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BMW has won the right to shed the yuppie mobile image.

The car had become a status symbol, a four-wheel designer label for the young, upwardly mobile who wanted to show off the trappings of wealth.

Many yuppies found status fleeting, along with their wealth. When federal authorities started investigating traders on the Chicago Board of Trade, for example, used-car lots started to bulge with Bimmers. Fame and fortune proved fleeting. The car lost its appeal as a symbol of status because the status it represented was no longer very appealing.

With the arrival of the new 1992 325i 4-door sedan, BMW again represents a finely tuned machine that caters to those who take to the highways because they enjoy driving, not because they want fellow club members to see what they`re driving.

For 1992, the 325i is bigger and totally restyled.

Wheelbase has swelled by 5 inches, to 106.3 inches, and length has grown by 4.5 inches, to 174.5 inches. The longer stance provides a smoother ride and gives those inside more room to appreciate it. In extending the wheelbase, the front wheels were moved farther forward, while the engine was placed farther back in its compartment for better weight distribution.

The 3-series styling had worn thin. For 1992, the design has undergone a refreshing change, and the sheetmetal represents a cross section of several models. You can see some Alfa, some Audi, a hint of Saab and perhaps a touch of Mercedes and Peugeot. What keeps it a BMW is the kidney-shaped grille.

Personally, we would have favored discarding the kidney-shaped grille to slope the hood a bit more and allow the use of concealed headlamps. The BMW folks said the kidney grille goes when they start having snowball fights in the desert-or something to that effect.

The 325i is powered by a new 2.5-liter, 189-h.p., 24-valve, in-line 6- cylinder engine that`s teamed with a 5-speed manual as standard, a 4-speed automatic as optional.

Our test car was equipped with the 5-speed manual, which shifted silky smooth. The only drawback was that the 24-valve engine didn`t seem to rally those 189 horses into action as quickly as we expected. It really isn`t until second gear that you feel the surge. We anticipated a bit more off-the-line oomph, considering the claim of 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 7.8 seconds.

The power steering is speed-sensitive, and response is quick. A new multilink rear suspension, antiroll bars front and rear, gas shocks all around, and larger tires all contribute to above-average ride and handling.

Inthe area of safety, a driver-side air bag is standard, as are antilock brakes.

Other notable features include impact sensors in the doors to automatically unlock them and switch on interior lights and hazard flashers after a crash, and a plastic adjustable lever to move the shoulder harness up or down so it doesn`t rub on the driver`s or passenger`s n eck or chin.

Base price of the325i is $27,990, just below the magic $30,000 mark at which the 10 percent federal luxury tax takes effect. Among the major options, automatic runs $800, leather upholstery $1,100, heated seats $350,limited slip differential $510, and metallic paint $435.

Eventually all the cars in the 3-Series will be replaced, but on a staggered basis. The new 2-door coupe will arrive after the first of the year. The convertible is a couple of years away. Existing models will stay in the lineup until their successors are ready.

>> 1992 BMW 325i
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches Length: 174.5 inches Engine: 2.5 liter, 189 h.p., 24 valve, in-line six Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic opt. Fuel economy: 18 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g highway manual; 18/25 automatic Base price: $27,990 Strong point: Larger, roomier, an dmore distinctive styling. Driver`s side air bag and ABS standard. Silk smooth 5-speed manual. Weak point: Was the kidney shaped grille really necessary? Doesn`t always feel as if 189 horses under hood. >>