Crossing the Blues
BMW 3 Series 2005 Cars Review and specification with short previews

The new 3 Series faces the daunting task of upstaging what is the defining car of its

generation and market sector. With engine technology and a focused design strategy at its

core, the new 3 Series looks set to do just that. Once again, the new 3 Series sets a new

benchmark for small executive cars and I am confident it will be a great success in both

the corporate and retail markets," said Jim O'Donnell, managing director of BMW Great

Britain.

The new BMW 3 Series delivers an even more dynamic driving experience than its

predecessor, accelerates faster and achieves a higher top speed but not to the detriment

of economy, with the new 330i delivering improvements in fuel consumption while the 320i

and 320d match their predecessors.

Powering the fifth generation of new BMW 3 Series is a range of engines all married to a

standard six-speed manual gearbox (six-speed automatic optional). Topping the range is

the BMW 330i featuring the most powerful, yet lightest, six-cylinder engine in its class

- the same engine that powers the recently launched BMW 630i Coupé. Delivering 258bhp and

300Nm (221lb-ft) between 2,500 and 4,000rpm, this engine powers the car from zero to

62mph in just 6.3 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. However, this is not

at the expense of economy, with the new 330i delivering 33.5mpg combined fuel

consumption.