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2006 BMW 3 Series First Drive
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| Specifications |
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2006 BMW 3 Series
TO THE POINT
Selling Points:Brilliant performance, iDrive is optional, iPod compatible, advanced safety systems
Deal Breakers: Hard to get in and out, cabin feels restrictive, price climbs high with options
Our Advice:Buyers of the badge should skip the stiff-riding Sport package. People who love to drive will love to drive the new 2006 BMW 3 Series.
MEET THE COMPETITION
Acura TL
Lexus IS
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Specifications
Performance, efficiency, and ULEV-2 emissions ratings. What’s not to like?
Test Vehicle(s): 2006 BMW 325i Sport; 2006 BMW 330i Sport
Price of Test Vehicle(s): $33,190 (325i); $47,390 (330i)
Engine Size and Type: 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (330i with three-stage induction)
Engine Horsepower: 215 at 6,250 (325i); 255 at 6,600 rpm (330i)
Engine Torque: 185 at 2,750 (325i); 220 at 2,750 (330i)
Transmission: Six-speed manual (325i); Six-speed automatic with manual shift capability (330i)
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,285 (325i); 3,450 (330i)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 20/30 mpg (est. 325i); 20/28 mpg (est. 330i)
Observed Fuel Economy: 24 mpg (325i); 20.2 mpg (330i)
Length: 178.2 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Wheelbase: 108.7 in.
Height: 55.9 in.
Leg room (front/rear): 41.5/34.6 in.
Head room (front/rear): 37.4/37.1 in.
Max. Seating Capacity: 5
Max. Cargo Volume: 12 cu. ft.
Competitors: Acura TL, Acura TSX, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300C, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS, Lincoln Zephyr, Mazda Mazdaspeed 6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Nissan Altima SE-R, Nissan Maxima SE, Saab 9-3, Subaru Legacy GT, Subaru WRX STi, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S60 Photos courtesy of Greg Jarem
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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