BMW 3 Series Coupe Review
Published: 2nd May 2007
BMW 3 Series
The front seats are electronically controlled with a memory function for the driver. Both have an ‘easy-access’ system to allow rear passengers ingress without having to be a contortionist. The wide doors help but the length means that the B-pillars are a good way behind the driver. This doesn’t cause a problem until you try and ‘buckle up’ and you have to reach around the bulky side bolsters of the sports seats. BMW have thought about this and introduced the automatic seatbelt handover system for both front occupants. The system interacts with the seat-occupancy detector, when the driver or front passenger get into the car, an arm automatically comes out of the B-pillar and pushes the seatbelt forwards so it is easily to hand. I have to admit that the first time it happened, I actually said, ‘thank you’!
Ambient interior lights add to the serenity within the cockpit. Running along the doors, just above the armrests are illuminating strips that direct a comforting glow down into the footwell. These are part of the standard, Extended Lights package, which also includes footwell- and door-lights as well as the more mundane lighting.
The driver’s environment is functional and uncluttered with a multi-functional, rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel that is fairly chunky but fits the hands in a purposeful way although in some positions it can obscure the instrument dials.
Alongside the instrument nacelle, is a second, similar hump, which houses the information screen for the audio and sat-nav settings, amongst other things. Set into the trim panel to the left of the steering wheel, is the start/stop button, which is becoming increasingly more popular and not just in premium and luxury models. This sits just above the key receptacle. The ‘button start’ system is standard but can be extended to include the £430, ‘Comfort Access’ facility, whereby the keys stay in your pocket and the doors unlock automatically as you approach the car.
The basic audio system comprises a radio and single CD player with MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary input socket for iPods and suchlike. There is a LOGIC7, HiFi system available for £820 and a 6CD autochanger adds £295. Satellite-navigation comes in two forms; Business for £1,445 and Professional at £1,970.
The optional iDrive control system makes it easy to make use of whatever communication, navigation, air conditioning and entertainment systems are fitted. These are selected and activated via a dial on the centre console between the front seats and the information is displayed on the screen in the centre of the dashboard. This also covers BMW Assist, which includes an emergency call function.
Before moving on to the engines, I should point out that there are many colour and upholstery options. The theory goes that lighter interiors suggest elegance and darker materials indicate a more sporty character. Colour and fabric choices can be made for the roof-lining, door trims and various other places and there are further selections for the centre console and fascia panels. All in all, if you include the six new exterior colours, it has been worked out that there are 1,167 different combinations.
When the new coupe was launched in September of last year, there was a choice of five engines; three petrol and two diesels. All of them are of the ‘straight-six’ variety. However, there should be some 4-cyclinder units in both flavours coming on sale any time now.
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