2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon - Consumer Guide Automotive

2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon
More Photos

MSRP:
$30,900 - 38,500

Invoice:
$28,300 - 35,215

Class:
Premium Compact Car

CG Award: (What's This?)

2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon
Expert Rating Summary

Category	325i w/Sport Pkg., man. Rating (See All Ratings)	Premium Compact Car Average Rating

Acceleration	7	6.2

Fuel Economy	5	5.4

Ride Quality	6	5.9

Steering/Handling/Braking	8	7.2

Quietness	6	6.1

Controls	7	7

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)	6	6.5

Room/Comfort (rear)	4	3.6

Cargo Room	3	4.7

Value within Class	9	6.1

Total Score:	61	58.7

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

2006 BMW 3-SERIES SEDAN AND WAGON BUYING RESOURCES

Trade-In Calculator

Sell Your Car

2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon Review

BMW redesigns its best-selling cars for 2006 with new styling, more power, and an available iDrive control system. This report covers the redesigned 3-Series sedans and wagons. Coupe and convertible models based on the 1999-vintage 3-Series generation continue unchanged for '06 (see separate report). The sedan and wagon are slightly longer and wider than the 1999-2005 generation. Sedans are available with all-wheel drive, which is standard on wagons; AWD models get an "xi" suffix. All '06s have a 3.0-liter inline 6-cyl engine. The 325i and 325xi have 215 hp vs. 184 with the last generation's 2.5-liter six. The 330i and 330xi have 255 hp vs. 225. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard in all models and a 6-speed automatic is optional.

ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard, as are front torso side airbags and head-protecting tubular side airbags that cover both seating rows. All models have run-flat tires. Steering-linked xenon headlights are optional on 325s, standard on 330s. Rear-drive versions are available with a Sport Package that includes a firmer suspension and also with BMW's Active Steering that quickens steering response at low speeds. BMW's iDrive comes with the available navigation system and uses a console "joystick" knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and some other functions. Among other options: leather upholstery; heated front seats; rear obstacle detection; adaptive cruise control; and BMW Assist service with a hands-free, wireless cell phone link.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 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 Acura TSX, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. At this time we have no Recommended picks.

New or significantly redesigned models in this class include Audi A3 and Lexus IS.

News

As expected, BMW updates the 3-Series coupe for 2007 to the current "E90" sedan/wagon design. It bows in two 6-cyl models: a 230-hp 328i and a new twin-turbo 335i with 300 hp. Both seat four and offer BMW's all-wheel xDrive as a first-time option. BMW's computer-managed Active Steering is also available. Standard equipment includes steering-linked headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires. Claimed 0-60 mph acceleration is 6.2 sec for the 328Ci, 5.3 for the turbocharged 335Ci. Expected sometime in 2007 are redesigned "E92" convertibles with the same two engines and a first-ever power-retractable hard top instead of a cloth roof. Like the coupes, the new convertibles have unique outer sheetmetal, but maintain a 3-Series family look. A new high-performance M3 coupe and convertible should surface for 2008. They switch from 6-cyl power to a new 4.0-liter V8 with a rumored 400 hp.

BMW will reportedly reinstate an M3 sedan, perhaps for 2007, more likely for '08. Mainstream sedans and wagons should offer the new 230- and 300-hp engines sometime soon.

Meantime, BMW is readying a 3-Series-based 5-seat crossover wagon known to insiders as V3. It's expected in Europe by 2009 and could come stateside if BMW sees fit.

Finally, BMW's entry-level 1-Series compact car is expected to launch in America during 2007. Available in Europe since late 2004, the baby Bimmer uses many 3-Series underskin components in a smaller 4-dr hatchback package. BMW is reportedly looking to add 2-dr hatch, coupe, and convertible versions, plus a 4-dr sedan and wagon. Sources believe the coupe and/or sedan would come here first, with other body styles possible later on. The likely engine is a 3.0-liter 6-cyl with some 215 hp.

2006 BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon Road Test >

Car Buying Resources