BMW backs up 3-series claims

Leading the pack of BMW's success across North America and Europe is the 3-series sedan. The 3-series was one of the first modern cars on the market to successfully combine a luxury and sports sedan with superb handling characteristics. Since then, Beemer-wannabes like the Lexus IS300, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class have sprung up in an effort to give drivers a taste of the 3-series' unique power and handling. For some enthusiasts, these cars may satisfy their craving. But the appeal of the blue and white BMW cross-emblem goes well beyond driving qualities; Beemers signify class, status and a sense of panache. Bringing home a BMW isn't just bringing home the bacon, it's bringing home one of the best cars on the market.

Gautam Baksi Daily Driver

The latest product of the 3-series evolution is the updated 325i and the new-for-2000 330i. BMW name designations are easy to decipher: The first number is the series (3-, 5- and 7-series models currently exist) and the next two are the size of the car's engine in liters (i.e. 2.5 and 3.0 liter in-line 6 cylinder engines). You may see a few letters following the numbers. A "C" stands for a two-door coupe and an "X" for four-wheel drive (base models are rear-wheel drive only). Special racing models include the "M"-nameplate and roadsters are designated with a "Z."

Letters and numbers aside, BMW automobiles' success can be strongly attributed to their incredible road feel, control and drivability. The new models are no different, but discriminating 330i neophytes have already begun to bicker, claiming there is loss of steering feel from the previous generation (see www.bimmer.org). This is awfully similar to kids fighting over whether new Keebler Chocolate Chip Cookies really have more chocolate chips than ever before. Only now, these kids are 40 years older and have over $30,000 worth of disposable income.

Let it be known: Taking a 330Ci through a twisty, country road is about as close as one comes to feeling like a blind man in an orgy. It's a sensory overload. If, however, you are a bitchy blind man and search deep enough for flaws, a slight amount of understeer is perceptible at higher speeds with Digital Stability Control (DSC) on, while steering at lower speeds is (insignificantly) lighter. These ideal driving characteristics are obtained through meticulous 50/50 front-wheel/rear-wheel weight distribution and a perfected rear-wheel drive system.

What other characteristics make the 3-series so sublime? Examine the details. Take the steering wheel, for example; firmly folded in leather, the grip of the wheel is solid and tight with stitches discreetly resting away from primary hand contact. Lexus' new IS300 makes a valiant attempt to copy it, but falls short. Even the Beemer's 5-speed clutch feels confident. Lift is light with a very progressive take up in the middle of its travel. As expected, it has excellent action and smooth, jerk-free shifts are effortless. The interior dash is deeply contoured with a standard, black, high gloss trim that radiates a metallic shimmer when sunlight falls on it. For wood lovers, the Anthracite Birch option is both rich and real.

Owners of current Beemers on the so-called "E46" platform (323i and 328i) should hardly run out and trade in their cars for the new generation 325i/330i, built on the identical chassis. Notable improvements include bigger, stronger brakes and more power under the hood. Although the numbers claim the 330i's 0-60 mph acceleration times are comparable to the previous generation BMW M3 (6.4 seconds), it doesn't feel quite that fast. But the deep growl of the 330i is finely tuned and the torque curve is confident throughout the range of RPM's.

The new 3-series admirably sets itself apart from its admiring crowd of competitors. Adding all-wheel drive for the first time in almost a decade is just icing on the cake. Executives at BMW are finally displaying acceptance of the Japanese manufacturing principles of "kaizen" or continuous improvement. Previous 3-series models were wonderful machines. The new ones are relentlessly better.

- If you think Gautam kisses too much German ass, send him an e-mail him at gbaksi@umich.edu

Courtesy of BMW

BMW's 325i sedan improves on previous models.