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2006-2007 BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible
Date Published: 2/20/08

2006-2007 BMW 3-Series
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Price Range:
$25,600 - 46,500

Class:
Premium Compact Car
2006-2007 BMW 3-Series
Expert Rating Summary
Category
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 Score: 66
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
2006-2007 BMW 3-SERIES BUYING RESOURCES
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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.
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