2006 BMW 3 Series Coupe & Convertible

Using its customary staggered-launch schedule, BMW began rolling out the fifth generation of its volume-leader 3 Series family with the spring introduction of the new E90-based 325i/330i Sedans. While these early 2006 models have just been joined by a new 325xi AWD Sport Wagon, the coupes and convertibles continue on their existing E46 platform, and carry on virtually unchanged pending their respective transitions over the course of the next 10-24 months. Both the five-passenger subcompact hardtop and four-place mini-compact drop-top are available in 325Ci, 330Ci, and ultra-performance M3 guise.

With an arguably less dramatic exterior than the sedan/wagon, the crisply rendered sheetmetal on the coupe/convertible -- and fully-padded power top on the latter -- displays athletic flair couched in more conventional BMW styling language, from the heritage twin kidney grilles to Adaptive Brake Lights with high-intensity LEDs. That subtle-but-solid visual character is epitomized in the M3, with its bolder bodywork and unique front/rear fascia treatments. Where 325Ci models wear 205/55 tires on 16-inch alloy wheels and the 330Ci gets 205/50 rubber on 17-inch rims, M3s have 225/45 front and 255/40 rear boots on lightweight 18-inch wheels.

Modestly scaled but nicely finished, the cabins on these two-doors share a common basic design with lots of soft-touch surfaces, leatherette or real leather trim, and wood or brushed aluminum accents. True to BMW form, positives abound and negatives persist. On the upside, gauges are legible, controls well-positioned for the most part, and power assists plentiful, including a one-button top mechanism on convertibles and one-touch moonroof activation on the coupes. Things like a tilt/telescoping steering column; comfortable, supportive seats bucket seats; automatic climate control; keyless remote; and cruise control add even more functional charm. Conversely, BMW has yet to get its sums right on ancillaries like genuinely usable storage space and -- now here's a surprise -- cupholders.

Depending on body style, the aft accommodations have two distinct characters. The convertible truly does live down to its mini-compact EPA rating, with a belted-for-two bucketed bench that even small adults will find compromising. With 1.2 inches more legroom, a 6.8-inch broader shoulder span, and a more welcoming seatback rake, the coupe's bench actually can carry a pair of near six footers. However, three-across occupancy has limited appeal, even for kids.