BMW 3 Series 2011 Review

BMW 325i sedan, 320d Touring wagon and 330d Coupe

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BMW Australia acknowledges that its archrival currently holds the upper hand in the compact prestige sedan niche of the local market. While sedans are on the decline in this sector, according to BMW, Mercedes-Benz has sold more C-Class sedans for this year to date (June YTD -- 2901), than BMW has managed with its 3 Series model (2103).

The reasons are varied, but the W204 Benz has been a success story since the car's launch  here in 2007 — and the recent upgrade has just bolstered the Benz's position in the market. In contrast, BMW is fighting a rearguard action with its E90 generation of 3 Series, which the company tells us is in its last 12 months on sale. There's a new '3' in the works and that car — the F30 platform — is due here in the second half of next year.

That leaves BMW with one hand tied behind its back, slogging it out with Benz in an important sector of the market — the traditional point where buyers jump on the prestige 'brandwagon' for the first time.

But, credit to BMW, the company is not just waiting for F30 to happen; it's still honing the E90 3 Series (and its E91 wagon/E92 coupe/E93 convertible models).

In addition to cranking up the output for the 2.0-litre diesel engine powering the 320d models, BMW has specified revised dampers (for a superior ride) and electromechanical power steering across the range. In addition, prices in some cases have come down and certain variants now come equipped as standard with what were previously option packs. You can read more here about the adjustments BMW Australia has made to the pricing and specification of the 3 Series range in its final year of production.

To illustrate that there's still life in the current 3 Series — and to refresh the memories of buyers in the market — the company laid on a drive program showcasing the abilities of the model range. The route chosen took us to the Victorian countryside from BMW's Mulgrave headquarters, along Eastlink to the Maroondah Highway and through Healesville to Marysville. The outward-bound journey ended at Reefton, where we turned back to Melbourne.

BMW provided the media with opportunities to drive four variants, a 325i sedan, 320d Touring, a 330d Coupe and 335i Cabriolet. Motoring.com.au's correspondent didn't score a drive in the 335i, unfortunately, but did drive the other three.

As you would expect, not that much has changed for the final year of production. As mentioned already, BMW has revised the dampers across the entire 3 Series range and all three models ride quite well, even on the run-flat tyres fitted.

In fact, all three vehicles driven seemed to ride demonstrably better than previous 3 Series coupes this writer has tested over the past year or two. The suspension succeeds in ironing out the tiniest imperfections in otherwise pristine road surfaces, but also copes well with heavier irregularities.

The three cars felt lithe through the wheel and turned in promptly from the moment the driver hauled on the wheel. Benefiting from its larger contact patch, the 330d feels more 'pointed' at the straight-ahead, but all three provide decent levels of grip and that BMW/rear-drive sense of neutral handling. As you accelerate out of corners there's no onset of understeer or tyre slip, although the wagon did skip briefly — at the rear — as it bucked over a bump in the road surface. In fairness, it was being pushed pretty hard at the time.

There's something about the 325i's power delivery that just makes it seem a different class of car than either of the diesels. It's not as strong in straightline performance as the 330d and there's not much in it between the petrol six and the four-cylinder diesel, but the 325i will get up to speed faster than the 320d and you're less aware of the engine working. That said, the small petrol six sounds a little clinical at higher revs.

According to the trip computer, the petrol six was using fuel at the rate of 9.9L/100km, which is not bad, considering the flogging the car was handed.

All three vehicles were quiet at open-road speeds, although the tyres made their presence felt over coarse-grade bitumen.

The diesel engines are clearly so, based on their NVH properties, but the 320d is fleet of foot for its size and character. For the new model year it has gained more herbs: 30Nm more torque and 5kW of added power. Helped by the rapid-shifting six-speed automatic, it could be trusted to remain on boost and the transmission was usually capable of keeping the engine close to the point of maximum torque. But it’s not quiet.

While the 2.0-litre diesel surrendered ground against the 330d for straightline performance, its real-world acceleration and speed were commendable. Icing on the cake? Returning a fuel consumption figure (from the trip computer) of 7.0L/100km, which admittedly included substantial periods on the open road, the 320d provided an economical way of enjoying more spirited driving.

Of the three driven, the 330d was clearly the beast. The g forces let loose during full-strength acceleration were unrelenting and the car would pick up the pace with great ease on short straights. At times, on the slightly damp surfaces encountered, the BMW struggled to apply the available torque to the road. Mostly this was manifested in the little flashing light in the instrument binnacle rather than any hindrance to forward progress.

While the current 3 Series doesn't look as large as the W204 C-Class, the specs don't lie. In sedan form the BMW is just 50mm shorter than the C-Class. Wheelbase is the same for both cars and the 3 Series is, if anything, wider than the Benz. So packaging is not that far apart and the headroom in the 325i was better than adequate for adults, even with the sunroof fitted.

From the driving seat all three BMWs tested felt comfortable and supportive. Ultimately, the seats struggle to compensate for the prodigious grip (particularly in the case of the 330d), but up to a relatively high threshold they will hold the occupant in place safely. The backrests envelop the occupant in a comfy, padded cocoon.

While the interior layout is beginning to show its age, the application of carbon-fibre décor strips helps lift the ambience a little. Some may find it out of place, however.

Instruments and controls retain the bespoke BMW look and feel, but our co-driver for the event found the location of the trip computer readout to be bothersome and the view was readily obstructed when the steering wheel was set at a position he found comfortable.

Build quality seemed up to the usual BMW high-water mark and the doors closed easily and securely.

Let's get all figurative at this point; just as the doors provide closure, so does the car generally — in a different way.

With just the one year of production remaining, the E90 3 Series is leaving us on a high point. In years to come, it will be a testament to BMW's attention to detail and unwavering commitment to finessing each design.

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