REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Just like good wine

The 3 Series is certainly, the most affordable, versatile and popular at BMW. It has also become the benchmark for sport compacts over the last quarter of century. Although the current generation is already three years old, it remains as crisp as new. Just like good wine, it keeps improving with time.

Aware of the impact of any revamping attempt on its fetish model, the propeller brand took its time. We were offered the sedan first, and then fourth generation coupe and convertible in many deliveries, among which the Xi, according to Tobias Nickel, BMW Canada’s spokesperson, should account for 30% of all national sales.

The 3 Series sedan has taken into account the number of errors indicated on the previous version. Such a list is quite surprising when considering the prestige halo that surrounds the brand: uneasy access to rear seats, narrow cabin with little head room and most of all questionable assembly. The cold presentation did contrast with Bavarians’ legendary gemytlichkeit that inspired beer celebration among other things. And the endless and costly list of comfort and luxury options - including accessories often considered a must by BMW drivers - was also questioned. Is it history? It’s your call. The current 3 series is definitely roomier at the back, but legroom remains limited and access through narrow rear doors is still tight. Driver controls and driving position are impeccable. The steering wheel height and depth are adjustable. Standard seats offer adequate comfort, but optional sport seats are superior. The dashboard is still a classical design, but materials used reveal far superior to those of the previous version. Standard equipment is complete (Xenon headlights, heating headlight washers, CD player, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, 16-inch wheels and fog lights, wow!) This does not mean however that a few accessories can be added, like metal paint ($800), Montana leather seating ($2375), trunk access with ski bag ($660), or heating seats ($520.)

Those who turned their back on the previous edition of 3 Series should take note that this delivery is 4cm longer and wider, has a 2,5 cm longer wheel span and a 6cm wider front and rear wheelbase. BMW says the new chassis is twice as rigid and can absorb 80 % more kinetic energy in a collision. It has nevertheless been equipped with front and side air bags in the front as well as ITS (Inflatable Tubular Structure) tubular air bags intended to protect the head, plus optional rear seat air bags, for a total of eight - the record in its category. In spite of its larger size and the addition of numerous systems and devices, the 3 Series gained only 5% in weight, thanks in par t to the increase use of aluminum in many suspension parts. The new "3" doesn’t look fatter at all with the new look that American body designer Chris Bangle and its team gave to this familiar silhouette. When the new version was launched, Bangle commented on the front end of his creation: "The headlights are like a woman’s eyes and the central part is like her nose. Surrounding details act like jewelry to suggest a level of pure and high quality." The man is creative.In spite of its most sophisticated anti-skid system, the 3 Series, like many rear-wheel drives, has never been completely at ease on snow. It’s no longer the plain truth, however, since the Bavarian brand has introduced, for an extra $3,100, integral traction in its options list. With this addition, ground clearance is raised by 17 mm (which makes it impossible to combine with the sports option package which includes a lower suspension) and although a hundred kilograms are added to the bulk weight, but weight balance between the front and the back remains uncompromised.

The 325Xi is powered by a deeply reengineered 2,5-litre in-line 6-cylinder engine. Lighter, more environment-friendly and definitely more powerful (184 hp compared to 170 hp previously) and produces sensibly more torque, especially at low revolution, thanks to the use of a double VANOS system that varies valve opening and a variable volume intake collector. This nervous and performing mechanics fully benefits from the 3 Series fine-tuned chassis. For additional pleasure, the 5-speed standard gearbox is as smooth as it gets. On the road, the car’s behavior is balanced and safe and the steering precision adds to the pleasurable driving experience.

Road handling is simply fantastic, better than ever before, which is not a small feat. With an improved weight balance and modified front train geometry borrowed on the old M3, it never seems heavier or larger than before. It is easy to drive and its balance remains undisturbed.

More comfortable, more luxurious, roomier, safer (even in winter), better equipped, better assembled and quieter, the 3 Series sedan satisfies its demanding reputation and once again reveals as the most desirable sport compact.

PROS
Magic engines
Surefooted
Compact size

CONS
Too many options
Dark interior
Compact size