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Some cars come with rain-sensing wipers that activate when drops of water strike the windshield.

The BMW 3-Series is one of those cars.

But BMW took rain-sensing a step further with its new 3-Series for 2006 by offering a dynamic stability control system with brake drying.

Stability control prevents slipping or sliding by automatically backing off the throttle and/or applying the anti-lock brakes to keep the vehicle in the direction pointed.

Brake drying means that while one computer sensor is detecting wheel slippage, another detects that the wipers are on so it must be raining.

The system then periodically touches brake pads against rotors–to take water off the face of the discs to so you can come to a faster, surer stop in a panic situation. And you cannot feel it happening.

Nice touch.

But why stop there? Brake stand-by works in any weather. That system puts another computer sensor to work when you lift your foot off the accelerator quickly. The sensor anticipates that your next move will be to stand on the brake pedal. So the sensor positions the brake pads a little closer to the discs to reduce stopping time.

Hard to believe such handy technology comes from the same company that gave us iDrive. That’s the computer command system that controls everything in the car from which doors lock and when to changing the clock setting when you move into a different time zone.

While iDrive was designed by a psychiatrist trying to drum up more business by driving motorists mad with buttons, street maps and navigation screens, brake drying and standby obviously were designed by engineers who realize the primary function of an automobile is to provide stable, secure, safe driving.

The 325i has undergone a host of changes for ’06. For starters, its 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower 6-cylinder was replaced with a 3-liter, 215-h.p. 6 that offers more spirited performance in moving away from the light and pulling out to pass quicker.

And rather than a choice of 5-speed manual or automatic, there’s now a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with manual-mode shifting.

Other changes include push-button start/stop; turn indicators that activate with a touch; all-season, run-flat radials that eliminate the need for a spare that eats up room in the trunk; hill control that holds the car in place for three seconds so you can move your foot from brake to gas pedal without rolling; dual-stage front air bags with passenger-side sensor to deactivate when empty or if a child is there rather than the back seat where he or she belongs; side-curtain air bags front and rear; side-impact air bags in the front seats (had been in the doors); and a climate-controlled storage compartment in the console. And all are standard.

OK, keeping a can of pop cool in the storage compartment isn’t going to add a wit to the safety, security or stability of a 325i, but even BMW engineers have to lighten up once in a while. This is also evidenced by the fact a cupholder swings out of the dash, a concession showing that even engineering purists don’t win all arguments with management.

Noteworthy options include active cruise control ($2,200) that automatically eases back on the throttle and/or applies the ABS if you get too close to the vehicle ahead; active steering ($1,250) that decreases effort when parking and increases effort at speed for improved stability; and adaptive headlights ($800) that move in the direction of the turn to light your path. Masochists can even get iDrive, included when you hand over $2,000 for the navigation system.

The 3-Series has been redesigned for ’06. Styling now shows the family resemblance with the 5- and 7-Series. As has become the industry norm, when new sheet metal is added, dimensions are increased, with a 1.5-inch longer wheelbase, 2-inch added length and 3-inch added width.

Still can’t say the rear seat is roomy, however. And while width has grown by 2 inches, the front door armrests were extended farther into the cabin by what feels like 3 inches so they rub against your thighs and become annoying after only a few minutes.

As long as we’re griping, if you favor a lap-of-luxury ride in your sedan, be advised the 3-Series seats, as always, seem to be carved from granite and side bolsters feel like side holsters rubbing on your ribs.

And whoever decided the outside mirrors on a performance sedan should be roughly the same size as those on a Matchbox car should have his or her melon examined.

Seeing what’s approaching from the side or behind is more important than a fashionable mirror.

And while admittedly iDrive-challenged, a week spent trying to switch from Sirius satellite ($595) or FM radio stations to AM proved impossible. Shouldn’t be. The owner’s manual offered little guidance. After skimming through the manual, it appeared to be authored by the iDrive creator.

A BMW isn’t meant for everyone. It’s a performance machine for those who consider driving an art. Other than firm ride, due in part to those stiff run-flats and seats, the 325i offers precise handling, quick-response steering and even quicker and more precise braking, plus a spirited, yet fuel-efficient (21 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway), 6-cylinder.

The 330i comes with a 3-liter, 255-h.p. 6, an upgrade from the 3-liter, 225-h.p. 6 in the 2005 model.

Base price of the 325i is $30,300, about $1,000 more than its predecessor, though the wealth of new technology makes up for that.

Standard equipment includes traction control, smart air bags, remote keyless entry, turn indicators that activate with a touch, automatic climate control, AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 players and power moonroof.

But, as noted, there’s a healthy list of options that don’t come cheap. This fall BMW adds another, Comfort Access. As long as you have the key fob with you, the doors will automatically unlock and the car will start at the push of a button without having to insert the key in the ignition.

Some of the cost of buying a BMW is offset by the four-year or 50,000-mile free maintenance that covers everything–except for tires and gasoline–from oil and fluid changes to wiper blade and brake pad replacement.

The redesigned 3-Series sedan is available now. The wagon and all-wheel-drive sedan comes out this fall, the coupe early next year and the convertible six months later.

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TEST DRIVE

2006 BMW 325i

Wheelbase: 108.7 inches

Length: 178.2 inches

Engine: 3-liter, 215-h.p. 6-cylinder

Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Steptronic manual mode

Fuel economy: 21 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway

Base price: $30,300

Price as tested: $35,565. Includes $2,900 for premium package with universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming inside mirror, power folding outside mirrors, power front-driver seat with memory and power lumbar support, compass, BMW assist and leather upholstery; $1,275 for automatic transmission; $595 for Sirius satellite radio; and $495 for Arctic metallic paint. Add $695 for freight.

Pluses: New styling to reflect relationship with 5- and 7-Series. It offers larger dimensions, larger and more potent 6-cylinder and new front/rear side-curtain air bags. Loaded with goodies, from push-button start/stop to dynamic stability control with feature to dry the brakes during rain.

Minuses: Seats stiff. Outside mirrors too small. Armrests rob knee room.

Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation and Wednesday and Friday in Business. Hear him on WBBM Newsradio 780 at 6:22 p.m. Wednesdays and 11:22 a.m. Sundays.

jmateja@tribune.com