Vehicle(s): 2005 BMW 325i Exective Edition
330i M Performance Edition with Anthracite w/Cloth Laser Anthracite - Alcantara Combination and Black Alu Cube Trim
Price as tested: CDN$ 43100 (325i) CDN$54300 (330i)

Performance: Both of these twins are powered by BMW’s world-renowed straight 6 engine series. With 184 hp and 175 lb/ft of torque, this 2.5L has fell a bit short of performance compares to its more powerful Japanese V6 rivals. In terms of refinement and smoothness, this straight 6 remains the one to beat. Its willing to rev and plenty of torque available down low as maximum torque arrives at 3500 rpm. What is truly amazing is the upgraded 3.0L in 330i Performance Pkg. Both the hp and torque figures have jumped from “standard” 330i’s 225 and 214 to235 and 222 in Performance Pkg. Although the torque improvement is insignificant, the change to close gear-ratio 6-speed gearbox really does help a lot for an even more impressive acceleration. 325i’s In terms of flexability, trackability, rev-happy character and engine note; this 3 liter motor is second only to its more powerful M3 silibing. 5-speed stick shifts as nicely as 330i’s 6-speed close-ratio unit. The ratios are nicely set with crisp shifting character and nicely defined gates. Clutch is light and progressive in both cars. The clutch feel is better in Performance Pkg due to its heavier nature.

Handling: Combine solid foundation with very well-bahaved suspension, 50/50 RWD balance and excellent steering. That’s about sums up the dynamic qualities of 3-Series. 325i and 330i have four distinct characters despite they share the same merits of all 3-Series. Executive Edition has standard suspension which absorbs bumps exceptionally well. On the other hand, the handling remains precise and predictable when pushed. The Performance Edition, however, its a more aggressive beast. Both the suspensions, springs and shocks have been stiffened to provide handling sharpness that is about equal to the more powerful M3. Despite the ride is not as comfortable as standard or sports suspension that is optional in other 3-Series, the handling trade-off worths every pennies. Another distinct differences between this Performance Pkg and other “normal” 3-Series are the steering ratio and DSC-3’s level of instrusiveness. The steering ratio is faster, which means sharper turn-in and precision. The quicker lock-to-lock means driver really needs to be alert because it has set way to fast for daily driver. To some extent, it feels even faster than M3 unit which feels more user-friendly as a daily driver steering set-up. Just like the clutch, Performance Pkg’s steering feels heavier at low speeds than other 3-Series silibings. While most 3-Series has only 2 setting for DSC-3, complete turn-off or turn-on. Performance Pkg has 3 thresholds. The first level is completely turn-on which means it will kick-in whether it sensed the driver has got too hot in the corners. Press the button twice and it becomes the 2nd threshold, which means it would let the driver to have a bit of oversteer fun before kicking in. The 3rd level is completely off which is the highest threshold. It would only kick-in when the driver has pushed the tail out in crazy manner and needs panic assistance during last second situation. As usual, the body rolls are minimal when pushed.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the pedal feel lives up to BMW’s usual high standards. That means short stopping distance with easily modulated pedal. The ABS also won’t kicked in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Inside the 3-Series, its the typical BMW environment. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog with usual annoyance. The fuel economy gauge keeps flying around during accleration. The traditional BMW cockpit interior remains with well-placed stereo and climate control. In terms of interior materials, its not the best-in-class nor terrible. The driving position is easily found with tilt/telescope steering and easily adjustable powered leather sports seats in 325i. In the Performance Pkg, however, it got standard Anthractie/Alcantara sports seats which have far superior grip during cornering due to the material’s rougher surface. Unfortunately, power seats are an option in Performance Pkg which nails the value part in the overall package. Here are a couple of pet peeves. There are just way too many buttons behind the shifter. Heated seats, remote trunk and DSC-3 buttons all placed there. They are all lookalikes which are not ergonomically correct. Another pet peeve is almost “typical” since early 3-Series. Instead of placing all 4 switches on driver’s side door panel, BMW still put them all scattered around behind the shifter. Not a smart design when driver wants to open all 4 windows altogether. Door panel remains a better home for power window switches.

Conclusion: Why we are still reviewing E46 when new E90 is just around the corner? Because we wanted to show the current 3-Series still able to hold its own against all the newer competitions. It remains as one of the best cars in its class; in terms of performance, handling, ride quality and comfort. Given 3-Series accounts for 80+% of all BMW sales volume, just hope this Munich company doesn’t mess up E90 as with what they did with E60 5-Series.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 BMW 325i EE and 330i PEP
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Performance: 4/5 (325i) 5/5 (330i)
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive 4/5 (325i) 5/5 (330i)
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5 (325i) 4/5 (330i)
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5 (325i) 4.5/5 (330i)
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5 (325i) 4/5 (330i)
Value-for-money: 4.75/5 (325i) 4/5 (330i)

Overall ratings: 4.5/5 (325i) 5/5 (330i)