The Iconic 2006 BMW 330i and Partstrain's Commitment to Product Excellence

The 3-series each year sells about 450,000 worldwide-making it one of the biggest single car lines from any carmaker, which is especially remarkable for a premium vehicle. All U.S. 3-series models come with front, front-seat side, and full-length curtain air bags, but not with rear-seat side-impact air bags, because BMW claims "advances in side-impact safety are such that it is no longer necessary to offer rear side bags." "We cannot afford to take a risk with this car, because it is too important," says BMW's R&D chief Burkhard Göschel. "If you look at the Z4 as the extreme, as avant-garde, this is in the middle between safe and avant-garde."

The BMW 3 Series represents 40% of BMW's vehicle output. It is, as one BMW executive said, "the core product for the brand." Not only is it important to BMW economically, but also its status as an iconic car is crucial to the company's image. For many, it's the car that says, "I've made it," or at least, "I'm on my way."

The BMW 330i has a three-stage variable induction system, an electric cooling pump and a volume-controlled oil pump that only pumps as much oil as needed, saving engine power. Its new engine weighs 22 pounds less than its predecessor does. It is also more powerful, more fuel-efficient and more compact. In addition to the usual double VANOS magic, this engine features the Valvetronic continuously variable valve lift.

BMW's double-pivot independent front suspension has been adapted for the 3 Series, with a pair of lower arms that complement the car's upgraded MacPherson struts. An all-new five-link rear suspension, featuring many lightweight aluminum pieces, is combined with an all-new, more rigid chassis. Oversized ventilated discs in all four corners and an aluminum steering rack ensure precise handling and braking.

The safety equipment includes front airbags, side-impact airbags up front, and side curtain airbags. The structural stiffness of the car is so high, according to Dr. Burkhard Göschl, member of the Board, that side-impact for the rear passengers would not add any extra safety, so they are not available. Furthermore, the 3-Series has two-stage adaptive brakelights that increase the intensity of during hard braking or whenever ABS is activated.

The 3-Series is not only an icon; it is the benchmark in its very competitive class.
For the original and the best entry-level luxury sports sedan on the market, nothing is befitting than the excellently crafted BMW Replacement Parts at Partstrain. It has in its stock highest quality BMW body parts that will retain the BMW's driving dynamics bundled-in technology and its design.

Simply browse at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/BMW and see why customers and BMW enthusiasts keep coming back to Partstrain for their auto body parts. Consequently, Partstrain has a task on its hands when renewing the object of such affection and loyalty. Product excellence and unequalled customer service go hand in hand for every BMW parts you purchase.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa
and has a knack for research on cars and anything
and everything about it. She works full time as a
Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers
in the country today.