• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2006 BMW 3-Series Preview

Maintaining the Benchmark

Among BMW fans, the 3-Series garners cult-like devotion. Sure the M cars are sensational and special one-offs such as the Z8 otherworldly by even dream standards, but the 3, for decades a staple among BMW loyalists and dealers alike, is the most important car in the lineup.

For such reasons both dealers and potential buyers have been on pins and needles with anticipation over the new model. Normally the concern would not be so great, but since Chris Bangle took over top job at BMW styling, now moved up to make way for Adrian von Hooydonk, the designer of the lovely new 6-Series and also creative mind that dreamt up the controversial yet bestselling 7, normally credited to Bangle, most everyone has been hoping for a more conservative approach to the new 3.

As a six-times BMW owner I think I can speak for everyone by first letting out a gasp of relief, and then unequivocally stating the new 3-Series is one of

For decades the 3-Series has been a staple among BMW loyalists and dealers alike. (Photo: BMW of North America)

the prettiest designs to come out of Munich in years. Dont get me wrong, Im in the camp that actually likes the new 5 and 6, plus after years of getting used to it am now appreciative of the 7s ominous presence.

The 3, on the other hand, retains BMWs "flaming surface" design language without appearing overly complicated, a la 9th grade French teachers horn rimmed reading glasses in place of headlight clusters on the 5-Series, or at least thats the way one auto journalist I know described them. The new 3s headlamps are wonderfully flowing, tilting upwards in a similar fashion to the new X3 sport utility, but in a much

The new 3-Series is one of the prettiest designs to come out of Munich in years. (Photo: BMW of North America)

more elegant manner. Its grille, sporting a fine chrome surround and thicker horizontal chrome strip, is heavily influenced by the new 6, and again adds an elegant touch to the smaller Bimmer. I also like the way the sculpted hoodline continues past the grille and headlamp clusters, diving deep down into the front fascia and forming the central oil cooling air vent in the process. Two additional brake cooling vents butt up on each side, integrating discrete circular fog lamps at their outermost reaches. These are tied together via a thin horizontal chrome strip that spans the width of the car, an unusual yet graceful styling detail.

From side profile

From the side profile view, the new 3s design is striking, yet retains classic BMW styling cues like the Hofmeister kink. (Photo: BMW of North America)

the new 3s rocker panels display a pronounced flare that tapers off towards the rear wheel opening, mirroring a sharp crease at the cars waistline bisected with two color-keyed door handles on each side. The large greenhouse features BMWs traditional Hofmeister kink rear quarter window, surrounded by chrome trim at its topmost edge like the other side windows.

I think that the 3s rear quarters are where Bangle, von Hooydonk and company have executed their best work on this model. Particularly, I love the way the side waistline meets the top edge of each taillight, which follow the line downwards to meet up with each side of the license plate inset. This is the type

Im elated at BMWs new 3-Series design, as the current model was beginning to bore me. (Photo: BMW of North America)

of detailing that separates good designers from great designers, and despite the criticism, BMW has had some truly inspired styling going on lately, at least from a creative standpoint. The trunklid features some of the 5, 6 and 7s bulge, but it flows much more fluidly on the 3, seeming as one cohesive overall design rather than an aerodynamic add-on. Below, the lower valance features bends and folds that reduce the mass of what would otherwise be a visually heavy chunk of design, another brilliant execution.

If you havent figured it out yet, Im elated at BMWs new 3-Series design. As attractive as the current model was when it came out, its beginning to bore me to be honest. The design team has tweaked the headlamps and modified the side marker

While there is little doubt that the new 3 will be a thrill to drive, will it be good enough to fend off newcomers like the Lexus IS 300 and Infiniti GX35? (Photo: BMW of North America)

and taillamps, but its still old-style BMW design language. I suppose thats why some BMW fans love it so much, but I was ready to see a change in the overly conservative previous generation 5-Series design as soon as it came on the market, and would have been disappointed if BMW hadnt stretched a little with the upcoming 2006 car. They did, but not too much.

Page:  1  2  3  4  5

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo