2009 BMW 3 Series

The 2009 BMW 3-Series sedans and wagons get slightly freshened interior and exterior styling. Also, for the first time in North America, these premium compact cars will be available with a diesel engine. The 3-Series line consists of 2-door coupes and convertibles, as well as 4-door sedans and wagons. Convertibles have a power-retractable hard top. The 2009 3-Series lineup consists of the following: entry-level 328, mid-line 335, and high-performance M3. Depending on body style, the 328i is available with rear-wheel drive or with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. It's powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. Also depending on body style, the 335i is available with rear- or AWD. Those models are powered by a turbocharged 300-hp version of the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. New for 2009 is the rear-drive 335d. It has a 265-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel that is emissions legal in all 50 states. M3 models use a 414-hp 4.0-liter V8.

All 2009 BMW 3-Series gasoline engines are available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Available on the 328i and 335i and standard on the 335d is a 6-speed automatic. The M3 is available with a 7-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Head-protecting tubular side airbags that cover both seating rows are standard on all but convertibles. Standard on convertibles are rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip.

Cars with the optional navigation system get BMW's iDrive that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. Newly included with the navigation system is a hard drive for storing digital music files. Other available features include steering-linked xenon headlights, BMW's Active Steering that quickens steering response at low speeds, rear obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and BMW Assist service with a wireless cell phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 BMW 3-Series.

Pros
Steering/handling
Build quality
Refinement

Cons
Rear-seat room
Price

Acceleration

With manual transmission, the rear-drive 328i has smooth, sufficient power for around-town driving and highway passing. The 335i has abundant power at any speed with no noticeable turbo lag; a test coupe with automatic transmission did 4.7 seconds 0-60 mph. The 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, but downshifts can lag behind throttle inputs. The M3 is a rocket that gives up only a bit of midrange torque to other V8 sports cars. With any engine, the manual transmission has silky-smooth shift action. The M3's available 7-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly when gears are selected manual with the steering-wheel paddles. No diesel, all-wheel drive models, wagons, or 328s with automatic transmission have been made available for testing.

Fuel Economy

No opportunity to measure with 328. In Consumer Guide testing, a 335 coupe with manual transmission averaged 22.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 335 with automatic averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving. An M3 sedan with manual averaged 15.7 mpg, while a similar M3 convertible averaged 19.0 in mostly highway driving. All 3-Series require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Suspensions favor taut composure over cushioned isolation. Base suspension is compliant, though sharp bumps can pound through. Firmer sport suspension (standard on coupes) and low-profile 17-inch tires (standard on coupes, convertibles, and 335s) can trigger abrupt vertical and side-to-side motions on uneven pavement. Top up or down, convertible has an impressively rigid body structure with virtually no cowl shake. M3's race-bred suspension is stiffer still, and combined with its standard 18- or optional 19-inch tires, delivers a firm ride that somehow manages to avoid being harsh over most surfaces.

Steering/Handling/Braking

The 3-Series is the class benchmark for overall control and steering feel. Even with the base suspension, all models display excellent balance, sharp moves, and little body lean in turns; they're even sharper with the sport suspension. M3 takes this a step further, making it the equal of the best street cars available. On all models, steering feel is precise and direct. Optional Active Steering aids low-speed maneuverability, but some testers feel its activation point is inconsistent. Braking is powerful and stable. We recommend AWD in snowy climates.

Quietness

Engines sing under acceleration but cruise quietly. Wind rush is evident at highway speeds. Tire noise is subdued with base suspension but elevated with sport suspension and on M3, though it never intrudes on conversation. Top up, convertible offers near-coupe-like isolation. Top down, wind buffeting is minor; normal conversation is possible even at highway speeds.

Controls

Audio and climate controls are compromised by their low mounting position and some cryptic markings. BMW was wise to make the complex iDrive control system optional, though anyone who wants a navigation system will have to live with it. iDrive is simpler here than in other BMWs, but it still absorbs audio controls, complicating their use. Many functions require a long look away from the road. BMW's odd turn-signal actuation drew some complaints, and in some cases, the steering wheel cut off the driver's view of the turn-signal indicator lamps. The rain-sensing windshield wipers were sometimes erratic.

Details

Cabin materials have a sturdy, soft-touch feel. The M3's interior decor seems a bit bland for its high-performance pretensions. We've had no opportunity to evaluate the standard vinyl seating trim. Bodies exhibit ingot-solid construction; convertible quivered a bit with the top down, but less so than in most competitors. Convertible top powers up or down in about 23 seconds with the press of a button.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Headroom and legroom are good for all but the tallest drivers. Standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps tailor a comfortable driving position. Seats have excellent bolstering to secure occupants through turns, but the bolsters may make the seats feel too narrow for those of generous girth. Thick front pillars can obscure vision to the forward corners, but rear visibility is fine--even in the convertible, which is rare.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Headroom is tight for those over 6 ft tall in the sedan, over 5-ft-9 in the coupe or convertible. Foot space is limited with front seat bottoms lowered. There's decent legroom, but it diminishes behind taller front-seat occupants. Front seats slide fore and aft in coupe and convertible, but entry and exit still require some twisting.

Cargo Room

Trunks have a low liftover, and the non-intrusive lid hinges help make good use of the available volume. But the convertible's meager top-up trunk space shrinks to minuscule with the top down; there's just enough room for a single small suitcase with the top retracted. Coupe's small aperture won't swallow large packages, but its standard split folding rear seatbacks expand space. A split folding rear seatback is optional on sedans, and we recommend it. Interior bins and pockets are too few and too small to be really useful.

Value within Class

With dynamic capabilities second to none, the 3-Series remains the benchmark for sporty compacts. A full complement of body styles and available all-wheel drive add to the appeal. Base prices are reasonable for this class, though BMW charges extra for popular amenities many competitors include as standard equipment. Feature for feature it may end up costing more than some rivals, but the 3-Series is a 2008 Best Buy for its resolute focus on balanced performance.