BMW 3 Series 2005 Review

The look of the E90, BMW's generational designation for the current model, is a little more distinctive and aggressive. Just the sort of thing to puff the chest of a new owner.

However, it is the first tactile contact with the car that sets the ownership experience.

The solidity of the doors, the snick of finely-machined components as you slide into the seats and close the door behind you.

They've still got it.

BMW knows how to present a car that demands attention and the new 3 Series is no exception.

The car has grown and the increased interior space is noticeable. There is more shoulder room in the front and better head and shoulder room in the rear; not a huge amount but enough to elicit comment.

The boot is considerably more spacious but comes at a cost many people would rather not pay - the loss of the spare wheel.

Run-flat tyres are the standard for much of the BMW range now and while they offer some advantages there are trade-offs.

They are harsher and noisy on the worst of Australia's course-chip roads and around twice as expensive to replace as a regular tyre - that is if you can find one.

That aside, there is little else to dislike about the 3 Series.

All three models, the 320i, 325i and 330i, have their attractions, although most features are based on affordability.

At the entry level, the 110kW 2.0-litre 320i starts at $49,900 for the slick little six-speed manual, but most buyers will opt for the six-speed auto which adds $2600 to the base price.

As a city car, the 320 is hard to fault. When there is no need to sprint away, the little engine is refined and more than capable of holding its own in traffic.

The ride is firm and comfortable and the steering precise and nicely weighted.

The test car was supplied with an optional reversing camera. An admirable idea from a safety viewpoint, the concept was somewhat let down by the installation, which has the screen sitting like a blister on the dashboard, covering a passenger air vent.

There is no doubt that, money no object, the 330 is the Golden Child of the 3 Series range.

Wrapped around the custard-smooth 3.0-litre straight six is one of the most complete packages available to the mainstream buyer.

Coupled to the six-speed steptronic auto, the new 190kW engine is a cracker.

Superb balance, suction-like grip and a refined poise when approaching the limit all instill huge confidence. The fact that this all happens as you are ensconced in a cabin made for comfort and luxury is a bonus.

The brakes, while not huge, have a wonderfully solid and consistent feel.

What a shame you are not going to get any change out of $100,000.

It is almost redundant to talk about safety in relation to this car. BMW may have one of the most extensive option lists in the market but safety, active or passive, is not an add-on.

Across the full range, which has recently been awarded a maximum five-star crash rating in European testing, ABS, dynamic and cornering brake control, automatic stability control and traction, dynamic stability control and six airbags are standard fare.