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"  Few car companies&amp;#039; souls are as closely tied to a single model as is to the . Since the debut of the 1600 in 1966 and the unleashing of the 2002tii in 1972, the 3 has continually been the product that has kept the marque in the limelight. It has earned the loyalty of the faithful and inspired the hardcore enthusiast.   While changing everything for the better underneath the sheet metal, BMW has played it safe with the styling and made the most-bitterly complained-about technologies optional. iDrive is included only with navigation. Active Steering bundled in the Sport Package is a stand-alone option for the new 3.   SPEED Magazine&amp;#039;s drive of the 330i started off in a town center in Spain, but quickly led us out onto freeways, where the car felt fast, competent and comfortable, cruising at near 100 mph with little wind noise and minimal disturbance from serious cross winds. On winding two-lane roads, the 330i delivered spectacularly, offering less understeer than any comparable sedan. The steering, a traditional BMW strength, communicated what was happening at the front tires with perfect lucidity.   All transmissions are six-speeds. The automatic shifted quickly and worked well under extended hard use. The manual transmission is the same unit used in the outgoing 3 Series, a model of buttery precision. Pedals are perfectly placed and throttle response is excellent.   Our test cars had 17-in. Pirelli Eufori@ run-flat tires. They initially provided good response and grip but eventually overheated and lost grip, reminiscent of those on the . Customers who are likely to drive their cars hard for miles at a time will be better off choosing the Sport Package, which includes more performance-oriented rubber. The brakes provided outstanding feel and never seemed to fade, though we had near-freezing temperatures keeping them cool.   A short section on a race track allowed us to experience on-the-limit cornering, braking and acceleration. The most remarkable feature of the 330i was the linearity of its responses, with all motions well-controlled, and slight understeering tendencies. The cars worked perfectly and could be faulted only for their basic equipment levels.   The new car gains inches dimensionally, but less than 100 lb. of weight, in order to improve interior space as well as crash protection. Interior materials and textures are familiar to BMW owners. The new styling is, as always, tasteful rather than flashy. Depending on whether navigation and iDrive are chosen, there are two different dash designs. The seats are comfortable and supportive. Logic7, with 13 speakers, is standard on the 330i and optional on the 325i. The trunk has a waterproof drawer, large enough to hold wet boots and maybe even a shorty wetsuit.   The 330i&amp;#039;s new engine uses Valvetronic technology, in which infinitely variable intake valve lift replaces the throttle plate. Refinements to the Valvetronic mechanism allow a higher redline, 7000 rpm versus 6500 rpm for the previous model&amp;#039;s engine. The 330i has a three-stage, variable resonance intake, helping raise output to 255 bhp at 6600 rpm. A magnesium/aluminum alloy cylinder block and hydroformed camshafts contribute to a total weight reduction of 22 lb. An electric water pump saves 2.7 bhp of parasitic power loss.   The chassis, designated E90, is more like a current 5 Series than past 3 Series. In front, one lateral and one semi-trailing link with separate outer ball joints create a virtual pivot point for improved steering feel and brake packaging. The rear features a five-link system. All suspension links connect to rubber-isolated subframes, reducing noise input to the body. Brake rotor sizes are increased on both the 330i and 325i. Like the front suspension, the front calipers are aluminum, reducing unsprung weight and improving weight distribution.   The 3 Series&amp;#039; already outstanding crash safety has been improved through structural reinforcements and a refined complement of airbag restraints. The pedals and foot rest are designed to collapse and move out of the way, reducing forces on the driver&amp;#039;s feet and legs in a crash.   There are very few cars that, as delivered by the factory, do exactly what you want, the way you want. With them, you can simply get in and drive, with no extra thought or effort required to accommodate the cars&amp;#039; &amp;quot;features.&amp;quot; Based on our experience so far, we&amp;#039;re confident the BMW 3 Series will continue to be a shining example of this genre for another generation. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/reviews/a12314/2006-bmw-330i-2/>