2008 BMW 335i
October 29th, 2006
BMW has finally announced its fourth-generation 3-series convertible and released photos of its first folding-hardtop car. The tin roof is a three-piece unit operated either by a single switch on the center console or a button on the key fob for remote opening. This feature will only work within about 15 feet of the car, which seems like nothing more than a party trick. If you have to be standing next to the car to operate the top, why not be sitting in it?
2007 BMW 335i Sedan
September 26th, 2006
When the fifth-generation 3-series sedan made its debut in early 2005, it was hard to see just where a significant improvement might be made in this outstanding car. Then the 335i coupe came along, and suddenly the plan became clear: they’ll make that 3.0-liter turbo engine available in the sedan.
And here it is. Background: The 2006 330i helped the 3-series make its 15th consecutive appearance on the Car and Driver 10Best Cars list. Its classic inline-six, a BMW powertrain mainstay since 1924, was re-engineered from top to bottom, with heavy emphasis on weight reduction, including extensive use of magnesium, a new valvetrain, new everything. The result was a dramatic uptick in output: 255 horsepower, 220 pound-feet of torque, from a 3.0-liter engine that was 22 pounds lighter than its predecessor. It lowered the 330i’s 0-to-60 mph time to 5.6 seconds.