2007 BMW 3-Series Review

BMW's 3-Series has always been an exemplar of how to combine luxury and sportiness, and the 2007 lineup is no different. The 328i features BMW's exceptional 3.0L engine, which uses double-VANOS technology to steplessly adjust both the intake and exhaust timing on way to producing 230 horsepower. New for 2007 is a twin-turbocharged version of the same six-cylinder, which is found in the 335i models. This gem of an engine produces 300 horsepower and an equal amount of torque. Both powerplants are matched with a superb six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is a $1,275 option.

The 3-Series is available as a coupe, a retractable hardtop convertible coupe, a sedan, and a wagon. In addition to rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is available with the base engine on all body types except the convertible (where it isn't available at all). All vehicles have a marvelously balanced chassis and outstanding road feel. Easily adjusted and very supportive seats are the norm, as is one of the nicest steering wheels found in a modern automobile. A stiff suspension means the 3-Series is at its best when carving corners.

Standard equipment is generous, with stability and traction controls, xenon adaptive headlights, a moonroof, power heated mirrors, a tire pressure monitor, dynamic cruise control, automatic tri-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, side seat-mounted and curtain air bags, and power windows and locks. The all-wheel-drive versions add retractable headlight washers. The 335i models include a memory feature for the mirrors, power seats, a LOGIC7 sound system with 13 speakers and surround sound simulation, and an assortment of visual adjustments.

Differences between body styles, aside from the obvious, are minimal. The convertibles add memory to the mirrors and power to the seats. The sedan and wagon ride on 16-inch alloys instead of the 17-inchers found on the coupe and convertible. The wagon also has roof rails for extra cargo-toting flexibility.

Options are extensive, ranging from a rear parking assist and a DVD-based navigation system, to run-flat performance tires and an increased top-speed limiter.
The biggest news for the 2007 3-Series is the introduction of BMW's twin-turbo 3.0L six-cylinder. This engine, found in the 335 models, produces a ripping 300-horsepower and an identical amount of torque. The base six-cylinder now produces 230 horsepower (versus 215 in 2006). Nomenclature has been changed to reflect these powerplant changes, with the 325 and 330 now being called the 328 and 335.

All-wheel drive is newly available on the coupe and with the normally aspirated engine on the sedan. A rear-wheel-drive wagon is also new for 2007. The vaunted M3 will return in the 2008 model year. see less