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2000 BMW 3-Series Review

April 3, 2008

 John Rettie's avatar John Rettie
EditorJohn Rettie

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On the autobahns in Germany, the view ahead is visually quite different from the United States. Apart from the speeds, we notice few SUVs. Instead, there is a large preponderance of station wagons. In a country where handling and high performance are cherished over a high ride-height and (perceived) toughness, this is not surprising — Germans get their utility in station wagons.

SUVs and minivans might have replaced the ubiquitous station wagon in the U.S., but there is something of a revival in their sales on these shores in no small part due to the excellent station wagons from European manufacturers. Volvo, more than any company, led the way in the past decade with station wagons that performed as well or better than their sedan counterparts.

Although BMW has sold a station wagon variant of the 5-Series in the United States for several years, it has not been a serious player in this field compared to Volvo, Audi or Mercedes-Benz. In Europe, BMW has gotten serious about station wagons as it has just announced the newest version of the 3-Series touring, which will appear in the U.S. next spring. It’s the third model in the newest 3-Series lineup and is being introduced ahead of the convertible, showing BMW’s confidence in the growing segment.

The Sport Wagon cometh

When it goes on sale in the U.S., it will be called the 323i sport wagon, rather than touring. BMW believes this name appeals to Americans more than touring. From the B-pillar forward the sport wagon is identical to the 323i sedan and coupe. Although Europeans get a wider variety of engines than U.S. buyers do, the 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine in the 323i is the only one to be offered in the States. The sport wagon will not be available with the 2.8-liter engine in the U.S., although it is in Europe.

On the autobahns in Germany, the view ahead is visually quite different from the United States. Apart from the speeds, we notice few SUVs. Instead, there is a large preponderance of station wagons. In a country where handling and high performance are cherished over a high ride-height and (perceived) toughness, this is not surprising — Germans get their utility in station wagons. SUVs and minivans might have replaced the ubiquitous station wagon in the U.S., but there is something of a revival in their sales on these shores in no small part due to the excellent station wagons from European manufacturers. Volvo, more than any company, led the way in the past decade with station wagons that performed as well or better than their sedan counterparts. Although BMW has sold a station wagon variant of the 5-Series in the United States for several years, it has not been a serious player in this field compared to Volvo, Audi or Mercedes-Benz. In Europe, BMW has gotten serious about station wagons as it has just announced the newest version of the 3-Series touring, which will appear in the U.S. next spring. It’s the third model in the newest 3-Series lineup and is being introduced ahead of the convertible, showing BMW’s confidence in the growing segment. The Sport Wagon cometh When it goes on sale in the U.S., it will be called the 323i sport wagon, rather than touring. BMW believes this name appeals to Americans more than touring. From the B-pillar forward the sport wagon is identical to the 323i sedan and coupe. Although Europeans get a wider variety of engines than U.S. buyers do, the 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine in the 323i is the only one to be offered in the States. The sport wagon will not be available with the 2.8-liter engine in the U.S., although it is in Europe. On the autobahns in Germany, the view ahead is visually quite different from the United States. Apart from the speeds, we notice few SUVs . Instead, there is a large preponderance of station wagons . In a country where handling and high performance are cherished over a high ride-height ...

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