BMW 3-Series

Text: Oliver Marriage / Photos: Pete Gibson

November 2006

• Rating:

	It’s just a pity the Coupé looks relatively mundane next to rivals such as the Audi TT

But it is not the only new forced-induction 3.0-litre engine to be fitted to the compact executive model. The hi-tech petrol motor may have been attracting all the headlines, yet behind the scenes engineers have taken the range-topping diesel out of the 535d and put that into the 3-Series, too. And as if that wasn’t enough, they’ve tweaked it to liberate more power and torque.

As a result, the 335d Coupé has an extra 14bhp and 20Nm – the latter produced 250rpm further down the rev range. In fact, BMW fans may remember that, with 286bhp, this diesel coupé has the same power output as the M3 from 1993. But as with all oil-burners, it’s best to let the torque do the talking – and boasting 580Nm at 1,750rpm, the new coupé has plenty to say. Straight-line pace is amazing, as the oil-burner provides boost pressure virtually from tickover.

Acceleration builds quickly, but that’s not to say power comes in suddenly and tails off – consistent, responsive perfor-mance is delivered across the rev band. Linked to the superb Steptronic six-speed auto (there’s no manual), it makes the 335i petrol version feel flat at low revs. Smooth, hushed and well mannered, it may not sound as enticing as its stablemate, but in everyday situations, the 335d is faster.

It’s just a pity the Coupé looks relatively mundane next to rivals such as the Audi TT. However, providing good space, a comfortable driving environment plus sublime road manners, this is one polished performer. Want more practicality? It’s also available in £32,995 saloon and £34,165 Touring guises.

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