Every year, BMW puts on The Ultimate Drive, a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Take a new BMW for a test drive, and BMW donates money. Cool!
On Saturday, June 11, The Ultimate Drive came to Coast BMW Nissan in San Luis Obispo, and I took the opportunity to test-drive three BMWs: the 2005 325Ci convertable, the 2005 Z4 3.0, and the 2005 X3 3.0. All three cars were equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. Unfortunately, there were no manual transmissioned cars available. Also unfortunate was the absence of the new 2006 330i (E90), and the complete booking of the 2005 645i.
The test loop went from the dealership, down US-101 to the Avila Beach exit, and back up US-101. But somehow I kept finding myself on nice 2-lane frontage roads. I have no idea how that happened…
2005 325Ci convertible
Although the 3 Series sedans have moved to the new E90 platform, the coupe and convertible will carry on with the older E46 platform (first released in 1998) for another year. This doesn’t concern me at all, as I have always loved the E46.
The E46 has always fit me well, and the convertible is no exception. The seating position feels somewhat lower than my 1993 325i (E36), but it’s a little higher than the Z4. I immediately felt at home, as all the controls were were I would expect to find them in an E36—just newer and nicer.
As soon as I closed the door with a nice, vault-like “whump”, this car felt as solid as a rock. I could detect zero engine vibration, even at redline, and the suspension absorbed bumps well without compromising handling. Overall, the car felt much smoother and more solid than either my E36 or the 2005 Mustang. The E46 was designed from the outset to be more luxurious than the hard-edged E36, and it shows.
The 2.5-liter, inline 6 engine is basically an evolutionary improvement on the engine in my E36: better engine management computers and a more capable VANOS (variable valve timing) system give it a broader torque curve and smoother power.
The transmission is BMW’s 5-speed Steptronic automatic. The “Steptronic” refers to the “manual” shifting mode that gives the driver some say over what the transmission is doing. From the D gate, the shifter can move to the left. From there, pushing forward will upshift, and pulling backward will downshift. I played with this mode for most of the test loop. It does what it does, but it’ll never replace a true manual. Between having to look at the dash to figure out what gear I’m in, rather than instinctivly knowing from the shifter’s position, and having to wait a half-second or so for each shift, I say that Steptronic (and other “manumatic” transmissions from other manufacturers) is mostly a gimmick to pacify enthusiasts. I suspect that most people will just leave the transmission in Drive.
Handling is somewhat of a disappointment compared to my E36. The E46’s power steering was changed in 2001 to be lighter, because too many yuppie types were complaining about how heavy it was. Then BMW changed the steering again in 2002, because too many enthusiasts were complaining that the 2001 steering sucked. In any case, the 2005 steering is well-weighted and responsive, but still a touch lighter and vaguer than my E36. Additionally, the automatic transmission and additional weight of the car conspired to make the car feel just a tick slower than my E36.
But those are extremely minor quibbles (and certainly nothing that can’t be fixed with the 3.0 liter engine and/or the 5-speed manual). Driving a BMW convertible is just exilarating. From the moment I hit the open road, I had a big stupid grin on my face that lasted until I got back. I haven’t had as much sheer joy during a test drive since I rode a Harley-Davidson V-Rod last year. Driving a solid, fast convertible with the wind in the hair and the tunes on the radio was just tons of fun.
I could definitely see myself in a 325Ci or 330Ci convertible.
2005 Z4 3.0
The Z4 is a classic 2-seat roadster. Chris Bangle’s “flame surface” styling is louder on the Z4 than any other BMW, so you’re either going to love it or hate it. Personally, I love it.
The Z4 is a small car, but there is room—barely—for my 6′5″ frame. Unfortunately, even with the seat all the way down on the floor, the top of the windshield was right in my line of sight, just above the horizon. I constantly had to look under it, over it, or around the mirror, especially during cornering. This is, unfortunately, a deal-breaker for me.
However, the car is quite a hoot. The dealership is on a busy stretch of Los Osos Valley Road, which means you often have to be aggressive about getting out into traffic. The Z4 3.0 is lighter and smaller than the 325Ci convertible, and has a larger engine (3.0 liters), so I knew it was going to be quicker. I underestimated how much quicker. As I straightened out from my right turn, I rolled on some gas—and immediately exclaimed “Holy Shit!” with a laugh. That car is fast.
The steering was very sharp and quick (though still too light). The steering, combined with the car’s small size and light weight makes the Z4 3.0 the quickest car I have ever driven, by far, both in a straight line and in corners. But the speed is smooth—I found myself having to slow down to merge with freeway traffic.
Overall, the Z4 is quite a kick to drive. It’s just too darn small for me.
2005 X3 3.0
The X3 is essentially a 3 Series on steroids. I’m not normally a big fan of SUVs, but I wanted to give the X3 a shot.
The X3 3.0 has the same 3.0 liter inline 6 as the Z4 and E46 330i/Ci, but because the X3 is a much heavier vehicle, it is not nearly as quick. It makes good power though for hurtling cruising down backroads and passing slower traffic on the highway.
Where the X3 really shines is in its handling. Whereas most SUVs wallow and complain in turns in a most unsettling fashion, the X3 breezes right through just like a BMW sedan. I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I would confidently estimate that BMW’s SUVs handle better than most manufacturer’s sedans—it’s that good.
Would I buy an X3? Down here in southern California, probably not. But in snow country, I would take a hard look at one.
Tags: BMW, E46, test drive