BMW 335i Touring 2008 Review

What we liked
>> Benchmark drivetrain
>> Outstanding roadholding and balance
>> Long roof, flexible load space

Not so much
>> Inert feel at Australian speeds
>> Ride harshness on choppy surfaces
>> Steep price/high option cost

Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

OVERVIEW
BMW's entry in the local wagon market at the small luxury level has been a tentative one. The first 3 Series wagon wasn't launched in Australia until 2002 and then only as a basic 320i Touring version of the E46 Series.

Less than two years after the latest E91 323i Touring was launched in June 2006 as the sole local Touring model, BMW has not only added two new 320i entry models for 2008 but capped its 3 Series Touring range with a top-shelf 335i high performance version and the M Sport option.

What's changed?

The origins of BMW's small Touring wagon provide a clue. A Touring version of its small 2002 sedan appeared early in the 1970s which was followed by an Estate version of the E30 3 Series later in the 1980s, though none were offered in Australia. These models were always seen as sports wagons that provided flexible luggage space for sports equipment or family duties for the enthusiast driver.

The only problem for BMW (and other Europeans) was that Australians saw station wagons as one short step above a panel van as a work vehicle or one step short of a four-wheel drive for a family vehicle. In other words, they were a compromise driven by a family budget or a family's bread winner blue collar work leanings.

It is still a body choice that many Australians (especially women), aspire to get out of, not into.

However, as twin-cab utes take over the dual family and work role and purpose-designed SUVs become the new family vehicle of choice, the passenger car wagon has been freed to exploit the advantages of their combination of passenger car agility and wagon flexibility.

No company is better positioned to capitalise on this than BMW when its X3 and X5 soft-roaders have enjoyed spectacular success as Australian family cars.

According to BMW, the latest 3 Series Touring: "offers a remarkable combination of driving dynamics, safety, passenger comfort and impressive versatility in a car that is larger than its predecessor E46 generation car in every way, yet actually weighs less.

"Customers looking for increased practicality and a dynamic driving experience to match their lifestyle will look no further than the new BMW 3 Series Touring range."

At a time when Holden and its biggest selling Commodore nameplate have abandoned the traditional work wagon and is about to move into the sportswagon niche, it makes sense for BMW to return in force. BMW is also noticing that more of its top-end performance buyers are specifying the fold-down rear seat in their sedans suggesting a shift towards a dual purpose passenger car/lifestyle choice.

But why at 335i level all of a sudden? In BMW's own words: "BMW will stamp its authority on the high-performance estate market with the top of the range six-cylinder Twin Turbo 335i Touring."

If that's not laying down the challenge for HSV, Mercedes-Benz and even Lexus, nothing is. Until then, BMW intends to double its minuscule 166 Touring sales in 2007 to well over 300 in 2008.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The 335i Touring starts at $108,600 as a six-speed automatic only compared to $111,700 for the equivalent auto Coupe and $104,500 for the Sedan. The 323i Touring which is the next wagon below the 335i starts at $71,500 for the auto.

Because the 335i Touring goes straight to the very top of 3 Series tree, its base equipment level is way beyond the Executive level specified as standard in the 323i. Start optioning a 323i Touring and that $37,000 step to the 335i soon shrinks.

The starting point for all 3 Series Touring models includes a multi-function leather steering wheel, warning triangle with first aid kit, dual-zone climate control with filter, split fold rear seats, Comfort Access keyless entry and engine start system, rear parking sensors (PDC), rain sensor wipers, automatic headlights, cruise control, Bluetooth, in-dash CD, front side and head air bags for front and rear occupants, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), DataDot security, roof rails and tailgate with separate-opening rear glass.

After the 323i Touring adds BMW's Dakota leather trim, a wider choice of wood or aluminium cabin highlights, front fog lights, partial electric seat adjustment, extended vehicle entry and in-cabin lighting, extended DSC functions, cruise-control with brake function.

The 335i then adds the next level of standard features. These include steering wheel gearshift paddle controls, front and rear parking sensors (PDC), 17-inch alloys, adaptive headlights, Bi-Xenon headlights with washer system, high beam assist, 8.8-inch control display colour monitor with Professional Navigation, TV tuner and voice control ($5800 on other models), 10 speaker Hi-Fi loudspeaker system ($1100 on lesser models), full driver's seat electric adjustment with memory ($1750 on lesser models), electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger ($600 on other models) and six stacker CD.

The Luggage Compartment Package now standard across the Touring range includes a removable watertight folding storage box, reversible liner with integrated protective cover, dividable storage compartment beneath the main luggage compartment floor and luggage compartment nets.

As the 335i's extra equipment can add at least $15,000 to the price of the 323i, it is more than an engine option.

But BMW is not going to let you escape that easily -- red, white or black are the only standard colours leaving metallic paint as a pricey but almost necessary $1600 option. A sunroof will cost you $2900 and the top end audio can add another $4400. Rear side glass sunblinds add $370 and a USB audio interface will cost another $600.

More importantly for some, a new 335i Touring still won't look much different to any other 3 Series Touring until you fork out another $4500 for the M Sport Package.

However, all Touring models except the entry 320i can be equipped with the M Sport package which includes the M aerodynamic body package, 17-inch double spoke M light-alloy wheels, sports seats, M Sport suspension with 15mm lower ride height, M mulit-function sports steering wheel, anthracite headlining, M door sills and Aluminium Glacier Silver cabin trim.

MECHANICAL
Much has already been written about the 335i's special twin-turbo engine which voted 2007 International Engine of the Year Award and Best New Engine of the Year.

It's an inline six-cylinder petrol engine of all-alloy construction and just 3.0-litre capacity. Hooked up to its labyrinth of exhaust header tubes are two parallel turbochargers which help punch out 400Nm of torque just after the engine hits 1300rpm, then holds this peak until just beyond 5000rpm.

Power rises to an amazing 225kW at just over 6000rpm so it pulls like a train from down low yet rewards ringing its neck beyond 6000rpm. These high torque, low revving qualities along with BMW's high-pressure direct-injection petrol technology and Double-VANOS variable valve timing deliver a worthy 9.8L/100km combined fuel figure. Yet wake it up and it will deliver a scorching 5.9sec 0-100km/h time in the Touring shell.

While it will survive a life of pottering, the twin-turbo six delivers its best when working hard. Its complexity (it's an engine out job for turbo maintenance) and need for the best quality oils and fuels ensure there are better and cheaper ways of getting from A to B if you are not going to exploit its extra performance.

The standard auto is the usual flawless BMW Steptronic six-speed. Typical of BMW, the manual selector works in the right direction but it's a moot point when the steering wheel paddles do a better job of staying ahead of this amazing engine. The gearbox has the ability to adapt to your driving style and shows the usual brilliance in anticipating the need to hold a speed downhill.

The suspension is the established 3 Series double joint strut front/multi-link IRS rear with its high content of aluminium components tuned for the 70kg increase in weight and payload of the Touring body. The already near-perfect 3 Series 50:50 weight distribution is even closer to the ideal with the Touring's extra weight in the rear.

The standard 17-inch runflat tyres are combined with suspension tuning several generations on from when this (E90/91/92) body shape was introduced. While there is a significant improvement in low-speed ride, it is still some way short of desirable when the low 45 Series tyres can generate very little ride compliance. The M Sport's 15mm lower ride height seems to accentuate this.

Australian drivers also need to consider their application carefully before ordering the 18-inch mixed run flat option which combines 35 and 40 profile tyres that can't always provide enough sidewall compliance to protect the rims against sharp potholes.

PACKAGING
There is no escaping the fact that the 335i Touring is jam-packed with as much technology and luxury that can be fitted into a vehicle of this price and size. However, while all the luxury gear is there, buyers need to weigh up whether there is enough rear seat leg and hip room for two occupants, let alone three.

Rear cargo space is not as generous as expected when the rear drive and sophisticated suspension generate a high load floor. Various side compartments and fittings also reduce the width between the wheel arches. The 335i Touring's optimum engineering which places extra priority on its rear-drive sportswagon role versus a load carrier are obvious as soon as you open the liftback.

There are clever touches specific to the wagon including several luggage nets, adjustable underfloor storage compartment, reversible floor mat which extends over the bumper for loading and unloading, luggage divider net (essential with the braking and grunt of the 335i) and a simple 60:40 split folding rear seat.

The opening rear glass in the liftback is a welcome feature especially as it lifts the rear load cover at the same time.

The extended roof rails are ideal for a number of roof carrying options and the low profile 'shark's fin' rear aerial won't interfere.

Otherwise from the rear seat forward, it's exactly as the 335i Sedan with the latest iDrive control system and its backup normal controls.

BMW provides a choice of a flatter standard front seat design or Sports seats as fitted to the launch cars (which add $1250 to the price). The heavily contoured Sports seats do make it more difficult to get in and out and are a snug fit, so again, the application needs to be considered.

Instruments offer benchmark clarity but there is no temperature gauge.

SAFETY
The standard 335i Touring safety levels reflect the best available in the 3 Series which includes the usual BMW emphasis on avoiding a crash in the first place.

These avoidance systems include a more advanced Dynamic Stability Control specific to the six-cylinder models. Extra driver aids include: Cornering Brake Control; Cruise Control with brake function; high beam assist; adaptive headlights and run-flat tyres with warning light and audible warnings for drops in pressure. Active cruise control ($1800) and Active steering ($2700) are available as options.

Crash safety starts with the reinforced 3 Series body that achieved a five-star NCAP crash test result and six airbags including extended front to rear head airbags that cover the entire side window area.

Deformation zones front and rear absorb forces from impacts of up to 15km/h before they can damage the car's body. Unlike a hatch, the Touring body provides a similar crush zone at the rear to a sedan.

COMPETITORS
As a high-performance compact sports wagon with rear drive, the 335i Touring has no direct competition. Yet...

Holden's intention to release its Sportwagon as a top of the range SS V or Calais V with its big 270kW V8 will soon change that even if it does take up more room on the road. An HSV version is likely to follow.

The all-wheel-drive Audi RS4 Avant Quattro addresses a similar market niche but with its sledgehammer 309kW V8, six-speed manual transmission and $168,100 price tag, it is a far more specialised vehicle. [Ed: it's also not long for this world and is set to be replaced with the even pricier RS6 Avant]

Although Volvo's V50 T5 AWD wagon is similar in size and has a turbocharged five-cylinder 162kW engine for $57,950, it is neither as sophisticated nor as quick as the 335i Touring. Volvo also has a special high performance version of its V70 wagon on its way with a turbo petrol six in 2008 and while it will undercut the 335i Touring in price, it is a bigger, less sporty vehicle.

Saab offers a 9-3 Aero Sportcombi with 188kW from $73,100 and a 9-5 Aero wagon with 191kW for $84,900 and while their front drive chassis starting points are not as sophisticated as the 335i Touring, they offer performance, extra space and standard performance body packages at a substantial saving.

[Ed: the upcoming Turbo X all-wheel drive Saab could be just the thing to take on the Touring. So too the 320 CDi and C63 AMG versions of the upcoming wagon variants of Mercedes' W204 C-Class.]

ON THE ROAD
How do you rate a vehicle that can't really come into its own until 200km/h and feels like it can take most corners up to four times quicker than their advisory signs suggest without working up a sweat?

It is apparent as soon as you move off, the 335i Touring is more like a time machine than an everyday car when its capabilities go way beyond wagon parameters.

Even compared to its 320d sibling launched over the same route, it felt like its capabilities have been pushed out by at least another 30 per cent. It is hard to think of any other single model range that varies so much from model to model than a BMW 3 Series when the 335i range as a whole doesn't feel related to other models.

This is not surprising when the wheel and suspension package are quite different and the big engine under the bonnet immediately transforms the 3 Series into something far more substantial than its size would suggest.

In fact, this is the overwhelming impression. The 335i Touring feels like a big, solid car in a small package. Around town, it perhaps feels too solid as the relatively unyielding suspension and run flat rubber seem to telegraph every minute change in road surface.

Over the launch drive, the joke was whether the driver could sense the wheels passing over the leaves that had fallen on the road -- except on occasions you could. Even the optional M Sports steering wheel can feel too chunky in this context.

The M Sport's reduced ride height (which must translate into 15mm less suspension travel) probably adds to this impression. If a 335i Touring's primary role is to be an everyday commuter, drivers would be well-advised to check out which suspension package works for them when the 17-inch run flats provide little initial bump compliance.

Because the twin-turbo set-up muffles any low-speed exhaust and intake roar, the engine can feel and sound like a veteran six from days past under 100km/h. It even drives like one with its incredible flexibility but it can make the 335i feel almost boring.

In the 335i Coupe, this can be frustrating but in the wagon its less disappointing and arguable consistent with the Touring's dual-purpose nature. That said, if you are not able to extend the 335i more than a few times a year, order a 320i Executive or 323i Touring with the M Sport and delete badge packages. You won't miss out on much and you'll maintain the same presence at the beach or office.

Yet if you have the context to really stretch the 335i Touring, it's hard to think of a more competent, engaging vehicle. And safe, when the steering and traction functions are so carefully separated with the best of electronic safety nets to deal with the unexpected! Each corner, each braking manouevre, each overtaking move will force you to recalibrate what a vehicle can do. It's that good.

Push the engine beyond its dull zone and it turns into a race engine, albeit slightly muffled, with a wonderful, engaging sound as it catapults the Touring like a rag doll. The steering wheel paddle controls and the auto's response add to the experience. The steering is also outstanding in its accuracy and feel but not if you are travelling slowly.

As the speed rises, the suspension suddenly becomes alive, obediently holding its line while absorbing bumps and ruts with compliance rising in direct proportion to speed. The balance of the chassis is something to savour when there is so little evidence of tyre squirm, scrub or squeal -- no matter how hard you push it.

Which end will break away first? Unless you provoke a power slide, the answer is probably neither, when the extra weight of the Touring body seems to tie the rear end down even better than the Coupe.

It is no exaggeration to suggest that the 335i Touring is one of the best, if not the best, and most practical performance drives on the market. But alas unless you have the opportunity to savour the outer limits of its extraordinary abilities on a regular basis, the compromises driven by the engineering required to make it all come together beyond 200km/h can make it hard work.