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2007 BMW 3-Series
Date Published: 3/27/08

2007 BMW 3-Series
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MSRP:
$32,400 - 49,100

Invoice:
$29,810 - 45,170

Class:
Premium Compact Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2007 BMW 3-Series
Expert Rating Summary
Category 328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Compact Car Average Rating
Acceleration 7 6.6
Fuel Economy 6 5.4
Ride Quality 5 5.9
Steering/Handling/Braking 8 7.3
Quietness 5 6.2
Controls 8 7.2
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 6.9
Room/Comfort (rear) 2 3.7
Cargo Room 2 4.2
Value within Class 8 6.3
Total Score: 58 59.7
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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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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