Description: Near-Luxury Compact Sedan and Wagon
Base MSRP Range: $30,900 - $38,500
Invoice Price Range: $28,300 - $35,215
Where built: Germany

The 3-Series string of compact cars from BMW includes four-door sedans, a five-door sport wagon plus two-door coupes or convertibles.

First ashore for 2006 are the next generation of designs for 3-Series sedans and sport wagon. The 325i and 330i sedans of 2006 ride on an expanded RWD platform with longer wheelbase and wider track to enhance chassis dynamics and hone handling traits.

Revamped six-cylinder engines drop into these cars, including a lightweight 3.0-liter plant for 330i rated at 255 hp and a version for 325i scoring 215 hp. New AWD versions with BMW's xDrive system are the sedans 325xi and 330xi, plus the 325xi sport wagon with AWD exclusively.

These compacts also carry a load of sophisticated electronic vehicle controls adapted from BMW's 5-Series sedans, such as DSC with added features and the Head Protection System (HPS) air bags.