Unlike comparable Japanese vehicles, European cars tend to age much better. Just look at any 10-year-old Audi, BMW or Mercedes. Whereas the Japanese tend to rush new technology and design into their machines, typically making the previous generation dated, the Europeans take a more measured approach. It's just one of the many reasons we are drawn to European cars.
Therefore, we were somewhat shocked when the latest generation of 3 Series was born. It looks, well, it looks much different that what we've come to expect from a new BMW. But it's been said it's what's inside that counts. In that case, this E90 is the best 3 Series ever. We took delivery of the Electric Red 2006 330i some nine weeks ago. We actually ended up ordering it twice, the first order getting lost somewhere in email purgatory.
Think of the 330i as the everyman's M3. You get all the fundamental goodness of an M3 without the insurance premium. A base 330i carries an MSRP of $36,600 and includes a 255-bhp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline six with Valvetronic, 17-inch alloys, DSC, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight control, lighted door handles, sport steering wheel, eight-way power front seats, AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player with Logic7, on-board computer and a large moon roof. BMW covers maintenance on the first four years/50,000 miles and includes its Roadside Assistance program.
After browsing BMW's website, we plugged the premium package ($2,200) into the equation, bringing a leather-clad interior to the party with electronic lumbar supports. Italso included BMW Assist with Bluetooth integration and xenon headlamps. We also opted for the sport package, a $1,600 program that gave us stylish 18-inch alloys, a firmer sport suspension, front sport seats and a leather-clad steering wheel with integrated controls. The two remaining options are must-haves (in our opinion anyway), Sirius satellite radio ($595) and BMW's active steering ($1,250). Although we were already fans of the pay-for-play Sirius, BMW's active steering system has proven to be immensely popular with ec's staff. More on that later. All told, the 330i set us back (gasp) $42,940. It had better be good for that kind of scratch.
The good news is that it is.
First, the new body style is really growing on us. The pronounced angularity of Chris Bangle's design gives the 3 Series a bold and singular look. And it manages to do thiswithout disrespecting its older sibling. Our Anaheim offices are fairly loaded with BMW's previous 3 Series so we see the difference everyday. The new 3er looks fresherwithout heavy makeup. I suppose that's testament to sound, fundamental design.
The real joy however, is driving the 330i. It feels like a professionally tailored leather jacket, a thing both tough yet elegant. There's a sensation of solidity to the 330i, one you feel when traversing terrible pieces of pavement. Potholes, expansion joints, etc., are reduced to distant thuds. When the road is good, however, the 330i is very quiet. BMW did a fabulous job of insulating the cabin, especially around the windows and doors. At 85 mph, the BMW sees 2600 rpm on the tachometer and feels very relaxed. If there's an exhaust note, you sure don't hear it. Drop a few gears and the car's demeanor quickly changes, turning downright nasty. Again, the car's tone is not obtrusive but more of a refined rage. Ultimately it means you are usually going faster than it sounds.
The 330i produces 255 bhp at 6600 rpm and 220 lb-ft of twist at 2750 rpm. That makes it significantly more powerful than the E36 M3. Just for kicks, we squared-off my M3 and this 330i. Yes, the 330-bhp M3 won the duel but not by much. Credit must be given to the torque-rich nature of the new car's engine.
And now the really good news.
Our 330i was ordered with active steering, an option we really didn't know much about. After the first few minutes turning the steering wheel, it's obvious it makes this car a much different animal. Simply driving it though the parking garage is like driving an F1 car. The slightest nudge turns the BMW with razor-like sharpness, no more hand-over-hand stuff. As speed increases, the ratio grows taller but remains markedly tighter than a standard BMW. Although the first generation of active steering was left wanting (poor on-center feel and feedback), BMW basically reworked the entire system until they were satisfied. The end result is the best steering car I've ever driven. Ultimately, BMW's active steering makes our 330i more fun to drive. The downside is driving a car without active steering, especially after just getting out of the 330i. Everything seems to steer like a school bus.
Active steering may be a hard sell for BMW dealers because it's not a visible option like larger alloy wheels or a moon roof. It is, however, just as rewarding as a more powerful engine or sport suspension. Think about that when you spec out your new 3 Series.
It's a good thing we've got the 330i for the next 12 months because it continues to reveal little surprises. Here's a few of the latest: The center armrest features an air-conditioned cup holder; there's a drawer in the trunk's ceiling big enough for a laptop or small briefcase; all four door handles are lighted, which makes finding them in the dark much easier; the cruise control features an outer band on the speedometer and gives you a visible indicator of what speed it's set at.
This kind of stuff makes you fall in love with a car. Even though we've got it for a whole year, we are already dreading saying goodbye.
2006 BMW 330i
Drivetrain
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine
3.0-liter inline six, dohc, four valves per cylinder
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Performance
Peak Power: 255 bhp @ 6600 rpm
Peak Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
Fuel Economy: 20 city/30 hwy
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)