What Is It?
2006 BMW 3 Series Wagon
What's Special About It?
The 3 Series sedan has dominated its class for years, but the wagon version has never enjoyed quite the same level of success. One reason for its limited success has been its limited cargo capacity. Why buy a wagon if it doesn't fit any more than the sedan?
The 2006 BMW 3 Series wagon addresses that problem with slightly increased cargo space to go along with its new engines and chassis. Its overall length is up 1.6 inches, with a 1.3-inch-longer wheelbase and 3 inches of extra width. The larger overall size adds 1.4 cubic feet for a total of 48.5 cubic feet.
BMW also added a few new features to make the available space more usable. An optional luggage compartment package adds a reversible cargo floor with a fold-out cover to keep the floor free from scratches when you want to throw the dog in back. Also included is a watertight storage container for wet items as well as extra cargo nets, auxiliary power outlets and even an optional cooler that fits behind the seats.
The rest of the interior is standard-issue 3 Series. You get iDrive when you order up the navigation system and much simpler controls when you don't. There are six standard airbags including side curtains that extend to the back and ISOFIX child seat anchors in the front-passenger seat and outer positions of the rear seat. Parents with young kids will appreciate the fact that this is the first 3 Series wagon to offer rear window sunshades.
Initially, the only wagon model available in the U.S. will be the all-wheel-drive 325ix. It uses the 215-horsepower version of BMW's 3.0-liter straight six. A rear-wheel-drive version will come out later in the model year. Sales of the 325ix wagon begin in October.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you want a compact wagon that drives as well as most sedans, the 3 Series is about as good as you're going to find. It's still bound to be expensive for a family car, but the extra room and new features should at least make you feel like it was money well spent. — Ed Hellwig
2006 BMW 3 Series Wagon
What's Special About It?
The 3 Series sedan has dominated its class for years, but the wagon version has never enjoyed quite the same level of success. One reason for its limited success has been its limited cargo capacity. Why buy a wagon if it doesn't fit any more than the sedan?
The 2006 BMW 3 Series wagon addresses that problem with slightly increased cargo space to go along with its new engines and chassis. Its overall length is up 1.6 inches, with a 1.3-inch-longer wheelbase and 3 inches of extra width. The larger overall size adds 1.4 cubic feet for a total of 48.5 cubic feet.
BMW also added a few new features to make the available space more usable. An optional luggage compartment package adds a reversible cargo floor with a fold-out cover to keep the floor free from scratches when you want to throw the dog in back. Also included is a watertight storage container for wet items as well as extra cargo nets, auxiliary power outlets and even an optional cooler that fits behind the seats.
The rest of the interior is standard-issue 3 Series. You get iDrive when you order up the navigation system and much simpler controls when you don't. There are six standard airbags including side curtains that extend to the back and ISOFIX child seat anchors in the front-passenger seat and outer positions of the rear seat. Parents with young kids will appreciate the fact that this is the first 3 Series wagon to offer rear window sunshades.
Initially, the only wagon model available in the U.S. will be the all-wheel-drive 325ix. It uses the 215-horsepower version of BMW's 3.0-liter straight six. A rear-wheel-drive version will come out later in the model year. Sales of the 325ix wagon begin in October.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you want a compact wagon that drives as well as most sedans, the 3 Series is about as good as you're going to find. It's still bound to be expensive for a family car, but the extra room and new features should at least make you feel like it was money well spent. — Ed Hellwig
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