2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe First Drive

When selecting a 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe, there are really two points of differentiation: power and traction. The first is denoted by the trim names, 328i and 335i, the former drawing acceleration from a 230-horsepower six-cylinder engine, with the latter featuring twin turbos that bump output to 300 horsepower. Both are equipped with standard manual transmissions and offer a six-speed automatic as an option. There’s also a third choice, the 328xi, which incorporates BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system into the 230-horsepower package.

Starting at $35,995 including a $695 destination charge, the rear-wheel-drive 328i provides the aforementioned powertrain as well as a long list of desirable features, including heated mirrors and wipers, fog lights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary controls, power front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels coupled with 225/45 all-season run-flat tires, and leatherette upholstery complemented by real aluminum or authentic wood (dark burl walnut, light poplar, or gray poplar) interior trim. That’s in addition to dual-zone climate control, an expansive power sunroof, and an audio system that plays MP3s and includes dual subwoofers. Safety is addressed by standard side-curtain and front-side airbags, adaptive brake lights that increase in intensity depending on pedal pressure, cornering lights which provide increased illumination when turning, and BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system.

That’s a good deal of equipment for 36 grand, but there are, of course, multiple options available, such as the Steptronic six-speed automatic transmission ($1,275), active steering ($1,250), a power rear sunshade ($350), three-setting heated front seats ($500), rear park assist ($350), intelligent cruise control that slows but does not stop the vehicle ($2,200), a navigation system with iDrive ($2,100), leather seats ($1,450), an upgraded Logic 7 sound system ($1,200), and much more. Various packages can also be ordered, including a Sport Package with 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/40 front and 255/35 performance rubber.

Aside from its xDrive full-time all-wheel-drive system, the first to ever be offered on a 3 Series Coupe, the content within the 328xi differs little from that of the 328i. Priced at $37,795, the 2007 BMW 328xi adds only a headlight cleaning system as standard equipment, while deleting active steering from the list of available options.

Priced from $41,295, the rear-wheel-drive 335i is the premium model within the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe lineup. In addition to its 300-horsepower twin-turbocharged engine, the 335i adds memory settings for the front seats and mirrors and the Logic 7 surround sound system. Options mirror those of the other models, though paddle shifters are included when the automatic tranny and Sport Package are selected.