With the 3 Series scheduled for another facelift when the 2006 model hits the showroom floors, I decided to grab some wheel time in the 2005 model. The '06 is on my short list of ‘possible next cars’ and I’d like to know what they’ve changed. Luckily I have an uncle with a stripped down '05 who was nice enough to let me use it for a few days.


The Car

My tester is a 325i sedan in Alpine White with a Sand Leatherette interior. The only two options installed are a 5 speed automatic transmission with tiptronic (actually I think BMW prefers steptronic) and self leveling xenon lights. It’s unusual to see a Bimmer this bare but it gave me more opportunity to focus on performance.


Exterior

From the curb it’s all BMW. Sexy, graceful and athletic all at once. She sits on 205/55 series rubber mounted on 16 inch alloys. The wheels are pushed to the corners and the wheel well gaps are noticeably smaller than most other stock vehicles. It’s an aggressive stance. The classic BMW grille is flanked by xenons and factory frenched fog lights in the bumper. Production standards are immediately evident in the perfect fitment of all the panels and the tightness of it all. The doors close with an authoritative ‘thud’ making you feel as though you’re in a bank vault.


Interior

The ‘leatherette’ interior is surprisingly convincing. I thought it was leather until my uncle told me otherwise. This is a far cry from vinyl and is actually more luxurious than many other cars with real leather. These ‘basic’ seats are very comfortable, even in the all important lumbar region. Even though they are manually adjustable (very strange in a spanking new BMW) it was easy to get comfortable. Two levers on the side of the seat control height for the front and rear of the seat bottom individually. An armrest on the center console is sitting right behind two cupholders which aren’t big enough for a big gulp. The gearshift then leads up to the HVAC and stereo and a typically BMW-stark-dashboard. BMWs always appear to be lacking buttons and gadgets to me. Most would describe the dash as simple, elegant, sophisticated maybe. To me it’s just a lot of empty space to add some more options – but that’s just me I’m sure. The steering wheel houses redundant stereo controls and the cruise control. Beyond that an efficient, analog gauge cluster keeps you informed. Matching large gauges in the center are the speedometer and the 6500 RPM redline tachometer. The tach also has the trademark BMW gas mileage indicator that bounces to an fro relentlessly as you drive. A fuel and temp gauge are also in the dash. The HVAC works brilliantly and the stereo system sounded ok. Not enough bass for me personally. The backseat is tight, even in the class the 3 series resides in. My own car ('03 C320) is virtually the same dimensions as this car but offers considerably more backseat room. The trunk is also smaller than I expected, although that is partly due to the drawer attached to the bottom of the package tray.


Performance

The best part about this car is the driving experience. The 2.5 liter straight six pushes 184 horsepower / 175 ft lbs of torque to the rear wheels through a crisp 5 speed automatic. Acceleration is pleasing and almost intuitive. It’s very smooth and predictable. The traction control eliminates wheelspin completely. Straight line acceleration leaves me wishing for about 50 more horsepower but I suspect most people won’t feel that way. Stopping the 325 is effortless. Four wheel ventilated discs with ABS, EBD, EBA and a whole flurry of other acronyms add up to braking overkill. The 3300 curb weight is no match for that much braking ability. It inspires confidence. Along these lines, the standard accouterment of crumple zones and air bags are there to protect you as well. Cornering is where the BMW shines the brightest. Even this low-man-on-the-totem-pole 325 will bring a smile to your face. The low profile tires, widest and longest possible tire track for the size of the vehicle, and tighter than polite suspension add up to the most fun you can have with your pants on. The 325 stays level and surefooted around the hairiest switchbacks you can find. The seats hold you firm. The tires sound no complaint (unless you really push the envelope). Steering feel is precise with just the right amount of feedback. The car has enough manners to make your daily commute reasonably comfortable, but those drawn to the cushy, Lexus type of ride need not apply. You won’t appreciate the car. Those who need the animal like thrust of a C6 Corvette need not apply either. Acceleration is pleasing but not awe inspiring. This car is specifically targeted at the small / midsize sedan commuter whose willing to pay a small premium for a little more luxury and a lot more fun in the corners.

During the several days that I drove this car I never futzed with the steptronic feature. It just wasn’t necessary. The transmission shifted at the same points I would have chosen if it were a manual. Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle with the exception of the horsepower and torque. The 330 would probably have enough power to please me and there’s always the much coveted M3. For what it is though, the 325i, stripped down like this, is the perfect entry level vehicle to the 3 series lineup and with a bottom line of just over 30K is not much more than some of its seriously boring competitors. BMW knows their prospective buyers well and has offered up another winner in the 2005 325i.


All things considered

Being that my own car is actually one of the most obvious competitors for the market segment that the 325i is targeting, a side by side comparison is in order.


Interiorly speaking

The Mercedes C class (320 in this case) offers a much more luxurious cabin. 10 way power, heated seats cradle you in soft, supple leather. The seat fits you like a glove and the generous thigh and back bolsters hang on to you during spirited driving. The dash is warm and elegant and chock full o’ goodies to keep you grinning from ear to ear. In my view it’s the polar opposite of the minimalist dashboard of the BMW. Whereas the BMW forces you to concentrate on the driving experience, the Mercedes inspires you to enjoy the experience from the gluttonous point of view. Side by side I would pick the Benz over the Bimmer if the decision had to be based solely on creature comforts. The back seat of the C class is substantially more comfortable than the 325’s back seat and there is more (perceived?) space in the trunk as well.


Exteriorly speaking

The current incarnation of the C320 (the w203 body) is by far the most appealing C class to date. Similar to the 3 series, its tires too are pushed to the corners (almost to the same extent) but the rear of the car is still a bit stodgy in my opinion. The 3 series is all about flexing its muscles. The attitude is there no matter what angle you look at her from. As far as looks it’s a toss up between the two. The BMW looks like a thoroughbred and the C class looks like a stately Arabian. Either one will decorate your garage quite nicely.


At the track

The 325i can not keep up with the C320 in a straight line but that’s an unfair comparison. I have no doubt the 330i could at least keep pace with the C320. Steering feel on the C class is good but in no way as literal as the 3 series. Braking is a dead heat between the two. The Mercedes’ brakes are every bit as impressive as the 3 series’. Cornering is where the Benz will fall a little short. The C class has a much stiffer suspension than most sedans but it just isn’t tuned the same as the Bimmer. Not many cars are. The mighty C32 and the horrifyingly fast C55 will go shoulder to shoulder with any 3 series up to the exalted M3, but the standard 325i or 330i will whoop the standard C class hands down. If pure driving experience is your main concern then you will want the 3 series over the C class.


Last thoughts

The 325i would not be the 3 series I would actually buy for myself – I’m way too into buttons and stuff. The 330i fully loaded and with a 6 speed manual is more likely. Between the two I actually prefer the Mercedes and am saddened that I won’t be getting another one to replace this one – but there’s good reason. I’ve had non stop problems since the day I bought it. Never the motor of tranny, just the electrical type of problems. Thankfully I have the amazing Benz warranty in place which literally pays for every thing including oil changes and new tires, but when it expires I’m in trouble. I have another year of warranty left so I’m just starting to look at possible replacements now. The upside to the electrical problems is that Mercedes always gives me a rental car when they’re fixing my car and those loaners have made for some truly hostile and funny (in my opinion) epinions from me.

These are two similar vehicles which will draw similar clients. If you’re rubbing your chin right now and trying to figure out which one to go for, take my advice and get the Bimmer. Less luxurious but more aggressive and tons more reliable.






Amount Paid (US$): 31000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: 2005 325i Sedan