BMW_Dude

• Bodystyle: coupé
• Engine: 3.0-litre straight six, twin turbo
• Fuel: petrol
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Date of Test: April 2007

What is it?
This car is the flagship of the BMW 3 Series – albeit not for very long because the new V8-powered M3 arrives shortly. This 335i is a two-door coupe which, especially from the rear, is markedly more handsome than the four-door version. It has two exhausts that are positioned neatly at either side of the rear of the car, not the next-to-each-other approach of lesser 3-series. It is not a 3.5-litre however; it is simply a 3.0 litre, but with twin turbochargers, which differentiates it from the 330i, which has none. This gives it a storming 306bhp – not far from the previous M3’s 343bhp either.

Where does it fit?
Considering the appeal of these cars, and the growing size of the coupé segment, it has surprisingly little competition; indeed, the BMW 3 Series largely invented this sector back in the 1980s. Today it is opposed mainly by the ageing Mercedes CLK and the brand new Audi A5, which we have just driven. It’s a good looking and quite striking car, and a driver’s favourite; if you drive one now, near the start of its life, you will get many inquisitive glances, especially when they notice the subtle but oh-so-authoritative badge on the back.

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Is it for you?
If you a thrusting young - or even not so young - executive, no other car will do. Visit any business park in the Thames Valley or silicon glen or fen, and you will shortly find car parks brimming with these cars. It is not just the image that people go for, though that is attractive enough and ensures very strong residuals. It truly is a driver’s car, and promises a rewarding drive every time. It is well mannered and very fast, performing 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds. People love the 3 Series, including you it seems; this car won the MSN Car of the Year 2007 as a result of an online vote, clearly you have good taste.

What does it do well?
Drive very well through the rear wheels, with gear ratios chosen by an old fashioned manual stick. This car is down to earth and very sensibly thought out. It has neat little touches, such as the flip-out door pockets and the little lights on the external doors when you unlock, and the tasteful red lighting that glows on the doors after you get in. The leather seats fitted to our car are sumptuous and comfortable and you will feel special driving about. All the controls are well laid out and have a quality feel, but the engine is the high point of this car, sweet sounding with plenty of grunt, even low down in the rev range. Its headlights very strong, enabling you to see everything you need to from a good distance away. While not necessarily cheap, buying a 335i means you will at least get decent customer service as BMW dealers are among the best in the business.

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What doesn’t it do well?
It’s pretty expensive; in basic SE spec, the 335i coupe costs £33,420. However, extras which are vital for residuals will cost you: £2,000 for satnav, £1,300 for Dakota leather, £535 for Bluetooth (so your mobile will work hands free with little hassle) and £280 for a DAB radio. It’s one touch indicator stalks are a pain in the neck and will take some getting used to, and rear accommodation, while sumptuous, is less so if the occupants have long legs. While definitely a low key car, it can be argued that this £38,000 car doesn’t look sufficiently special compared to lowlier brethren.

What’s it like to live with?
Very good. Good quality plastics and metals are used, and the cockpit tells you all the information you need to know. It has a fair amount of standard kit in this model, including xenon headlamps, cruise control, and electric front seats. I like the arm that sticks out giving you the seatbelt when you start up, and plenty of storage space too. Some people will like the front of seat extensions which you can pull out and give your legs more support on long journeys. The run-flat tyres used here have a bad reputation for affecting ride quality, but I found this car to be very comfortable, and very quiet too when cruising unhurriedly. You will emerge from long trips feeling relaxed and happy.

How green is it?
BMW claims a combined figure of 29mpg and indeed the car’s computer averaged only just a bit lower on our week-long test of combined driving – which isn’t bad for a performance coupe; nor is its CO2 rating of 228. It won’t win many prizes from Greenpeace, but it will last a long time and on that basis may be less polluting across its lifespan than many lesser but more throwaway models.

Would we buy it?
Oh yes. This car is a lot of fun whether you drive it on the edge or use its grunty engine to make good progress. It has clearly been designed to put the driving experience front and centre. That it achieves this so well without being horribly uncomfortable or thirsty is a triumph. Alternatively, if you want to take it easy, the car is happy and docile and will do as it is told. It’s a good place to spend time in, and with a good sized boot a fairly practical position too. As with so many BMWs, the alternatives are as likely to wear blue and white propellers as opposed to other badges altogether. I would discount the Mercedes CLK, which is really starting to age now – and very expensive to boot.

The A5 may be an interesting choice too though I have not yet driven it; my colleague Kyle says it is good however. The main alternatives to this car may be the more practical and slightly cheaper four-door version, or the 335d coupé, which has most of the good points above, but with stronger residuals, lower company car tax, and nearly 30% more miles for your gallon. If you want smoothness and have a company fuel card you will choose the petrol – but if you do serious miles and use your own money to fill up the oil burner will always be the way to go.

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