For drivers who want a two-seat sports car but need a back seat and trunk, the new BMW 3 Series coupe may indeed be the ultimate driving machine. That's especially true with the 300-hp BMW 335i. Yet the new 3 Series coupe is also available with the sure-footed traction of all-wheel drive, meaning that those living in the snow belt can enjoy their driving machines in the winter.
NewCarTestDrive.com contributor Larry Edsall filed this report from Marin County, California.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
BMW 328i Coupe ($35,300), 328xi Coupe ($37,100), 335i Coupe ($40,600)
dual front and front-seat side airbags, roof-mounted curtain air bags covering both rows, 3-point harness for all seating positions, child seat tether anchors and LATCH system, anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, run-flat tires and tire-pressure monitor system, adaptive brake lights, daytime running lights
Safety equipment (optional):
active cruise control, rear park distance control, cold weather package with headlamp washers, xDrive all-wheel drive
Basic warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Regensburg, Germany
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
BMW 335i Coupe ($40,600)
Standard equipment:
leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control with air conditioning, 8-way power front seats with memory for driver's side, power windows, dark burl walnut trim (with light poplar, gray poplar or brushed aluminum as no-cost options), remote locks, start/stop button, rechargeable flashlight in glove box, title and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, power moonroof, Logic7 audio system with 13 speakers, split and folding rear seats, 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, Xenon adaptive headlamps, fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers with heated washer jets, power and heated exterior mirrors, ground lighting in door handles, dual chrome exhaust tips, chrome-trimmed doorsill plates
Options as tested (MSRP):
Premium package ($2,450), Sport package ($1,000), heated front seats ($500)
Destination charge:
($695)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$45,720
Layout:
rear-wheel drive
Engine:
3.0-liter dohc I6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
300 @ 5800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
300 @ 1400-5000
Transmission:
6-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
19/28 mpg
Wheelbase:
108.7 in.
Length/width/height:
180.3/70.2/54.2 in.
Track, f/r:
59.1/59.6 in.
Turning circle:
36.1 ft.
Seating capacity:
4
Head/hip/leg room, f:
37.1/55.3/41.8 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
36.1/51.9/33.7 in.
Cargo volume:
11.1 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
N/A
Suspension, f:
independent
Suspension, r:
independent
Ground clearance:
4.9 in.
Curb weight:
3571 lbs.
Tires:
225/40R18 front, 255/35R18 rear
Brakes, f/r:
disc/disc with ABS
Fuel capacity:
15.9 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of September 01, 2006.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
1-800-334-4BMW -
www.bmwusa.com
