BMW 3 series 2006 $16,995

Vehicle Overview Offered in 325 and 330 forms with different engines, the redesigned 2006 3 Series is BMW's bread-and-butter model. This series has a history in the U.S. market that dates back to 1977. Compared with the fourth-generation series, which debuted for 1999, the new fifth-generation 325 sedan is all-new and larger in almost every dimension. Although its body is 30 pounds lighter than before, it's been stiffened. Front-to-rear weight distribution is close to 50/50. Sedans, wagons, coupes and convertibles have been part of the 3 Series lineup in the past. In this generation, 325 and 330 sedans go on sale first, with other body styles scheduled to arrive later. BMW says the iconic high-level status of the 3 Series is based on how it drives. On sale in May 2005, the 2006 325 sedan uses a new inline-six-cylinder engine that produces more horsepower and torque. A six-speed-manual transmission is now standard, and a six-speed automatic is optional. Previously, only the more powerful 330 models could be equipped with a six-speed manual. Suspensions are new and include a five-link rear configuration body rigidity is greater. Many new features are borrowed from the larger 5, 6 and 7 Series in BMW's lineup. Run-flat tires are mounted on all models. Dynamic Stability Control has expanded functions for 2006, and Dynamic Cruise Control lets the driver apply brakes lightly to control speed. Exterior According to BMW, the new design blends 3 Series character and tradition with progressive aesthetics and enhanced functionality. Just a glance affirms that it's a 3 Series. The 325 features a long hood and short front overhangs. Though it's still truly a compact car, its wheelbase has grown to 108.7 inches, and the 325 is 2.2 inches longer overall it now measures 178.2 inches. The car's width has increased to 71.5 inches, and the sedan is slightly taller. Its weight when equipped with an automatic transmission has increased by only 44 pounds. Alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires, and 17-inch rubber is optional. Ground lighting in the door handles and adaptive brake lights are standard. Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and Active Steering with Servotronic speed-sensitive assist are optional. Interior Occupants of the 325's five-passenger interior get more rear-seat space. Shoulder room, front headroom, rear knee room and trunk volume have grown. Trunk capacity is 12 cubic feet, and a folding rear seat is optional. Optional sport seats have adjustable backrest width. A multifunction remote replaces the conventional key, and the engine fires via a start/stop button. Automatic climate control has a Heat-at-Rest feature to continue moving warm air around the cabin. For the first time, BMW's iDrive control system is available in the 3 Series as part of the optional navigation system. Subwoofers beneath the front seats are included with the standard audio system, and Sirius Satellite Radio can be installed. Logic7 surround sound is optional. A power rear sunshade is optional, and it includes manual rear side sunshades. Under the Hood BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder produces 215 hp at 6,250 rpm and 185 pounds-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm in the 325 sedan. The engine incorporates Valvetronic variable valve lift. A new six-speed-manual gearbox is standard, and a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with Normal, Sport and Manual modes is optional. Safety For the first time in the 3 Series, BMW's Head Protection System uses a side curtain-type airbag system to protect occupants in both the front and rear seats. New seat-mounted side-impact airbags are installed up front, whereas prior models had door-mounted devices. BMW no longer offers backseat side-impact airbags. Automatic seat belt pretensioners are installed in front and at the outboard rear positions. Driving Impressions The prior-generation 325 sedan was altogether enjoyable in the driver-oriented sense, but the handling attributes of the fifth g

• Pwr tilt/slide glass moonroof
• Halogen free-form fog lights
• Adaptive brake lights
• Programmable daytime running lights
• Dual pwr heated mirrors
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers w/automatic headlight control
• Heated windshield washer jets
• Leatherette front bucket seats w/8-way manual adjusters
• Burl walnut wood trim
• Front center armrest w/climate-controlled storage compartment
• Rear center armrest w/cup holders
• 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel w/cruise/audio/phone controls
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel column
• On-board computer
• Check Control vehicle monitor system w/pictogram display
• Service interval indicator w/miles-to-service readout
• Flat tire warning indicator
• Keyless entry system w/multi-function remote control
• Vehicle & key memory
• Pwr trunk release
• Central locking system
• Pwr windows w/1-touch up/down
• Dynamic cruise control
• Dual zone automatic climate control w/microfilter ventilation & memory
• Anti-theft AM/FM stereo w/CD player
• Prewired for CD changer alarm garage door opener cellular phone
• Locking glove box
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Front/rear map reading lights
• Footwell lighting
• Front seatback storage nets
• 3.0L DOHC 24-valve I6 engine w/variable valve timing Valvetronic
• Electronic throttle control
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Rear wheel drive
• Traction control w/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Double-pivot type front suspension w/forged aluminum lower arms
• 5-link rear suspension w/cast aluminum upper transverse arms
• Twin-tube gas pressure shock absorbers
• Front/rear stabilizer bars
• P205/55R16 run-flat all-season tires
• 16 x 7.0 double spoke alloy wheels
• Variable engine-speed-sensitive pwr steering
• 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes w/Dynamic Brake Control
• Driver & front passenger airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) w/dual stage dual-threshold deployment sensors
• Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags
• Front/rear side-impact tube-deployed head protection system (HPS)
• Height adjustable front safety belts w/automatic tensioners force limiters
• ISOFIX Automatic locking retractors on all passenger safety belts for installation of child restraint seats
• Side-impact interlocking door anchoring system
• Crash sensors automatically turn on hazard/interior lights & unlock doors
• Coded driveaway protection