| The 2009 BMW 3-Series continues to be the benchmark against which other entry-level luxury cars are measured, mainly courtesy of its excellent driving experience. Power, braking and handling are perfectly matched to the vehicle's size and intended usage. The way BMW takes care of business inside the cockpit also has a lot to do with the popularity of this breed. The 3-Series makes sure no buyer is left behind by offering four body styles, three engines, and both rear- and all-wheel drive. 2009 sees a new twin-turbo diesel form of the 3-Series, providing excellent fuel efficiency on top of world-class performance. |
| BMW's 3-Series has always been an exemplar of how to combine luxury and sportiness, and this continues with the 2009 versions. The 328i features BMW's exceptional 3.0L engine, which uses double-VANOS technology to steplessly adjust both the intake and exhaust timing on way to producing 230 horsepower. The 335i models are powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the same 6-cylinder engine. This gem of an engine produces 300 horsepower and an equal amount of torque. Both 6-cylinder powerplants are matched with a superb 6-speed manual transmission, while a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is optional. A new 3.0L twin-turbo diesel engine joins the lineup for 2009--available in the 335d in rear-wheel drive sedan-form only, it generates an astounding 425 lb-feet of torque and still achieves 36 mpg on the highway.
The 3-Series is available as a coupe, a retractable hardtop convertible, a sedan and a wagon. In addition to rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is available on all body types except the convertible. All vehicles have a marvelously balanced chassis and outstanding road feel. Easily adjusted and very supportive seats are the norm, as is one of the nicest steering wheels found in a modern automobile. A stiff suspension means the 3-Series is at its best when carving corners.
The fourth generation of the legendary M3 continues in 2009. Coupe, sedan and convertible versions will be available, all powered by a high-revving 4.0L V8 engine. The light-weight powerplant generates 420 horsepower and spins up to 8,400 rpm. Other performance-minded improvements include a lower carbon fiber roof, a new aluminum suspension, Mdrive to allow driver configuration of the engine control, high-performance compound brakes and a regenerative braking system that powers the electronics.
Standard equipment is generous, with stability and traction controls, xenon adaptive headlights, a moonroof, power heated mirrors, a tire pressure monitor, dynamic cruise control, automatic tri-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, side seat-mounted and curtain air bags and power windows and locks. The all-wheel-drive versions add retractable headlight washers. The 335i models include a memory feature for the mirrors, power seats, a LOGIC7 sound system with 13 speakers and surround sound simulation, and an assortment of visual adjustments.
Differences between body styles, aside from the obvious, are minimal, except for the M3. The convertibles add memory to the mirrors and power to the seats. The sedan and wagon ride on 16-inch alloys instead of the 17-inchers found on the coupe and convertible. The wagon also has roof rails for extra cargo-toting flexibility.
Options are extensive, ranging from a rear parking assist and a DVD-based navigation system, to run-flat performance tires and an increased top-speed limiter. Paddle shifters can be added to the entry-level 328i versions. |