Test drive BMW 3 E90 2005 - 2008 sedan

Vitamins D

The D-Class cars are experiencing strange times-they seem to be stuffed with vitamin A. such middle peasants have already appeared that at least now imagine as a business class, and no one will suspect forgery. But sometimes, looking at the overgrown cars, you notice signs of rickets in them-on the face, as doctors would say, a lack of calciferol. But our patients with vitamin D are full order. The growth is not outstanding, but lethargy, pain in the pelvis, lameness and duck gait do not threaten them.
 
Despite the same transmission (machine) and type of drive (rear), BMW 330i and Lexus Is 250 have fundamental differences in the chassis. Bavarians use the two -step spring racks of Mcpherson in front and, due to the use of aluminum alloys, achieved radical relief. In Lexus, the front wheels are suspended on classic double -line structures. There is not even a hint of slackness - the kinematics of this suspension works with truly racing accuracy. The rear suspensions - that Lexus, that BMW - are, as it is now customary to do, independent, multi -frying, with reproach stabilizers.
The new little Lexus, whose predecessor was able to lead all kinds of car owners' satisfaction ratings, in Russia was presented in four versions. The easiest, Comfort, created for a careerist. You pay forty, and the effect is one hundred and forty. Executive with a five -thousandth margin has a leather interior and low -profile rubber of different dimensions in front and rear. Premium equipment-a timid demonstration of luxury-remained within the framework of $ 50,000. And we preferred Sport-for $ 47,700 you get a sports suspension, 18-inch wheels, adaptive bicenona headlights and all sorts of pleasant trifles like metal lining on thresholds and pedals.
For comparison, we sought to get the BMW of the third series in the Dynamic sports design, but, alas, such a model was found only with a 3.0-liter engine. Half a hundred extra strength give Bavarz a lot of advantages. But what cost? For 330i you need to pay as much as 55,000 euros (for 325i much less - $ 45,700).
IDENTIFICATION. The IS body is aerodynamically flawless and licked to fainting beauty. Each surface, line, native wheeled wheels make you admire the car for a long time before sitting into it. Only the face of the IS 250 causes ambiguous associations: some see the saber-toothed features, others find the motives of the flying arrow, while some are ironically notice that such physiognomy is obtained in anyone who sipped ascorbic acid powder. The treshka slightly resembles Pitbul - low, stocky, nostril, ready to cling to the opponent with one throw with one throw. The sides were literally recks with animal muscular tension. Well, you can’t refuse this sedan either.
 
Lexus obliges the owner to constantly monitor cleanliness. The stained IS 250 is unrecognizable and absurd, like a tank without a gun. And BMW, surprisingly, retains his face - the athletic figure pees even under a thick layer of a road tan. In any case, the owner of the BMW will never hear the offensive question is the new XNNE?, Who occasionally, but puzzle the owner Lexus is 250.
 
The disadvantages of the Japanese machine include weight. At a slightly larger length and height (and smaller width), it is almost a hundred kilometers heavier than the opponent from Munich, even if the last one is with a three -liter volume engine. But IS 250 in the Sport is shod in sports tires: 225/40 R18 in front and 255/40 R18 behind (test BMW was equipped with wheels of a less solid dimension - 225/45 R17). And in the accident, Lexus will be able to better protect the driver and passengers - he has ten airbags (frontal, lateral, knee, curtains), while the developers of the treshka considered that six would be enough.
IS 250 is equipped with the latest V-shaped six with an intellectual system for changing VVTI phases. For its volume, it has a good torque and enviable reserves. At 330i (as on 325i) they put the six -dimensional six. Although it was developed many years ago, from the words of those who know the engines, to such a motor, many companies still grow and grow.
Ignition ceremony. Lexus remotely identifies the keycase of Smart Key and unlocks the door to the owner. The motor is also started without undertaking: pressed on the brake, poked the Engine Start/Stop button. This simplicity first causes a feeling of insecurity. If the engine is started, anyone can get behind the wheel and leave, which happened when we conducted comparative races. True, the on -board computer immediately began to desperately urge to return for the key. With BMW, such surprises are excluded: the car is unlocked as usual, and in order for Engine to produce Start, an electronic keychain should be inserted into a special groove. On the other hand, if you imagine the worst - hijacking, then just the Bavarian sedan will most likely leave the owner along with the keys, and the Lexus Smart Key will perform the mission of the immobilizer.
The salon of the Japanese sedan is designed in the style of the sports car and suppresses any thought of tuning in the root. In the legs - a convenient metal platform for the left leg and sports overlays on the pedals, to the go and the location of which it is impossible to complain. The driver and passenger shares a powerful tunnel with an armrest, inside which there is not only a 12-volt nest, but also a connector for the iPod. The devices will generally cause black envy of the obscenity of the street-raiser: when the arrow engine is launched, like swords of the heroes of stellar wars, they make a wave and only then multi-colored illumination flashes smoothly. BMW devices in comparison with them are grandfathers an alarm clock.
 
Lexus slightly disappointed with landing. A high -raised line of windows and an array of the dashboard causes a desire to get a higher. In BMW settings, abundance, but the angularity of the salon for a long time prevents you to feel comfortable.
The Japanese sedan wins Bavarz on visibility back and forward. Nothing is reflected in the windshields, the outer mirrors are a masterpiece. But in a three -wing, the middle stand does not close the review on the right as much as in Lexus.
And briefly about what awaits the passengers of the rear seat. In BMW, it is quite suitable for the definition of the sofa. True, sitting here, they will visit the cramped knees and feet. Lexus Comfort guarantees only two - the salon in the shoulders is narrow, the seat is made with a bucket. And the ashtray behind the mocking - overflowed with one cigarette butt.
 
In addition to the possibility of sequential selection of gears on the steering wheel on the steering wheel, the IS 250 has a PWR/SNOW button, which changes the responsiveness of the engine. In the first mode, the motor reacts to the accelerator pedal sharply and without delay reaches maximum power. The snow function, on the contrary, dulls the ride - the torque grows and subsides smoothly. BMW also provides for different modes. By swinging the gearbox lever to yourself, you switch from Drive to Drive Sport, which will allow the engine to get out to the ringing. And if this seems a little, you can take the choice of gears, sticking the desired speed before turning, and not when the box considers it necessary to do it.
Intelligence forces. A longitudinally located engine with a huge torque makes 330i nervously trembling with sharp extensions. There are practically no vibrations, and the motor noise is depressed exactly so that after three to four thousand revolutions per minute you can clearly distinguish between the growing power of the in-line six. You will hear the engine in Lexus only when you turn off the air conditioner fan and the audio system - it’s even a pity that the pleasant baritone V6 is so drowned out.
On a flat track with any coating, the Japanese rides smoothly, like oil in a hot frying pan - only the character of the rustle of tires changes. But each joint is transmitted to the body with a sports suspension with a sensitive impetus. BMW slightly scares increased susceptibility to rut.
We will not compare the dynamics of cars - BMW is more powerful by definition. Plus IS 250 consists in an excellent automatic box, which 100% reveals the potential of the motor. According to subjective sensations, there is more strength in the car than stated. And managing IS 250 is nice. The reactions to the movement of the steering wheel, to the accelerator and the brake, even on a slippery road, are extremely unambiguous, predictable and indicate a balance.
Can BMW be awarded with similar epithets? Yes, if not for a too wise system of dynamic stabilization. Until you bring the car to the limit, everything is fine. But it is worth exceeding the speed at the entrance to the turn or sharply press the gas, and you are removed from the control for a moment - the sensations are not pleasant. It turns out that for a confident ride to know the habits 330i is not enough, you still need to get used to the electronic depot.
Undoubtedly, for such powerful Trekshn control machines and a stabilization system is a necessity. However, the Japanese were able to configure the electronics delicately, as if it was not completely, and it is completely turned off if desired. And in BMW to trust drivers, as it was before, stopped. And it seems to us that in vain. There will be no less dashing from this.
KARAOKE BAR. The Japanese did not miscalculate with ergonomics: a steering column is equipped with an electric drive in two planes, four settings (with memory for three passengers) are available in chairs with a convenient profiled back. The interior and excellent non -slip black upholstery from Alcantara is brightened up. But, frankly, from IS 250, which, performed by Sport, is so spectacular in appearance, you wait for something completely in the interior design fantastic. And here - a awkwardly massive dashboard, rising in front of you with a mountain (though made of a very soft and completely non -gleeing polymer). Another central console made of silver and transparent plastic with a mass of buttons and displays, which, it seems, generally borrowed from a Korean musical karaoke system (this sensation does not occur in IS 250 Premium, where wooden decoration is used).
By the way, about the audio system. We did not find the Mark Levinson logo, but just this circumstance pleased - were they really stopped by the Chinese -made hours for Breguet? However, there is not a single claim to the Lexus musical system: it sounds fleshy and clean, equipped with a six -disc chainer with convenient loading, loses MP3 and WMA, allows you to summarize the signal from the iPod.
Munich sausages. BMW salon looks like a BMW salon - consider it a dignity (if you mean style) and a disadvantage (total unification). The car does not present unpleasant surprises in ergonomics, but causes persistent addiction. The seats, sheathed with cord in appearance, are convenient due to the advanced adjustments: you can choose a pillow under the knees, adjust the strength of lateral support. Predicting the architecture of the entire dashboard (and what could be called the central console) is revived impressive both in size and in texture by inserting the Titanium Matt metal - rudely, in the forehead, but practical and to the place. Looking around the trunk salon, feeling the materials, you do not immediately understand why people in Munich also call this Premium class. But unlike the seven or X5, the interior of the third series immediately gives the driver the right message: you can not stand on ceremony with me. Devices, displays, a musical audio system - all this appears in the interior relief and is perfectly read even with the bright sun. And in the dark, the salon is filled with heat of amber-red backlight. Only by the fireplace.

Text Ruslan Tarasov
Photo Andrey Danilov

Lexus is 250
Gasoline engine, v6
Working volume (cubic cub) 2499
Power (L.S. at rpm) 208 at 6400
Moment (nm at rpm) 2523 at 4800
The rear drive
Gearbox 6-speed, automatic
Length/width/height (mm) 4575/1800/1425
Equipped mass (kg) 1635
Maximum speed (km/h) 220
Acceleration to 100 km/h (c) 8.4
Fuel consumption (city/highway, l/100 km) 12.7/7.0
Price in Moscow (price of the tested car) from $ 41,600 ($ 47,700)

BMW 330ia
Gasoline engine, 6 in a row
Working volume (cubic cub) 2996
Power (L.S. at rpm) 258 at 6600
Moment (Nm at rpm) 300 at 2500-4000
The rear drive
Gearbox 6-speed, automatic
Length/width/height (mm) 4520/1817/1421
Equipped mass (kg) 1555
Maximum speed (km/h) 250
Acceleration to 100 km/h (c) 6.6
Fuel consumption (city/highway, l/100 km) 12.7/6.4
Price in Moscow (price of the tested car) from $ 55,100 ($ 55 100)

 

Source: "Autopilot"