MF Podcast Review: 2006 BMW 325i

Interesting this review came about, as I just drove an 06 325xi wagon this week as a loaner for a day.

I really hate my dealer now for giving it to me, as it is a fantastic car all around, and it put that upgrade bug in my head. Everything is so well put together and the car handles so fantastic, that I am seriously thinking of upgrading from the Mini to this as soon I can swing it financially.

But it is also good to know that some of the interior bits you mentioned in the review will make it to the 07 MINI. Will wait to test drive that, when it comes available and make a decision on my next car then.

The upcoming turbo version (which many BMW traditionalists cringe at) will pump out well over 300hp with no turbo lag.

Not to pick on Gabe, but I love it when people say “no lag”. Unless there is something very trick about the new BMW system, even with some very small turbos, they’re going to spool up over time – maybe quicker than most turbos, but as I understand it, they’re not going to be instantaneous. The next generation turbo, would then have to be marketed as “this turbo anticipates when you want boost and spools up before you even ask for it.”

I think that’s why I side with Gabe that…

I for one would still generally opt for a naturally aspirated 330i over the more powerful upcoming 330is

… Then again I’m turning 30 too in a few weeks… :)

Anyway, sorry, I just can’t believe we’re going to have whistling BMWs on the street soon…

According to what I’ve read, the new turbo will turn out not well over 300 hp but just slightly over 300 hp–302 to be exact. The lag will be minimized by doing what Toyota did with the old Supra–using two turbos rather than a single. In this case, rumor is, each turbo will feed three cylinders. Using two small turbos presumably makes for less lag than a larger single.

What guys will do, of course, is turn to the aftermarket for a replacement kit involving one large turbo (just like they did with the Supra). And they will use a boost controller to up the boost. We’ll be seeing people running 400 hp easy.

But who knows what final form the car will take?

Is there a good website out there for BMW news?

I recently compared the E90 3s against one another. I really like both cars, but I give the edge to the 330i. Not only is it more powerful (215bhp vs. 255bhp), the powerband is more suited to city driving (read: power down low). You really have to rev the N52 powerplant in the 325i to “get it to go.” The 3 stage intake system (on the 330i) really augments this powerplant.

The handling from both cars is just fantastic for a sedan. They both still understeer when pushed hard, but this is the safest setup for most drivers. The Sport package really livens up the handling, while not punishing your passengers.

I have to hand it to BMW for throwing in all the electronic wizardry. For example: the illuminated door handles, the push button starter, “comfort access” keyless entry and start, active cruise control, and could go on. Let’s hope the next generation MINI incorporates some of these cool features.

The other thing to consider in the debate of 325i vs. 330i is pricing. The 325i starts at $30,900 and the 330i starts at 36,600. The 330i includes, as standard, many of the options for the 325i (xenons, uprated stereo, etc). A decently equipped 325i will set you back $38k and change, whilst a “lightly” optioned 330i with “Sport Package ZSP” will set you back just over $38k and already have some features that are only options on the 325i.

I have to say that I really like the new 3 as well. You do need the manual though for fun. The auto is nice as autos go, but may as well have the fun with the manual. After driving an E90 325i manual and then getting back into my MC, I realized how much more alive and chuckable the MC was. But the MINI is smaller, lighter, etc. The Bimmer does everything so perfectly- including ride well on runflats. But the MINI mystique and even the fun of older 3ers was missing in the new one. The E90 is just so good at all things. My parents have a ’93 325i with 238k miles and it still runs beautifully, smooth, quick and handles very well. I actually was so confident about the MINI when it came out b/c of its BMW engineering (yes, brits and rover did a bunch, but Munich had the final say).

What I’ve decided is that I’ll always keep my current ’04 MC (nostalgia), and between myself and my girlfriend will get a MCS (fun) and a 3er Touring (family)in a couple of years. I do hope that they bring the RWD touring here, otherwise it’ll be a sedan.

I also enjoy these alternate car reviews here on motoringfile Keep it coming!

I recently was given a new 2006 BMW 325i (E90) as a loaner while my MINI was in service. I was shockingly impressed at just how much nicer of a car that it is, compared just to the 2005 model, which I have had loaners of previously.

However, the one thing that drove me batty was the “way too far forward” placement of the window and mirror controls on the driver’s door. I am 6’1″, and I put the seat fairly far back… and I found myself needing to STRETCH out, and down the slope, on the armrest piece of the driver’s door, just to adjust things.

Other than that poor placement (IMO), I was quite impressed. The pushbutton start was particularly “cool”, even though it is unimportant.

Did you know that a pushbutton start is available as an OEM retrofit for the MINI? Unfortunately it’s very difficult (read: damn near impossible) to buy in the USA. I’ve tried! Check out it out at RealOEM.com.

Very good audio review. Great sedan – I had one as a loaner and was mighty impressed by the overall balance of the car, and the increased interior size is welcomed by those who cannot afford to even look at the 5 series. Even the ride quality with the standard run-flat tires is very good which I cannot say about my Cooper. One oddity was the electric sunroof which would not close after the engine was shut off. I tried various things, but ultimately had to restart the engine to get the sunroof to close. Oh well it’s not an option I would select in any event. Here in Canada we do get a version with a 2.5 litre inline six called the 323i, although I believe it is “last years” engine, so no magnesium trickery, but it is available at a saving of $5,000 over the 325i. The content is somewhat less of course, no Xenons available, cruise not standard (have to buy as part of the premium pkg. with sunroof, heated seats, auto-dim mirror) manual air conditioner, etc, but the sport package is available at a good value of $1,500, although the alloys remain 16″. I would add some 17″ BBS RK’s at ,17 lbs. and some 225/45R17 perf. rubber to the mix, and keep the stock 16′s for winter use. Have yet to test this model but am looking forward to seeing how the 174hp / 170 lbs.ft. of torque do in this combo. Gabe – you mentioned the sport suspension is a must in the 3 series, what about the sport seats – are they appreciably better than the stock seats?

Just bought a new BMW E90 320SE automatic. It’s a much improved car than th ee46, but oh dear those standard front seats are backbreakers on a long to medium journey. If you must have a n e90, lumbar support is a must on the front seats. I have had two new Beemers (UK) and find that although the dealerships are great, that BMW (UK) couldn’t give a toss once youv’e bought the car. In contrast, i have a Honda Jazz costing a fraction of the BMW £30,000 GBP and Honda UK will bend over bacwards to make sure that their customers are happy. Shame really!