Short review of 2006 BMW 323i
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Price as tested: CDN$37400

Unlike any other 3-Series I have test driven before, this is a 3-Series with a twist. First, this is the Canadian-only 323i with a 2.5L straight6 engine. And secondly, it doesn’t come with any sorts of luxury features you normally associate with luxury brand called BMW.

Since Mercedes has successfully sold lots of B-Class Sport Tourers and Audi sold plenty of A3 Sportback “baby Avant” in Canada, BMW needs an entry-level model to compete with them. The introduction of 1-Series still uncertain within the board of BMW Canada. The debut of a 323i is a smart one simply because 3-Series’s merits remain intact.

One still be able to enjoy BMW’s wonderful straight 6, even with less power. This 2.5L I-6 is good for 174 horses and 170 lb/ft of torque. While its performance remains behind those of Audi’s 200hp 2.0T engine, its refinement is more than enough to make up for that disadvantage. The legendary refinement, engine note and flexability of BMW straight-6 are simply outstanding even in this case. It doesn’t come as a surprise BMW builds the world’s best straight-6 engine regardless its in a 323i or M3. Despite of the low 174hp, it never run breathless through the rev range.

Handling remains an impressive one with sharp and precise handling. Thank godness 323i isn’t available with that artificial and grimmicky Active Steering as in 325i and 330i. Steering feel, precision and chassis stiffness are typical BMW surefootness. The level of control and feedback remain top-notch even if the limit isn’t high with base 16″ wheels.

However, 323i does come with a price. This price is the lack of luxurious features standard as you would expect in a luxury car. Our tester only comes with leatherette standard seats and manual climate control. One has to go with Premium Package in order to get luxury items. Once you loaded up a 323i, its more than enough to buy a 325i with a 3.0L I-6. The switchgears of the manual A/C feels very cheesy. Combine with the already cheap E90 interior, the interior ambience is very disappointing. It totally lacks the high-quality, tactical feel one expect from a BMW.

So, at the end of the day, is 323i a good buy? If you value BMW straight-6 and handling more than anything else, it remains a solid choice. There are solid value behind its Teutonic sensibilities, roundel emblem and world’s best straight-6 powerplant. If you value feature contents at the lowest price for a 6-cylinder entry-level luxury cars, there are lots more cars out there. On the other hand, I doubt those who are shopping for an A3 and B200 would comparison shop 323i. The biggest fear of 323i would have to come from “home of Stuggart”, that vehicle is C230 Classic. This entry-level Mercedes sedan represents the best value you can get anywhere else for a 6-cylinder entry-level luxury sedan.

Overall rating: 4/5