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2006 BMW 330i Road Test

New Beemer Doesnt Disappoint

Thanks to magnificent handling, solid build quality and noteworthy refinement, the BMW 3-Series has long been reputed as a class-leading specimen in the Premium Compact segment. This cluster of performance machines includes some tough competition from Europe, Japan and North America, such as the Acura TSX, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3 and Volvo S60. With such esteemed company - which is only expected to improve as revised replacement models appear on the horizon - BMW knew its aging 3-Series was going to need a shot in its circulatory system to keep up. Call it blood-doping or outright steroid use, but the Bavarian Motor Works company

BMW knew its aging 3-Series was going to need a shot in its circulatory system to keep up. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

has imbued the new 3-Series with improved performanceand stunning refinement, not to mention dramatic styling.

A 2005 3-Series parked near this weeks tester provided the contrast necessary to fully appreciate the aggressive styling of the 2006 330i, the fifth generation 3. No sheet metal panel has been carried forward from last years model; this gens stamping is completely new and more in-line with

A sharply creased shoulder line runs horizontally through the door-handles, highlighting the cars side view between its athletically flared wheel wells and raised rear deck. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

the restyled 5-Series than the "out there" 7-Series. From the front, the new 3 exhibits a crouched-down, ready-to-pounce silhouette dominated by predatory feline-shaped headlights and BMWs snarling nostrils, signature bi-kidney grille. A sharply creased shoulder line runs horizontally through the door-handles, highlighting the cars side view between its athletically flared wheel wells and raised rear deck.
Cracking

Cracking open the door of my tester revealed a completely new interior. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

open the door of my tester revealed a completely new interior as well, featuring a dash design that is smoother and cleaner looking than before. In spite of its excellent functionality and tidier appearance, I dont find the new look quite as appealing as the old. From my perspective its not as sporty, nor is it quite as driver-oriented.  If not at the top of its game in dash design, BMW certainly is when it comes to seating. Thanks to hefty, power-adjustable side bolstering and firm cushioning the optional Sport perches in my tester hugged like an emotional relative after

BMW has been setting benchmarks with the handling characteristics of its 3-Series sedans and coupes over the years, and the 2006 330i is the culmination of that effort. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

a snoot full of distilled courage. They were also tremendously supportive and comfortable over the long haul.

And long hauls are to be cherished in the 330i because thats when this Autobahn-bred compact sedan comes to life. It is remarkably stable and composed at high-speed, communicating to its driver with crystal-clarity as it absorbs twists and curves with ease and confidence. Engage in an evasive emergency maneuver and the 330i will dig its optional 18-inch rubber deep into the pavement and toss itself in the exact chosen direction without any unsettling oversteer or unpredictable

The tonal quality of BMWs 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder was intoxicating as it spun the 330is tachometer from idle to its 7,000 rpm redline. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

yaw.

BMW has been setting benchmarks with the handling characteristics of its 3-Series sedans and coupes over the years, and the 2006 330i is the culmination of that effort. It has a near perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution to compliment its independent aluminum front suspension and five-link rear setup. Overseeing the entire chassis arrangement is the automakers Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) technology, which intervenes if a loss of vehicle control is imminent - and believe me, getting there requires pushing the thoroughbred to extreme thresholds.

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