As Phil notes, the 3-series feels very big compared to our Four Seasons 1-series. There's no doubt in my mind as to which one is the "right" size. Whereas the 1-series sometimes feels overmatched by the stump-pulling 3.0 inline-six, the 3-series always feels perfectly balanced and well behaved. I took it to a nearby parking lot for some fun in the packed-down snow and was absolutely astonished by how hard it is to make the rear end lose its composure, even with stability disengaged. In situations where most cars would become unsettled and snap around, the 3-series merely shuffled the weight and continued in the intended direction.
The diesel engine is likewise very impressive, if only for how similar it is to the gasoline version. It feels and sounds almost exactly like the engine in the 1-series, and the automatic prevents you from noticing its low rev-line. If it weren't for the giant diesel decals, I'm not certain I'd have known I was in anything other than a regular BMW. That said, I can't see why BMW goes through all this trouble to make a car with relatively poor fuel economy (17/26 mpg) get relatively good fuel economy (23/36 mpg). I'm not sure buyers are going to see any novelty in it, either.
I must part company with Marc and Phil regarding the iDrive. Perhaps it's quite good to those who spent lots of time with the truly horrid first generation, but for someone who's hardly ever used it at all, it's still a bit obtuse. Having driven an Infiniti G37 sedan earlier in the week, I have zero doubt as to who has the better system.
On a side note, I realized the key fob does not need to be inserted into the dash in order for the car to start and run, so it's truly a keyless ignition. I think I realized this at one point in the 1-series, and then forgot - not surprising given that I am the world's most senile 23-year-old. I'm in love with Scarlett Johansson, but more often than not, can't recall her name and must refer to her as, "That beautiful blond actress who was in the Japanese movie with Bill Murray."
David Zenlea, Assistant Editor
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