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 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 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.
Active Steering offers another benefit that may give new 3-Series buyers even more reason to buck up, it now intervenes to help stabilize the car if traction is lost due to slippery road surfaces, working together with DSC III, ABS, CBC and all the other BMW acronyms, becoming an integral part of the 3s active safety system.
DSC III, short for the third generation of Dynamic Stability Control, features some new benefits in the upcoming 3-Series, including a new brake-drying system said to improve stopping power in wet weather. Reportedly it detects moisture using the windshield rain sensor and/or a driver turning on the wipers, and then allows the brake pads to gently touch the rotors in order to keep the pad surfaces dry. This is not supposed to increase brake wear either, or at least not noticeably.
The rejuvenated 3.0-liter mill makes the 330i much quicker, mind you, thanks to 255 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, available between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. While still shy of the C320 and G35, BMW makes a habit of keeping conservative with regard to its engine output ratings, so dont be surprised if the fewer ponies in the new 330i actually outperform others boasting more horsepower.
For an example, Infinitis 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque jump starts the 2004 G35 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds if equipped with its optional 6-speed transmission, according to the Japanese companys press information, while the seemingly less endowed BMW 330i manages the feat in a mere 6.2 seconds. Is the BMW that much lighter than the Infiniti? Not really. The G35 weighs in at 3,386 pounds and the new 330i tips the scales at, well Im not really sure. BMW makes no mention of it in their press material, only to say the 2006 car weighs no more than the current one despite being larger and more sophisticatedly equipped. Factor in the 2004 330s 3,285 pound curb weight and theres only a difference of 101 pounds. Significant? Yes, but hardly enough dead weight to cause a 0.4 second discrepancy. So you tell me why the less powerful 330i is so much quicker? To Infinitis credit, the 2005 G35 gets bumped up to 277 standard horsepower, which should make up the difference.
And when that time comes, itll only take a short drive on a twisting roadway to see if BMW has managed to once again, unequivocally recapture best-in-class driving dynamics. But dont think that Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and the others in this hotly contested segment will take the news of the new BMWs capabilities lying down.
While the competition will keep getting better, making the compact luxury category one of the most e
ntertaining to watch in the coming years, no rival will be able to boast of the 3-Series latest achievement. The 3 millionth 3 just rolled off the Regensburg assembly line last week, six years after launching the current version. This is a milestone for BMW, as it has never achieved greater success with any model series previously.Without doubt the next generation 3 will carry on this legacy, maintaining BMWs benchmark status for years to come.
