2007 BMW 3-Series: Road Test
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2007 BMW 3-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $32,400 -$49,100
- Invoice: $29,810 -$45,170
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Our road test for the 2007 BMW 3-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2007 BMW 3-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 BMW 3-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 BMW 3-Series help you decide if a 2007 BMW 3-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6.6 |
No all-wheel-drive models, wagons, or 328 with automatic transmission made available for test. With manual transmission, 328i has smooth, sufficient power for around-town driving and highway passing. The 335i has abundant power at any speed. Test coupe with automatic transmission did 4.7 sec 0-60 mph. No noticeable turbo lag. Worry-free passing. Automatic changes gears smoothly, but downshifts can lag behind throttle inputs. With either engine, manual has silky smooth shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Test 328 sedan with manual transmission averaged 25.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 335 coupe with manual transmission averaged 22.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 335 with automatic averaged 16.3 mpg with more city driving that included gas-eating performance runs. All 3-Series require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5.9 |
Favors taut composure over cushioned isolation, aided by ingot-solid construction. Base suspension compliant, though sharp bumps can pound through. Firmer sport suspension can trigger abrupt vertical and side-to-side motions on uneven pavement. Top up or down, convertible has impressively rigid body structure with virtually no cowl shake.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7.3 |
The class benchmark for overall control, steering feel. Excellent balance, sharp moves, little body lean in turns with base suspension; even sharper with sport suspension. 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
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Engine sings under acceleration, but cruises quietly. Wind rush evident at highway speeds. Tire noise subdued with base suspension, elevated with sport suspension, but never intrudes on conversation. Top up, convertible offers near-coupelike isolation. Top down, wind buffeting is minor; normal conversation possible at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.2 |
Audio, climate controls compromised by low-mounted position, some cryptic markings. 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. Rain-sensing windshield wipers sometimes erratic. Convertible top powers up or down in about 23 sec. Cabin materials look classy, have sturdy, soft-touch feel. No opportunity to evaluate with standard vinyl seating trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Coupe, convertible, or sedan, head and leg room are good for all but the tallest drivers. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard, helps tailor comfortable driving position. Seats have excellent bolstering to secure occupants through turns, but bolsters may make seats feel too narrow for those of generous girth. Fine rear visibility, but thick front pillars can obscure vision to forward corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3.7 |
Head room tight for those over 6 ft tall in sedan, over 5-ft-9 in coupe or convertible. Toe room limited with front seat bottoms lowered. Decent leg room, but it diminishes behind taller front-seat occupants. Front seats slide fore/aft in coupe and convertible, but entry/exit still requires some twisting.
CARGO ROOM
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4.1 |
Trunks have low liftover and make good use of available volume. Convertible's meager top-up trunk space shrinks to minuscule with top down; there's just enough room for a single small suitcase with top retracted. Coupe's small aperture won't swallow large packages, but standard split folding rear seatbacks expand space. A split folding rear seatback is optional on sedans, and we recommend it. Trunklid hinges don't intrude. Interior bins, pockets too small to be really useful.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 6.2 |
Increased power, a hardtop convertible bodystyle, and expanded availability of all-wheel drive make the 3-Series more appealing than ever. Base prices are reasonable for this class, but BMW charges extra for popular amenities many competitors include as standard equipment. It may end up costlier than some rivals, feature for feature, but the 3-Series is a Best Buy for its resolute focus on balanced performance.
Total Score
| 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. | 335i cpe man. | 335i cpe, auto. | 335i sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 62 | 62 | 67 | 59.5 |
Total Score: 62
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