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BMW 330i 2006
By Peter Bleakney
 BMW was recently faced with the monumental, and potentially cataclysmic task of creating an all-new 3-Series sedan. Tricky business that, messing with their iconic rear-wheel-drive sports sedan that is beloved by enthusiasts worldwide and considered the benchmark of the industry. In light of the latest BMW 5 and 7-Series controversial remakes, fans of the 3-Series were tossing in their sleep, fearful the folks at BMW would screw things up.
We can all breath easy. The new "3" is a home run.
The calling card of any 3-Series has been its handling, and this fifth-generation car is a dynamic dream, possessing a lithe athleticism, razor reflexes and a beautiful balance that makes you feel like a hero on a twisty road. The fact that this BMW provides a supple ride while offering up such handling prowess is nothing short of magical.
But the new 330i is not all about canyon carving. Highway cruising is relaxed and rock-solid, and the little sedan returned stellar fuel mileage on my watch (8.5 L/100 km).
 The 2006 330i carries a list price of $47,500, but as per usual with most high-end German vehicles, you'll never get off that light. My Arctic Metallic tester had the optional Sports Package ($2800) that includes sport suspension, 18" wheels, sport seats and steering wheel, and the Premium Package ($4200), providing such amenities as "Dakota Leather" and a very good Harmon Kardon sound system. Throw in active steering ($1500) and metallic paint ($800) and the bottom line swells to $56,800
Not cheap, but arguably worth every penny.
For 2006, the 3.0 litre aluminum/magnesium straight-six gets
BMW's trick Valvetronic valve actuation system that does away with a traditional throttle. Horsepower rises to 255 from 225, and torque output is a hearty 220 ft/lb at 2750 rpm. Mated to an improved, slicker shifting manual six-speed (a six-speed auto box is optional), this smoothy delivers the goods in a linear fashion with a sweet, throaty purr and happily zings to its 6600 rpm redline. Nice. The dash to 100 kph takes 6.5 seconds.
 So BMW got the greasy bits right. What about the styling?
The previous 3-Series, a perfectly proportioned and sensuous creature, is a hard act to follow, but the new sedan largely succeeds in applying BMW's new creased and angular look to the classic 3 proportions. It's not as extroverted as its 5 and 7 Series big brothers, which is a good thing, but nor is it as sexy as it's predecessor. You decide.
The 2006 330i is 49 mm longer, 78 mm wider and 10 mm taller than the outgoing model, and these increases pay big dividends inside where the cabin is noticeable airier and back seat room more generous.
The sport seats in my tester were snug and comfy and offered lumbar and side bolster adjustment.
Standard are front and front/side airbags and front and rear side head curtains.
 Thankfully, Canadians have the option of ordering the car with or without iDrive. My tester had good old-fashioned analog HVAC and stereo controls. Wupeee!!
My esteemed colleague and editor, Rob Dysiewicz, would surely check the iDrive box were he to place an order, and he's welcome to it. Extra hump in the dash and all. Viva la difference!
My only reservation with this car was the active steering. Sure, it reduces the wheel twirling while parking and increases the ratio at highway speeds, but I couldn't help feeling it compromised the classic beautiful BMW steering feel a tad with a tinge of woodiness. I didn't test a standard steering car, so this is just a hunch, but my instincts ask: why spend the extra money on questionable techno-trickery?
Minor gripe. This car is so good, the competition is surely banging its collective head against the proverbial wall at this very moment. Too bad for them. Lucky for us.
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