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BMW 3-Series 2006
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Comments
Interior appears to have lost some quality plastics. Looks cheap, and the lack of a driver-focused console is a cost-cutting move.
It'll be interesting to see how the pricing turns out. If they do anything like they did with the new 5-series (in terms of pricing), I think they are asking for trouble.
Again, I think Lexus has a great opportunity to surpass the 3-series with their upcoming IS (not sure they'll take advantage of it, but the opportunity is there).
Not that it looks bad, just something doesn't look right...something is out of place, but I can't put my finger on it. It does however look bold and unconventional which is a good thing.
If you compare the interior to the upcoming Infiniti M35, or the TL (or my favorite the Touareg) it appears to be lacking (in something).
Perhaps you need to sit in it to appreciate it; who knows, in real life it may turn out to be earth shattering.
Exterior, nice except the rear lights...seen them somewhere before...Nissan, not sure...I know I've seen them some where.
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thats exactly what i thought, im also sure it looks like a nissan's, maybe an '01 maxima?
the interior lacks quality feel and both design and materials used look cheap
With fuel econonomy up that means 36/28 if I drive the same type of trip.
Six seconds is that auto or manual? If BMW is saying six, the mags will squeeze 5 out of it.
It doesn't seem as bad with the 5-series, but when I drove a Z4, that flat dash just seemed out of place.. Other than the grill lines running down through the bumper, it is the only thing I dislike about the car. Not enough to not make me want it, though.. ..
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I read somewhere that the new 325/330xi will be equipped with xdrive. I would not bother buying the brand new e90 touring with an old AWD system.
I will defer my judgement about the interior until I actually sit in a e90. I just hope the fit and finish of the e90 does not resemble the x3. My friend drove me around in his x3 and I was stunned how flimsy the interior quality was. The interior of a Honda CRV puts the x3 interior to shame(especially at a fraction of the price).
In fact the x3 does not even feel like a BMW. It feels more like a Magna x3(name of the assembler)
To me the real deal clincher is the innovation in the engine and larger interior capacity.
I'm also real interested in their alternative fuels program. The way to get off the oil ride is to power the cars with something other than gas.
It is funny, though.. one of the reasons for getting the 3-series was it was small and sporty.. Fortunately, the extra size on the E90 doesn't come with extra weight.
I don't think BMW has anything in the near future as far as alternative fuels.. they seem to be betting on hydrogen, but anything like that has to be ten years or more away..
I like the idea of diesels for better economy, without sacrificing power, but that is still an oil derivative. Much simpler than the current hybrid craze, though.
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"Much simpler than the current hybrid craze."
This hybrid craze is certainly contagious and BMW has not been inoculated. In a few years BMW intends to introduce a hybrid x5. This X5 will produce an amazing 1,000Nm of torque at 1,000rpm - far more than any other BMW. I dont think BMW is thinking about saving our planet with this vehicle.
No car, or all cars, won't save or condemn the planet.
Though, I've said it before, if improved mileage will let me give the middle east the big middle finger, I'm all for it.
regards,
kyfdx
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The e90 will first be shown in the Geneve Auto Show sometime in March. Will the e90 be introduced in the dealerships within days or weeks of the Auto show? Could be, but this would be unprecedented for BMW(based on my knowledge---if I am wrong please correct me)
I think that is the reason for all the differing answers....
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Even when you are on top, you always have to look down below.
i seriously cant imagine driving a 3er w/ i(diot) drive all the time, particularly w/ some of its function stripped downfrom the 5ers version, making it even less useful, why cant they just give us the simple ol fashioned controls
I'm hoping to purchase a 2006 330xi in a year or so, if such a vehicle is going to be available then. Two questions: does anyone know when/if the xi is going to be available for '06, and secondly, is "xDrive" the same technology as on earlier versions of the xi, or is it better/newer technology?
Thanks.
Only SH-AWD on the Acura RL can send power to individual rear wheels.
Enjoy, cybersol
Actually there are a number of systems that send torque to individual wheels, Honda's system is not unique in that regard.
So xDrive only sends power to the front or rear axles and DSC/ABS are left to brake individual wheels. This is not the same as being able to send engine torque to individual rear wheels without losing the power through braking.
"Actually there are a number of systems that send torque to individual wheels, Honda's system is not unique in that regard"
Could you list them for me? I would like to go read about them.
Thanks, cybersol
"Under ideal conditions power is split 50/50 front to rear. But in extreme cases up to 67% of the engine's power can be directed to a single wheel"
That's basically what the acura can do ( 70% to one axle, 100% to one side ). It also only claims to work for the rear wheels.
Acura has 70%front 30% rear by default, and BMW has 40% front and 60%rear by default. All these can vary by some ratio. I think subaru keeps a 50/50 ratio. Haldax (volvo) is 95% front; it's basically FWD unless there is slippage.
Using the brakes to switch power L/R isn't much "throwing it away" as it makes the differntial shift the power. Also, it's not as if it's happening all the time--just when tires have broken loose. If that's happening *all the time* with a 50K luxury car, you have either issues or too much money,
dave
The left-right shift via braking is similar to using the TCS/ABS system to brake the slipping wheel and thus transfer power to the non-slipping wheel. A limited slip differential (LSD) accomplishes the same thing but transfers torque more effectively with less waste. For best performance, you want the LSD.
xDrive uses a TCS/ABS like method instead of a LSD like method. Quattro also uses TCS/ABS like braking, but they call it Electronic Differential Lock via braking. A performance oriented AWD system uses some type of LSD instead (Subaru WRX STI for example).
BRING ME THE 2006 330I NOW!!!!!!!!!!!