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2007 BMW 3-series - 10Best Cars
Escalating the sports-sedan standard.
January 2007
We first voted the BMW 3-series to our 10Best list in 1992. That car was the 325i, and in 3-series genealogy, it was two generations older, or the grandfather, of today’s model. With 189 horsepower generated from its 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine, the ’92 325i hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and cornered at a well-balanced 0.80 g.
Today’s most powerful equivalent is the 335i, with a 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter version of the classic six. It zips to 60 in 4.8 seconds and corners at 0.89 g while offering more luxury and space and delivering better fuel economy and a quieter, more comfortable ride than its forebear.
Each year, the 3-series has gotten a bit more power, an upgraded suspension, a stiffer structure, or a new body style to keep it fresh and current. These constant upgrades have kept the 3-series on our 10Best list for a record 16 consecutive years.
And although the car has grown about six inches and 500 pounds in the intervening years, the 3-series remains the definitive sports sedan, delivering the driving satisfaction of a sports car in the body of a practical machine. For a car enthusiast, everyday drivers don’t come any better.
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine; rear or 4-wheel-drive; 5-passenger; 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, or 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: $33,095–$41,295
ENGINES: DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 230 hp, 200 lb-ft; twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Length: 178.2–180.3 in
Width: 70.2–71.5 in
Height: 54.1–55.9 in
Curb weight: 3400–3800 lb
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city driving: 19–21 mpg
Check out Pictures in our Gallery
Escalating the sports-sedan standard.
January 2007
We first voted the BMW 3-series to our 10Best list in 1992. That car was the 325i, and in 3-series genealogy, it was two generations older, or the grandfather, of today’s model. With 189 horsepower generated from its 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine, the ’92 325i hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and cornered at a well-balanced 0.80 g.
Today’s most powerful equivalent is the 335i, with a 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter version of the classic six. It zips to 60 in 4.8 seconds and corners at 0.89 g while offering more luxury and space and delivering better fuel economy and a quieter, more comfortable ride than its forebear.
Each year, the 3-series has gotten a bit more power, an upgraded suspension, a stiffer structure, or a new body style to keep it fresh and current. These constant upgrades have kept the 3-series on our 10Best list for a record 16 consecutive years.
And although the car has grown about six inches and 500 pounds in the intervening years, the 3-series remains the definitive sports sedan, delivering the driving satisfaction of a sports car in the body of a practical machine. For a car enthusiast, everyday drivers don’t come any better.
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine; rear or 4-wheel-drive; 5-passenger; 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, or 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: $33,095–$41,295
ENGINES: DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 230 hp, 200 lb-ft; twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Length: 178.2–180.3 in
Width: 70.2–71.5 in
Height: 54.1–55.9 in
Curb weight: 3400–3800 lb
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city driving: 19–21 mpg
Check out Pictures in our Gallery