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2007 BMW 3-Series Full Review
Date Published: 3/27/08
Also in the 2007 BMW 3-Series Review:
5. 
BMW 3-Series Photos

6. 
BMW 3-Series Full Review

7. 
All BMW 3-Series

8. 
All BMWs


2007 BMW 3-Series Review
A retractable hardtop convertible and an additional all-wheel drive sedan model are midseason additions to BMW's 3-Series lineup. BMW redesigned the coupe version of its best-selling car for 2007 to bring it in line with the sedan and wagon, which were redesigned for 2006. The coupes have their own styling and are available for the first time with all-wheel drive. Compared to the 1999-2006 versions, they are 3.6 inches longer, 1.7 inches wider, and more than 200 lb heavier. The 3-Series sedan and coupe come as 328i, all-wheel-drive 328xi, and 335i models. An AWD 335xi sedan arrives as a midseason addition, as does a 2-door convertible with a power-retracting hardtop in 328i or 335i form. Wagons are offered as the 328i or 328xi. No high-performance M3 models are offered for 2007.

All '07s have a 3.0-liter inline 6-cyl engine. The 328i and 328xi have 230 hp and replace 215-hp 325i models. The 335i and 335xi are turbocharged and have 300 hp; they replace 255-hp 330i models. All have a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic. ABS, traction/antiskid control, and front side airbags are standard. Head-protecting tubular side airbags that cover both seating rows are standard on all but convertibles. Standard on convertibles are rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip. All models have run-flat tires, and all except convertibles have a sunroof. Steering-linked xenon headlights are standard on coupes, convertibles, and 335i sedans, optional otherwise. On all models, seats with extra side bolstering are available in a Sport Package. Firmer suspension is standard on rear-drive coupes, optional in a Sport Package for convertibles and 335i sedans. All rear-drive models are offered with BMW's Active Steering that quickens steering response at low speeds. BMW's iDrive is included with an available navigation system and uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. Among other options: leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and BMW Assist service with a wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX and Audi A3.

New or significantly redesigned is the BMW 3-Series.
News
The latest 3-Series design continues its phased rollout with first-ever hardtop convertibles and new high-performance M3s. On sale by the time you read this as late 2007 additions, the drop-tops follow the recently launched 3-Series coupes in offering 328i and twin-turbo 335i versions. Both feature a three-panel roof that powers up or down in about 23 seconds. A removable wind blocker is standard. Appropriate structural reinforcements make the convertibes about 400 pounds heavier than equivalent coupes.

Due in early 2008 are a next-generation M3 coupe and convertible with a new 4.0-liter V8, derived from BMW's V10, to replace a 3.2-liter inline 6-cyl. Full specifics are not yet available, but the sportiest 3s are expected to claim at least 400 hp and over 300 lb-ft of torque. That's up from 343 hp and 270 lb-ft. Transmissions comprise 6-speed manual and BMW's 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox that can be set to shift automatically. The basic 3-Series design is heavily reworked for M3 duty to include a wider body with flared fenders and specific bumpers; a reinforced floor structure; a performance-tuned suspension with unique aluminum components; standard 18-inch wheels; and the usual cosmetic spiffs. More details will be emerging soon, so keep checking back with us.

Meantime, BMW says its entry-level 1-Series subcompact is finally coming stateside. It's due in early 2008, but will be sold as a coupe and convertible rather than the hatchback offered in Europe since 2003. The 1-Series uses many 3-Series underskin components in a smaller, rear-wheel-drive package. Spy photos indicate the U.S. versions will look much like scaled-down 3-Series two-doors. BMW hasn't yet confirmed pricing, on-sale date or equipment, but says the U.S. 1s will come only with 6-cyl engines. That likely means the 3-Series' 3.0-liter unit with either 215 or 230 hp, though there's talk of twin-turbo "M1" performance versions with up 300 hp.
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2007 BMW 3-Series Road Test
Pros Cons
Steering/handling Rear-seat room
Build quality Price
Refinement
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 4.2

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 6.3

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 59.7
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
55
Average Score
59
High Score
67
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2007 BMW 3-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/15/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
328i 2-door coupe $35,300 $32,475 $775
AWD 328xi 2-door coupe $37,100 $34,130 $775
328i 4-door sedan $32,400 $29,810 $775
AWD 328xi 4-door sedan $34,300 $31,555 $775
328i 4-door wagon $34,200 $31,465 $775
328i 2-door convertible $43,200 $39,745 $775
AWD 328xi 4-door wagon $36,100 $33,210 $775
335i 2-door coupe $40,800 $37,535 $775
335i 4-door sedan $38,700 $35,605 $775
AWD 335xi 4-door sedan $40,800 $38,535 $775
335i 2-door convertible $49,100 $45,170 $775
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
328i/328xi
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control, hill-holder clutch.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side head-protecting airbags (coupe, sedan, wagon), automatic roll bars (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights (coupe, convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat (coupe, sedan, wagon), height-adjustable passenger seat (sedan, wagon), 10-way power driver seat (convertible), 8-way power passenger seat (convertible), memory system (driver seat, mirrors) [convertible], center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (coupe, wagon), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid (convertible), power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (coupe, sedan, wagon), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, cooled center console, map lights, rain-sensing intermittent wipers w/heated washer jets, power retractable hardtop (convertible), cargo cover (wagon), rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails (wagon), steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights (coupe, convertible), fog lights, sport suspension (coupe), 205/55HR16 run-flat tires (sedan, wagon), 225/45R17 run-flat tires (coupe, convertible), alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill descent control, headlight washers.
335i/335xi adds to 328i/328xi:
Powertrain
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery (convertible), 8-way power front seats (coupe, sedan), memory system (driver seat, mirrors), passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid (convertible), upgraded sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, 225/45VR17 run-flat tires, AWD add: all-wheel drive, hill descent control, headlight washers.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
328 coupe/sedan/wagon
$3,250
$2,960
328 convertible, 335 coupe/sedan
$2,550
$2,320
335 convertible
$1,550
$1,410
Leather upholstery (coupe, sedan, wagon), power front seats (328 coupe/sedan/wagon), front-seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Assist system, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, compass.
Sport Pkg.
328i convertible, 335i coupe
$1,100
$1,000
328xi coupe
$400
$365
328i sedan/wagon
$1,600
$1,455
328xi sedan/wagon
$1,200
$1,090
335i sedan
$1,700
$1,545
328i coupe
$1,000
$910
335xi
$900
$820
335i convertible
$1,300
$1,185
Increased top speed limiter (2WD), sport seats, sport steering wheel (sedan, wagon), sport suspension (335i sedan, convertible), 225/45R17 front and 255/40R17 rear run-flat tires (328i sedan/wagon), 225/45R17 run-flat tires (328xi, 335xi), 225/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear run-flat tires (328i coupe/convertible, 335i).
Cold Weather Pkg.
328i coupe/wagon/convertible, 335i coupe/convertible
$750
$685
328i sedan, 335i sedan
$1,000
$910
328xi coupe/wagon
$600
$545
328xi sedan
$850
$775
Heated front seats, split folding rear seat (sedan), ski sack, headlight washers (328i, 335i).
Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$1,275
$1,210
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$350
$320
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$2,100
$1,910
Includes iDrive control system, voice recognition, traffic information.
BMW Assist system
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$750
$685
Includes wireless cell phone link.
Paddle shifters
335i
$100
$90
Requires Sport Pkg., 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Keyless access and starting
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$500
$455
Leather upholstery
328 coupe/sedan/wagon, 335i
$1,450
$1,320
328i convertible
$1,550
$1,410
Power front seats
328
$995
$905
Includes driver-seat and mirror memory. Std. convertible.
Heated front seats
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$500
$455
Split folding rear seat
sedan
$475
$430
Includes ski sack.
Trunk pass-through
convertible
$175
$160
Special wood interior trim
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$0
$0
Aluminum interior trim
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$0
$0
Power rear sunshade
sedan
$575
$525
coupe
$350
$320
Sedans include manual side sunshades.
Manual side sunshades
wagon
$250
$230
Adaptive cruise control
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$2,400
$2,135
Upgraded sound system
328
$1,200
$1,090
Satellite radio
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$595
$540
High definition radio
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$500
$450
iPod connection
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$400
$365
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
328 sedan/wagon
$800
$730
Special paint
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$475
$430
Active steering
328i, 335i
$1,400
$1,230
225/45R17 front and 255/40R17 rear run-flat tires
328xi sedan/wagon
$300
$275
Requires Sport Pkg.
255/40R18 run-flat tires
328xi coupe
$600
$545
Requires Sport Pkg.
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2007 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 108.7 108.7 108.7 108.7
Overall Length, in. 180.3 178.2 178.2 180.6
Overall Width, in. 70.2 71.5 71.5 70.2
Overall Height, in. 54.1 55.9 55.9 54.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3417 3285 3737 3792
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.1 12.0 60.9 9.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9 15.9 15.9 16.1
Seating Capacity 4 5 5 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.1 37.4 37.3 38.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8 41.5 41.5 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 36.1 37.1 36.9 36.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.7 34.6 34.6 31.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I6 Turbocharged dohc I6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.0 /182 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 230 @ 6500 300 @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 200 @ 2750 300 @ 1400
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed manual 20/29 19/29
6-speed automatic 21/30 20/29
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible
Front Impact, Driver NA 4 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger NA 4 4 NA
Rollover Resistance NA 4 4 NA
Side Impact, Driver NA 5 NA NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA 5 NA NA
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 12/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance 4/50,000 --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany, South Africa
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 BMW 3-Series
Trim Level:  335i/335xi
Arrival Date:  07/02/2007
Engine:  Turbocharged dohc I6
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  6-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $48,192
Price as Tested:  $55,116
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  4974
Mileage at End of Test:  5693
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  37.898 gals.
 

Major Options:  Premium Package, Sport Package

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  18.97 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Sometimes, things just cost what they cost, and if the thing you value is a delightfully sporty convertible that doubles as a snug coupe with its hardtop raised, a car that rewards the atuned driver, and an exhaust note that serenades the ear, then $52,000 is what that costs.

Jack Stewart Great car, bad choice of tires. (18-inch wheels)

Jennifer Geiger While this hardtop was fast, fun, and refined I'd still choose an Eos. In terms of value, it makes more sense to me. Eos also gets the vote in my book for its exterior styling.

Rick Cotta Aside from laughable top-down trunk space and some irksome top-up creaks over bumps, the 3-Series convertible is hard to fault. A more polished chassis doesn't exist, and the powertrain ranks with the best. It would evidently take me more than the two days and 150 miles spent with the car to get used to the annoying turn signals, but I'd gladly drive it until I do.

Tom Appel BMW does it best. It costs the most, but this four-place hardtop convertible easily bests the Volvo C70 and Volkswagen Eos in rigidity, available power, and handling. The VW is still the better value, but if you have the coin to invest in something a step up, this Ultimate Driving Machine lives up to the pretense.

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Also in the 2007 BMW 3-Series Review:
1.