2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe First Drive

BMW 3 Series Coupe – First Drive: My college graduation present was an expensive watch that did more than my childhood Timex could have ever imagined. Large and rugged, that reward for scholastic success was good for a respectable dive depth, offered an altimeter for those upward climbs, and, of course, featured the requisite compass and stopwatch. The timepiece was capable of countless other tasks and calculations, but truth be told, I never took the time or had the desire to fully investigate them. But I enjoyed wearing it, for it served my purpose and elicited ten times the compliments drawn by the $15 Wal-Mart job it replaced. Call it poseur-ism. I thought of that watch while driving the redesigned 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe at a media event in San Francisco. Both are immensely capable, both are desirable and thus purchased by a broad range of consumers. But their fates are solely determined by who takes them home. Like my ownership of that watch, a 300-horsepower BMW 335i could be destined for a short daily commute, seldom eclipsing 45 mph or ever venturing within striking distance of a hairpin turn, serving as attractive transportation for a driver shopping for perceived quality and, quite possibly, a healthy dose of social acceptance. Wasted? No. Underutilized? Maybe. And then there’s the other type of buyer, the one who will personally test the validity of published 0-60 acceleration times, the one who sees a direct correlation between green lights and red lines, the one who purchases with full intent of exploiting every bit of this car’s potential. Regardless of what motivates the purchase, BMW has done its best to ensure total product satisfaction. The average owner will enjoy top-notch materials and craftsmanship, a hospitable interior, and a smooth powertrain making traffic navigation and highway merges a cinch. Sure, the ride is stiff, but, as was the case with that oversized watch, sometimes a little comfort can be sacrificed for the greater good. And for the enthusiast, the overhauled 3 Series Coupe offers power and performance encroaching on M3 territory for thousands less. That reason alone makes this one worth a look.

Model Mix

Model Mix Three trim levels are available: the 230-horsepower 328i priced at $35,995, the all-wheel-drive 328xi priced at $37,795, and the 300-horsepower 335i starting at $41,295. When selecting a 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe, there are really two points of differentiation: power and traction. The first is denoted by the trim names, 328i and 335i, the former drawing acceleration from a 230-horsepower six-cylinder engine, with the latter featuring twin turbos that bump output to 300 horsepower. Both are equipped with standard manual transmissions and offer a six-speed automatic as an option. There’s also a third choice, the 328xi, which incorporates BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system into the 230-horsepower package. Starting at $35,995 including a $695 destination charge, the rear-wheel-drive 328i provides the aforementioned powertrain as well as a long list of desirable features, including heated mirrors and wipers, fog lights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary controls, power front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels coupled with 225/45 all-season run-flat tires, and leatherette upholstery complemented by real aluminum or authentic wood (dark burl walnut, light poplar, or gray poplar) interior trim. That’s in addition to dual-zone climate control, an expansive power sunroof, and an audio system that plays MP3s and includes dual subwoofers. Safety is addressed by standard side-curtain and front-side airbags, adaptive brake lights that increase in intensity depending on pedal pressure, cornering lights which provide increased illumination when turning, and BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system. That’s a good deal of equipment for 36 grand, but there are, of course, multiple options available, such as the Steptronic six-speed automatic transmission ($1,275), active steering ($1,250), a power rear sunshade ($350), three-setting heated front seats ($500), rear park assist ($350), intelligent cruise control that slows but does not stop the vehicle ($2,200), a navigation system with iDrive ($2,100), leather seats ($1,450), an upgraded Logic 7 sound system ($1,200), and much more. Various packages can also be ordered, including a Sport Package with 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/40 front and 255/35 performance rubber. Aside from its xDrive full-time all-wheel-drive system, the first to ever be offered on a 3 Series Coupe, the content within the 328xi differs little from that of the 328i. Priced at $37,795, the 2007 BMW 328xi adds only a headlight cleaning system as standard equipment, while deleting active steering from the list of available options. Priced from $41,295, the rear-wheel-drive 335i is the premium model within the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe lineup. In addition to its 300-horsepower twin-turbocharged engine, the 335i adds memory settings for the front seats and mirrors and the Logic 7 surround sound system. Options mirror those of the other models, though paddle shifters are included when the automatic tranny and Sport Package are selected.

Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and Bolts Under the hoods of the 328i and 328xi is a 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, whereas the 335i adds twin turbos to boost power to 300 horses. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. With the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe’s new model designations come more potent powerplants under the hood. Each version starts with an aluminum 3.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine with variable valve timing mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. But that’s where the similarities end. In 328i and 328xi guise, normal aspiration results in output of 230 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm, whereas the 335i uses twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection to reach 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque available between 1,400 and 5,000 rpm. Fuel economy is estimated to be as high as 30 mpg on the highway for the 328i while the 335i is rated at only 19 mpg in the city; while piloting the 335i, we averaged 17.5 mpg with the manual and about 21 mpg with the six-speed automatic. Premium fuel is required. BMW boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration range of 5.3 seconds for a manual-equipped 335i to seven seconds for a 328xi with the automatic gearbox. Top speed peaks at 155 mph. Curb weights for the four-passenger Coupe range between 3,351 pounds (base 328i) to just over 3,600 pounds (328xi with the automatic tranny). The 328i offers a near-perfect 50.3/49.7 distribution of its heft, while the 335i is off by just a hair at 51 percent front/49 percent rear. It’s all suspended by a double-pivot front suspension with coil springs and double-tube gas shocks, complemented by a five-link setup on the rear. 328i and 335i models feature sport tuning and an aluminum front subframe; the 328xi features a steel front subframe in addition to its xDrive all-wheel-drive system with traction control. Speed-sensitive, variable-assist, rack-and-pinion steering ensures the 3 Series Coupe travels along the intended path. Optional on 328i and 335i models is BMW’s active steering technology, allowing for less steering wheel movement when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. Basic stopping power is courtesy of a four-wheel ventilated disc setup, though there’s a bevy of standard technology that aids in the effort. Brake Fade Compensation increases pressure when the brakes get hot and possibly lose effectiveness; Brake Standby readies the pads against the rotors when the driver comes off the gas quickly; Brake Drying is used in wet conditions by occasionally brushing the pads against the discs to eliminate moisture; Dynamic Brake Control supplements the driver’s brake pressure in the event of a sudden stop; and Start-off Assistant briefly prevents rolling back on hill starts. Antilock brakes are also standard.

Design

Design Sharing only its door handles with its four-door sibling, the 3 Series Coupe features slim headlights, wide taillights, and a chiseled body meant to impart sport and elegance. Talk to a BMW designer and you’ll quickly learn that the 2007 3 Series Coupe shares but one exterior component with its four-door counterpart: the door handles. Given the different body styles, that may not seem terribly significant, yet consider that even the details have been tweaked for the Coupe. For example, the wide taillights with their horizontal LED displays are unique, the headlights have been slimmed down with the now familiar rings serving as daytime running lamps, and the front fenders are constructed from a plastic composite to save weight. In company terms, what the public may see as a sleek body with artful side creases and a pronounced power dome hood is a “flowing silhouette with large prominent wheel wells and a sleek and elegant roof line.” However you put it, the fact is the redesigned 3 Series Coupe is a looker. Except, possibly, for the rear chrome exhaust tips on the 335i – from certain perspectives, they appear a bit long and lack a tapered contour to blend in with the curved lower fascia. Interior design is a fine example of concise precision. Controls are clear and logically placed; the materials, from the upholstery to the real aluminum or wood trim, feels top-notch; and all controls are within easy reach. Most plastics are padded or at least soft-touch, the doors feature fold-out lined pockets suitable for a variety of items such as wallets and cell phones, and there’s even an electronic arm housed in the rear side panel that extends the front passenger seatbelts to within easy reach. Front seat comfort is a plus, aided by multi-adjustable buckets, plenty of room, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and padded armrests and door sills. Rear seat comfort is acceptable for a coupe, though access is somewhat hampered by front seats that don’t automatically slide forward. Once seated, riders in back will appreciate the supportive buckets, fold-down center armrest, and generous headroom, though they just might offer some complaints about the limited knee and foot room, not to mention the hard seatbacks.

Driving Impressions

Driving Impressions With 300 horsepower on tap, the 335i offers M-like, or maybe m-like, performance, though the manual transmission offers long throws and notchy gates. Handling is impressive, and braking is second to none. For our half-day in and around San Francisco, BMW supplied the media with a small fleet of 335i Coupe models, some equipped with the standard manual transmission and some with the optional automatic – we drove and are able to report on both. Those unfamiliar with BMWs might find themselves suffering from sensory overload when first encountering the 335i Coupe. From the solid “thunk” upon closing the large door, the sound of the twin-turbocharged six firing, the textured leather on the steering wheel and door panels, the hum of the electric motor extending the B-pillar mounted seatbelt forward, to the sight of the precise interior design and construction, there’s much to process, comprehend, and simply enjoy before a tire starts to roll. But this is the Ultimate Driving Machine, and though one could spend hours indulging the senses without moving, we trekked to San Fran to experience this two-door in motion. Along rough city streets en route to Highway 101, we got our first taste of the redesigned 3 Series Coupe’s stiff suspension, due in part to the standard run-flat tires. It’s so stiff that you might look for a button to set the ride to Comfort, but you won’t find one. The body is equally rigid, and despite being jostled around and nailing some gnarly potholes, the 335i remained free of squeaks and rattles. Also noticed – and not overwhelmingly appreciated – during the city drive were small side mirrors that limited visibility, though expansive side glass offset this somewhat, and the rearward B-pillar allowed for clear over-the-shoulder views. Regardless of whether creeping along in the city or cruising Autobahn style along highway 101, the 335i’s steering usually felt heavy. All drivers should appreciate the constant road feel, but even the enthusiast might tire of the low assist at slow speeds, while at high speeds the wheel exhibits just a hint of side-to-side play. Braking, on the other hand, is completely consistent, inspiring utmost confidence. Pedal feel is well modulated, though without the generous travel exhibited by other vehicles, they can seem grabby at first. The suspension and tire setup provide similar grip. Body roll is non-existent, the 18-inch high-performance rubber hardly makes a peep even when pushed, and imminent understeer can be easily corrected with just a touch of extra steering effort. However, with the standard run-flats and sport suspension, bumps and potholes make the 3 Series Coupe feel as though it’s the target of an RPG. And then there’s the 300-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder engine that makes items like brakes and steering seem secondary. It may be a boosted engine, but those hunting for lag need to seek it elsewhere. Slight pressure on the accelerator is more than enough for quick scoots through traffic and just a hair more gets you up to merging speed…quickly. After all, this is a ride that reaches 60 mph in a little over five seconds. Hammer down with that brick you call a right foot and the 335i will literally jostle your upper vertebrae, again, with lag being utterly absent from the equation. Fast? Yeah, it’s fast, and that’s with the automatic transmission. BMW promised that the shift points would be immediate, and indeed they were, regardless of whether in regular mode or in sport mode using the paddle shifters or clicking the shifter forward for a downshift or rearward for an upshift (the alloy shift paddles are pushed for a downshift and an accompanying blip of the throttle, pulled for an upshift). The return drive to San Fran featured a 335i with the six-speed manual, which was, quite surprisingly, a bit of a disappointment. Clutch pedal feel was dead on, but the throws felt a bit long and the engagement was notchy, leading to the blasphemous suggestion that the automatic might actually be preferable. There were other reviewers in attendance, however, who found the manual gearbox to be sublime, so to each his own. Mileage in the automatic 335i hovered around 21 mpg, while wringing out the manual version lead to a less-than-stellar 17.5 mpg.

FAQ

FAQ On sale this fall, the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe arrives with more power than its predecessor and is backed by a four-year/50,000-mile free maintenance plan. When does the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe go on sale? The BMW 328i and 335i models go on sale in September, while the 328xi will arrive in October – just in time for snow. How does the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe’s power compare to the 2006 model? The 2007 328i replaces the 2006 325Ci and provides an additional 46 horsepower and 25 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2007 335i replaces the 2006 330Ci, offering an impressive 75-horsepower gain coupled with an extra 86 lb.-ft. of torque. Does the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe come with a free maintenance plan? Yes. The plan spans four years or 50,000 miles and covers all scheduled maintenance, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade replacements, and more. Also provided is a four-year roadside assistance program, as well as a four-year/50,000-mile new car warranty. Rust protection covers 12 years with no mileage restriction.

Specifications

Specifications Competitors for the 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe include the Infiniti G35 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLK350, and the Volvo C70 Test Vehicle: 2007 BMW 335i Base Price: $41,295 (including an $695 destination charge) Engine Size and Type: Twin turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder Engine Horsepower: 300 at 5,800 rpm Engine Torque: 300 between 1,400-5,000 rpm Transmission: Six-speed manual Curb Weight, lbs.: 3,571 EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 19/28 mpg Observed Fuel Economy: 17.5 mpg (21 mpg with the automatic) Length: 180.3 inches Width: 70.2 inches Wheelbase: 108.7 inches Height: 54.2 inches Legroom (front/rear): 41.8/33.7 inches Headroom (front/rear): 37.1/36.1 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Four Max. Cargo Volume: 12.9 cubic feet Competitors: Infiniti G Coupe Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Volvo C70

Photos courtesy of BMW