BMW 2006 Model
To be blunt, this is the one model that BMW can’t afford to screw up?the 3 Series makes up greater than 40 percent of the company’s car sales. It appears some restraint was shown in the car’s bodywork, especially in the rear as the unattractive decklid theme exhibited in the 5, 6 and 7 Series machines is missing. Good. On a positive note, the new 3 can be had with or without iDrive and the new car’s performance is greatly enhanced by more powerful engines: the 325i now makes 215 bhp and 185 lb.-ft. of torque (up 31 bhp and 10 lb.-ft.) with the 330i making 255 bhp and 220 lb.-ft. of torque (up 30 bhp and 6 lb.-ft.). Helpful tech features include reworked Valvetronic variable valve timing, a new 3-stage induction system (for 330i), new safety items like Brake Standby (snugs the brake pads against the rotors when sensors detect abrupt throttle lift-off) and optional active steering. Look for more info on the new 3 Series in Associate Editor Mike Monticello’s First Drive in the April 2005 issue. Click on any image below to see an enlarged version of the photo.
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