It started in the late 1960s when the BMW 2002 became what many describe as a family car that thought it was a sports car. This vehicle gave new meaning to the term “sports car,” since now you could have room for more than one passenger and a place to store luggage. Plus, this car was fun to drive.

The 3-series may be best known as the entry-level BMW, but it carries on the tradition of sporty sedans with excellent performance. The most recent version is comprised of all new major components, which give this 3-series better handling, acceleration and comfort.

While speaking with BMW North America chief Tom Purves, I learned the philosophy that goes into producing BMW vehicles is more than just power. As popular and successful as BMW is, Purves said, “We should not become complacent with our success.” That philosophy shows through every vehicle the carmaker builds because each version is an improvement over the one it replaces.

Purves shared another point: “It is better to put your money back into the product than in marketing.”

While BMW spends plenty on marketing the product — after all, a company must — they also find product development is much more important. And building BMWs to perform the way BMW vehicles should is a much better way of marketing the product.

The 3-series is wider, longer and taller, supplying more interior room as well as adding comfort for all occupants. This increase in dimensions makes the body structure more rigid. These improvements to body construction allow the suspension to be tuned for a wider range of abilities. From making the ride more comfortable to increasing handling, the 3-series offers a grand driving experience. Two models come with two capable engines that give you a choice of performance, and of course, offer a range of pricing to fit your needs.

We begin with the 325 outfitted with a four-cylinder engine producing 215 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque. Equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission, this car gives you more than the basics of what has made the 3-series such a success over the years.

If you want to pump up the volume in performance, look toward the 330, which is equipped with a wonderful six-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp and 220 pounds-feet of torque. These performance numbers elevate the capabilities of this sedan. I have been a fan of the original 3.0-liter engine, and this version gets my nod.

Whether you choose the entry-level 325i or go for the gusto in the 330i, you will have a sedan that offers more of everything you would expect in a 3-series. The 3-series is no longer a status symbol of your financial level. This BMW is a status symbol of how you feel about your driving experience. Now, go out and drive.

Ron Moorhead, a nationally syndicated automotive columnist, can be reached at ronmoorhead@hotmail.com