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2009 BMW 3-Series Full Review
Date Published: 5/30/08
2009 BMW 3-Series Sneak Peek
The 2009 BMW 3-Series should see no major changes following the 2008 introduction of new coupe, convertible, and sedan versions of the hot-rod M3. The 3-Series line includes the 328i, the 335i, the all-wheel drive 328xi and 335xi, and the M3 coupe, sedan, and convertible. Four body styles should return for 2009: coupe, sedan, wagon, and a retractable-hardtop convertible. The 328i should reprise its role in all body styles. The 328xi would be offered in all but the convertible. The 335i would offered in all but the wagon, and the 335xi as a coupe or sedan. All 3-Series models except for the M3 have a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. In 328 models it makes 230 hp; in 335s it's turbocharged for 300 hp. M3 models use a 414-hp 4.0-liter V8. All have a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic. All M3 models are 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. All models have run-flat tires, and all except convertibles have a sunroof. 328s come with vinyl upholstery; leather is standard on the 335i convertible, and is optional for the other 335s and all 328s. Cars with the optional navigation system get BMW's iDrive system that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. 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.
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2009 BMW 3-Series Road Test
Pros Cons
Steering/handling Rear-seat room
Build quality Price
Refinement
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
7 9 9 9 6.8

No all-wheel drive models, wagons, or 328s with automatic transmission were made available for testing. No opportunity to test M3 with automatic or M3 convertible. With manual transmission, the 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 full-fledged V8 sports cars. With any engine, the manual transmission has silky-smooth shift action.
Fuel Economy

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
6 5 5 4 5.3

No opportunity to measure with 328 or M3. Test 335 coupe with manual transmission averaged 22.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 335 with automatic averaged 16.3 mpg with more city driving that included gas-eating performance runs. All require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
6 5 6 4 5.7

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

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 9 8 10 7.5

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

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
6 6 7 6 6.1

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

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
5 5 4 5 6.3

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, and 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

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 8 8 8 7.2

Cabin materials look classy and have a sturdy, soft-touch feel. 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.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 8 8 8 7

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 bolsters may make 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)

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
2 2 4 2 3.4

Headroom is tight for those over 6 ft tall in sedan, over 5-ft-9 in 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

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
2 3 3 3 3.8

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

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 9 10 8 6.8

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.
Total Score

328i conv w/Sport Pkg., man. 335i cpe man. 335i sdn w/navigation, auto. M3 coupe, manual Class Average
66 69 72 67 65.9
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
61
Average Score
65
High Score
72
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2009 BMW 3-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
Coming soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 108.7 108.7 108.7 108.7
Overall Length, in. 180.3 178.2 178.2 180.6
Overall Width, in. 70.2 71.5 71.5 70.2
Overall Height, in. 54.1 55.9 55.9 54.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3417 3285 3737 3792
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.1 12.0 60.9 9.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9 15.9 15.9 16.1
Seating Capacity 4 5 5 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.1 37.4 37.3 38.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8 41.5 41.5 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 36.1 37.1 36.9 36.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.7 34.6 34.6 31.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I6 Turbocharged dohc I6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.0 /182 3.0 /182 4.0 /244
Horsepower @ rpm. 230 @ 6500 300 @ 5800 414 @ 8300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 200 @ 2750 300 @ 1400 295 @ 3900
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
6-speed manual 20/29 19/29 14/20
6-speed automatic 21/30 20/29 --/--
7-speed automatic --/-- --/-- NA/NA
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible
Coming soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain --/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper --/-- --
Corrosion --/-- --
Free roadside assistance --/-- --
Free scheduled maintenance --/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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