BMW 335i Reviews

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the BMW 3 Series with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australia launch.

In one week we went straight from the entry level 3-Series model to the top of the line - from the 320d to the 335i Sport. The contrast was big but the elements for which BMW is famous shine through - sporty drive feel, high tech engines, quality fit and finish, arresting style. But the 335i Sport we had was something special, almost the M3 you'd have when you're not having an M3... or can't afford one. The 335i Sport isn't a V8 like the current M3 having much more in common with earlier six pot versions - potent six pots at that.Only this time, there's a twin-scroll turbo bolted to the exhaust to stir things up without giving the car a drinking problem. Infact, the petrol powered 335i Sport is a smidge away from qualifying for the Luxury Car Tax reduction, missing the 7.0-litres/100km cut off point by recording a depressingly close 7.2-litres. It would make a difference of a few thousand dollars to the price.Never mind, for the asking price of just under $100 grand, the 335i Sport delivers driver engagement in spades along with sporty dynmics and almost rude performance, rated at an impressive 5.5-seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. And don't forget, this is an automatic executive sedan, albeit, with an eight speed auto driving the rear wheels.Is it too many cogs? No, you can barely feel or hear the changes up or down the scale and the paddle shift system is linked into the car's drive-mode select system giving a range of operation choices right through to full sport with throttle blip on the down change.The car gets an electronic diff lock for better traction and a sports suspension set-up, in this case with optional adaptive suspension. Needless to say it was a sharp piece of kit.That 3.0-litre turbo engine, with variable valve timing and lift is good for 225kW/400Nm output, the latter at barely above idle. It translates into super strong acceleration and quick response across the entire engine rev range. Even sounds pretty hot - a mad six cylinder wail not unlike those earlier M3s.But this car is tailored for executive suits who want luxury with their sporty sedan car and to that end, the 335i is crammed with goodies expected of this breed of buyer. Leather, voice control, high end satnav, bi-xenons, on board computer, premium Harman Kardon audio, full connectivity, dual zone climate, cruise with auto brake,electric seat adjustment. In line with BMW's green aspirations, the 335i also gains auto stop/start to save fuel in traffic, regenerative brake energy , eco pro systems optimisation to deliver the best economy and stuff like electric power steering.

Too late in life to buy a convertible? Rugrats already leaving footprints on the seat-backs? Don't despair... it's never really too late.You just need the disposable income (or appropriate company car package) to get into something like this BMW 335i M Sport Convertible.Four seats, something of a boot -- when the hard-topped folding roof is up -- and all the mod-cons, it's a mid-life crisis car that's almost versatile. It can get the endorphins pumping and yet still cart the kids.VALUEThe "v" word isn't one always associated with the Bavarian breed but if you consider the two-cars-in-one routine might soften the $126,900 blow a little - or look at the price of the not-much-quicker M3 Convertible, which is over $170,000.As tested, the 335i M Sport Convertible had the seven-speed twin-clutch automated manual transmission (for $3500) and a few other options like metallic paint ($1840) and internet accessibility for $200, although my phone didn't seem to want to help in that process.The features list is considerable - rain-sensing wipers, automatic bi-xenon headlights, sharp-looking 19in alloy wheels with low-profile runflat-tyres, remote central locking and keyless start, the broad-screened 3D satnav (although the topography has far more bumps in it for the Adelaide CBD than I remember) and infotainment screen, a first-rate sound system with hard drive and USB input.There's also dual-zone climate control, electrochromatic rearvision mirrors, trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio link, fog lights and leather-trimmed seating with front pews power-adjustable and heated.TECHNOLOGYThe 335i droptop has lost a turbo and reduced its thirst, but maintained its considerable outputs. While there are still a few Beemers punching with two turbos, several models have changed over to a single turbocharger for the three-litre straight-six.The new intake system uses a twin-scroll unit that is pressurised by two exhaust feeds that (teamed with direct injection and variable valve timing) help it maintain the 225kW and 400Nm of the old engine but with a reduced thirst, down to 8.8 litres per 100km from 9.1.The standard drivetrain has a six-speed manual but the test car had the optional seven speed twin-clutch automated manual, which is not short of smarts and delivers super-quick gearshifts - Sports mode is aggressive without being ridiculous and can be changed via paddles on the wheel.Given that the sun floods in 23 seconds after you push the button, the leather trim has been treated with what the company calls SunReflective Technology to reduce the butt-frying effect that Australian sun can induce in convertibles. There's also the ability to use brake energy to charge the battery but no Stop-Start system.DESIGNAt first glance many may not even spot the roof seams that designate the metal roof can fold into the boot, and aside from the bootspace reductions the convertible offers the best of both worlds. Roof up it is a svelte machine and not much changes when the bootlid flips up to swallow the roof. It's still a looker.Within the four-seater cabin, occupants get by at normal speeds with minimal buffeting - only at highway speeds will longer-haired folks get grumpy with the airflow. The front seat occupants don't have to stretch back for their seatbelts, as the belts are integrated into the seatbacks (it reminded me of early Range Rovers) to allow easier access for the rear occupants.You'll want to travel light if the roof is to be removed - the 350-litre boot isn't cavernous to begin with and drops to 210 litres, so pack light.SAFETYThere's no shortage of safety gear in the elegant little Beemer - dual front and side airbags, stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes.There's also adaptive bi-xenon headlights with an auto-dipping high-beam, cruise control with braking function (great for maintaining speed down hills) and pop-up roll-bars behind the rear seats.DRIVINGAs packages go, there are few more amusing things to drive than a BMW convertible. When it's a turbo six, the pose can be quickly transformed into a swift exit, but without any fuss.Only the restricted bootspace takes the shine from the updated droptop, which is a surprisingly easy car to live with day-to-day.Despite sitting on lowered M Sport suspension and low-profile run-flat rubber that is wrapped around 19in wheels, the ride is not uncomfortably firm - it still doesn't like the nastier bits of broken bitumen but it's better than you'd expect looking at the wheel/tyre package.Crashing through the ruptured road surfaces with the roof off doesn't get the bodyshell shimmying either - at 1700-odd kg it's a no lightweight but the payoff is body strength that is palpable on a rough road.The rear leg and foot room isn't expansive but a family of four can slip, slop and slap their way to a day-trip destination in fine style.Put the driver in on their own and fire up the electronics into Sports modes and the M Sport side of the title is more than apparent - straightline speed is approaching the M3 and the chassis (while not quite to M3 levels) has enough competence to cover ground on a twisty back-road in short order.VERDICTIf you have any requirements for four seats but still feel the need to drive something that can blur the scenery, then this is a worthy contender.Cart the kids, do the shopping, perform most duties without complaint, but if you adjust the mirrors properly so you can't see the other seats, it'll stop, turn and go well enough to make you forget there's room for the boss and the little uns, at least until they call to be picked up ... sorry, the phone dropped out.BMW 335i M Sport ConvertiblePrice: from $126,900Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 51%  Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 25,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 8.8 l/100km, on test 13.5; 205g/km CO2Saftey Equipment: Four airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control.Crash Rating: 5 starEngine: 225kW/400Nm 3-litre variable-valve direct-injection twin-scroll turbo in-line six-cylinderTransmission: seven-speed twin-clutch automated manualBody: 2-door, 4 seats Dimensions: 4612mm (L); 1782mm (W); 1384mm (H); 2760mm (WB)Weight: 1750kgTyre Size: 225/35 fr and 255/30 rr R19 run-flat safety tyres Spare TYRE run-flats

With this 3 Series we're quietly witnessing the demise of a BMW signature: its naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder petrol engine.TECHNOLOGYIt's been offered since 1977 but, hemmed in by emissions regulations, you cannot get one any more. The sole six-cylinder now is the turbocharged 3.0-litre unit in the 335i, which carries over from the previous model. It's the hero of the line-up and every bit as responsive and powerful as I remember. More economical now too, with BMW's excellent eight-speed transmission. The non-turbo sixes have been replaced by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder in two levels of output.The 320i arrives later but the 328i is here now and it was the car I was most eager to sample on the test drive in Victoria's Yarra Ranges this week. This 180kW unit will eventually become the mid-spec engine across all BMWs. So it shoulders quite a responsibility and the potential to disappoint. It doesn't.DRIVEWith more accessible torque from low revs than the engines it replaces, and a punchy and responsive mid-range, it propels the 328i with conviction. Zero to 100km/h takes 6.1 seconds, quicker than its rivals from Mercedes or Audi and enough to deliver on BMW's promise of driving pleasure. Most of the time it even sounds pleasing, especially when asked to deliver.Better than that, it feels like the sweet spot in the line-up. Dynamically it was the standout, lighter on its feet and better balanced than the heavier 335i. And while BMW makes good diesels, I'd pick the 328i ahead of the 320d every time.Despite being bigger all round, the 3 is still a handling champion among mid-size sedans. There's impressive agility while the level of directness between steering or throttle inputs and how it behaves on the road inspires confidence.But it would be folly to deny the differences. With electric steering instead of hydraulic, the wheel is more remote while the regular suspension seems softer than I remember, with scope for a bit more body roll and rebound over bumps. Perhaps this is to smooth out the ride. But I'd option-up to the sports or adaptive suspension.On other counts, BMW has made sure there are more reasons to buy. Few will find the cabin too cramped now, and the interior finishes are more varied and interesting. The driving position, as you would expect, is excellent.VERDICTThe new 3 Series loses a little but gains a lot, enough to move it into pole position in a segment it helped define.

BMW gave the 3 Series a final upgrade before an all-new model breaks cover mid-way through next year.

The expression "less is more" is never truer than with two-door coupe and convertible versions of a sedan such as BMW's new 3 Series models. You lose two doors and a roof, but you end up paying more. In the coupe you also lose passenger space, while in the convertible you not only lose passenger space, but also chassis rigidity, cargo space, handling ability, self-respect...What you get more of in the convertible is weight and stares from other road users who might tell you you're a tosser, but secretly are envious. At least with BMW's metal folding roof you get more rigidity, security and sound proofing than with fabric roofs, and when they are up it looks more like a coupe, so people won't think you are too soft to put the top down. What you get more of in the coupe is simply sex appeal.VALUENo one who buys a coupe or convertible really thinks of value, otherwise they'd never pay more for less. Prices for the coupe and convertible versions of the updated 3 Series have risen as much as $1440, but there is a host of new gear on board.The premium over the sedan has always been big. Now you pay nearly $10,000 more for the coupe and more than $22,000 extra for the convertible. This compares with, say Audi, where it's about $6000 more for the coupe and about $20,000 extra for the convertible although it's not exactly comparing apples with apples because of spec differences, but you get the idea. Coupes and convertibles are decisions of the heart, not the head.It should be noted that the 335i models now come standard with the M Sport package which was previously a $2760 option. For those who don't like the firm suspension, it can be deleted at no extra cost. That's big of them!While options can often be expensive when chosen separately, BMW offers packages that make it cheaper. You can save more than 25 per cent with the Innovations Package for the 320d, 325i and 330d which includes a range of LED light features, adaptive headlights and satellite navigation, while the 325i and 330d also get voice control anti-dazzle mirrors and a better audio system.TECHNOLOGYBMW wants your heartfelt coupe/convertible decision to be as practical as can be, so the seat belt is handed to you by an automatic robotic arm so you don't have to reach a mile behind you to grab it because of the longer doors.This is just one of the many technological marvels of these cars, not the least of which is the clever folding metal roof that deploys in 20-odd seconds. There is also a vast array of driver aids available to keep the car in control.The new 320d models are available with a manual transmission with stop-start technology that switches the engine off when stationary to save fuel.BMW claims it delivers fuel savings on the 320d manual coupe of 0.8 litres per 100km, despite an extra 5kW of power and 30Nm of torque (135kW and 380Nm).The top-of-the range 335i gets the new single twin-scroll turbo replacing the previous two separate turbos. While power and torque remain the same at 225kW and 400Nm, fuel economy is 8 per cent better.STYLINGThe coupe has a certain grace that the convertible with its top up just can't match because the rear part of the roof is slightly truncated, abruptly ending the flowing lines. Styling changes over the previous model are minimal but inside Dakota oyster-coloured leather is now standard.There are three new metallic paint options lifting the choices to 15, an extra interior trim choice (bamboo grain anthracite) making it six options and nine wheel designs - four of them new - across three wheel sizes (17, 18 and 19-inch).DRIVINGOver a couple of weeks I drove the 320d manual coupe and the 335i seven-speed auto convertible. While the driver and passenger can expect the usual features and comforts, the rear seat passengers will feel like second-class citizens. Adults will have difficulty getting in, for a start, and when they do they'll feel cramped and claustrophobic.And while more compliant dampers have been used in the M Sport suspension top provide a less aggressive ride up front, rear seat passengers bear the brunt of the pain over rough roads. It's even worse in the convertible as it doesn't get the new compliant dampers. The convertible needs them most to reduce the vicious scuttle shake.The 320d engine is a lusty performer at low revs which allows driver to hustle along quite smartly and still feel calm at the end of the journey.However, it's the bristling and fizzy excitement of the 335i engine that will attract most buyers. Surely you don't buy a coupe or convertible and then turn all practical and opt for the diesel.BMW 320d convertible and 335i coupePrice: $78,500 (320d convertible); $116,700 (335i M Sport coupe + $3500 7-spd double-clutch)Engines: 1995cc 4-cyl. turbo diesel (320d); 2993cc straight 6 petrol (335i)Transmissions: 6-spd man. w auto stop-start (320d), 7-spd DCT (335i)

While there are subtle interior and exterior design changes, there is also a host of extra features and some improvements in engine performance and economy.Price and positionPrices start from $65,600 and are up as much as $1440, but BMW Group Australia corporate communications manager Piers Scott says that is due to the extra features. Scott expects diesel uptake to increase "substantially" across the coupe/convertible range."Sports coupes and convertibles are the last bastion for diesels, but the exhaust note on this is so good, it will attract people," he says.MechanicalThe top-of-the range 335i coupe and convertible are the latest models to switch from bi-turbo to single twin-scroll technology, leaving the Z4 35is and 35i as the only BMWs still with bi-turbos. Power and torque remain the same at 225kW and 400Nm, but there is an eight per cent reduction in fuel consumption thanks to the twin-scroll turbo.The 335i models now get the M Sport package as standard equipment. It was previously a $2760 option. For those who don't like the hard suspension, it can be deleted at no extra cost. BMW Group Australia 3 Series product manager Alan Swanson says the coil spring dampers in the M Sport suspension package have been replaced by disc spring valve types for a more compliant ride. It makes a difference and overrides the harshness of the run-flat tyres that are standard across the range.Unfortunately, the new dampers don't come with the M Sport suspension package in the convertible, which is the body style that most needs a more compliant ride to reduce scuttle shake.The M sport package is also available in the 320d, 325i and 330d as before, with largely the same inclusions, but slightly different trims. The new 320d models are now available with a manual transmission and all manuals across the range feature stop/start technology as well as the M3 with double-clutch transmission.BMW claims the technology delivers fuel savings on the 320d manual coupe of 0.8 litres per 100km. That is despite the diesel engine pumping out an extra 5kW of power and 30Nm of torque (135kW and 380Nm).Scott says they were unsure how many customers would opt for manual transmission to get the stop-start feature. "It may be a surprisingly high proportion, but we don't have an exact target as yet," he says.Equipment and designStyling changes are minimal and only the BMW anorak will notice. And while there is the same number of models available as before, there is now an Innovations Package available for the 320d, 325i and 330d that includes a range of LED light features, adaptive headlights and satellite navigation, while the 325i and 330d also get voice control anti-dazzle mirrors and a better audio system.Swanson says savings on the package are greater than 25 per cent and he predicts more than 60 per cent of customers will take up the option. While Dakota oyster-coloured leather is now standard, there is a variety of options available to personalise the vehicle.There are now three new metallic paint options lifting the choices to 15, an extra interior trim choice (bamboo grain anthracite) making it six options and nine wheel designs - four of them new - across three wheel sizes (17, 18 and 19-inch). There has been no change to the operation of the hard-top folding roof. It still goes up or down in about 22 seconds and will only operate when stationary. The only change to the M3 are redesigned rear lights, white metallic exterior paint, stop-start on the DCT, and slightly better economy and CO2 emissions.DrivingBMW supplied only the most altered models, the 320d and 335i, on the national launch through the Brisbane hinterland this week (August 4-5). There has been a slight performance boost in the 320d and I would be lying if I said it was noticeable.However, I can say it is a remarkably lusty performer at low revs which means a driver can hustle it along and still feel calm. I harassed the rear end of a 335i going up the twisty hotmix on the northern approach to Mt Mee and when we arrived at the next stop my nerves were at peace while the other driver got out of his high-revving 335i with his trousers on fire.The 320d rewards a lazy driver. The 335i mainlines caffeine into its pilot. The main difference to be felt on the test drive was in the new M Sport suspension.BMW's damper tweaking has been very effective, taking the harsh bang out of sudden jolts, while keeping the car sitting flat and unrattled. The cars felt composed over the craggy tar that runs around Somerset Dam and our kidneys and the fillings in our teeth were still in place at the end. While the four-cylinder diesel engine sounds less raucous, the real advantage in the manual convertible is that auto stop-start completely silences it when you are stopped at the lights.

Launched in 2004 the X3 compact crossover received a big facelift after criticism that the standard of finish was not up to scratch.Now the most important car in its range, the evergreen 3 Series sedan has been given the treatment following its release in 2005, particularly in the area of styling after being roundly lampooned - notably by Britain's influential Top Gear television program.The 3 Series accounts for about half of the company's overall sales.Launched in May, 2005 the current E90 model has been the target of plenty of criticism over its bland styling and in Australia at least it is being convincingly outsold by the Mercedes C-Class.But this week BMW lifted the covers on a major, mid-life makeover for the car that addresses many of the issues raised.Front and rear lights have been changed and a more prominent “kidney” grille added, along with a redesigned bonnet that features a lifted centre section with twin crease lines.The exterior mirrors have also been changed and re-profiled side skirts have been fitted - all of which give the car a wider, more aggressive stance.The rear lights adopt the L shape common to other models.Adding to the more aggressive stance are off set wheels with fatter rubber and a slightly wider rear track that varies in size from model to model.The big news although it has not been confirmed for Australia yet is a new 3.0-litre six cylinder turbo diesel that will change the way you think about diesel engines forever.This one can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds, yet uses just 5.7 litres of fuel per 100km.That's only half a second slower than the acclaimed, top of the range twin turbo 335i petrol six and to be frank we'd have no hesitation in picking the diesel.The car we drove in Germany this week is an absolute cracker, with a six-speed manual transmission that revs all the way to 5500rpm on the dial.The suspension feels a bit softer than the 335i but there's nothing shabby about the way it rides and handles.It does a fine job of walking the line between comfort and the sporty edge that Beemer drivers expect.We drove the two cars back to back on Germany's autobahns and back roads and although the petrol model is quicker off the mark - there's not a lot in it.We can't wait to try the six-speed auto version.With a single turbocharger and lightweight aluminium crankcase, the two cars even weigh the same 1625kg - in auto form at least.Like most BMWs the 330d is speed limited to 250km/h, but we had no trouble achieving this speed on the autobahn where it would have happily sat all day.Producing 180kW of power at 4000rpm and 520Nm of torque between 1750 and 3000rpm, the car had no trouble staying with its more fancied sibling.As maximum torque kicked in it quickly caught and matched the 335i for speed and agility, being just a fraction slower to respond to throttle changes.The torquey engine makes light work of corner to corner squirts, changing between third and fourth and pulling effortlessly out of bends.For a diesel it has a relatively high red line and as a result the drive experience is very like driving an ordinary petrol-engined car, with the occasional diesel rumble the only reminder of what lies beneath the bonnet.Unless informed, most drivers would probably not even realise it's a diesel - and after driving this one - most would probably not give a damn.Maximum power is achieved at 4000rpm so there's nothing really to be gained by going past this point but it gives the driver plenty to play with.In fact, from 4500rpm torque is progressively limited anyway.Pushed hard the car returned 8.7 litres/100km compared to the 335i's 13.1 litres/100km (officially the two cars are good for 5.7 and 9.1 litres/100km respectively).After a couple of hundred kilometres behind the wheel of each car there's no downside to the diesel that we can see.That's a big saving and huge recommendation.BMW claims the engine sets a new benchmark for the segment in terms of performance, fuel consumption and engine emissions - the latter rated at 152g/km.The engine is Euro V compliant and will even meet the more stringent Euro VI regulations, not due to come into effect until 2014.The engineers tell us that turbo boost kicks in from a low 1200rpm virtually eliminating turbo lag.In practice, the car was only caught short a couple of times on rolling second starts - but that's more a reflection of our bad driving than anything to do with the design.Here's hoping BMW decides to bring in this model with the rest of the new range to be launched in December.Moving inside there's a new generation iDrive system with a control knob that functions more like a joy stick and an 80Gb hard drive that you can download your music to.The hard disk is also home to the satellite navigation system, dispensing with the need for map disks, with 12Gb reserved for music.In Europe, the car will even be offered with internet and email access but at this sage the infrastructure does not exist to support the system here.During the drive program we still had trouble getting the sat nav system to do what we asked, but we'll reserve judgement on this one until we've had more of chance to play.In general terms it still requires too many clicks to access the functions that you want and in this area the company could take some lessons from the iPod people.Crash activated dynamic head rests are now standard and are designed to move forward to cushion the neck in the event of an accident to protect occupants against wiplash.Prices for the new range will be announced closer to the launch, but are not expected to change dramatically.In the UK there's only a four per cent difference between the price of the 330d and 335i which in Australia sells for $107,290, so the diesel is expected to be a little cheaper.

As well, all 320i models get a 5kW power boost to 115kW and the 320d sedan gets a third-generation, common-rail, fuel-injection diesel engine with a 10kW hike to 125kW with a claimed 10 per cent fuel economy improvement. Prices remain the same as before. (See story Page 19)BMW Group Australia corporate communications manager Toni Andreevski said the addition of the 335i Touring, 320i Touring and 320i Executive Touring to the existing 323i Touring would double their sales of wagons from 166 last year.“Touring is considered by many as a second car,” Andreevski said.“We find buyers are more affluent and could probably afford to drive an X5 but don't want an SUV for various reasons. Perhaps the wife doesn't want a four-wheel-drive, or they are a bit more discerning and enjoy the handling and performance of a car, even though the X5 has good driving dynamics.“Four-wheel-drives are getting better all the time but a car is still a car.”And what a car the Touring is, with driving dynamics like the sedan and feeling more taut and nimble than the 335i convertible.The top-of-the-line 335i features the twin turbo high-precision injection unit which was the 2007 international engine of the year.The three-litre straight-six delivers 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque, propelling the vehicle to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.Fuel economy is rated at 9.8 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.It comes in six-speed Steptronic auto only with shift paddles on the steering wheel at $108,600, which is $4100 more than the sedan.The Touring range starts with the six-speed manual 320i at $54,200, which is $3200 more than the sedan.The Executive trim costs an extra $4900.Both models cost $2600 more for the automatic.The two-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 115kW and 200Nm with a 9.3-second sprint to 100km/h and economy of 8L/100km.Standard features are the same as the sedan and include keyless entry/start, auto headlights and wipers, auto climate air, cruise control, Bluetooth interface preparation, six airbags and stability control.The Executive package adds Dakota leather, front fog lights, partial electric seat adjustment, wood or aluminium trim, double-spoke 16-inch alloys and tricky lights that illuminate corners as you turn.The 335i tops the 323i Touring with front parking sensors, 17-inch alloys, adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, TV tuner, sat nav, 10-speaker sound, full front electric seats and CD changer.There is also a host of quite expensive options. However, these become much more affordable if you buy them as part of the various packages, such as the M pack with bigger wheels, lower and tighter suspension and various badging and trims.The new Touring models look identical to the 323i Touring with a sleek roof line that doesn't appear dowdy as you would expect of what is, basically, a station wagon.However, the cargo area is not huge until you drop the split-fold rear seats, then the long, flat floor becomes quite serviceable.The tailgate is light and doesn't lift so high that short people can't reach it to pull it back down.It is also split so you can just open the top glass half, which is handy for packing or removing light items.There is also a privacy cover that keeps prying eyes off your goodies. This springs back when you open the top part of the tailgate.Rear vision is not too bad for a wagon, but there are rear parking sensors anyway.All Touring models now come with a luggage package that includes a removable watertight folding box, reversible liner with integrated protective cover, luggage compartment nets and dividable storage compartment under the floor.Like all 3 Series, the Touring sits on on runflat tyres, so there is no spare under the cargo floor.With its stiffer sidewalls, runflats may improve handling by preventing the tyre from distorting and rolling on the rims, but they have poor ride comfort.Of course, the higher the profile, the better the ride.The Touring range comes with 16, 17 and 18-inch wheels with the smaller wheels sporting 55 and 50 profile tyres which ride better.The 18s feature 35 profiles which are strictly for smooth roads.BMW 2008 releases* X5 twin turbo diesel 3.0sd in February. X drive will become part of the name. It is the first of the twin-turbo diesel engines for BMW in Australia. It will be quicker than any V8 or V10 competitor except the Audi Q7.* 1 Series 135i and 125i Coupes arrive in May.* 1 Series 135i and 125i Convertibles arrive in June with a 120i Convertible possibly arriving a couple of months after that.* X6 “sports activity coupe” will be here in the third quarter of 2008. The “niche product” will arrive with six-cylinder diesel and petrol twin turbo engines. A V8 twin turbo is a possibility late in the year or early in 2009.

That's the myth, anyway. Buyers seldom need inducement to blow their new car's sticker price out by four figures — plus dealer delivery and government charges, of course.With prestige marques, it takes only the ticking of a few boxes to get north of$10,000 in extras.Take BMW's 335i sedan, which has made the finals of Carsguide's Car of the Year (go to www.carsguide.com.au).With add-ons and enhancements, the 335i's already eye-watering $104,500 sticker price can end up closer to $120,000.Some of these items may be desirable, but none are necessary. One of them is actually detrimental.Although, as P. T. Barnum pointed out, while there's one born every minute, at least safety is becoming a not-for-sale item.In the small-to-medium segment, Australia's most fervently contested, Subaru and Mitsubishi have embarrassed the pack with the standard airbag and ESP packages on lesser Impreza and Lancer variants.You can bet that the days of optional so-called “safety packs” are numbered. That leaves bling enhancements such as sunroofs.If you want to fork out thousands for a hole in the roof that's pointless in winter and aircon-negating in summer, you deserve to be grist for the Barnums of this auto life.Then there are those additions — supposedly performance-enhancing but primarily superficial — that have the effect of ruining the ride and, in certain salient cases, seriously sapping your will to live.Manufacturers spend millions testing ride and compliance. We then spend thousands destroying them with phat rims the engineers never envisaged and dropped ride height that guarantees painful impact with every speed bump encountered.It helps not one bit that NSW roads are among the world's worst, but some cars are disadvantaged by having been designed for the first world.Which is why Alfa Romeo's 159 Ti V6 is a pleasant surprise. Lowered, tautened and shod in low-profile rubber though it is, the Alfa's enhanced handling doesn't come at the cost of liveability.As we found in our recent road test, an entirely reasonable $2000 premium over the already excellently equipped standard 159 brings both sharper turn-in and sharper looks.You may want to approach steep driveways with caution, but hitting a pothole won't send you to the other side of the road.Which brings us back to that 335i.The model tested in January brought forth from us the gushing that has accompanied any Bimmer equipped with that superb bi-turbo in-line six.And this example was fairly basically equipped — unlike our C-COTY car, which had the $4500 M Sport kit.With special alloys, beefy steering wheel, aerodynamic go-fast bits, sports seats, sports suspension and those coveted M badges, this is quite the extras package.And, in daily driving, it comes close to rendering this circa $120,000 sports sedan a weeping misery.Although the M bits enhance its on-track performance and look the goods, they make the simple act of driving rapidly along a straight B-road a camber-chasing, traction-control-activating nightmare.In fact, open-road motoring in a 335i with sport suspension feels like you're driving up the garden path.