Heaping praise on the 335i, or any 3 Series Bimmer for that matter, hardly requires keen insight or years of experience reviewing cars. All an automotive journalist need do really is dig into his bag of superlatives and spread them across the page. For me, reviewing the 3 Series is easier than any other BMW model. It is the purest, least-cluttered-with-unnecessary-technology, most-fun-to-drive BMW.
My latest 3 Series encounter was with a 335i sedan, retailing for $41,975. BMW also builds a coupe and convertible version. A change in the 335i's six cylinder's turbocharger is mostly responsible for the boost in fuel economy, elevating it to an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This is up 2 mpg for both numbers from last year's turbocharged six. Although providing better fuel management, the new 3-liter in-line six delivers the same get-up-and-go as last year's engine. Generating 300 horsepower and a peak torque of 300 lb-ft, it launches this sedan from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in about 5.5 seconds.
My test BMW used the standard six-speed manual transmission to funnel engine output to the rear wheels. A driver-shiftable six-speed automatic is available as a $1,375 option. If my past experience with a BMW automatic tranny is any indication, probably very little in statistical performance is sacrificed when letting the transmission choose shift points. It does, however, dull the fun-to-drive element a bit. There is just something almost spiritual about rolling the shift lever through its gates as you sweep through the turns. It creates a bond of sorts between driver and machine that just doesn't happen when the transmission assumes the task of selecting the appropriate cog.
Nimble and athletic, the 335i features the same four-wheel independent suspension architecture as other 3 Series entries. MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear provide the core elements of this well-balanced setup. Even in its base form, this suspension delivers dynamic handling. My test 335i had the $2,150 Sport Package. In addition to 18-inch alloy wheels in place of the standard 17-inch ones, sports seats and upgraded steering wheel, it features a sport-tuned suspension. With it, you would be hard-pressed to find a sedan more stable and better planted in the corners than the 335i.
Offering the usual collection of must-have brake-related safety features, the 3 Series builds on its four-wheel antilock brake system with stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assist. Additionally the 3 Series has, what BMW calls, emergency braking preparation. Whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator, the brake calipers automatically close to bring the pads into near contact with the rotors in preparation for an emergency stop. In other words, once the accelerator is released and before the brake pedal is engaged, the braking process has already commenced. Moreover, when the windshield wipers are in use, a rain support system automatically wipes moisture off the brake rotors for improved contact.
Inside the cabin attention to safety continues with six airbags and front-seat anti-whiplash protection.
More about the practical aspects of piloting the car than providing a living-room-like setting, the 3 Series interior focuses on business rather than pleasure. Yes, it is comfortable enough; but every element from its heavily bolstered front seats to the economy of its primary gauge cluster screams sports car rather than luxury sedan. With the Sport Package, the front seats are even more pronounced.
Passenger space is a bit below average for the class. Close competitors like the Audi A4 and Cadillac CTS have a smidgen more front/rear leg and head room. At 12 cubic feet, the 3 Series has the same trunk space as the A4 and about a cubic foot less than the CTS. Front-seat occupants in the 3 Series will be quite comfortable, while all but the smallest rear-seat passengers will feel the space a tad confining.
Every 3 Series comes standard with a range of amenities, such as full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, tilt-and telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio controls, cooled storage compartment, heated outboard mirrors, trip computer, and a six-speaker audio system with CD player and audio input jack. To this array the 335i adds a power sunroof and eight-way power front-seat adjustments with driver-side memory.
Covering a fair amount of the cabin, including the seats, is what BMW calls "leatherette." It's an upscale vinyl that does a pretty good job of disguising itself. Upgrading to real leather adds $1,320 to the bottom line. BMW's iDrive computer interface is available only with the $1,910 navigation system. Adding a USB adapter and iPod interface boosts the total by another $400.
Including the BMW 3 Series on so many "best of" lists isn't by accident or conspiracy. A driver's car of the first order, it puts driving excitement ahead of all else. And after all, isn't that what you want in a sporty-luxury sedan?
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