Short review of 2007 BMW 323i/328i
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Price as tested: CDN$37200 (323i) CDN$49700 (328i)

BMW has upgraded their successful 3-Series with more powerful straight-6s this year. Other than the astounishing 335i, which features a wonderful 300hp 3 liter biturbo engine. Its entry-level silibing, 323i has upgraded to 200hp, up from 174hp and 180 lb/ft of torque, jump from 170 lb/ft of torque, with the same 2.5L I-6 engine. The desired effect is the vehicle feels much more responsive with just 26 more horses and 10 foot pounds of torque, even with the Steptronic manumatic transmission. On the other hand, despite the change of designation from 325i to 328i. Its 3.0 liter normally aspirated engine in 325i has upgraded from 215hp and 185 lb/ft of torque to 230hp and 200 lb/ft, respectively. What these 2 normally aspirated engines in common are their wonderful engine note that is truly Teutonic. When revving in high rpm, it never run out of breath like some of its V6 peers do. Given it got such a healthy does of horses and torque, its Steptronic’s stubborn response isn’t an issue. This used to be an issue with the 174 hp 323i in the past. No so anymore. For an enthuiasts, its always been a delight to drive BMW’s sweet 6-speed stick shift.

3-Series’s trademark handling dynamics remained intact in their latest engine upgrade. Surgically precise steering with tons of feedback. Strong and stiff chassis with uninstrusive DSC-3 stability control. With our 328i’s sports package, it makes an already capable vehicle an even better handler. The cornering is flat and stable. It feels more like a sports car than a luxury car. We are fortunate that the 328i doesn’t come with the artifical Active Steering system. However, we still find the ride comfort in the latest iteration of 3-Series doesn’t ride as smoothly as its predecessor due to its run-flat tires. It is still a very comfortably riding car but just not as sublime as previous generation.

Unfortunately, 3-Series interior quality remains underwhelming compares to its peers and predecessor. It just lacks the high-quality, tactical feel that make E46 feels so classy and expensive. Given how BMW upgraded X3’s interior during facelift, we are hoping those Germans will take facelifted 3-Series’s interior seriously.

Overall ratings: 4/5 (323i) 4/5 (328i)