i trim with a 215-horsepower version, or as the 330i with a 255-hp engine. Power boosts for 2007 brought the less-potent model, now called 328i, to 230 horsepower. Turbocharging sent output of the 335i to an even 300 horsepower. All models could have either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive has been available with the less-powerful engine, but other 3-Series models have rear-wheel drive.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I6	3.0 / 182	215	185	6-speed manual: 20/30 6-speed automatic: 21/29	6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.0 / 182	255	220	6-speed manual: 20/30 6-speed automatic: 20/28	6-speed manual: 22.3 6-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.0 / 182	230	200	6-speed manual: 20/30 6-speed automatic: 21/29	6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I6	3.0 / 182	300	300	6-speed manual: 19/29 6-speed automatic: 20/29	6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	2006 3-Series

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany, South Africa

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 2006-2007 BMW 3-Series Review:

BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible

BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Road Test

BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Reliability

BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Prices

BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Specs & Safety

BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Photos

BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible Full Review