Since its introduction in 1977 as a two-door sedan, the BMW 3 Series has evolved into a range of sedans, coupes and convertibles. For the 2006 model year, the line should include at least 10 different models, and the opportunity for confusion may be even greater than usual. That's because through the fall of 2005, only the 325i and 330i four-door sedans will be the all-new 3 Series, codenamed E90 by BMW. The six 2006 coupes and convertibles are still the E46 3 Series that's been in production since 1999. True to BMW tradition, the 325i and 330i sedans are both powered by a 3.0-liter straight six-cylinder engine. Yet their engines are new, and different from those in the coupes and convertibles.

In the 325i sedan ($30,995), the new engine generates 225 horsepower, for an increase of 40 over the 2005 model. The 2006 BMW 325i comes well equipped, with automatic climate and headlight control, a climate-controlled center console, headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, 12-speaker AM/FM/CD and the trick new self-braking Dynamic Cruise Control. Burr walnut trim is standard, though the standard upholstery is BMW's Leatherette vinyl. Lighter poplar trim and aluminum are available as no-charge options.

The 330i sedan ($36,995) has a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter six, producing 255 horsepower, or an increase of 30 from 2005. The 330i comes with more standard equipment than the 325i, including eight-way power seats with memory, an auto tilt-down feature for the right side mirror when reverse is engaged, xenon adaptive headlights that turn into a curve with the car, and 13-speaker Logic 7 stereo with two subwoofers and surround-style digital sound processing. Vinyl upholstery is standard.

Safety features that come standard include dual stage front-impact airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of impact, front side-impact airbags and full-cabin head protection airbags. BMW no longer offers rear side-impact airbags on the 3 sedan, on the basis that few buyers took the option, and that the protective benefit does not exceed the risk of airbag related injuries.

Active safety features on all 3 Series models include Dynamic Stability Control anti-skid electronics and the latest generation antilock brakes. The ABS preloads the brake pedal when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, and includes a feature that lightly sweeps the brake discs dry every 1.5 seconds when its raining.

The most popular option will no doubt be the new six-speed automatic transmission ($1,275). There are also three major option groupings. The Premium Package adds Dakota leather upholstery to the 325i ($2,900) and 330i ($2,200) along with other conveniences, including a Bluetooth cellular phone interface, the tilt-down right side mirror on the 325i, power folding side mirrors, a digital compass in the rear-view mirror and hardware for BMW Assist, the telemetric package that provides safety, convenience and concierge services.

The Sport Package ($1,600) includes sporting suspension calibrations tuned by BMW's M performance division, 10-way sports seats (power adjustable in the 330i) and a wheel/tire upgrade: 17-inch alloys with V-rated performance tires for the 325i; 18-inch with W-rated tires for the 330i. The Sport package and BMW's SMG electro hydraulic manual transmission will be available for the 330i ($1,500) in the fall. The Cold Weather Package ($1,000) adds electrically heated seats, high-intensity headlight washers and a split-folding rear seat with ski sack.

BMW's Active Steering system ($1,250) and radar-managed Active Cruise Control ($2,200) are available as stand-alone options for the first time on the 3 Series. Sirius Satellite Radio hardware ($75) and power rear-window and manual side rear-window sunshades ($575) are available as stand-alones, as are most of the individual components of the three packages, including the split-folding rear seat ($475) and BMW Assist ($750). BMW also offers various dealer installed accessories. In all, there are 624 choices in equipping the 2006 3 Series sedans.

Prices for the 2006 325i and 330i sedans have increased $1000 and $600 respectively. Not bad, and BMW claims that with common option choices, like an automatic transmission, leather and metallic paint, the 2006 325i is only $150 more than the 2005, with more standard equipment, while the 330i is actually $100 less.

A wagon and an all-wheel-drive version of the E90 3-Series should be available by October 2005. Yet through 2006, the 3 Series coupes and convertibles will be based on the older E46 platform.

The 2006 325Ci coupe ($30,100) and 325Ci convertible ($37,300) are powered by a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter six-cylinder. Standard equipment is roughly comparable to the new 325i sedan, with notable exceptions, including the power moonroof. The 330Ci coupe ($35,600); and 330Ci convertible ($42,900) have a 225-horsepower 3.0-liter engine that's different from the newer one in the sedans. Like the 330i sedan, these models get a similar upgrade in standard equipment compared to the 325s.

Finally, there are the wickedly fun M3 coupe ($46,500) and M3 convertible ($54,900). These deliver a much-higher level of performance than the other 3 Series models, starting with a 3.2-liter engine rated at 333 horsepower. These cars approach the Porsche 911 in acceleration, braking and cornering, in a more practical package that seats five. They are based on the previous-generation 3 Series.

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