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BMW 3-Series Coupe 335i SE Coupe road test

The first 3 Series appeared in 1975. Back then it was a 2-door saloon, but with the advent of the 4-door saloon and other variants in 1982, the 2-door models became ‘Coupés’. Launched in 2006, the current, 3 Series Coupés have been treated to a mid-term makeover, with the 335i benefitting from what’s effectively a new engine.

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Performance

As with the previous twin-turbo 335i motor, the new 6-cyl, 2,979cc 335i engine still makes a lusty 306bhp and 295lb/ft (early ‘90s M3s ‘only’ made 286bhp), but by combining a new and confusingly-named ‘TwinPower’ single turbo unit with variable valve management and ‘high precision’ direct injection for the first time, fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by eight and ten percent respectively. With the optional (£1,640) super-slick 7-speed double clutch transmission, 62mph comes up in just 5.4 secs along with an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. It’s a very quick car, as well as being refined, silicone smooth and having a glorious engine/exhaust note.

Ride & Handling

Like its performance, the 335i’s steering and handling is highly rewarding. It handles superbly, grips tenaciously, its amply-weighted rack and pinion steering is sportscar responsive and it imparts a sense of solidity and confidence that few other cars can match. My test 335i was an SE model which has stiffer M Sport suspension as standard (deletable at no cost), but among the £5,865’s worth of optional extras fitted were £505 18-inch alloys (and that 7-sp transmission). With so many options available ride quality will depend on the precise spec of each car, but I’ve no complaints about mine, which, though firm, was never uncomfortable.

Build Quality & Reliability

As a brand, BMW came 9th out of 29 in the 2009 JD Power UK Ownership Satisfaction Study, while at the end of 2009 another reliability survey (undertaken by Fleet News and financial consultants Grant Thornton) into nearly 900,000 cars operated by the country’s biggest 50 leasing companies found that the BMW model range was the most reliable in Britain – for the second year in a row. This survey also revealed that the 3 Series was the second most reliable model (three Hondas and two BMWs filled the top five places). Following my brief encounter with an immaculately prepared press demonstrator, I can’t even nitpick.

Safety & Security

Although the 3 Series Coupé has six airbags, it ‘only’ has 4 Euro NCAP crash test stars for occupant protection. However, in 6cyl guise it’s equipped as standard with a lot more crash avoidance kit than most, including DSC+ which amongst much else includes brake drying, brake fade compensation and brake pre-tensioning. There’s also anti-whiplash front head restraints, run-flat tyres with a puncture warning system, Isofix child seat attachments front and rear, heated windscreen washer jets, a rain sensor with auto Xenon headlamp activation, dynamic brake lights (they get brighter under increased braking), a first aid kit, a tool kit and remote central locking with a Thatcham 1 alarm and engine immobiliser.

Space & Practicality

There’s not a surfeit of rear seat headroom or legroom in the 4-seater 3 Series Coupé, but there’s more space in the rear than you’ll find in many other high-performance GT cars, and a lot more practicality. For example, the rear seat are split-folding, so the boots luggage capacity can increase from 210 to 350-litres. My car also had a £90 ‘extended storage’ option. Almost needless to say, comfort levels in the front are high, and the Dakota leather trimmed Sports front seats offer good lateral support in corners.

Ownership & Value

At £36,340 otr the 335i Coupé is not a car you’d buy on a tight budget, so I’ll assume that its 32.1mpg (combined) figure and 205g/km of CO2 (band K, £215 annual road tax) won’t stretch the purse strings too much. Of course, if there’s anything left in the pot then your BMW dealer will be happy to show you the extensive options list. My test car for instance also featured Bluetooth phone preparation (£535), BMW’s Pro satnav system ((£1,965) plus ten other optional items I’ve not mentioned. But costs aside there’s no doubt that the new 335i Coupé is a terrific driving machine and a highly desirable package.

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