BMW 3 Series 325i 2008 Review

Step into a 3 Series BMW and it's easy to see why many people around the world aspire to do so daily. The door quietly goes “thunk” and then there's the lovely aroma of the leather trim. And the thought of the motoring pleasures to come. Yes, you can feel a bit smug in a 3 Series.

It's a range of German cars that deliver motoring behind a badge of distinction without being in the extravagant band.

BMW starts its 3 Series in Australia at $51,000, for the 320i sedan with its four-cylinder engine capable of 110kW power. Modest going but comfortable.

Then comes the 323i, a 2.5-litre, six-cylinder with 140kW of power, from $65,000.

The subject of our drive is the 325i. It generates 160kW of power from its 2.5-litre six and carries a starting price of $73,800.

Top performer is the 335i, which has everyone raving about its superb engine - a three-litre turbocharged six-cylinder unit with a V8-like 225kW of power, from $104,500.

In the mix, too, is a highly fuel-efficient 115kW turbodiesel 320d, costing from $56,700.

There are sedan, coupe, convertible and touring (station wagon) versions. The choice is further expanded by varieties with names such as Luminance, Executive and there's even an Executive Luminance.

Not counting the M3 super-performer, the 3 Series goes to $124,300 for the 335i convertible. Plus options. Yes, BMW and its options. Requiring a few extras on a chosen model comes at a cost - metallic paint is popular at $1600. Power sunroof? That's $2750. Top-level sound system $2400. And you can spend from $300 to $5400 upgrading the wheel and tyre package.

The BMW 325i sedan we drove is the second from top in the pecking order, so it comes with standard equipment that might be listed as options on lesser models. It has, for example, 17in alloy wheels, six-stack CD and BMW's Business Navigation system with 6.4in screen.

It costs $73,800 for a six-speed manual and $76,500 for a six-speed auto with steptronic shift. As with other 3 Series models, it has ABS and cornering brake control, stability control, front as well as front side and head airbags front and rear, cruise control, rear park sensors, climate control and trip computer. Rear-seat leg room is good for outboard positions but the transmission hump - it is rear-wheel drive - robs foot room for the middle passenger. Rear headroom is not great either but this is a compact (4520mm) sedan.

It has no spare wheel, giving the space under the 460-litre boot's floor for storage compartments and the battery.

The smallish, in-line six-cylinder is fairly tame in the 1430kg car under 2500rpm but above 3500rpm it sings wonderfully. It delivers 160kW of power at 6500rpm and 250Nm of torque at 2750rpm. This six-speed manual has a lovely gearshift and there's plenty of adjustment in the driver's seat position and steering wheel.

The Bridgestone Potenza 225/45 tyres tramlined a little and the challenge remains to provide the perfect run-flat tyre.

We used petrol at a rate of 8.5 litres/100km.

And, back to BMW's options list, a way to get better bang for the buck is in options packages. This car had the Innovations Pack. For $3300, it includes bi-xenon headlights with washers (normally $1820), adaptive headlights (normally $860), high-beam assist, a USB audio interface (normally $600) and upgrading to the 8.8in screen Professional Navigation system (usually a $3300 extra).

Class competition

Audi A4 2.0 Quattro: $67,850

Mercedes-Benz C280: $85,000

Saab 9-3 Vector 2.0T: $53,400