2007 BMW 3 Series

Most agree that BMW's 3 Series is the gold standard of Euro-sport compact sedans—not to mention wagons, coupes and convertibles. Not surprisingly, the all-new 3 Series sedan that hit the U.S. market in May, 2005 was honored by multiple magazines and named World Car of the Year by an international jury of 46 automotive journalists.


For 2007, the sedans and wagons get new engines, improved performance, interior updates and a new pair of stablemates: a hot-looking sport coupe and a retractable hardtop convertible. The rear-drive 325i and all-wheel-drive 325xi sedans and wagons are replaced by 328i and 328xi models powered by a new 3.0-liter aluminum/magnesium inline six good for 230 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, 15 hp and 15 lb.-ft. better than the previous engine. The 330i's and 330xi's bow to new 335i and 335xi models packing a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged aluminum six that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft., substantial upgrades of 45 hp and 80 lb.-ft.

Styling

The new coupe and convertible are also offered in 230-hp 328i and 300-hp 330i versions. Standard transmission is a crisp-shifting six-speed manual, while BMW's new, smoother and quicker-shifting optional six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic, when ordered along with an available Sport Package, has steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual shift control.


This is the first time a 3 Series coupe has been offered with the available xDrive system, which BMW calls "the most sophisticated and responsive all-wheel-drive system on the market." It sends torque to all four wheels with most going to the rears in normal driving. The portion going to the front wheels, controlled by a multi-disc clutch that can be fully open, fully engaged or at any level of partial engagement, is steplessly variable with driving conditions. It doesn't just optimize traction, but enhances agility and stability on dry and slippery surfaces.


These new 3-series models are probably the best-looking new BMWs since the company began (controversially) restyling its cars a few years ago. They are also larger than their predecessors in every dimension—roughly two inches longer, one inch taller and three inches wider on a 1.4-inch-longer wheelbase—yet about as fuel efficient. The larger size brings increased interior room and comfort as well as enhanced occupant protection in case of a collision, according to BMW.